I've been trying to figure out how to download track planning software onto my Mac desk top computer. I understand there are some free versions out there. It seems there are not many that will work on a Mac. If anyone knows of such a program please let me know about it.
Thanks
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Dan,
Not sure about "Free" software on a MAC. There is a program called "Xtracks" that is supposed to be multi O/S compatible. I tried running the software and will not run. My system is 10.9, there are ways to get it to run, but I did not bother to do so. If your MAC is 10.8 or less it may run fine..
.
Most guys here on the forum use "SCARM" made for Windows, it's free to use but really it is a donation ware type program (if you get use out of it, then donate to the developer).
To run SCARM on your MAC you have a few choices, run boot camp and load a full version of Windows, or install a virtual machine software to run Windows. Also you can install "WINE" . This emulates windows and runs programs without the need to run a full version of windows. Using WINE takes some configuration, but there is an app that will do most of the configuration work for you call "CrossOver".
https://www.codeweavers.com/products
I have installed "SCARM" and the old Atlas software "Right Track Software" using "CrossOver" and the programs run fine. Again I aim running OS 10.9, hope this helps.
I used a computer program, R-R Track, on a XP Windows laptop computer. I hate windows computers, but here are a few problems I had when I went to put the MTH RealTrax together.
It did not allow enough clearance between parallel tracks in the turns. My layout maximize the use of track and I had to add a bit to the bench work to add more clearance in the turns. This is dependent on how long you engines and cars are.
It did not make any allowance for switch motors on the RealTrax switches. I had included a reversing track but the switch motors interfered with adjacent tracks. I lost the reversing track which was a key part to my plan.
Even though it said everything should hook up fine it didn't. I had to add short section here and there to get it to connect.
In one part of one of the loops I had to run alternate left and right curves to get connection. When the trains ran through there it looked like it was doing a dance. So I ripped out the two mirror sections of RealTrax and substituted Atlas Flex track with a nice flow. It looks so much better. I should have used flex track everywhere as the MTH RealTrax is terrible sectional track. The switches are poorly made and cause trains to bump through them. The rails don't align and I had to file the joints both vertically and horizontally in some spots. That was caused because RealTrax does not use alignment pins between sections.
I was forewarned and I did not listen because the recommended Lionel FasTrack would not fit in my spaces with my plan. BIG mistake using MTH FasTrax.
LDBennett
Many of us "old-timers" 
here on the forum cut our CAD-track-planning teeth with RRTrack software. It's the most comprehensive out there for the O-Gauge world -- both in terms of track libraries and accessory libraries. Like all software systems, it takes some practice to learn your way around. But once you're accustomed to it, you won't even want to look at anything else. It's not free. But for the hours it saves you -- not to mention the kind of $$$ you're likely gonna throw into your layout and the trains running on it -- it'll pay for itself in no time flat. Don't cut corners in this area.
I left the Windows PC world about 12 years ago when I left Corporate America, and have never looked back. One of our Mac systems now is a small Mac-mini that runs Parallels and an OEM XP version of Windows, and RRTrack runs like a charm in that environment.
Another option for Mac users is Railmodeller Pro, which runs natively on Macs and is available on the Mac AppStore for $35 or so. There's also Railmodeller Express which is a free, try-it-before-buying version of Railmodeler Pro. Have never used either of these, so I have no first-hand experience with them. But if I had no prior experience whatsoever with ANY track-planning software and was purely a Mac house/shop, then this would be my first recommendation. Looks like it was "built for a Mac environment". And for $35, you can't go wrong. So check it out... and let us know what you think.
David
FlatNickel posted:Dan,
Not sure about "Free" software on a MAC. There is a program called "Xtracks" that is supposed to be multi O/S compatible. I tried running the software and will not run. My system is 10.9, there are ways to get it to run, but I did not bother to do so. If your MAC is 10.8 or less it may run fine..
.
Most guys here on the forum use "SCARM" made for Windows, it's free to use but really it is a donation ware type program (if you get use out of it, then donate to the developer).
To run SCARM on your MAC you have a few choices, run boot camp and load a full version of Windows, or install a virtual machine software to run Windows. Also you can install "WINE" . This emulates windows and runs programs without the need to run a full version of windows. Using WINE takes some configuration, but there is an app that will do most of the configuration work for you call "CrossOver".
https://www.codeweavers.com/products
I have installed "SCARM" and the old Atlas software "Right Track Software" using "CrossOver" and the programs run fine. Again I aim running OS 10.9, hope this helps.
Yes, I have tried uploading Scarm. What I am finding is that some reconfiguration has to take place with my Mac. I am reluctant to do so, as I am not the sharpest tack when it comes to computers.
I may just do what I have always done and get the drafting equipment out and draw it
Rocky Mountaineer posted:Many of us "old-timers"
I left the Windows PC world about 12 years ago when I left Corporate America, and have never looked back. One of our Mac systems now is a small Mac-mini that runs Parallels and an OEM XP version of Windows, and RRTrack runs like a charm in that environment.
Another option for Mac users is Railmodeller Pro, which runs natively on Macs and is available on the Mac AppStore for $35 or so. There's also Railmodeller Express which is a free, try-it-before-buying version of Railmodeler Pro. Have never used either of these, so I have no first-hand experience with them. But if I had no prior experience whatsoever with ANY track-planning software and was purely a Mac house/shop, then this would be my first recommendation. Looks like it was "built for a Mac environment". And for $35, you can't go wrong. So check it out... and let us know what you think.
David
Well stated , David, on all counts. LD Bennett's issues resulted from incomplete knowledge of RR-Track use.
DP, if you are not into learning virtual machines, then Railmodeller Pro is the only game in town.
Sure, you can still use pencil and scaled paper with scale templates, but Railmodeller Pro will certainly be much quicker and more accurate.
I have only had one opportunity to compare a Railmodeller Pro track plan against the same plan in SCARM and RR-Track. It was FasTrack, which uses small pieces to complete the turnouts on the large switches and it seemed RM Pro had something wrong. After a few emails, they never did admit to an issue, but it doesn't exist now.
I recommend that product to you as a mac native application. The learning curve will be 3 months or so. You can always post pics or prints of designs and users of RRT or SCARM can assist and exchange details back to you if you run into problems. There are some Railmodeller users on the forum.
MOONMAN:
I beg to differ with your conclusion as to my " incomplete knowledge of RR-Track use". I spent a lot of time using RR-TRACK and thoroughly understood how to use it. The biggie was it allowed a hook up of RealTrax in the ethers without consideration of the switch motor appendage that can be placed on either side of the RealTrax switch. Without the motor the switch will not be able to be remotely controlled or even manual controlled for that matter. That is a big fault.
Admittedly placing parallel tracks too close probably was my problem. Also the "dance of the train" required to get it all hooked up in two three foot mirrored sections is probably my fault for trying to jam as much track as possible on a small 7x9 layout.
It is a useful program IF (!!) you are aware of the limitation of it that I presented. I would also add that the version I used about 3 years ago may not be the same one available today and they MAY have fixed it. Since my layout is basically done and working fine (less the reversing track I so dearly wanted), the limits of this program are merely academic to me. But to others I post here to point out my problems with the program so other don't invest a huge amount of money in track only to find you" can't get there from here".
The other mistake I made was selecting MTH RealTrax. If I had to do it again I'd avoid sectional track altogether. Flex track of one manufacturer or another would have been a much better choice for me, in hind sight.
LDBennett
FWIW, LD, if anything, your post might have come off a little too negative, especially since there have been software upgrades over the past 3 years. However, your cautions should be noted by anyone contemplating using planning software, they are not infallible.
I've also used RealTrax because that's what was in the set I bought. I didn't run into a switch motor problem, but I've only used it for basic Christmas layouts. FYI, I have the latest version of RR-Track and it shows the motor and it's placed on the turnout side of the switch by default, However, it can be changed via properties if that placement doesn't work. I don't know what version you used, but it appears that at least the latest version has addressed your concern.
I do share your concerns about RealTrax in general and that's why I'm changing to Atlas or ScaleTrax for the layout I'm about to begin building. Had I done a little research, I would probably not have bought a set with RealTrax and would have simply bought things individually, though I suppose the track didn't really cost me that much since it was part of a set.
I also share your concern about spacing. When I first started using RR-Track, I incorrectly assumed that if it said things would work, they would. I found otherwise very quickly when I posted my first design and folks told me the spacing in my design was too close. Live and learn I guess. 
Dave:
I had no one to review my layout plan, made the mistakes, and had invested over $1000 in MTH RealTrax before I discovered their problems. The software is good if you realize its limitations
The key to the RealTrax failure I think is the lack of alignment pins for the rails. FasTrak by Lionel has alignment pins and the switch motors are internal. The appendage on the side of the switches, I am told (??), is only a light accessory and the switches can be operated without it (I think???).
The Atlas Flextrack is fine and uses clips on the rails that help align sections of it. The curves can be much more flowing, there are fewer junctions as the sections are about 3 feet long. But you need road bed and have to ballast it. Or for a toy train layout just screw it down to the plywood. The roadbed (like cork) supposedly quites it down a bit. The Atlas switches are supposedly not that good. You might look at Gargraves or others for more options. And do ask around for what really works.
You can not do enough research or ask enough people about your plan before you start and invest money.
LDBennett
LDBennett posted:MOONMAN:
I beg to differ with your conclusion as to my " incomplete knowledge of RR-Track use". I spent a lot of time using RR-TRACK and thoroughly understood how to use it. The biggie was it allowed a hook up of RealTrax in the ethers without consideration of the switch motor appendage that can be placed on either side of the RealTrax switch. Without the motor the switch will not be able to be remotely controlled or even manual controlled for that matter. That is a big fault.
When a RealTrack switch is selected, highlighted in red, a right-click and selection of properties brings up the properties dialog box. In the settings tab, one selects "switch lantern", then apply, then ok. The switch motor is now on the desired side.
Admittedly placing parallel tracks too close probably was my problem. Also the "dance of the train" required to get it all hooked up in two three foot mirrored sections is probably my fault for trying to jam as much track as possible on a small 7x9 layout.
The general measure tool assists with checking center to center spacing. Managing the approach to the parallel curves is a design technique and not a software feature.
The "dance of the train"is limited by sectional track , but using larger radius curves can sometime smooth the dance.
The other issue is that the default connection tolerance is set too large for RealTrax and FasTrack, and for my tastes any track. This can be reduced in the settings for a good fitment and an as built matching the as designed track plan.
It is a useful program IF (!!) you are aware of the limitation of it that I presented. I would also add that the version I used about 3 years ago may not be the same one available today and they MAY have fixed it. Since my layout is basically done and working fine (less the reversing track I so dearly wanted), the limits of this program are merely academic to me. But to others I post here to point out my problems with the program so other don't invest a huge amount of money in track only to find you" can't get there from here".
version 4 had these features and the only limitation is the physical nature of molded roadbed sectional track.
The other mistake I made was selecting MTH RealTrax. If I had to do it again I'd avoid sectional track altogether. Flex track of one manufacturer or another would have been a much better choice for me, in hind sight.
LD, I was only generally indicating that there are some fine points that you are/were not aware of with the application. Granted, they are not easy to find in the manuals or tutorials.
If you want to send me the rrt track plan file, I can look at getting the r-loop in there for you .
LDBennett
DP posted:I've been trying to figure out how to download track planning software onto my Mac desk top computer. I understand there are some free versions out there. It seems there are not many that will work on a Mac. If anyone knows of such a program please let me know about it.
Thanks
In response to the original question, I would suggest getting an old XP laptop or computer. It's easy to find an XP laptop for about $100 and you could use it for track planning, emails, and forums too!
Then get SCARM and you're ready to go!
Ed
Rocky Mountaineer posted:Many of us "old-timers"
I left the Windows PC world about 12 years ago when I left Corporate America, and have never looked back. One of our Mac systems now is a small Mac-mini that runs Parallels and an OEM XP version of Windows, and RRTrack runs like a charm in that environment.
Another option for Mac users is Railmodeller Pro, which runs natively on Macs and is available on the Mac AppStore for $35 or so. There's also Railmodeller Express which is a free, try-it-before-buying version of Railmodeler Pro. Have never used either of these, so I have no first-hand experience with them. But if I had no prior experience whatsoever with ANY track-planning software and was purely a Mac house/shop, then this would be my first recommendation. Looks like it was "built for a Mac environment". And for $35, you can't go wrong. So check it out... and let us know what you think.
David
Just want to add that I purchased the RailModeller software program about a year ago for my Mac and it worked fine. Took some learning on how to use its features, but it worked fine on the Mac. Then they recently offered a free program: RailModeller Express. I would recommend starting with this free version to see if you like it. I downloaded it and it has many features of the pro version, but of course if you want the full feature program, you must pay for that one. I agree with David - give it a try.
Michael
eddiem posted:DP posted:I've been trying to figure out how to download track planning software onto my Mac desk top computer. I understand there are some free versions out there. It seems there are not many that will work on a Mac. If anyone knows of such a program please let me know about it.
Thanks
In response to the original question, I would suggest getting an old XP laptop or computer. It's easy to find an XP laptop for about $100 and you could use it for track planning, emails, and forums too!
Then get SCARM and you're ready to go!
Ed
You know what ? That's the best solution I've heard yet.
eddiem posted:...In response to the original question, I would suggest getting an old XP laptop or computer. It's easy to find an XP laptop for about $100 and you could use it for track planning, emails, and forums too!
Then get SCARM and you're ready to go!
...
Hhhmmm... 
$100+ for a piece of antiquated hardware to run SCARM freeware vs. $35 for RailModeller Pro to run on excellent Mac hardware the user already owns. I don't understand that one. But if the OP thinks it's his best solution yet, then go for it man. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. But after going Mac, I'd be spitting nails before I brought a Windows PC into our house!!! 
David
I actually use an older XP computer to run my RRtracker software. It's on floppys and won't work on my new computer (not compatable and the USB floppy drive I have doesn't play well with the computer) and I'm not about to spend more money for a program I already have. Not an ideal situation but it works.
Jerry
Rocky Mountaineer posted:eddiem posted:...In response to the original question, I would suggest getting an old XP laptop or computer. It's easy to find an XP laptop for about $100 and you could use it for track planning, emails, and forums too!
Then get SCARM and you're ready to go!
...
Hhhmmm...
David
Well I keep getting conflicting information about whether or not Railmodeller can run on a Mac without modifications to the Mac.
Rocky Mountaineer posted:eddiem posted:...In response to the original question, I would suggest getting an old XP laptop or computer. It's easy to find an XP laptop for about $100 and you could use it for track planning, emails, and forums too!
Then get SCARM and you're ready to go!
...
Hhhmmm...
David
$100 or less for a laptop to run email, forums, surf the web, AND SCARM? And if the buyer doesn't already have a laptop, he gets portability (reading the forums while watching TV) and even the ability to wifi into an MTH WIU and control trains from a laptop!
https://ogrforum.com/t...36#48171004100873436
I have had PC's and I have had Macs - David, our preferences are just about 180 degrees apart! I guess that's why there's both!
Ed
is there one that has MTH Scaletrax, I haven't found one yet
David,
Not sure if you are asking about a MAC compatible program with Scaletrax or asking in general. Anyway, RR-Track does have both Scaletrax and Realtrax as well as 11 other 3-rail track systems, and two 2-rail systems.
Dan, there is absolutely no need to reconfigure your Mac to run any of the RailModeller programs. I have a Mac and both the Express (FREE!!) and my earlier version 4.1.9 (modest cost) run without any reconfigurations.
David, the RailModeller Express has templates for MTH Realtrax. I do not see any templates in that program for Scaletrax, but the Pro version might have that. Note that this is a Mac compatible program.
Michael
Michael Pags posted:Dan, there is absolutely no need to reconfigure your Mac to run any of the RailModeller programs. I have a Mac and both the Express (FREE!!) and my earlier version 4.1.9 (modest cost) run without any reconfigurations.
David, the RailModeller Express has templates for MTH Realtrax. I do not see any templates in that program for Scaletrax, but the Pro version might have that. Note that this is a Mac compatible program.
Michael
That sounds promising. So when I try to download the Express program the page tells me to view it in the App store. Yet when I go there it isn't there.
Dan,
In the App store, look under the category Graphics and Design, then do a search for RailModeller Express. If that does not work try this site: https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...11516?ls=1&mt=12. Let me know if you still can't find it.
Michael
DP posted:eddiem posted:DP posted:I've been trying to figure out how to download track planning software onto my Mac desk top computer. I understand there are some free versions out there. It seems there are not many that will work on a Mac. If anyone knows of such a program please let me know about it.
Thanks
In response to the original question, I would suggest getting an old XP laptop or computer. It's easy to find an XP laptop for about $100 and you could use it for track planning, emails, and forums too!
Then get SCARM and you're ready to go!
Ed
You know what ? That's the best solution I've heard yet.
This is the least expensive solution. But, Windows XP is no longer supported or patched by Microsoft. Therefore, I would limit it's use on the internet. There are way too many hackers out there finding exploits all the time. And it only takes opening 1 email to totally f-up a computer that is vulnerable. Get it and use it for SCARM or RRTrack or whatever only and you will be all set.
I have a MAC too but I use VMware Fusion running a Windows 7 virtual machine and RRTrack.
Tony
Michael Pags posted:Dan,
In the App store, look under the category Graphics and Design, then do a search for RailModeller Express. If that does not work try this site: https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...11516?ls=1&mt=12. Let me know if you still can't find it.
Michael
Thanks for trying to help, Michael. However your link does not work.
Dan,
Sorry the problem continues. Yes, when I tried that link in the message, it did not work for me either. For some reason, the entire URL did not copy into my message. Let me try again:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...s/id1008811516?mt=12
Hope this works.
Michael
PS to my immediate past post. I just looked at the message as it was posted and the URL again looks incomplete, BUT, when I click on it, I am sent to the appropriate web page. Again, I hope it works.
Michael
Michael Pags posted:Dan, there is absolutely no need to reconfigure your Mac to run any of the RailModeller programs. I have a Mac and both the Express (FREE!!) and my earlier version 4.1.9 (modest cost) run without any reconfigurations.
David, the RailModeller Express has templates for MTH Realtrax. I do not see any templates in that program for Scaletrax, but the Pro version might have that. Note that this is a Mac compatible program.
Michael
They do not list a library for ScaleTrax. Yet. Railmodeller libraries The software is being developed, much like SCARM, but less mature.
Michael Pags posted:PS to my immediate past post. I just looked at the message as it was posted and the URL again looks incomplete, BUT, when I click on it, I am sent to the appropriate web page. Again, I hope it works.
Michael
OK, it worked that time Michael. Now when that page comes up, what do I do next ? I did click on "View in App store ", but when that smaller page comes up there is nothing to click on. Do you know by now that I am not very computer savvy ? So whet is the next step, after I click on your link, to be able to download the Railmodeller Express ?
Dan,
OK, I'll try to continue to help. Yes, when I click on that link, I get a "Launch Application" window that asks me which application to launch. If you have to choose an application, try Preview. With Preview, if you then select, OK, it takes you to the RailModeller Express window. I already have the Express app loaded, so I just click on Open and it opens. You may first be taken to the Mac app store to download and install the app.
Happy to continue to assist if you still have problems.
Michael
Michael, here is where I am. I clicked on your link. It takes me to
https://itunes.apple.com/us/ap...s/id1008811516?mt=12
I don't see anything that says "Launch Application".
Then I clicked on "View in App store". A smaller screen pops up with basically the same information. There is no place on that smaller screen that indicates a "Launch Application" either. If I click on Railmodeller Express Support, I get this
http://www.railmodeller.com/support-205.html
Then I clicked on Downloads in the dark bar toward the top of the page. It brings me back to here
Dan,
I'm not a computer expert, but I'll still try to help. First, try this URL: http://www.railmodeller.com/downloads-222.html
I included it in an email to myself and it worked. It should take you to a window with 2 choices: Older Apps or Express edition. Click on the latter and it should take you to the app store to download it.
If that does not work, I'll try another route.
Michael
Michael, thank you for you patience. I clicked on the link you posted and then followed your instructions. Then I clicked on the small black box with, Download on the Apple Mac Store. When I click on that, the same smaller screen pops up. I cannot figure out how to actually perform the download. If I go to Launch Pad and look in the App Store, Railmodeller Express is not there.
Carl, the Railmodeller Express is not in the APP store.
I just went to the Mac app store and both Railmodeler Pro and Express are listed. I have them both. I've used this program for some time now. I has gone through an update that was rather painful, but as a beta tester, it's almost finished and worth the bucks. It always boggles my mind when someone asks for a Mac program that everyone jumps on board to offer what they like for the PC. I actually purchased Parallels to run Windows on my Mac and tried every PC program mentioned in this thread. Not one of them was as easy to use as Railmodeler Pro. It is correct that there are no templates for Scaletrax. I wrote to the developer and he told me he requested templates from MTH and they never answered his request. So, I wrote to MTH myself (politely) and they never answered my request either. I originally had Realtrax, but got rid of it when I realized how un-realistic it looked. So I switched to Atlas for my lower level. Then when I built the upper level, Atlas had very little track available, so I switched to Scaletrax, but I used the Atlas templates to design the track plan. It went well. Where there were odd pieces that Scaletrax didn't sell, I just cut those pieces from Scaletrax flex. Easy to do!
The only downside of Railmodeler Pro is: you can't pull off menus and put them on a second monitor. I have two 23" monitors and it's really nice when you can blow up the plan to fit on one screen and everything else is on the other screen. Other downsides are: lack of buildings, trees etc. There are some, but very few. Bridges aren't too bad and tunnels work well. 3D display is excellent. As the new version/s come out, I think eventually all these cons will become pros.
Hope some of this helps, Dan.
George (G3)
George, thanks for the post and information. Good to know.
Dan, the program is definitely in the Mac app store. You just have to figure out how to access it. Try this. When you click on the link that indicates, "View in Mac App Store", you should see a small window titled, Launch Application. That is asking you to select an application to open the link. In that same window, you should see a line that says, Choose an Application, then a box next to it that says, Choose. Select that box and all your applications should appear. Select Preview and then you should be able to open the link and get to the app store. One more try...
Michael
No luck yet Michael. Here are the screens I get. I am feeling really stupid at this point. If you would like to speak with me, my email is on my profile page. Just send me your number and a good time for me to call.
Dan, not to worry. You're getting there. We'll figure this out. I'll contact you off line.
Michael
The GET button, 3rd page/photo.
We have penetration. Thanks to all of your help, especially Michael.
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