| When designing your HO model train layout, you | | | | track and setup, you will need to know some |
| might want to consider some tools other than a | | | | things about your train to be able to create a |
| measuring tape and a piece of paper. The | | | | working design. Software may not help if you |
| software available today for planning your track | | | | design a steep grade that your train cannot climb |
| and scenery design is easy to use and affordable. | | | | or a curve that is too sharp. The speed the train |
| The hardest decision might be deciding on which | | | | is going is also a factor when it comes to curves |
| product to go with. | | | | and grades. |
| Where can you find this software, and how much | | | | Always check a layout in the real world to be |
| should you pay? The first place to look for train | | | | sure it is not a mistake before you devote a lot |
| layout software is the place where you purchase | | | | of time to the project. When you have roughed in |
| your train. Most model suppliers have connections | | | | your design, lay the track in the configuration you |
| with computer programmers, especially the larger | | | | want and run the train with cars to see how well |
| shops. If you have a contact person in the | | | | it works. |
| business, ask him or her for their opinion on the | | | | If the track layout is temporary, there may be |
| best package. | | | | problems at transitions that can cause your train |
| A $50 software called "3D Railroad Concept and | | | | to flip or jump off. You will need to determine if |
| Design" offers the power of detailed track | | | | these are caused by the design or just the need |
| information with input of the dimensions and | | | | to work on the temporary connections. |
| design you choose. It has a catalog listing of | | | | When checking your design, it's good to have the |
| manufacturer products and, of course, 3D | | | | complete train set. Even though you may want to |
| graphics. Your design can include grade changes in | | | | expand your count of boxcars at a future time, |
| the track and terrain. | | | | you should test with the number of cars that will |
| Some layout software is free to download. This | | | | be the normal operating quantity of your original |
| might be sufficient for your needs, but read the | | | | setup. |
| ads carefully. Some software works only for | | | | A locomotive going around a track on its own |
| certain hardware or brands of train products and | | | | might work very well, but it may behave |
| might not work with what you have. Quality | | | | differently with 40 cars tied to it. It is very |
| software will give you a materials list of the items | | | | important to know what the pulling ability is going |
| you need. | | | | to be on grade changes based on the length of |
| No matter what you use to layout your train | | | | your train. |