Train layout software freeware

A BIG thank you. I love this program, it makes it sooo easy to design a layout and change it to meet whatever your needs are. I must say you are a genius! SCARM 1. Included Track Libraries. Do wiring diagrams, and track schematics. Your only limited by your imagination and skill. XTrackCAD is among the most popular model train layout software currently being used and there are several reasons for that. First of all the software is designed to be as user friendly as possible with several tutorials and online videos from its developers as well as its user community.

The second reason for its popularity is its price: It is free. This makes it the software with the most value for money. It is mainly used for creating 2D layouts and has a very strong user base that helps other users of the software by posting their own designs. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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 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".

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. For PC only.

Yard Office - a popular Windows-based program that you can export and import from Excel files. 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.

This simulator is now available for PC and Mac. There is even a version for iPad! Microsoft Train Simulator - 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 Locomotive gets rave reviews for learning how steam engines work and how to operate some of the most popular and classic locomotives ever made.

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. I know Railmodeler and Trainz are available for the Mac.

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. Code Layout Packages. Code 83 Layout Packages. Code 83 True-Track Layout Packages. Classic Locomotives. Master Rolling Stock. Trainman Rolling Stock. BLMA Parts.

Miscellaneous Parts. Rolling Stock Parts. BLMA Accessories. Code 83 Bridges.