Hi,

I've been using CADrail since 1995. The big difference for me is: I can design
anything in CADrail i.e. from whatever scale RR layout to furniture, part
drawings of any kind, building plans for RR structures, templates for whatever
turnouts and other components I need. Additions/renovations to our house,
crosscountry skiing sprint racing courses and whatever else I need in 2D. Not to
forget the possibility to export a DXF file which I can import to use on our CNC
Router and CNC Laser Engraver.

Over the last 17 years I tried many of the competitors' programs, wasn't
impressed enough by any of them to buy .... except AnyRail a year ago. I use AR
for certain jobs, depends what's involved and what libraries I require or if I
find it worth my while to draw my own.

To get the scenery I envision I import CADrail and AnyRail files in COREL.

Hope that helps

HJ

--- In cr-users@yahoogroups.com, Ernest Fisch <ernfisch@...> wrote:
>
>
> On Dec 4, 2011, at 9:04 AM, egofrenchtoast wrote:
>
> > I wanted to ask if people would be kind enough to give me their reasoning
for going with cadrail.
> >
> > I did read some of the cadrail manual and got a little frustrated. I think
every thing has a learning curve. I just would like to know that this would be
worth my limited time.
> >
> > I am currently using fastrack for the O -- came with a set i had. I bought
some more. It comes apart faster than MTH. The joints are tighter than
Gargraeves/ross.
> >
> > How extensive are the libraries for O?
>
> I started with version 3. At the time it was the only game in town. It does
what I want and I don't have to learn a new system. Over the years a lot of
worthwhile stuff has been added making the program more useful.
>
> There is a learning curve to cadrail. The tutorials get you started but the
best way to learn is to try a real, albeit simple project and use help
liberally. You also have this group as well as Tom (author) to help.
>
> I hand lay my track except for commercial turnouts. My next effort will use
Fastracks turnouts. As a result I do not use premade libraries. I have made my
own turnout libraries using turnout builder. I place turnouts using converging
centerlines. They fit as they are supposed to do. No surprises. I also made a
Tortoise figure. I have a benchwork layer in my plans with accurate modules
from my library. As a result my turnouts and Tortoises are placed away from any
interference.
>
> Sometimes it is discouraging whwn you find that you can't quite get where you
want to go. Much better to find it on paper than having to modify your plan on
the hardware.
>
> It is nice to build according to the plan.
>
> Ernie Fisch
> ernfisch@...
>
>
>
>
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