Track planning software that has MTH Scaletrax in the library?

RR Track.  Currently out in version 5.  I used this software for my ScaleTrax layout.  Go to rrtrack.com.  I use it on a PC, but it can be made to work with a MAC.  See the website.

Doesn't MTH have their own track planning software?

When it's available and it might be just for RealTrax.

At one time they were giving away a copy of RR-Track with their ready-to-run sets with the MTH RealTrax/RiteTrax Library. I can't remember the version -- I think it was 3.2. I don't know if they're still doing that.

Order it direct from MTH and it's for both.

In reading the MTH version (on MTH website), seems to include the Realtrax library of track, but not Scaletrax. It reads that it includes the Scaletrax layouts that were designed by Mr. Hikel.
Direct from MTH

"Don't have the time or inclination to design your own layout? Check out M.T.H.'s RR Track Track Layout software. This Windows based package includes ScaleTrax layout designs from renowned West Coast custom layout builder Dave Hikel. Each package includes all the track and switches needed to build a complete layout.
For those RealTrax users, we've also included RealTrax libraries and a selection of pre-designed RealTrax layouts you can employ in your design.

Once your design is complete, order the Scaletrax or RealTrax components from any M.T.H. Authorized Retailer and M.T.H. will drop ship your order directly from Maryland"

David,

 

Your best bet is the RR Track software.  It's not expensive compared to the total investment you'll be making on your layout.  It has worked flawlessly for me.  I too was a little apprehensive about the purchase in the beginning, but I have no regrets after pulling the trigger on the software.  Just consider it another tool in your layout building arsenal as you would a saw, drill or soldering iron. 

 

Bob

Looking on the RR Track Library on their website, I see the 080 Curve (Scaletrax) is not on there, am I correct or am I'm missing it somewhere?

I have the ScaleTrax library. The o-80 sections are in there.

David,

 

Just saw your post.  As Matt stated, the O-80 curves are in the track library.  Just checked to be sure.

 

Bob

You can also create custom curves to the arcs you need. When I was designing a large layout for a friend, I created several curve sizes and saved them in a separate file. Then I could just copy/paste them as needed.

Still don't see a 080 curve.
Copy and pasted From RRTrack website:
The current v5 library release is 4.60.014. If yours is older, please go to our updates page to download the latest version.
Components

straight track
3.5 inch
5.0 inch
5.5 inch
10.0 inch
30.0 inch
custom cut
curved track
O-31 45°
O-54 22.5°
O72 22.5°
.
easement
custom radius
cut curve
turnouts
O-31 L/R
O-54 L/R
No.6 L/R
O-72 L/R
No.4 L/R
special track
90° cross
45° cross
22.5° cross
1025 bumper

From my RR-Track 5.1. But like I said, creating a custom radius curve at 40" (O-80) is not a big deal.

 

David,

 

You are correct about RR Track not listing 080 curves on the RR Track website.  Must have been a oversight by the program's creator.  I can assure you that the software does have 080 curves in the track library as I have 080 curves in my layout plan and I used RR Track as my designing software.

 

I have emailed RR Track to point this out so he will update his product page which was last updated 10/13/2013.

 

Bob

Matt, Bob,
Thank you.
For awhile there I started to think I was crazy not seeing it.

Are there tutorials to help learn how to use the program?

David,

 

I personally don't remember a tutorial.  I looked on their website and didn't see one.  I do know they have a very good help section which is not hard to use.  You can also download a manual to aid in the use of the program.

 

The program is not hard to use.  You tell it what size your room or space is and select the track system you're going to use and start selecting track.  One recommendation I would make is to save your work often.  Sometimes the program gets confused if a wrong keystroke or command is made and the program will shut down.  If you don't save your work often, you will lose your work.

 

The program is a good one.  It is the only program that I know that has a ScaleTrax library.  It sure helped me design a layout for my space.

 

Bob

 

 

One thing I like to do when designing is put in "room obstacles" using lines and or filled rectangles. I like to use the terrain base for the benchwork, but I've also done it using polygons. Definitely use separate layers for track, scenery, buildings, benchwork, etc. Makes it a lot easier to edit objects as you can only select objects in the layer you have selected. As Erie Bob's example shows, you can get into a pretty deep level of detail, which looks really nice when you view the 3D rendring.

 

One note on the simulator is that your track joints must be complete or the train stops. It also doesn't handle easement curves and modules as it doesn't properly recognize them as track sections.

David,

 

Just received an email from Russ Becker of RR Track software and he has added the 080 curves to the MTH ScaleTrax component page.  That should eliminate track library questions.

 

Bob