Best layout software for E-Z Track??

Started by SP Child, June 27, 2012, 07:43:03 PM

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SP Child

Hello,

   I have found some various HO layout programs, but am wondering which one(s) might have E-Z Track templates, such as the Bachmann Turn-Table, etc.
   E-Z track & E-Z switches will be all ground level, but two (2) upper levels will be non-roadbed, such as atlas or...(Recomendations?)
   I appriciate your help. I don't want to research a dozen products when I just know some of you experts allready know whats best for my MIX of track types!

Thank You All In Advance,
Espee

Jerrys HO

SP,
Try anyrail.com..  I used it for mine. The trial version is free up to 50 pieces. Full version $50.00

Jerry

SP Child

#2
Jerry,

  Thanks. The name says a lot. I'll look into that.

  Any other suggestions are welcome.


Thanx,
Espee

Jerrys HO

#3
search and you shall find what other's use.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/t

Here is more choices, type in layout software.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?action=search2

Jerry

SP Child

#4
Jerry,

  I knew there were a great many versions out there. WOW! Too much info. Very useful. I would prefer to read up on one or two threads, instead of 30+.

   Anyone with pros, or cons of any software is more on the line of what I was hopeing for. Not to be lazy. I just don't want to swim the ocean for a glass of water.

   All is appriciated.

Thanks Again,
Espee

Pops

#5
I'm using RailModeller and like it very much.  Works great on Mac too.

http://www.railmodeller.com/Index.html

:) :)

SP Child

Thanks Pops,

   I'll look into that one. I'm a PC user. Are there any pitfalls to watch for with that software?

   My Grandaughter calls me Pop-Pop!

Thanks Very Much,
More?
Espee

mhampton

If you are interested in FREE software there are a couple of pretty good options to explore.  One is SCARM (http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html) which offers the capability of 3-D rendering, but I'm not sure what track libraries are available.  The other is XTrakCAD (http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage).  If you go with this one, be sure to go through the tutorials to keep from getting lost in the weeds.  There is also an XTrakCAD group on Yahoo that is a wealth of information and enhanced track libraries.

Pops

I'm pretty sure their main focus is PC, and if I remember correctly , they have a free demo to try first.  I found no problems with it at all.  The thing I liked most, was how easy it was to use.  I'm not very good with computers.   :'(     I know it has a lot more capabilities than I've used, but I did design my whole layout on it.   8)




Quote from: SP Child on June 28, 2012, 07:40:09 PM
Thanks Pops,

   I'll look into that one. I'm a PC user. Are there any pitfalls to watch for with that software?

   My Grandaughter calls me Pop-Pop!

Thanks Very Much,
More?
Espee


termite

Pops, I tried using Railmodeller on my PC. it seems that it's a dmg file which Windows can't use. How did you get it to run?

Alan

Pops

Oops - my bad.  I went to their web site and only found Mac downloads.  It's been a while since I first downloaded it and I thought sure they had a PC version.  It must have been another brand when I was first shopping.  Sorry for the senior moment.

But it is great with Mac -      :-[

Len

It's not free, but I find RR-Track easy to use and the track libraries get updated on a regular basis. Their web page is: www.rrtrack.com

RRT-50A-HOS, the basic HO 'bundle' deal, contains the RR-Track software with libraries for Bachmann EZ, Atlas Cd100, Atlas Cd83, Atlas TruTrack, Kato HO, Peco HO, Walthers/Shinohara Cd83, and several others is $79. Or, you could go with the RRT-50A-HOS1A HO Special 1A for $89 which also includes the HO accesory library

The nice thing about it is you can mix track types in your layout plan. So if you want to see if adding a Peco 3-way turnout on cork will solve a space issue in your EZ-track layout. Also, adding libraries for other accessories and other scales is relatively inexpensive.

I have no financial interest in RR-Track, I just find it a very useful tool for layout planning.

Len
If at first you don't succeed, throw it in the spare parts box.

RailModeller

Quote from: Pops on July 03, 2012, 03:10:11 PM
Oops - my bad.  I went to their web site and only found Mac downloads.  It's been a while since I first downloaded it and I thought sure they had a PC version.  It must have been another brand when I was first shopping.  Sorry for the senior moment.

But it is great with Mac -      :-[

Thanks for mentioning our app!
It's been a while and we've improved and extended out Bachmann libraries.

We now also have a free track planning app available for the Mac.
The details are listed on our web site at http://www.railmodeller.com/express-edition-en.html

Cheers,
Jan from RailModeller