Model Train Layout Software Mac Free

Home
SCARM means Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller – software for easy and precise design of model train layouts and railroad track plans.
With SCARM you can easily create the layout of your dreams. Just download the setup package, install it and start editing your first track plan.
In SCARM you can use unlimited number* of tracks and objects from more than 220 libraries and instantly see your design in 3D preview with a single click.
And don't forget: Enjoy the hobby and have fun with the model trains
Contents

RailModeller Express is a free application for creating small model railroad layouts. A clean and intuitive user interface; Includes more then 250 libraries featuring 6000+ model railway track elements and accessories; Support for all common and many custom model scales. Model Railroader is the world's largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. We feature beginner and advanced help on all model railroading scales, including layout track plans, model railroad product reviews, model train news, and model railroad forums.


Download SCARM
Version 1.9.0 Multilingual
for Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10

Model Train Layouts & Track Plans
for your inspiration

Testimonials

I was about to draw a fully scaled drawing for my layout, just to be sure everything I had planned in various designs would fit together, when a friend told me to try SCARM. It is geometrically perfect, being CAD type software and having all of the sectional track pieces’ patterns. It was so easy to use & absolutely marvellous. I enjoy technical drawing, but SCARM has saved me so much time and possible errors in comparison to drawing it by hand, it is marvellous. I have no understanding of computer programming but think it is wonderful what you have created and I am very grateful that you to have published it for everyone to use.

Braith

Download

SCARM 1.9.0 Multilingual3.71 MB from 10 Sep 2021

System requirements:Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10
OpenGL compatible graphics
Installation type:Standalone installer
Languages:
License:Freeware (limited)

After installing, start the program and select your preferred language from 'View' > 'Language' menu.

If you are upgrading from a previous beta version, please, read the article Everything About The Transition to SCARM 1.0.0.

Features

What you can do with SCARM software?

  • You can create complex railroad layouts with many train stations on virtually unlimited area
  • You can shape flex-tracks easily, intuitively and most important – in very realistic way
  • You can deploy your layout on more than one level, with different heights and slopes for chosen sections of the track route
  • You can place tunnels and bridges on the track plan
  • You can draw figures to create buildings of train stations, houses, industries, etc. together with all needed roads and infrastructure
  • You can use semaphores and color light signals to create the signalling in the layout track route
  • You can see a 3D view of your layout - just select '3D' button from the toolbar and review your design from all sides and angles
  • You can measure distances and check track sections' lengths using the 'Tools' menu
  • You can export and/or print your layout and share it with other model train fans and enthusiasts
  • You can view and print a list with the track pieces needed and even use it as a shopping list
  • You can extend the functionality of the main program with various extensions like the Model Trains Simulator
  • You can share your ideas with the author, request new features and report bugs and errors, if you find any
Included Track Libraries

The current version of SCARM software supports more than 220 track and object libraries.*

  • American Flyer S
  • Aristo-Craft G EU Brass
  • Aristo-Craft G US Stainless Steel
  • Aristo-Craft G US Brass
  • Bassett Lowke O Hand-made tracks
  • Brawa H0 Transfer table
  • Egger-Bahn H0e 1966-1967
  • Faller HO AMS
  • Faller O Hit Train
  • Faller O eTrain
  • Fleischmann H0 Modell
  • Fleischmann H0 Profi
  • Hornby OO
  • Hornby OO Dublo 2-rail
  • Hornby OO Dublo 3-rail
  • Hornby O 2-rail
  • Hübner I
  • Jatt ТТ Bima (turntable only)
  • Jouef H0 New rails 1998-2000/01
  • Jouef H0 1955-1960 Old rails
  • Jouef H0e Narrow gauge tracks
  • Kato N Unitrack
  • LGB G
  • Lima H0
  • Lima H0 NEM120
  • Lima H0 Hobby Line
  • Lionel O Super O
  • Lionel O K-Line SuperStreets
  • Märklin H0 Alpha
  • Märklin H0 C
  • Märklin H0 M
  • Märklin H0 3600 series
  • Märklin H0 3900 series
  • Märklin Z Miniclub
  • Marx O27
  • Peco N Streamline & Set-track C80
  • PIKO H0 Standard
  • PIKO H0 Modell
  • PIKO N
  • Rivarossi H0
  • Roco H0 2.5mm Nickel Silver
  • Roco H0 2.5mm Brass
  • Tillig TT Standard (BTTB/Zeuke)
  • Tri-ang OO Series 3
  • Tri-ang OO Super 4
  • Tri-ang TT A
  • Tri-ang TT B
  • Trix HO C
  • Trix HO Express
  • Wesa 13mm

  • Signals BG L
  • Signals DE S
  • Signals IT L
  • Signals NL L
  • Signals UK L
  • Signals UK S
  • Signals US L

  • Roadways
  • Road signs CA
  • Road signs EU
  • Road signs US

  • Lamps
  • Trees

  • Compasses

  • Additional libraries (not part of the installation package - you can download and install them separately)

  • ContainersRequires download
  • Cars (sedan)Requires download

* Some of the libraries are not fully completed. Data accuracy is not guaranteed. More libraries will come soon.

Information, Tutorials & Resources

The SCARM Blog is your ultimate source for updated information about the program. It contains many useful articles and resources about SCARM.

    SCARM – The Railway Modeller’s Blog
Model

The blog contains the following categories:

  • General - General information, news and events, related to SCARM software
  • Basic Stuff - SCARM basics and main features in details
  • Advanced Techniques - For those who wants to become SCARM experts
  • Tips & Tricks - Getting most productivity in your work with SCARM
  • Tutorials & Examples - How-To’s and demos of using various SCARM functions and features
  • Railroad Layouts & Design Ideas - Railway track plans, whole SCARM layouts and more for your inspiration
  • Problems & Solutions - Troubleshooting in SCARM and workarounds of potential issues

Do not miss the video tutorials about SCARM created by Ruud Boer and J. B. aka Gilshrat.

    SCARM Video Tutorial Series

If you are looking for examples and projects designed in SCARM software, go to the special Layouts & Track Plans website and search by scale, size, track system and more.

    SCARM Model Train Layouts & Track Plans

Join us on the social sites, share your comments and stay up-to-date with all news and events, related to SCARM software.

Useful Links

Model Train Layout Software Mac Free Version

Check out these links to other model train related sites and resources.

  • RailServe.com - The Internet Railroad Directory
  • Model Railroads and Freight Cars - List of useful model railroading guides and resources
  • ScalaTT.it - Creative model railways
  • TT Scale Model Trains - The Perfect Gauge
  • Streka.net - Site for the real and model railways
  • ANKA - Hearing aids, blood glucose & lactate meters, speech devices & cannulas, service and consumables

Program & Features

Help & Resources

Info & Feedback

Support SCARM

© 2010-2021 by Milen Peev.All rights reserved.
Use at your own risk according to ourTerms of Use and Privacy Policy.
All mentioned brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

Free Track Planning Software

Menus: The 'Terminus Layout' | Track Plans | Model Trains


'Terminus': Track plan
'Terminus': Making of
Pictures: On the track
Pictures: City scenery
Pictures: Countryside
Pictures: Engines
Pictures: N scale details
Videos
Catenary
Wiring & electronics
Terminus: 4x8 version
Track planning & design
N scale: myths & facts
Home

Links | Contact | Imprint

Pen or PC?

Although many model railroaders are working with a track planning software, I don´t really need it when designing a model railroad layout. It´s the idea that counts; so a pencil and a sheet of paper for the first draft is enough for me. The Fleischmann N tracks measurements are all in my head, and as I prefer small layouts I just start by placing the tracks right on the board!

Original sketch of the 'Terminal layout'

Model railroad design: The DO´s and DON´Ts

Of course, not everybody likes this 'try-and-error' practice as I do! A model railroad software is a helpful tool especially for bigger railway layouts, as it provides the exact requirements (tracks, measurements). And I confess: illustrating this webpage would not have been possible without a digital planner! But as I said: the idea is important, not the CAD program. Beware of the CTSS - the 'CAD-Too-Soon Syndrome', as it was described in a 'winking' article by Byron Henderson!
Software planners are available for all operating systems like Mac (RailModeller), Windows (WinRail, WinTrack, AnyRail, PC-Rail) or Linux. Prices vary from Freeware (XTrkCad, open source for Linux, Windows or Mac) or a certain charge for more extensive planners. But no matter if using a planning software or not: The DO´s and DON´Ts are the same when planning a layout. Advanced hobbyists know them already, but for beginners here some basic principles for model railroad design. And don´t mind: rules are made to break!

# 1: Hide each sharp curve radius

A sharp curve radius looks bad - on every layout! So hide it. Note the position of the tunnel in the following study: The track route is exactly the same, but the visual effect is completely different.


Tags:Track PlansModel railroadModel railroad layoutsN scaleH0 scaleModel railway layoutsTrack planning softwareN gaugeModel railwayStation track plans8 x 4 track plansDioramaSmall track plansFree track plans for downloadModel ships N scaleModel trainsHarborMicro layoutElectric trainsN scale layoutsOverhead wiringPhotos

# 2: Where is the viewpoint?

Involving the position of the (main) viewpoint in the planning process probably is the most important issue, when designing a track plan. It defines the routing of the 'parade railroad line' (where you want to see your long model trains), and it affects the appeal of the complete model railroad layout. So if realizable, plan curves bending 'towards' you instead of curves bending away. The wagons are coupled closer, and a train coming up towards you will always look more impressive than a train driving away.

# 3: Staggered height arrangement

I´m sure: You want to see your model trains as much as possible! This is determined by the viewpoint, too. But now I´m not talking about tunnels. A staggered height arrangement from the foreground to the background maximizes the ratio of 'train-visibility' on the complete layout. Look at in the following sketch: The routing is the same, but the second study provides a better visibility, as the railroad line coming from the upper left is not hidden by the ramp to the bridge in the foreground.


# 4: No geometrical appearance

The following sketch looks somewhat stupid, but the effect is enormous: Track plans work best, when they give a realistic and natural 'look and feel' of a model railway layout. Avoid long straight lines running parallel along the edge of the board, because they make the complete layout looking geometrically, even sterilely. For curves better use flex tracks instead of standard curves.

# 5: Avoid zigzag

Better a 'smooth' looking route with a wide curve (or even better: a flex track) than a zigzag rail line with sharp bends. And open your eyes on your next railway trip: The tracks always follow the landscape - not vice versa!

# 6: 'Flip' the turnout!

Take into consideration to 'flip' a turnout, if it makes a zigzag track line! In the example below the left hand turnout is replaced by a right one. Although it is a simple standard switch (and not a curved switch), the second example creates a more steadily routing.

Track planning software | © 2012 | Privacy