Track plans

[Nick8873]

Hi does anyone know of a computer software track plan got a few ideas for a layout but instead of spending ages drawing to scale and getting curves right thought be easier do on a computer or tablet
Nick

[Steve M]

Anyrail or SCARM are available but I think the free versions limit the number of track sections you can lay at any one time.
Certainly, the subscription version of SCARM is unlimited.

[Mr Bones]

Anyrail is good. The unregistered version is limited to 50 pieces of track. I purchased the licence which I don't regret as I'm constantly tweaking the plan.
SCARM is fine, but not quite as refined as Anyrail.

[Nick8873]

Ok great will have a look thanks
Nick

[Bandit Mick]

I do a rough sketch on paper then start to physically place track on a board and move it around. Points can be copied from Peco's website so you don't waste money on buying the wrong ones.

[Walkingthedog]

I use the same system. Get some track down asap.

[Steve M]

I have to admit that I too ‘just get the track down’ - but once I settled on a design I copied it into SCARM for ‘posterity’.
That was useful as I could trial later changes on screen before committing to ripping up scenery.

[Walkingthedog]

Now that is a good way of doing things Steve.

[IanS]

I found that I procrastinated a long time, around 5 years, using AnyRail. I enjoyed producing track plans but never seemed to get the right one.

Eventually I put the track on a board - which I'm still doing - and it much more satisfying for me. It may still take another 5 years (or more) to get the layout anywhere near 'finished' but at least trains will run on the tracks now.

[Steve M]

I found that I procrastinated a long time, around 5 years, using AnyRail. I enjoyed producing track plans but never seemed to get the right one.

Eventually I put the track on a board - which I'm still doing - and it much more satisfying for me. It may still take another 5 years (or more) to get the layout anywhere near 'finished' but at least trains will run on the tracks now.

Some never get beyond virtual plans.

Mind you I have a virtual plan to be a millionaire.