Track planning software?

The only other free one I know of is AnyRail, but the free version limits you to 50 pieces of track. It's possible to design bigger layouts, but they have to be in sections of 50 pieces or less, not really a worthwhile endeavor for too large a layout. At least it lets you get a feel for the program before you buy it.

There is also a version of RR-Track that comes with MTH R-T-R train sets, but it's technically not free because you have to buy one of their sets. Unfortunately, it's limited to RealTrax too. The latest paid version (5.1) offers more track libraries and program features, including a simulation feature that lets you test various train configurations on your layout to look for design problems.

FWIW, I've tried SCARM and still use it when offering suggestions to others working on their designs in SCARM. I use RR-Track v5.1 for my own design work and think it was well worth the ~$100 I paid for the bundle I bought after using what came with my R-T-R set. Considering how much this hobby costs, I just figured that in the big scheme of things, another $100 was not all that much. For me, it seemed like a good investment because I have a year or so to finalize my design. I also enjoy just playing with various designs, especially the simulation feature, while I'm waiting to start construction on something larger than my current 6x8 oval.

Jason,

I've been using RR-Track for years, since version 3.  I like it.  It has some learning curve, but it's very useful.  It has very extensive libraries of track and accessories.  But the "what if" scenario planning is the real value.  When you realize that an O31 switch can cost you anywhere from $60-90, the price of RR-Track really looks pretty reasonable because it saves you from the "buy and try" approach to model railroading (very expensive).

George 

You can look at xtrkcad.  It's free and open source.

RR Track has been an advertiser in the pages of our magazine for many years.

It's a good program that will do a nice job of helping you plan your payout. It's not free, but like anything else, you get what you pay for.

Dang, I keep forgetting about XTrackCAD. I need to install that again. I used it when I was considering HO and N Scale trains and found it to be very nice. I moved to RR-Track because it included ScaleTrax in its library and I didn't want to wait for XTrackCAD to be updated.

I have been saying this for months now as folks evaluate various track-planning Freeware in the market.  RR-Track is a well-established, proven software program for years, and it supports many -- if not all -- of the major track and accessory libraries.  And it's very intuitive with a very short learning curve (in my experience).  Value your time.  Spend a few dollars, and think "big picture".  You will not be disappointed.  

David

P.S.  I have no dog in this hunt... No financial ties to RR-Track.  Just a great program I've used over the years since V3, when it was distributed on 3.25" diskettes!!!    I now use V5.

But RR Track doesn't work in OS X.

SCARM Software is freeware.  It is easy to use and the 3D feature is great for layouts with different levels. See free tutorials posted on the OGR Forum. Layout examples are available using Lionel Fastrack O, Atlas O and MTH RealTrax O.

See sample 3D layout view.

Which one does?

I left the PC world behind a long time ago, and never looked back... at least from a HW perspective.      I'm running Parallels w/Windows on one of my Mac computers whenever I need to run a windows-only program.   I can count them on one hand, but it's a nice convenience to be able to run them on a Mac.  No big deal... and certainly not a show-stopper by any means.

David

XTrkCAD, Empire Express, and RailModeller.  But EE is out of date sadly.  It has been the simplest planning software package I ever used.

RailModeller works in OSX and is a pretty good program, not as robust as RR-Track but overall works well. Its fairly inexpensive as well

I was really talking about those that were mentioned.

Anyway, I knew about RailModeller, but I didn't know XTrackCAD did, so that's news. I've always wondered why XTrackCAD isn't mentioned here more, but it has been awhile since I've used it.

I'm not sure XTrackCAD has been updated in a while, at least the OS X version.  When I last tried it, it was rather buggy.  And SCARM is easier to use (Don't tell IT, but I installed it at work to play with during my lunch break...).

Wow, thanks for the great info guys.  I may look into RR Track at some point, sounds like a great program.  For now I think I will keep trying to learn SCARM as we are doing a simple layout to start.  Thanks again for the replies, this is a great forum!