Thanks everyone. I like what CADrail does, at least from their examples. I'm going to download the Atlas, because it's free 
. If the Atlas application won't do what I want then I'll look at buying the CADrail.
I like how the CAD will align the pieces correctly. I can do the geometry by hand but have a reason for wanting to use CAD at this time.
I'm not interested in doing a prototype of just one setting. Our railroad setup is primarily Thomas & friends. Instead of modeling a real place, or even Sodor Island, I want to have our grandson create his own place. He is 7, and even though he is learning fractions he's not ready for the geometry involved with drawing a setup. With guidance, I think he'd get a kick out of using a CAD system.
I also want to guide him into picking a variety of landscapes. Maybe something like a condensed version of the east coast into the mid-west. I consider this a fun way of learning geography, geology, mining, history, math, wiring, etc. Shoot, a person could design a whole school curriculum around a model railroad. In addition, he'll be able to earn about 5 awards in Cub Scouts and other patches as he progresses with the trains in Boy Scouts.
I hope you folks don't take this as blasphemy, but what other activity can be as rewarding as 'just playing with trains'?
. If the Atlas application won't do what I want then I'll look at buying the CADrail.I like how the CAD will align the pieces correctly. I can do the geometry by hand but have a reason for wanting to use CAD at this time.
I'm not interested in doing a prototype of just one setting. Our railroad setup is primarily Thomas & friends. Instead of modeling a real place, or even Sodor Island, I want to have our grandson create his own place. He is 7, and even though he is learning fractions he's not ready for the geometry involved with drawing a setup. With guidance, I think he'd get a kick out of using a CAD system.
I also want to guide him into picking a variety of landscapes. Maybe something like a condensed version of the east coast into the mid-west. I consider this a fun way of learning geography, geology, mining, history, math, wiring, etc. Shoot, a person could design a whole school curriculum around a model railroad. In addition, he'll be able to earn about 5 awards in Cub Scouts and other patches as he progresses with the trains in Boy Scouts.
I hope you folks don't take this as blasphemy, but what other activity can be as rewarding as 'just playing with trains'?