"RS> Hello to everyone on the group. "RS> "RS> After about 35 years, I am getting back into the hobby. But, I "RS> need some trackplanning software. I downloaded the freebie from "RS> Atlas, but don't particularly like it. Also, I am not in love "RS> with Atlas Snap Track--even in the code 83 version, and that is "RS> the only library that the Atlas software includes for HO--for "RS> obvious reasons. "RS> "RS> Can anybody recommend a good trackplanning package or CAD system "RS> to use? I don't mind a learning curve, since it cannot be worse "RS> than the statistical package, SAS-PC (shudder, gag, vomit). I "RS> have used CAD packages long ago, but not recently. "RS> "RS> Any suggestions? Many thanks, in advance.
I use XtrkCAD. Download it at
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-- this is shareware. You can download it and use it in 'unregistered' mode -- you are limited to 4' x 8' layout and can't print at 1:1, but you can get an idea if it suits before you plunk down the $65.00 to register it.
It does not have fancy 3D graphics (which I believe are a waste of time). It does implement elevations. You can run trains -- this is useful to check to be sure your sidings and yard leads are long enough and if you have turnouts where they are useful and needful.
XtrkCAD is available for Linux (which I use) and MS-Windows. It saves its files as plain text (a really big win from my POV).
"RS> "RS>
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