Model Railway App

[crispy1978]

I've always wanted to build myself a miniature model railway at home - but alas I haven't the space.

I've not really got the inclination to join a club or exhibit my work - I just wanted something quiet to do at home - a step up from a train jigsaw!

That got me thinking - is there an app where you can build your own railway so to speak? I know it wouldn't be the same, but I just wondered if there is anything out there I could have a look at?

 

[glbotu]

I mean, personally, I'd recommend Trainz.

While it seems to market itself as a simulator, it's real selling point is "Surveyor", which is an easy to use world editor. It's not so much an app (although there is a tablet form I believe), as a game which you install on a powerful computer, but definitely fills that "I want to build railways" gap in ones heart.

http://www.trainzportal.com/

NB: The current Release (A New Era) is currently having teething issues, might be worth either waiting or just getting TS12 if you're going for the full all out version.

 

[spuddie]

Are there any good track planning apps out there? I remember a Hornby CD many years ago where you could design your layout with all the different track pieces etc but not found anything on the appstore yet hat is suitable. It doesn't have to be exact, just something to help draw out a potential layout.

 

[EM2]

You may think you don't have the space, but you might be surprised as to what you can squeeze into a small area. Have a look at http://www.carendt.com/ for inspiration.
As for design software, try SCARM: http://www.scarm.info/index.php

 

[crispy1978]

Cheers guys - I'll have a look at it.

Unless it will fit on a desk, I literally have no room, and then I'd be permanently paranoid of stuff getting dumped on it!!!

 

[SpacePhoenix]

You might need to consider going for N gauge if you've not got much space, though it probably also depends on what type of layout you intend to build

 

[crispy1978]

You might need to consider going for N gauge if you've not got much space, though it probably also depends on what type of layout you intend to build

Thanks. To be honest, building one is a pipe dream I fear. Literally all the space I have is a 6'x3' desk and unless I get a Perspex screen for it I'd be paranoid of it being damaged when we have guests.

I'd fancy something that's more than something that just goes constantly in a circle too, something I could shift on to different lines, sidings, etc - probably impossible in the space I've got I fear.