RailModeller Express for PC and Mac

Software Reviews and Criticism

• By Mykohl

  Exactly what I wanted!

  I’m just getting into Z-scale modeling, and was in the midst of planning my first permanent layout. To help me with that task, I was actually just looking for a good 2D scale-drawing/CAD program, from which I had planned to make my own track-section templates. I was surprised to find this amazing tool, pre-loaded with ALL the Marklin and Rokuhan track sections available. For my needs, it is just about as perfect as I could imagine. Very easy to use, if you are even remotely familiar with other types of diagramming software. It’s even fun to use. I currently have the free version, but will happily pay for the upgrade to the $40 version, just to support the developer.

  
  
• By highwingpilot1

  Great for Slot Car Layouts!

  This is a great app for designing slot car layouts! I’ve used it for both 1/64th (AFX/Tyco “HO”) and 1/32 Scalextric track. Just fantastic! I had been doing layouts in Adobe Illustrator, creating my own library of track components. But this app is SO much better. Providing parts lists, track lengths, overall layout dimensions, etc. Easy and intuitive interface. Only 3 minor suggestions for improving the Slot Car side of things: 1) Make sure to add in all the Scalextric track options (starter sets include 2 long straights - power and mechanical lap counters - not included in the library). 2) Calculate lane lengths separately (Left and Right lanes) 3) Allow and calculate for 4 & 6 lane layouts. Thanks for a truly great app. I’m planning on upgrading to the Pro version soon!

  
  
• By 1bigka

  Not Very Helpful

  The express edition is not very helpful for someone trying to use this type of software for the first time. I would have expected a list of things in numerical order giving you tips on where to start, how to size the canvas, how to add thins to the canvas, etc. Just basic instructions on where to start and what to expect. Also, when I tried doing something, I kept geting a message this feature is not available and to try the Pro edition. I downloaded the free version to see if this is something I would want to pursue in track planning. Seems to me it’s more of a come on to buy the Pro edition. Sorry, but I will not do that unless the free version is more user friendly and I don’t see that happenning.

  
  
• By Macnlos

  Love this!

  I’m not a model railroader, at least not yet. I’ve purchase two Lionel O guage sets for my son to have around the Xmas tree. I’ve got the Polar Express and the Christmas Thomas sets. I want to set up a table for my son so he can play with Thomas set through out the year. This app was perfect! Allowed me to input what tracks I already have and then identify what is needed. The auto aligning of tracks is great!!!! I’m now all set to purchase what I need and start building.

  
  
• By Traveler hung out to dry

  Challenging But Works

  Colleague gave me some pointers and I got basic elements of the program to work! Hooray. Thre is a sharp learning curve, and undoubtedly the program has many "features" that I'll never use because I will never figure out how to use them. But for basic track layout planning it can be a useful tool. I would not rely on the product for final installation of the planned layout (you will definitely need to fit and adjust) as there are too many uncertainties in the track layout plan produced by the program -- it suggests a degree of precision that I don't beleive is warranted -- but using this program did show me that PECO #6 turnouts would not work and that I needed to use #5 turnouts. (I will still test fit both.) That alone was informative. A user guide would be helpful.

  
  

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