10/13/2021 0 Comments Model Railroad Programs For Mac
Other programs are very powerful, but complicated, with high learning curves but once you master them, you could have a fantastic virtual railroad on your computer that has very detailed graphics and may be a lot of fun to build and operate without ever having to lay your hands on a section of model track.3rd Planit Model Railroad Track Planning SoftwareOne of the easier model railroad software programs to master is the Track Planning Software available for download to your Windows PC (No Mac version) from the atlasrr.com website and works fairly well for simple layout designs.Another program reported to be very easy to use with a short learning curve is Anyrail (). Using the planning software can provide you with the fun of at least developing your basic plan and design until you have the capability of going ahead with physically building the layout.Some of the model railroad software is relatively simple and fairly easy to use after a few hours. Many of these model railroad software programs will allow you to run virtual trains on your computerized layout so you can get an idea of how your railroad will operate when you actually build it.Perhaps you don’t have the time or space to actually start building a model railroad yet. There is a certain fascination in developing your plans on the computer and being very organized in your track planning even to the point of knowing exactly what materials you will need and how much they will cost.You can view the layout as a track plan or just the terrain or both together. No Mac version available (yet).RR Track for Windows is an excellent program for sectional track users and is easy to use. It's only for Windows though. A lot of work has gone into this layout design software to make it user friendly. The track plans drawn on the track planning page of this web site were all created using this software.SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller) is definitely worth a look. ()Railmodeller () is an excellent program for the Mac that I found relatively easy to use within just a few hours.
![]() ![]() In any gauge, for any period or prototype, for any radius. This computer program can generate infinite types of templates to use for constructing tracks, turnouts, crossovers, slips or just sections of track to fit in between others, etc. One of the best things about this software is the remarkable 3D image that you can generate after you have completed your track-plan.For those who wish to build their own tracks and turnouts, Templot is the way to go. Another one worth mentioning is called Train Player () within which you can obtain over 100 predesigned track plans that you could use or modify for your own railroad.Wintrack is another great program for PCs developed in Europe. A companion program containing information about the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad can be purchased on their website as well.Other notable model train software programs include 3rD Plan-It by Eldorado (), and 3D Railroad: Concept and Designby Abracadata (currently unavailable). Model Railroad Programs Free Which IsYour choice may depend on what operating system you have in your computer - Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. The more expensive ones do a better job with elevations, 3D views and more choices from their libraries of tracks and structures. Some are free which is good for simple layouts. Some of the programs have steep learning curves, so you end up spending all your railroad-building time on learning the software. This one is for PC users - No Mac version available.So what is the "best" track-planning software?Tough question. The platform is standardized by the NMRA so that the products made by different manufacturers are interchangeable.Traxx ID - Model Railroad inventory/Operations Management Platform. The only problem is that it is no longer supported by it's developer, and it's hard to find.Layout Command Controlis an enhancement to DCC layouts using circuit-boards and software to improve speed and reliability, and makes operation of multiple locomotives and devices easier. The operations portion of the software is the most useful part of it and is one of the best programs out there for setting up operating sessions. Here is a link to Model Railroader's forum with several opinions on the subject.SCARM Software for Track Planning Operation Software / Hardware for Model RailroadsEasy Model Railroad Inventory by RCL Software (Freeware) is much more than an inventory program. ![]() After it is set up, you can see your entire layout on the computer screen and operate all power blocks and turnouts just by clicking on them. It requires separate purchase of an interface module like a Digitrax PR4 if you're using Loconet for connections, or NCE-223 if you're using the NCE system. Computer ControlJMRIis a program that allows you to connect your DCC system to your computer. Start up costs are very reasonable and setup is reported to be "easy". You can operate your entire layout wirelessly from your smartphone - even program up to 90 minutes of automatic train operation. Here is a video review.DCS (Digital Command System) by MTH is another viable option for MTH trains, Lionel or any other AC-operated locomotives running on HO, O, S or G scale track, with or without wires.
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