Model Train Layout Software Mac Free
Browse and download model train layouts created by a community of model railroad hobbyists. The constantly growing collection of model railway layouts is a great source of inspiration for building your own railway empire - or you can simply enjoy what others have built and browse the layouts by model scale, popularity, author, upload date or other criteria. XTrackCAD is a open-source, free, CAD program for designing model railroad layouts. You can easily create layout of any scale or size. Libraries for many brands, scales and gauges of track and turnouts/points and model structures are included. Adding new components is easy with the built-in editor. It runs on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Your Personal Online Train Store and Hobby Shop
Multiple commercial brands of model railroad software are available and can be used in helping to plan your layout. These are basically of 6 types:
• Model Railroad Track Planning Software
• Model Railroad Operation Software
• Computer Integration and Control
• Model Railroad Inventory/ Collectors Software
• Computer Simulation Programs
• Programs to Create Designs, Signs, Decals, Brick Walls, etc.
Which type of model railroad software you choose may depend on how much you like to spend time on your computer and what your ultimate goals are. 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. 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. 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. 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.
Model Railroad Track Planning Software
One 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 (http://www.anyrail.com/index_en.html). It requires Windows Vista, XP or 2000.
XTrkCAD is a free program available for download for Windows, Mac or Linux. (http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage)
Railmodeller (http://www.railmodeller.com/) is an excellent program for the Mac that I found relatively easy to use within just a few hours. 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. A lot of work has gone into this layout design software to make it user friendly. It's only for Windows though. No Mac version available (yet).
RR Track for Windows is an excellent program for sectional track users and is easy to use. You can view the layout as a track plan or just the terrain or both together. It has 3D views as well.
Cadrail (http://cadrail.com/) is a more complicated program with lots of bells and whistles and may be more familiar to those who have had some training in computer assisted design. 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 (http://www.trackplanning.com/), and 3D Railroad: Concept and Designby Abracadata (currently unavailable). Another one worth mentioning is called Train Player (http://www.trainplayer.com/) 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. 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. 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. in any gauge, for any period or prototype, for any radius. You can link them together on screen to create your entire layout track-plan; and use them on your workbench to create the tracks you need to complete your layout. This one is for PC users - No Mac version available.
So what is the 'best' track-planning software?
Tough question. Some of the programs have steep learning curves, so you end up spending all your railroad-building time on learning the software. Some are free which is good for simple layouts. The more expensive ones do a better job with elevations, 3D views and more choices from their libraries of tracks and structures. Your choice may depend on what operating system you have in your computer - Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. Overall, you have to decide on which features are most important to you. Here is a link to Model Railroader's forum with several opinions on the subject..
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/228700.aspx
Operation Software / Hardware for Model Railroads
Easy Model Railroad Inventory by RCL Software (Freeware) is much more than an inventory program. 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. 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 platform is standardized by the NMRA so that the products made by different manufacturers are interchangeable.
Traxx ID - Model Railroad inventory/Operations Management Platform. Now you can not only know what your railcar inventory is, but you can know exactly where they are on your layout. Now part of TrainTraxx.com.
TrainTraxx.com - The Operations simulation software that can be used in conjunction with the Traxx ID hardware to create a complete inventory system so that you always know where your railcars are on the layout due to tags placed on the bottom of each car and detector devices placed under tracks in the classification yards. It can also integrate with JMRI so you know where your trains are and you can operate them with the software. Watch the videos on the their website so you can see how it works.
RailPro by Ring Engineering is one of the easier systems out there to help with model railroad operations. This uses color touchscreens and Direct Radio Technology and essentially replaces DCC systems. It is supposedly much easier to set up and manage than DCC, although it hasn't really caught on in popularity. 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. You can operate your entire layout wirelessly from your smartphone - even program up to 90 minutes of automatic train operation. Start up costs are very reasonable and setup is reported to be 'easy'.
Computer Control
JMRIis a program that allows you to connect your DCC system to your computer. 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. 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. Can be used on both PC and Mac.
CTI-Electronics (Train Brain) - the first fully integrated computerized model railroad control system. For PC only. See the other page on this site showing how this CTI Train Brain worked on Bob Fahrney's computerized layout.
ITrain √- Easy to use computer control with client server technology to allow extra computers to be used as extra overviews or as controllers for different parts of the layout.
Model Railroad Inventory / Collectors Software
Stecotec Model Railroad Collector Pro - highly rated inventory/ value pricing program for Windows
Yard Office - a popular Windows-based program that you can export and import from Excel files.
Model Train Collection Software - A windows-based inventory management software program available from Manage My Collectibles.
Many, if not most model railroads just use Microsoft Excel to create their own inventory database. This is great for Mac users as well as for Windows.
The other programs mentioned above can be used with Mac computers but requires development of a separate Windows partition on the hard disk using a program like Parallels.
Train Simulator Software Programs
Trainz √ by Auran (http://www.auran.com/trainz/) has lots of detail and lots of graphics that you can use for either simulated railroad operations, (including learning how to drive trains around on a virtual railroad), or for layout planning to the nth degree. This simulator is now available for PC and Mac. There is even a version for iPad!
Microsoft Train Simulator - Crysis 3 patch 1.3 crack. another simulator program with lots of bells and whistles. Multiple add-ons are available for running many types of trains through different locales and scenery.
Running a Steam Locomotivegets rave reviews for learning how steam engines work and how to operate some of the most popular and classic locomotives ever made.
Computer Requirements for Model Railroad Software
Most of these programs have demo versions that you can download and practice with before you buy. I would highly recommend doing this. You may find out that pencil and paper are more to your liking albeit less technologically advanced.
If you decide to purchase one of these high-end programs like Trainz Simulator, Engineers Edition Deluxe, be sure your computer has the strength for it. (Make sure you look at the system requirements for the particular program you wish to purchase and be sure your computer has all of those requirements and preferably more.) Also note that some are available only for PC’s and not for Mac’s. I know Railmodeler and Trainz are available for the Mac. 3D Railroad Concept and Design is only available for PC and the Classic version of Mac OX-10, not for Leopard. All of them have PC versions. Cadrail is PC only.
Keep in mind that many of the above-mentioned programs that are for 'PC only' can be installed and used on a Mac computer if you use Winebottler, Crossover, Bootcamp or Parallels to run Windows within the Mac. Similarly, they can often be run on Linux if you have Wine or Crossover installed. Check the specific requirements for each program before you buy it.
Model Train Graphics
This is another type of model railroad software that you will almost certainly find useful for your train layout not so much for planning purposes, but more for creation of signs, decals, old classic advertisements for your buildings or billboards, simulation of brick or stone walls, stained glass, window treatments, wallpaper, etc. Most of these are produced by Evans Designs.
*This page was last updated on September 6, 2021*
Contact Me | Blog | Photos | References | Supplies | GiftShop | Sitemap | Search | Comment
3d Overview of Cadrail-built layout with photo backdrop
Contact Me | Blog | Photos | References | Supplies | GiftShop | Sitemap | Search | Comment | Privacy Statement | Disclosures
- Advertisement
- Model Railroad System v.2.1.36Run your railroad, from running trains to operating switches and signals.
- The Deep Rock Railroad v.1Deep Rock Railroad is a modelrailroad with moving trains, boats, and crazy clowns, and Cloudscraper Roller Coaster is a roller coaster made from N-scale modelrailroad track, and it's 480 scale feet high! Deep Rock Railroad uses REAL train sounds!
- ITrain for Mac OS X v.1.5.3iTrain offers an easy to use solution to control your modelrailroad with your computer(s), especially if you want to automate only parts of your layout and keep control of the rest yourself. For example, automatic block control avoids collisions and ..
- Googol-Choo-Choo 3D for Mac OS v.2.10A 3D modelrailroad simulation program. It is easy to make your own layout by dragging and dropping track items, or other items, on your layout. You can see the layout in 3D from drivers seat of a running train or from several other locations.If ..
- ITrain for Mac OS v.1.1Offers an easy to use solution to control your modelrailroad with your computers, especially if you want to automate only parts of your layout and keep control of the rest yourself. For example automatic block control avoids collisions and you ..
- JNF Project v.1.2.1'JNF's not a Framework' is a software model to design and build enterprise applications using JAVA.This model based on standards, maturity and simplicity, promotes use of leading frameworks and tools through 'software & ..
- The Squirrel Valley Railroad v.1There are hundreds of photos and dozens of videos on The Squirrel Valley Railroad. Whether your special interest is coal mines, logging, mills, coal yards, lead mines, gravel depots, nut factories, mattress factories, passenger trains, passenger ..
- Design Icon Set v.2012.1Design Icon Set is a collection of wonderfully-crafted stock icons for use in commercial and personal products, including software applications, websites and other graphics. The icons have a bright color palette, smooth and well-rounded edges.
- Perfect Design Icons v.2012.2User interface is a vital part of software produced by graphic designers. They are truly the people who can value great design at it's full. We have produced a comprehensive set of 274 new design icons just for that purpose!
- Plangarden Vegetable Garden Design Software v.3.06Plangarden vegetable gardening design software is the perfect vegetable gardening application for assisting in planning and logging your vegetable garden. Easy to use software allows you to quickly create your garden space, and then drag and drop the ..
- Strata Design 3D CX for Mac OS v.6.0Brings it all together. With an interface that Adobe users will recognize, Design 3D connects to your creative toolset with links to Photoshop, Illustrator and Flash.Powerful spline and subdivision surface modeling gives you the power to create ..
- Business Valuation Model Excel v.2.1.2The Business Valuation Model Excel is an 'out-of-the-box' professional valuation model developed by a CFA charterholder. It is designed to accept information from publicly-available 10-K reports in order to calculate the total and per-share value of ..
- Flash TShirt Design Software v.4.0Products Designer custom T-shirt design is the ultimate solution for starting your custom online T-shirt design printing website. Our software gives your user a guaranteed, easy way to design own t-shirts. Online tee shirt designer satisfies the ..
- Fed Model for Excel v.2.0Fed Valuation Model in Excel.
- Application Design Icons v.2014.1User interface is a vital part of software produced by graphic designers. They are truly the people who can value great design at it's full. We have produced a comprehensive set of 274 new application icons just for that purpose!
- DreamPlan Home Design Free for Mac v.1.72Home Plan and Landscape Design Software for Mac that is free and easy to use. See your dream floor plan with customized kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms for a home or apartment. Plan out your landscape. Customize paint, textures and decorations.
- DreamPlan Home Design Software for Mac v.2.16Home Plan and Landscape Design Software for Mac that is free and easy to use. See your dream floor plan with customized kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms for a home or apartment. Plan out your landscape. Customize paint, textures and decorations.
- DreamPlan Home Design Software Free for Mac v.6.04Home Plan and Landscape Design Software for Mac that is free and easy to use. See your dream floor plan with customized kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms for a home or apartment. Plan out your landscape. Customize paint, textures and decorations.
- Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium trial CS4Adobe Creative Suite 4 Design Premium trial CS4 is a professional and useful tool which lets you express ..
- Design Your Own Home 3D Walkaround v.2.0.5Design Your Own Home 3D Walkaround 2.0.5 offers you a professional tool which brings building and remodeling ideas to life. You can raise walls, specify vaulted ceilings, paint or put up wallpaper, lay carpet, tile or wood floors, position furniture, ..
Model Train Layout Software Mac Free Trial
- DreamPlan Home Design Software for Mac Home Plan and Landscape Design Software for Mac that is
- Flash TShirt Design Software Products Designer custom T-shirt design is the ultimate
- Business Valuation Model Excel The Business Valuation Model Excel is an 'out-of-the-box'
- Plangarden Vegetable Garden Design Software Plangarden vegetable gardening design software is the
- DreamPlan Home Design Free for Mac Home Plan and Landscape Design Software for Mac that is
- DreamPlan Home Design Software Free for Mac Home Plan and Landscape Design Software for Mac that is
- Perfect Design Icons User interface is a vital part of software produced by
- Web Design Company This easy to use website creator is easy to use and setup.
- Googol-Choo-Choo 3D for Mac OS A 3D model railroad simulation program. It is easy to
- Design Your Own Home Architecture Design Your Own Home Architecture 3.03 is a useful program