Anyone know of any good and most of all free track layout software? I was messing with the one Altas made but it seems to only want me to make HO layouts

are there any good ones for the Mac or is it all PC based? Either works for me, but I prefer mac if possible

You know the old saying, "You get what you pay for". Usually "Free" and "Good" aren't compatible. Invest in the RR-track software. I did, and I'm sure it will save me it's cost over the long run. Cost me about $70, including the Lionel Fastrack libraries. Works real good, and easy to learn.

REV

quote:

Invest in the RR-track software

This software is without a doubt worth every penny. It is great

For Mac it's Railmodeller.
Download a free trial or buy it for $39 at www.railmodeller.com
They seem to update this software and the libraries several times per year for free.
Biggest downside is that it doesn't have a Gargraves library but it does have Ross track and switches which are close enough.
It does have Atlas, Lionel and MTH libraries too.
It is also 2D only. I hope that 3D will be added in an update soon.
At $39 it is a pretty good deal is stable and just works.

Railmodeller seems pretty good, I'd like to stick with a Mac program. I was looking at the RR Track one but I was hoping they would at least have a demo that you can download to play with. I don't need tons of bells and whistles I just want to be able to place the different pieces and figure out if my idea will connect right I won't be doing anything too advanced at this early stage of the game and I will most likely just have 1 train going at a time...

Railmodeler worked pretty good I will have to register it so I can save I didn't read anything about it but was able to figure it out easy.. here's a track I made in about 15 minutes

Can't beat RR-Track.
.....
Dennis

quote:

Originally posted by Timk:
Anyone know of any good and most of all free track layout software? I was messing with the one Altas made but it seems to only want me to make HO layouts

are there any good ones for the Mac or is it all PC based? Either works for me, but I prefer mac if possible

If I Remember Correctly, with Right Track (Atlas) software you need to download the O Gauge track library seperately or select it when you download the program.

Here's another question. Anyone know of a track designing software program that works with Linux? I'm putting a box together and have everything covered except layout design.

Matt;
Isn't Linux supposed to be able to run Windows compatible software?

RailModeller only half supports Ross. They do not
cover any numbered (including regular) or curved switches. This forced
me into RR-Track. RR-Track is OK, but Windows on a Mac is annoying.
Fortunately, I did not have to pay for it all; I need it for work.

Also, no Gargraves track.

Mike

quote:

Originally posted by AGHRMatt:
Here's another question. Anyone know of a track designing software program that works with Linux? I'm putting a box together and have everything covered except layout design.

I tried RR-track under wine one time. It almost worked. There was
some bug...I think the window dropped down every time a menu popped
up. But, I last tried this about a year ago, so I'm sure that bug
has been fixed. Wine is nice because you do need to own or run Windows
to use software written for windows.

Mike

quote:

Also, no Gargraves track.

Mike, I don't know what you mean here. All track libraries come with the standard version of RR-Track for about $70. I have been using mine for over 5 years and continue to update it to pick up new track by the various companies and all the "bug" fixes. It is excellent software with a short learning curve.

I don't know about MAC or how it works with that though. I am PC.
.....
Dennis

Dennis, I was talking about RailModeller, which is a Mac program.

I concur with you on RR-Track.

RailModeller is not useful if you plan to use numbered Ross
switches as of the last time I tried it, which is about 5 months ago.

Mike

That fact that:

A.) Lionel has not made a software package of their own yet...

and

B.) RR Track is not Mac Compatable

is inexcuseable.

So I have to buy a program through some German internet company to plan my layout if I want to do it on a computer that is free of the BSofD?

Jon

Hello All,

As a Macintosh and RailModeller user and a modeller who has
submitted library information to RailModeller, I cannot
understand why the various track manufacturers have not
been completely cooperative with them. Perhaps, it is
because it is a German outfit but the designer with English
language capability actually lives in New Zealand. Over
the past several years he has received some information
from Atlas0 and Ross but not for their complete lines. The
problem area is the switches or turnouts because each
manufacturer interprets the prototype in their own fashion.
I don't think that we can use an H0 gauge #5 switch and double
all of the dimensions and use it for an 0 gauge #5 switch.
It may be possible to take the information from RR-Track and
use it for a RailModeller component if someone has both
applications on their computer or in their computer room.
Any help in this matter will be appreciated by all.

I am at work right now, but I think I have a R-R Modeler for Mac at home that you can have for shipping. I will never use it. Send me an e-mail at chuckcooktucson@gmail.com and when I get home I will see what it is and let you know.
Chuck

quote:

Originally posted by KOOLjock1:

B.) RR Track is not Mac Compatable

is inexcuseable.

:

Not too swift with vista either

quote:

Originally posted by Timk:
Anyone know of any good and most of all free track layout software? I was messing with the one Altas made but it seems to only want me to make HO layouts

are there any good ones for the Mac or is it all PC based? Either works for me, but I prefer mac if possible

When you download the Atlas Freeware, you'll need to pull up the O Scale Library, which will give you about 7 different libraries to choose from. O 3 rail, 0 2 rail, 0 roadbed, and a few buildings and accessories libraries. Once you get the hang of it, you'll find it as handy as a pocket on a shirt.