r/lists • Posted by Arthur Jenkins🎮 Gaming

Best Model Railroad Layout Design Software for Planning Your Dream Setup

Best Model Railroad Layout Design Software for Planning Your Dream SetupAlright, fellow train enthusiasts! Planning a model railroad layout is half the fun, but it can also be a real head-scratcher. Luckily, there's some fantastic software out there that can help you turn your wildest ideas into a concrete plan, saving you headaches (and wasted track!) in the long run. I've messed around with quite a few, and these are my top picks for getting your dream layout on paper, or screen, before you even cut your first piece of wood.
10 items0 reactions0 followers

Thread

  1. 1

    SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller)

    scarm.info
    This one's a favorite for many, and for good reason! SCARM is super accessible and offers a ton of features for detailed layout planning, including elevations and a useful 3D preview. You can easily create complex layouts and even simulate trains running on them.
  2. 2

    AnyRail

    anyrail.com
    AnyRail is often recommended as a top choice, especially for those looking for something quick to learn and practical. Its interface makes it easy to drag, connect, and adjust track pieces, and it supports a huge range of manufacturers, which is a big plus.
  3. 3

    RailModeller Pro

    railmodeller.com
    For my Mac-using friends, RailModeller Pro is a fantastic option. It feels purpose-built for the Apple environment, offering a clean workflow, great visual polish, and strong support for various track libraries. There's even a free Express version to get you started!
  4. 4

    XTrackCAD

    sourceforge.net
    If you're looking for a powerful, open-source, and free solution, XTrackCAD is a real workhorse. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and has no artificial restrictions on track count or complexity. It's great for intricate plans, though it might have a bit of a learning curve initially.
  5. 5

    3rd PlanIt

    eldoradosoft.com
    This software has been around for a while and is known for its advanced features, particularly its curve-fitting abilities and robust 3D simulation. It's a premium package, but if you want precision and detailed planning, it's definitely worth a look.
  6. 6

    RR-Track

    rrtrack.com
    RR-Track is another solid option, particularly for Windows users, offering comprehensive track and accessory libraries. It's great for visualizing your layout in 3D and even simulating train operations to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  7. 7

    Templot

    85a.uk
    Now, Templot is a bit more specialized, really shining for those who hand-build their track or need extremely precise geometry for points and crossings. It's not for everyone, but for serious finescale modelers, it's considered top-tier.
  8. 8

    Trax

    chevrolet.com
    Trax is a neat web-based planning tool, which makes it super accessible from any device, including Chromebooks or Linux machines. Plus, it's free! It's a great option if you prefer not to install desktop software.
  9. 9

    CADRail

    cadrail.software.informer.com
    CADRail is a powerful program known for its comprehensive CAD tools, allowing you to design not just track plans, but also buildings and benchwork. It's a full-featured package that provides a lot of flexibility for advanced users.
  10. 10

    TrackPlanner.app

    trackplanner.app
    Here's another great web-based option! TrackPlanner.app is continuously updated with improvements and offers track outlines to make designing layouts easier and more visually intuitive. You can even try it for free right in your browser.

Comments (0)

Log in to join the discussion

✍️More by Arthur Jenkins

View profile →

🎮More in Gaming

Discover more in Gaming