AutoCad DWG files

[floppygoose]

Good morning all and please excuse me if I have posted this in the wrong place - I have just registered on the N gauge forum as I am about to embark upon one of my life challenges and build a model railway, something I have wanted to do for a number of years and now find myself in a position where I can start. No doubt this forum will be able to help, as I am sure that a wealth of experience will be available.
I do have AutoCAD software and feel that this would be a perfect design tool for my track layout, but does anyone know whether there are any downloads available that give scaled blocks for individual track sections, or will I have to generate these myself - If so is there any information available on actual sizes, radii etc., that will give me a starting point (assuming that N gauge is 'standard' and does not vary depending upon manufacturer). Many thanks,

Phil 

[MikeDunn]

In AutoCAD    Never heard of any; doesn't mean there aren't any, but that's a high-end hard-learning tool you have ...

Most of us use something along the lines of SCARM ... these dedicated apps have most if not all the track types built in.

Anyway, welcome aboard 

[Ditape]

Unfortunately every manufacturer seems to have their own specs for their track systems. as to a source of ready to use building blocks for auto cad I am unable to help.
But welcome to the Forum and if such building blocks exist I am sure someone will be along shortly with the answer.

[Malc]

As an Autocad user, I wouldn't recommend you using it to design a layout. Try using SCARM, it's a free bit of software, specially designed with all the track segments already available. Not only that, but there are tutorials available and it generates a 3D view and full sized printouts for when you come to track lay. It's author, Mixy is a member of the forum.
Other layout planning software is available.

[Caz]

Welcome to the forum Phil, nice to have you join us.  For layout design the leaders for the PC are (in no particular order)  Anyrail, Scarm and XtrakCad.

Scarm and XtrakCad are both free whereas Anyrail is usable for 50 pieces of track and if you want anything larger then it becomes pay software but is very good value for money.

[Adrian]

Hello Phil

I think the guys are quite right in their suggestions to your specific enquiry.

However, if you are used to taking onboard the complexities of AutoCad, then there is another piece of software (totally different and unrelated to A Cad) which is great fun to play with.  It does not offer the same approach as the other programmes mentioned (and therefore, I repeat, the recommendations already offered may answer your needs more appropriately).

The software? it's called Templot and it's free to download from the internet.  It definitely doesn't approach the track issue from the block approach and it's more about real world terminology, applied to the model world.

But if you're in no hurry and could just get some enjoyment from applying your IT skills, then it might be something to get into - even if you do actually lay medium radius turnouts in the end, rather than REA semi curved B + V-8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good luck

Adrian

PS there's a very quick approach in the programme where, by using one command, you can generate and modify just one turnout - you don't need to tackle everything that's on offer from Martin

[floppygoose]

Thanks for your comments guys, I have now downloaded SCARM and XTrakCad. I gave up with XTrak fairly quickly as it just didn't seem too user friendly, but SCARM seems really good. It is going to take some time to get familiar enough with it to be confident in what I'm doing, but I'm sure it will be fine. I suppose the next hurdle for me will be to make a judgement on what scale to use - I have already decided on N gauge, but then the options within this will I suppose depend largely on the availability of equipment. I would hate to spend ages designing a system based on, say Peco N80, and then find that track or buildings in this range are no longer available for instance. Is there a 'common' N gauge 'standard' which is available when designing with SCARM and which is readily available?
Thanks for your help

[Railwaygun]

Peco tracks seem to have been unchanged for generations, as do AKto.

Buildings ( RTP - Ready To Plant) are made in limited runs by all the manufacturers (FArish ) and teh Kits ( ie Metcalfe have long lives as well.

Why not try a Door layout , using Kato track as a start? yoiu can take it up/down as many times as you like, and it has n excellent resale value if you decide to move to another track system ( or expand).

this would let you see the relationship between a SCARM plan and the Real Thing and give you a feel for what is possible. Starting small and expanding organically ( well i only need 1 more loco and a few wagons to last me till next week). Also it has a much better chance of all working first time!

there are several Door layout threads on the forum to give you ideas.

HAppy New Year

Nick R