Track Planning Software

Madman

Madman

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I would like to try one of the track planning software thingamajigs. I am using a Mac computer. Are there any free ones out there ?
 
Hm running Windows on a Mac. My first iMac back in 2000 had some sort of Software that I bought to run Windows. I used to be wed to Excell and Word in those days. Never got it working, but then I am not a very patient or tolerant man when trying to get Software working. I finally later when I got my next iMac bought Office for the Mac and never looked back till the new horrific version of Word and Excell came out some 4 or 5 Years ago. Once I got my current iMac that was me finished with Windows.

Looking at th setup it looks tricky running Scarm with Wine being by the sound of it a Dog to set up. Good luck with all that, however if you get it working I may be tempted as I would like a decent FOC Track Planning Tool.
JonD
 
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I can certainly recommend SCARM but have no knowledge of how to get it running on a Mac. It has parts lists for every g-scale track manufacturer I've ever heard of, plus any other scale, and the ability to add buildings, contoured land and the 3D viewer make it unique.
 
Downloaded, but haven't time to try it now. The download was very quick, clean, and easy.
 
I've now had time for a short play with it (SCARM) and so far it seems quite easy (fairly intuitive). Still a lot to learn and things to find, but I managed a rough out of my new sidings within about 5 to 10 mins. I'd give it a provisional thumbs up at least.
 
G-force1 said:
I've now had time for a short play with it (SCARM) and so far it seems quite easy (fairly intuitive). Still a lot to learn and things to find, but I managed a rough out of my new sidings within about 5 to 10 mins. I'd give it a provisional thumbs up at least.
Click to expand...



Do you have a Mac ? If so, does it have the latest operating system ? OX something or other I believe.
 
Sorry Dan, no, I'm on a P.C. with W7/64, though it loaded as 32bit (x86)
 
Personally if Mac and Win incompatibility was a big issue for me I would look for an old disposed of PC and run with it for Win only software.
I have a superseded machine that would never survive in to days world on the net, if I let it be exposed to it, but I use it as my "train PC' and it serves my purpose.
In my trade I have found sometimes it is better to be one or two steps being technology to operate efficiently.
 
I'm waiting for one of my kids to have a look-see. If all attempts fail, I'm just going to get my drafting tools out do it the "Normal" way.......:rolleyes:
 
Whey-hey! I'm having great fun with it. I've drawn up a plan and then looked at the parts list and the 3D view, but the parts list is for TT scale, I can't find how to change that, any pointers?

3D view is good.
 
G-force1 said:
I've drawn up a plan and then looked at the parts list and the 3D view, but the parts list is for TT scale, I can't find how to change that, any pointers?
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You have to choose your parts list before you start drawing. If you click the box at the top left under the menu bar there is a drop down list of all the manufacturers and their ranges, select the one you want. You may have to redraw your plan, I don't think you can change it after the fact.
 
GAP said:
Personally if Mac and Win incompatibility was a big issue for me I would look for an old disposed of PC and run with it for Win only software.
I have a superseded machine that would never survive in to days world on the net, if I let it be exposed to it, but I use it as my "train PC' and it serves my purpose.
In my trade I have found sometimes it is better to be one or two steps being technology to operate efficiently.
Click to expand...
I get that and indeed have an old Windows Portable circa 2000 when bought. Fine little machine really, but os running whatever Win it came with then. Never been upgraded. I guess that if SCARM ran on it would be tempted. Guess I could try. After all it is a Freebie.

Now to hunt for that Portable in the Loft and wait for 3 Hours while it fires up!
JonD
 
idlemarvel said:
You have to choose your parts list before you start drawing. If you click the box at the top left under the menu bar there is a drop down list of all the manufacturers and their ranges, select the one you want. You may have to redraw your plan, I don't think you can change it after the fact.
Click to expand...

Got it! Ta! I hadn't spotted the little drop down tick in the corner
 
dunnyrail said:
I get that and indeed have an old Windows Portable circa 2000 when bought. Fine little machine really, but os running whatever Win it came with then. Never been upgraded. I guess that if SCARM ran on it would be tempted. Guess I could try. After all it is a Freebie.

Now to hunt for that Portable in the Loft and wait for 3 Hours while it fires up!
JonD
Click to expand...

I'm running XP Service Pack 3 on my old clunker its slow but then so am I and I don't rush myself when it comes to my hobby.
 
I have an ancient Canon BN22.. DOS 6.2 and Windows for workgroups..
There is still some equipment that needs a serial console connection.

Oh, and the built in inkjet printer still works, so configuration changes can be printed and left onsite as well!
 
I've been 'playing' again! Having changed the track to Peco 45mm as per Dave's instruction, I started out with a 914 flexy. Wow! There's a bit of an odd ball experience. :D:D Drop it on the backboard, and it flips straight away into a curve (not of your choosing) and as you try to grab hold it whips about all over. Mildly frustrating 'til you get the hang, but also quite amusing.

Deffo worth a play, have fun.

:rofl::rofl:

One other thing I haven't found yet is how to cut a length as required. No doubt it's there somewhere.
 
We were discussing 'software' for track planning, in the office the other day with a few 'younger' members of the staff. As I was getting further and further lost with their 'computer speak', I reached into my desk, and produced a set square, scale rule, pencil (remember those, round piece of wood, with lead core), and a calculator (I couldn't find my slide rule, and my log tables were donated to a museum many years ago). I also found a 'like new' eraser, that I expect would become 'well used' if they had taken up the offer of doing things the way they are meant to be done.
 
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