Track Planning Software

[trainztrainztrainz]

What's the best track planning software available? I have the free version of AnyRail but obviously it's limited unless you buy it. Planning on doing that just wanna know if there are any better alternatives on the market. Thanks.

[Rog RJ]

Scarm is well regarded http://www.scarm.info/index.php  and its totally free.

[Fishmanoz]

Haven't tried SCARM but have bought Anyrail and can endorse it as excellent and worth the money.  The developer also listens to feedback on future improvement.

 

Unfortunately, Trackmaster would be at the bottom of my list as, for a start, it only works with Hornby set track in OO. Others cover Flexi track and a multitude of brands, and my layout uses flex and Peco as well as Hornby set.

[96RAF]

SCARM is my planner of choice. 2D & 3D. MIxy the author is very helpful and will fix your plan if you run into a problem with using the software. There is a blog site which has tutorials.

[NormanQ4]

/media/tinymce_upload/878b054e0aa34dbe7e67e7585b92cc69.png

Hi trainz*3, I hope this may help you decide. It worked for me.

This is a SCARM screenshot of the layout I am about to build.

I have colour coded all the track that I am going to use from my existing layout so that I can see where it fits and what other track I will require.

[PJ_model_trains]

In SCARM which Peco group do you use for 00 gauge?

Code 75 or Code 100

 

[PJ_model_trains]

Very impressive NormanQ4  ;o)

[NormanQ4]

I use Code 100.

[RDS]

I bought AnyRail and I have no regrets.  As Fishy says, the developer listens to feedback.  In my case, I asked for some buffers to be added to the selection of accessories and within a few days, they were added.  

In my view, an excellent product with excellent support.

[PJ_model_trains]

I use Code 100.

 

Thanks NormanQ4

[PJ_model_trains]

I have used SCARM to redesign my new layout.

 

Saved files for various stages, using colour to show, reverse loops, points, proposed blocks, dimensions of layout board sizes etc. I found it very good and using Streamline Flexi track was so easy.

 

[david_denham]

Does any of these work on iPads etc rather then windows based ? 

[RB51]

Sorry David - SCARM is a Windows based application only.

 

Having said that some folk seem to have had success running it using Parallels on a Mac. Can't do that on an iPad though. R-

[timfy]

Sorry David - SCARM is a Windows based application only.

 

Having said that some folk seem to have had success running it using Parallels on a Mac. Can't do that on an iPad though. R-

Actually it sems to work fine on Linux Mint as well

[Lyd 85B]

Another vote for AnyRail, and well worth the purchase in my opinion. I am only semi-literate in IT, but found it simple and intuitive to use with very speedy and comprehensive customer service in response to suggestions or queries. I used it for my current layout, using PECO Code 75 track, and the scaling facility gave me an exact fit to the available space in a garden shed. 

[JJ73]

The best "Track Planning Software" for me is what I use in my head - I have an idea what or how I want my layout to be like - then put the track down in a rough form & if it looks good - start to join it up & if I need to add more track - then I do!!!

[Yelrow]

I am, much to my surprise, in the Jimyjames camp.  The whole idea of a hobby, is to use your brain, and hands. Lay a piece of track, then another, by trial and error, and see where it takes you.. If you are going to let somebody else design your layout, then,  take up knitting.

[RB51]

@timfy

 

Actually it seems to work fine on Linux Mint as well

 

Thanks, I didn't know that.

 

Are you able to confirm the Wine version you are using? At last test [3 years ago] there was a fault with 3D rendering so the Linux compatibility was not pursued. It would be good to know if this is sorted now.

 

R-

[37lover]

Yelrow,

I am surprised by your dismissive comment; not everyone has a stock of track or room to lay out experiments nor does using software mean you are not using your brain. Who has suggested someone else is doing the design? There are also many hobbies that don't need hands  😳.

 

Horses for courses but no need to insult those who like to use software planning.

[DrewTheWordsmith]

When it came to planning my lay out I came across AnyRail and have used the free demo version. I found it useful to know what I could accomplish in a relatively small space but also it helped to know exactly what track I would need so I haven't ended up making needless purchases, something that was important to me working on a budget.

 

I'd never heard of SCARM or any other software until I read this thread so couldn't comment on their usefulness but AnyRail is very user friendly and being able to pull up a list of exactly what pieces of track you need and the quantities is very helpful. And I know I've barely scratched the surface of it's potential.

[Kevin Hodges]

 Anyrail is what I use. It does everything I need. Although I'm sure Scarm is just as good.

[Yelrow]

37 lover, hi, i am 76. I started model railways at 12 years old. No track plans, no computers. , barely any space.  A great deal of pleasure, coupled with trial and error, allowed me to enjoy my trains. You had to think about it, re design, piece by piece, until it joined up. Thats the point, i am making. I know that if an outside source, had done all the hard work for me, a lot of enjoyment would have been lost, and i could well have lost interest. My other hobby, is woodwork, custom making furniture, by  using home made templates. Of course i could go on line and download a plan, but thats why i was given a brain. I am only suggesting a great deal of satisfaction,  is achieved, by making your own design.

[Munngoj]

I've used SCARM a few times, seems very good for free software. However, my layout has two access holes (essentially a 9' x 8' rectangular figure of 8) and i struggled to get this into the programme in a way i could work around. There were 'ways' to do it, but not ideal.

Anyone had this issue, or know of software that would deal with this?

I'm also a 'doer' and i enjoy a 'trial and error' approach, although as mentined, in can be costly!!!  

I think in the end, most will 'design' a layout, but end up adjusting it on the fly, as what looks good on paper, doesn't always meet needs at build.

Either way, a fan of both approaches :)

Any help on the above would be greatly received.

[96RAF]

You simply place a rectangle with a depth that shows on the main baseboard, same as you would plant any building. Give it a colour so it shows on the plan.

[Will Hay]

You don't say what OS you're using but I started with the trial version of SCARM, which is very good, but having progressed from RailModeller to RailModellerPro, the latter is worth every penny.

I'm using a Mac Pro.

 

A screenshot of my latest intent can be found here, although it's increased in size since this design...

https://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/154280-a-newbie-looking-for-feedback-on-my-track-proposal/&do=findComment&comment=4085507

 

I seem to have duplicated my original message.

Apologies.