Forums
| Model-Trains-Video.com :: Forums :: Expert how-to tricks forum :: Dream and Design expert tricks | << Previous thread | Next thread >> | |
| EXPERT SECRET: What layout design software is and is NOT | ||
|
Moderators: site admin, Joe Fugate, Spinpuff
|
| Author | Post | ||
| Joe Fugate |
| ||
   Registered Member #3 Joined: Fri Sep 08 2006, 01:59PM: posts: 145 | Here's a great bit of expert insight on what layout design software is and is NOT. Be prepared to maybe have your bubble burst about layout design software ... but at least you'll understand the limits of this software like the layout design experts do! [ Edited Wed May 07 2008, 02:42AM ] Joe Fugate http://siskiyou-railfan.net - 250,000 hits and counting!  | ||
| Back to top | | ||
| hornerg |
| ||
 Registered Member #104 Joined: Fri Dec 01 2006, 03:32AM: posts: 4 | Joe Being an engineer, I totally agree with this sentiment. I have seen so many designs that look great at a quick glance but are of no funtional value because basic design principles have not been followed. In Engineering this can risk lives. In Model Railways this will destroy long term satisfaction. | ||
| Back to top | | ||
| Joe Fugate |
| ||
| Registered Member #3 Joined: Fri Sep 08 2006, 01:59PM: posts: 145 | Graham: Yes, Charlie's post really helps dispell the myth that using computer software to design a layout will somehow be more powerful than just good ol' paper and pencil, and somehow prevent you from designing a lousy layout. Not so -- using a computer does nothing to make you design a layout that will be more satisfying, it just makes it less likely your drawing will be inaccurate. So in a lot of ways, once people understand what the layout design software really gives them, it becomes "aw, that doesn't help one bit ..."  "So I went through all that learning curve pain, for this?"  [ Edited Mon Dec 04 2006, 09:40AM ] Joe Fugate http://siskiyou-railfan.net - 250,000 hits and counting! | ||
| Back to top | | ||
| Scruff |
| ||
 Registered Member #9 Joined: Mon Oct 02 2006, 12:06AM: posts: 6 | What I did was scribble on paper then drew it out with xtrak, really helped with "will it fit" into the space, found I needed a few mods to fit into the area. Handy to find out before laying a bunch of track and find hmmm doesn't fit. cheers | ||
| Back to top | | ||
| Bill |
| ||
| Registered Member #513 Joined: Fri Aug 01 2008, 11:43PM: posts: 3 | I use 3rd PlanIt software, I am currently designing my next project and learning how to use the software. 3rd Planit is feature rich and the more I learn the more I like it. If you can develop a general scheme of how you want your model railroad to operate (trackplan) and to what kind of scenery you want your railroad to operate in, then this software will give you the tools to put your ideas on paper.What I like most about the software,is the abilty to print out on my ink jet printer the track plan on a 1 to 1 scale. Another Great thing is that you do not need an eraser. | ||
| Back to top | | ||
| Joe Fugate |
| ||
| Registered Member #3 Joined: Fri Sep 08 2006, 01:59PM: posts: 145 | Bill: Good to hear you like 3rd PlanIt ... Model Trains Video's new model railroading magazine project is featuring a how-to article on using 3rd PlanIt ... see http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com ... [ Edited Wed Aug 20 2008, 03:47AM ] Joe Fugate http://siskiyou-railfan.net - 250,000 hits and counting! | ||
| Back to top | | ||
Powered by e107 Forum System