Actually I think that there is very little software out there specifically for the model railway. What I can find I have listed below. Among the listings you will see links to the entertainment side of railway modelling, simulations. I believe they are very good but I do not have any personal experience with any of the software listed as I have never felt the need.
In view of the ever increasing numbers of modellers that now have digital cameras that they use to take pictures of their models I am including software that may make their lives a little easier. These will be programs that are easy to use with simple but very effective results and perhaps best of all the majority will be free.
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3rd PlanIt : This software allows you to design in 3D and is very effective. Not cheap at around 100 US dollars but worth having a look at. There is a free demo download if you want to give it a try.
AnyRail : Not a freebie but you can download and try it. This is the easiest track design package I have ever tried. Give it 10 minutes at the most and you will be laying track like a good 'un. To top that there is the friendliest help staff available in case of problems. The limitation on the free download is 50 pieces of track which might be enough for some of you. You must try this.
AP Railventory : Another inventory program for those who have a need for such a thing. Handy for insurance purposes. Try before you buy.
Buildings : An exciting new development in card model railway building kits! Download and print realistic model railway buildings from your PC!
CadRail : A model railway layout design program.
Clip Art : Railway signals, signal boxes and buses, some animations. First class work and useful for reference. Reasonably priced.
DC Enhancer : Not strictly to do with model railways but a boon to all those that photograph them with a digital camera. It does the hard job of noise reducing and automatic balance control for you, and it's FREE.
Evan Designs : PC Windows software to help you print and design items for the model railway. Brickwork, windows, buildings etc.
Fast Clock : A set of three synchronised clocks which you can choose between. Handy for timetable running.
FastStone Image Viewer : Is a fast, stable, user friendly image viewer, converter and editor. Another freebie for home use.
FastStone Image Resizer : Another FastStone freebie for the home user that does just what it's name suggests.
Graph Paper : A handy little utility for you to download, where you can print out graph paper to your own requirements. Great for all those people who like planning paper layouts. Scroll down when you get to the link.
Irfanview : Another FREE program for digital camera users. Simple, straightforward and easy to use graphical viewer. Plenty of options and easy resizing of your pictures.
Model Railway TimeTable : For display on your computer, can have sound and graphics too.
Model Train Software : This company provides custom scenic details software for your modelling need.
Nameboards - Town & Country : You can make on-line town name boards and save the result and also download a small program that let's you make your own town and countryside name boards. Very simple and very easy.
PC-Rail : A series of high quality signalling and operating simulations.
PDF - Free PDF Creator : This free program converts files into a pdf format for viewing. You can create a permanent record of your layout with pictures and text that can easily be shared with your friends and family.
Picture Resizing : Youn can resize your pictures for free with this easily used online offer.
Railroad Tycoon : There is a free download of this popular game available if you scroll down to the bottom of the page. This is the original of this game and is dos based.
Rocrail : Rocrail is an Open Source Project that can control a model train layout from one or more computers. You can run trains directly from your computer, and you can have the computer run trains automatically for you. You can even have some of the trains on your layout running automatically while you control others by hand.
Scaler : Quite a sophisticated little program for attending to all your scaling needs and more. Sprog II : A computer based programmer for DCC decoders. Train Controller : PC software for model railroad computer control. Train Engineer De Luxe : Experience running trains from the engineers seat. Wagonflow : Unfortunately not a freebie but some of you who have extensive freight operations may be interested in this program. Windows Control Panel : For DCC enthusiasts. ZugDCC : For Lenz. An easy to use DCC control program. Shareware.
Templot : Track design software for fine scale model railways.
Track Those Trains : Multimedia tool for the modeller, collector and train enthusiast. Keep a record of all your trains and activities.
Trainz : Railroad simulator par excellence. Has a very strong world wide following.
Virtual Village : This is a fun site and good for the children to play with. They can create their own little village with the trains running through the middle of it. Once you have created your village and saved it then you can click on the train, after it has stopped at the station, and it will start up and leave after the crossing gates have opened and the signal arm dropped. To see it is action click on this link.. Make sure you have your loudspeakers turned on and up.
Winrail 8.0 : Design your layout on a personal computer.
XtrakCad : Is a CAD (Computer Assisted Design) program for designing model railway layouts. A really good program that is worth spending a little time getting to grips with, and it's FREE.
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