Layout Design

In designing my layout I wanted to have a few things, namely a yard area and some industries in order to do some switching. There is no shortage of layout plans available from any number of sources so getting ideas is not a problem.

The track that I am using is Kato Unitrack which, while easy to use, is not inexpensive so I wasn't going to just buy track pieces and then just haphazardly put a plan together. In comes XTrackCAD.

XTrackCAD (http://www.xtrkcad.org/Wikka/HomePage) is a free raiload layout planning program available for Windows and Linux. It comes preloaded with popular track types, structures, rolling stock, basically all the tools you need to plan a layout. Its a bit tricky to get going but there are many tutorials to be found on the web that can show you the ins and outs of the program.

By using XTrackCAD I was able to plan out various types of layouts and see how they would look on the layout space that I have available, 36" x 80". Perhaps my favorite feature is the "Parts List" which shows you all the pieces you need based on the layout that you need. If so inclined, you can even add prices so you can calculate just how much money you'll need to convince the finance department you will need.

In any event, via XTrackCAD I was able to come up with:

This plan enables me to have a yard and a few industries for switching. I'll also be adding a town scene, river, etc...