Track planning software for Mac OSX

The one you tried is the only official Mac software out there.  The only other close to up to date software is the free open source XTrackCAD.  I tried it once and it was unstable and hard to use.  I ended up just using SCARM in either Boot Camp or VMFusion.  I think someone got it running under Wine, but again more open source and possible unstable.  Us Mac guys are pretty much left out in the cold when it comes to track planning.

Thanks sinclair - that's depressing.

I have Parallels and Windows 7 (but don't like to use it) so I guess SCARM is the answer.

Does SCARM have the full library of Ross switches? Railmodeller had several important library gaps including #4 and #6 straight switches as well as the 096/072 curved switch.

I just checked, and yes, all of those switches are in SCARM.

Thanks, I installed SCARM 0.9.17 and confirmed that the library contains all the track elements I need.

The bad news is, I can't figure out how to manipulate the elements and get them to join together. Looks like I'll have read the directions.

Right click on the piece you want to move and select move, then drag the piece to the other track and when the arrows on the ends light up let go and they will snap together.  Also if you have track on the screen already, click on the arrow to make it red then select the track from the library and it will auto add.

SCARM latest is v 9.29 install new version overtop 9.17 no problem.

There's some tutorials on the website to help get you going.

You'll have to draw your baseboard (benchwork) from the tool menu using one of the advanced methods. I use absolute coordinates after sketching the layout on paper and recording the dimensions.

I assume you may have to use the flex track tool. That takes a little. You can get the radius and arc angle by hovering the mouse over a sectional piece in the library and insert the parameters into the flex tool. Just the angle for the arc that you need.

No easement tool yet. I keep bugging Milen for it, but he's into the simulator programming for now.

Simulator coming in the fall-run a train on your plan to verify operations.

Railmodeller Pro is no longer free

email me if you want some help to shorten the learning curve.

britrailer,

here's a SCARM file with a baseboard for you to start with.

Right-click, select save as, and drop it on the windows desktop. Then double-click to open with SCARM

I get screen shots in Windows with the snipping tool. I couldn't read your curve size.

I also placed your layout .jpg as a background image to work over. Select View-background image and point it to a photo.

0,0 is the start point that I use. tapping the home button reorients the layout to this point. scroll controls zoom, arrows to move.

try this file

Carl,

Thanks very much for all the helpful advice.

I spent some time watching SCARM tutorials and learned enough to do much of what I need.

My next challenge is to learn to use layers.

My garage layout will have 3 levels, 2 of which are connected by a modified helix to rise 24". I've designed the lower level and helix with a 2.5% grade to get to the +24" level in one file and the +24" level in a separate file -  I'd like to combine the files to make sure everything lines up!

Id prefer not to have to redraw the 24" level on the 0" level file - do you happen to know if layouts from 2 SCARM files can be combined into a single file separated into layers?

Absolutely, britrailer. You can cut & paste between SCARM files.

I will assume the 1st level will be layer 1.

Open Level 1 in one instance of SCARM.

Start another instance of SCARM and open helix to +24".

Double click the helix track. It will all highlight. Right-click to Copy or Ctrl+C if you have a Win keyboard.

Select the instance of SCARM in the taskbar that has L1 open.

Paste the helix onto Layer 1. While it's highlighted, you can right-click and move to the intended connector.

Now, open the layers selection box by clicking on the layers icon next to the H(eight) on the tool bar.

Check the box for Layer 2, and check the Title to highlight it.

Uncheck layer 1, then track will disappear from view in 2D.

All track connected to the helix end at +24" will be on Layer 2. You should see the connector point. If not, turn on L1 and connect the first track, then turn it off.

If you don't want earth in 3D under the layers, highlight the sections of track and select the bridge icon. The it will appear on track supports only in 3D.

The Layers make it easier to work on Levels without the other track. It is also helpful to put similar objects on different layers. Then in 2D, you can see what you working on clearly by turning off scenery, objects, etc.

Sounds like you have got a handle on it. I suspected you would after using another software. If you would like any other help, just ask or send the file and I'll do what you need. Perhaps some 3D eye candy when you complete the track plan. It takes it little longer to learn to get that to look nice.

Good luck! I can't wait to see it.

Here's one with layers and scenery, 3D tables, etc. Open this and turn off\on the different layers. This layout used long runs to achieve 8" levels.

That should you give you a feel for it. remember, you don't get layers in 3D.

Sorry brit, I missed that helix and L2 where connected. highlight all of it and paste onto Layer 2 when active. Then turn both on and connect the two.

Thanks Carl,

I've now got the hang of creating layers (v useful when trying to adjust grades in a helix with identical layers piled on top of each other) and tomorrow I'll try to cut/paste from one SCARM file to another.

Frank