Hey guys, I'm working on designing a ho scale layout. I've played around with Atlas's RTS program and it works good - if you using sectional track. I've also tried out the demo version of AnyRail 3 and absolutely love it! However I don't really want to cough up $60 for the full program right now. I'm a archictural designer, so I access to AutoCad. I'd like to use AutoCad to design my layout but I can't find any files online of switches. I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks in advance for the help! Btw - Atlas's RTS program says it can save the file as a .dxf (which is an AutoCad format). Tried that and AutoCad throughs up an error. I'm using AutoCad 2009.
Welcome at TrainBoard, thebig_E I make my drawings with AutoCAD too. ProgeCAD Smart is free. The last was for a turnout for a friend. I don't look for the turnout number because I solder my turnouts following the drawing. BTW, I save every file as R14.dwg. With this level you can exchange the files and they're not so big. For FREMO meetings every module has an AutoCAD drawing. This way you can attache the modules exactly. For themeeting 2008 you can get the dwg file. Wolfgang
BIG_E, Welcome to TB. I think some others here have used AutoCad, and may have a direct answer for you, when they see your post. I'm a computer dummy who has always done design tasks with "hand" drafting tools, but am trying to enter the new century by learning an extensively capable open source ($0) tool - XtrkCAD, believe it's v.4...just checked the help file and it claims export as .dxf is available. Several smarter-than-I here and elswhere have learned, used and posted plans using this AutoCAD-like software, which has extensive libraries of commercial track and the ability to create custom bits for special circumstances. Check Wikipedia for more complete info, and Silub Technologies or Sourceforge websites for a source of the download (think YAHOO Groups has it also -ldsig - but I'm not registered there.) Glad to have you with us...hope this helps your search. Bob C.
Thanks for the help and the warm welcome! I downloaded a copy of XTraCad and exported a dxf and will take it with me to work tomorrow to see how it works. Keeping my fingers crossed
I am going to use Fast Tracks turnouts so I download the PDF templates and draw them in Autocad for use. Make them blocks and you can rotate them easily with the insert point at the centerline intersections.
John, took a look at fast track's website and I may give that a try. I'm planning on using either atlas or walthers turnouts, but they should be close enough. Thanks again for the help! RatonMan - I've tried most of the programs that are available online for download and found AnyRail 3 to be the easiest to use. You can download the demo at AnyRail - The easiest model railroad design software.. This is what I would be using if I didn't have access to AutoCad.
Would it work to scan in an Atlas Switch template, save it as a .bmp and then insert it as a "block"? Sooo many changes to ACad since I last used it. Cadaobh
