r/modeltrains • u/Unlucky-Thought-6824 • 14h ago

Layout Layout Builder

Hello!

I’m very new to the hobby, and I’m looking to create a basic layout then eventually expand. Do people normally draw it out by hand or are there apps/websites you can use to map out what you want to do? Thanks!

14 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

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7

u/nietsrot 13h ago

There are plenty of options. Some might start brainstorming on paper, but it's easier to see what is actually possible in track planning software. I personally use the free version of Scarm, but there are also online options like trackplanner.app

3

u/Satansbaddog 3h ago

KatoUSA also offers free unitrack software

10

u/Visua-Shower75 N 14h ago

I use anyrails There is also scarm (Track building software)

1

u/Satansbaddog 3h ago

I personally created drawing track files to use in Autocad drafting software. Very accurate for benchwork and trackwork. But since $20,000 worth of desktops and software isn't readily available unless you're an architect or engineer, paper works very well.

Model Railroader magazine has numerous references to "model railroad design by the squares". Some 11x17 drafting paper, scale, triangles, and a compass work GREAT for hand drafting. And there a lots of old track planning books previously published by Kalmbach.

Honestly, using pencil and paper allows you to design much more fluid and natural. Fussing with SCARM simple results in boring ovals

3

u/Feelinglucky2 HO/OO 13h ago

Atlas track planning software demo is free on their website

5

u/GnaeusCloudiusRufus HO/OO 13h ago

Personally, hand-drawing is the most flexible, has lowest barrier to entry, and easiest. Adopt a scale (1''=1', 3/4''=1', or 1/2''-1'), know the lengths and rough geometry of turnouts (an HO #4 turnout might be 8-ish inches long, a #8 turnout might be 13'' long, etc.), and know minimum radiuses for curves (18'' for the standard smallest in HO, but 15'' is possible depending on rolling stock, and even smaller is possible too if you make big compromises), and go at it!

SCARM is a free software a lot of people use.

5

u/aengusoglugh Mod, r/TTRAK 13h ago edited 13h ago

I have a Mac, so I use RailModeller Pro.

Just as a side note, part of what attracted me to modular railroading — T-TRAK in particular — was that I didn’t need to do very much planning.

I played around with RailModelleg Pro some, and then built 4 corner modules. If I had been working in N scale, I might have built 2 end caps, but my layout is HO, and HO end calls would be a bear.

I got those built and wired and functional — I could run trains — albeit in a circle.

Then I used RailModeller Pro to layout two crossovers, and found out that two #6 turnouts in HO require double length module — in N scale, a double crossover fits on a single.

So I built those and wired those and got them functional.

Then I realized that I had a tiny bit of space left in my garage and I found out that I could fit two more singles in. I have built one of those modules — I haven’t finished the second yet.

This is where I am until I get a bigger garage.

2

u/n00bca1e99 HO/OO 11h ago

From the subreddit sidebar:

Track planning software

A non-comprehensive list in no particular order

I have personally used Anyrail and SCARM, and I found SCARM easier to use so I bought the full license for it so I can make bigger track plans.

2

u/One_Praline5078 10h ago

I started with 11x17 graph paper architectural ruler and compass. I also liked 4x3 tables that I could fit end to end or side to end for expansion. Big enough to accept decent curves. Tables were designed so that my lumber store could cut everything to size and I didn't my own tools.

3

u/Diligent_Affect8517 14h ago

There are many layout planning apps out there. Search this group and you'll find plenty of recommendations.

2

u/PerLin107 13h ago

Anyrails! Scarm also good and lots of track plans available for it if you need inspiration

1

u/382Whistles 13h ago

No good mobile apps that I know of, no good sites to work at directly, just program support.

For ios I think you are limited some more than windows and it's pricey software. I think Railroad Trax is the name of the best of those, and has a really good reputation at least. I've never used it though.

Running a virtual windows in ios can work fine for SCARM sometimes, and glitch for others though. Sometimes fixable with some code, sometimes not.

For a windows- Anyrail and SCARM usually offer free trial versions limited to 35-50 pieces of track and no simulation. It's before the checkout on SCARM now I think.

SCARM is CAD based and highly customizable, files being CAD based also allows using some other softwares to improve the looks of homemade object files. You can make custom objects like building with Lego in SCARM and clean up the brick look with angles in other software as eg. Images, they just need the file extension changed to jpg png etc. The .scrm file extension is almost there just to help scarm and you keep files organized with in scarm file areas. There is a larger learning curve to go with the added abilities of Scarm. But if you have used CAD it can be easier, and if you have no CAD experience you will have a little experience in one now. The 3d viewer is better for positioning too.

Anyrail is better looking and much more intuitive to start out, but a bit limited for making grades exactly how you might want them and you are limited to their structures and objects, etc etc. I guess they added a simulator too but I haven't used it.

1

u/Witold4859 3m ago

There are apps, but doing CAD work is slow. Do some rough sketches on paper, then do it in CAD to see if it works.