Comments on: Layout Software

By: Mike Mottler

Mike Mottler — Sat, 30 Jan 2021 01:38:41 +0000

I “second the motion” of another responder — for ANYRAIL. I’m not a techno whiz, so this easy to learn and intuitive software was ideal for my home layout. A free trial version is available, but its capacity is limited. I bought it after trying it.

By: Frederick Mallon

Frederick Mallon — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 20:26:41 +0000

In reply to Hervey.

Thanks everyone for your input very much apricated.
Frederick,
Tomball, Texas

By: Donnis Davis

Donnis Davis — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 01:41:29 +0000

I believe Atlas has a free simple layout guide

By: Frank B

Frank B — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 11:35:23 +0000

Some track manufacturers offer free sofware for track planning, obviously based on their own products, but usable for trying out general ideas for layout planning.

By: Jim Hall

Jim Hall — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 07:02:12 +0000

I use Cadrail

By: Geoff

Geoff — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 04:00:45 +0000

I used SCARM, but I can’t compare it to anything else. I am modelling 009, which is the British version of HO narrow gauge, and I chose SCARM because it has the Peco 009 track pieces in it’s database. (It also handles flex track, though that can be tricky till you get used to it – watch the tutorials!)

By: ROBERT SCHWORM

ROBERT SCHWORM — Wed, 20 Jan 2021 01:05:02 +0000

Consider AnyRail version 6 xx the latest I think is .32. Friendly and easy to learn quickly. Can export the track plan to JMRI too. I like it very much.

Bob S

By: Bert Scott

Bert Scott — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 11:43:02 +0000

I totally agree with Hervey, I have tried a number of different software packages and SCARM is excellent. You need to spend a few hours to understand a few of the controls, it does not fully follow the Microsoft windows controls as a true windows style package. As Hervey has stated try the free version first and evaluate, once you are happy you will need to purchase as I found out 100 pieces is not a lot, my 100 pieces were used up on a 6 platform terminus station with 75% of the throat junction included.

By: Hervey

Hervey — Fri, 15 Jan 2021 07:24:11 +0000

Frederick,
I tried a few different ones when I designed my current layout. The one I settled on was SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeler). It was easy to learn had a pretty good library of track from different manufacturers. It is available as free ware but once you get to a over 100 pieces in the layout you need to purchase the license for $40.00 (US). You design in 2 dimensions and add your elevations. With a click you can see your layout in 3 dimensions. There are rudimentary building shapes and instructions on how to design your own building shapes to drop in the layout design. The program will also give you a list of all the track pieces required to construct your plan. Try it out for the first 100 track pieces then you can decide if you need or want to purchase the license.
It is available on line. Just do a search for SCARM.