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Track plans
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:24 pm
by 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
Re: Track plans
Posted: Mon Dec 23, 2019 8:47 pm
by 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.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 7:09 am
by 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.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 7:26 am
by Nick8873
Ok great will have a look thanks
Nick
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 8:09 am
by 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.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 10:45 am
by Walkingthedog
I use the same system. Get some track down asap.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 11:19 am
by 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.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 11:22 am
by Walkingthedog
Now that is a good way of doing things Steve.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 2:28 pm
by 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.
Re: Track plans
Posted: Tue Dec 24, 2019 3:23 pm
by Steve M
IanS wrote: ↑Tue Dec 24, 2019 2:28 pm
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.
