Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Operating Your Layout

How To Choose Model Railroad Layout Software - Match Software Features To Your Needs

There are many things to consider when deciding which model railroad layout software you need.  The most important thing to ask is "what am I trying to accomplish with the software?"  Model railroad software comes in many different types including software for track layout, terrain modeling, and even software to design people, buildings and signs.  The software is available in all price ranges from free, to $50, to $125 and even higher.  There is something available for all levels of the model train hobbyist. 

You can get software that will simply help with a two dimensional, (2D), track layout.  It will show an overhead view of what the completed track would look like with all of the curves, sidings, and dimensions.  Some software can even list all of the components you will need for a particular layout.  The overhead perspective can also help you decide what structures and geographic features you want for your layout and where they should be placed.  Some of this software can design the actual track for hobbyists who like to make their own.  It can insure that the curves are not too sharp so that your trains stay on the track.  Another very useful aspect of this software is that it can give you the dimensions of a finished layout so that the vision you have for your design is not larger than the space you have available. 

To get an even better idea of what your finished model railroad layout will look like you will probably want to consider three dimensional, (3D), software.  This type of software will give you a good idea of how your design will look with the hills, valleys, streams, buildings and people added.  It will let you see the grades on your railroad so that you can make sure they are not too steep for the trains you will be running.  You can get a graphical representation of all of the elements of your model railroad layout and see what it looks like from any angle.  It will let you do a flyover of your design including a "fly through" of your buildings.  Some of the best software will let you take a virtual tour through your planned layout with a view from the cab of your locomotive.  Three dimensional software often includes everything you get with the two dimensional version and is usually available for both the PC and Mac.  Of course, you will have to pay a little more for the added features. 

Other model railroad layout software available includes design software for people, buildings, signs and other items you may want to use in your plan.  This software can show you what the finished product will look like for these items.  It will show you the dimensions of an object and help you to get the size correctly matched to the train scale you are using.  After all, you don't want to end up with people who are bigger than your trains!  It can also show you various colors, weathering effects and other options. 

As you can see there are many factors to look at when choosing model railroad software.  You need to consider what you are trying to achieve with the software and match that to your budget.  You can always upgrade as your needs dictate.  Most of the software available has a demo version, or a sample download to show what the software can do.  Take advantage of these to see if the software will fit your needs.  Spend some time mastering your new software and you will be rewarded with more operational and realistic looking layouts that will increase your enjoyment of one of the worlds greatest hobbies.

About the Author

Henry Michael is a model train enthusiast who enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help them get the most out of this exciting hobby.  For more information on model railroad software, visit my website at http://www.modeltrainenthusiast.com/ and learn how easy it is for you to get involved with model railroading.  It will help you to avoid mistakes that most beginners make.  If you are more experienced, it will give you a different perspective on things you maybe doing or would like to do.

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