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A quick, super easy and free method to plan a layout with realistic constraints using layout design software called Anyrail.
Here’s a few things I have learned since starting to plan my new layout 6 months ago. Using the free download from Anyrail, it’s easy to visualize and realistically plan a layout to scale. Here are the steps:
1. Download free trial version of Anyrail for windows. This demo lets you work with 50 objects on the grid. More than enough to plan the constraints.
2. Set up your grid and perimeter of the layout space you have to work with.
3. Using the place circle tool, place the desired curve radius onto the grid. You can move it around to help you visualize what different curve radii will look like and what you can fit.
4. Delete the circles and add the curves in using flextrack.
5. Once you are satisfied with all the curves in your plan, export the file as a .jpg image so you can print it.
6. Print off your new plan and now finish it by drawing in the sections in-between the curves including all sidings and spurs. What you will end up with is an actual scale drawing of your plan that will fit in the space you have designed it for provided all your measurements are correct. The key is to use the software to do the curves for you, that way you won’t be doing it inaccurately by hand. It can even do perfect curve easements just like the 1:1 prototypes! But that’s the subject of another video.
Happy Model Railroad Planning!
Ben
This video from oorail.com shows how I created a track plan using RailModeller Pro software for Apple MacOS X. The video walks through the steps that I used to create a track plan document for Chippenham Junction, an existing section of the oorail layout. Using a paper track plan and photos as a guide, the video walks you through creating the plan using the software.
Website – http://www.oorail.com
Twitter – http://twitter.com/oorail
Facebook – http://facebook.com/oorail
Copyright (c) 2015 oorail.com
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Thanks for the upload, I am trying to use this software and wondered if you had figured out how to make a complete track plan of say 8 boards going round in a square. Like you I can create 1 board with a scene on it but havent found away, yet of how to connect multiple scenes together.
Great video, cheers!
Just a note – there have been a number of upgrades to RailModeller Pro since oorail.com made this video. I designed a 12×12 doggone, multi-level layout using Peco, Shinohara and Atlas track libraries (provided). It worked out very well – there a few tricks but it is a very capable planing software. my layout at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNiPheDmtGI&t=11s
Appreciate Video clip! Excuse me for the intrusion, I would love your thoughts. Have you tried – Chiveard Racing World Framework (should be on google have a look)? It is an awesome exclusive product for building your dream model railroad without the normal expense. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got great results with it.
Half the video showcases the authors track layout after completion. The "learning" section fast forwards the steps needed – without commentary – all too fast to actually learn anything.
BARailSystem
Do you still have the Anyrail file of your old layout? I really like the look of it and I am interested in making that for my own personal layout. Obviously it will not be the same but the track configuration will be the same, the difference will be the the actually scenery of the layout.
I've been investigating how to build a railroad layout and discovered a fantastic website at Jareks hobby club (google it if you're interested)
it is very help full, i am railway civil infrastructure student, please can you send me some important files for my study and here is my email (arkantesfu@gmail.com)
Started off with telling us 2 times what you were going to tell us. Introduction toooooo long.
Then the instruction part;
Great job on instruction, but too many words. “What I did last time”, “what me friend did”, “on my last layout “, you can do what ever you want”.
I may be jaded, my wife does the same thing. Uses 3 times the words needed..
I’m sorry to be so picky, I like what you had to say and looking forward to you next video. Please, less non-instructional info.
Well, to tell the truth about the situation, I have an extreme head cold, maybe my tolerance is kind of low.
I usually don’t respond to videos and don’t have a critical spirit. So looking at the whole matter, it’s most likely just me.
As I said before, you did a good jog. Me being a “task guy”, I,m always wanting to “get to the point “.
Sorry I even opened my mouth.
By the way, this is Grandpa Tate, using Rose’s I Pad.
Keep on, keeping on!
interesting points ,if anyone else wants to discover building model railroad scenery try Panlarko Amazing Railroad Planner (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some incredible things about it and my co-worker got cool success with it.
here's several tips for building a railroad layout yourself
Find a proven set of plans online
Find a mate who wants to build one too so you have another person to help you
(I read these and the reasons they work on Jareks hobby club site )
Hey bud I was wondering, I am doing a Shelf layout in a L shape, is there a way to make the grid reflect those measurements and get rid of all the grid in the middle so I am left with a L looking grid? Thanks, great video to.
Great advice. Using planning software that lets you model the radius and a rect for a train length inside a box that is your room space is so valuable to keeping your minds fantasy in check with reality and physics before spending time and money on gear.
It's a lot of work man.
HI CAN I RUN any rail on my iPad ?
I use ANYRAIL for my layout planning… keeps me honest! !
Really helpful video, blown away about how much room was needed by the larger radii!! Thanks for posting.
This put me to sleep
I may build my N – scale layout into the frame of my new work bench. I dont have room for a large layout. I want comething I can drop the top and use it for other things such as a work bench for my RC hobby.
so how do you determine the radius of your curves?