As you add new pieces and drag them to the existing track endpoints, they connect automatically and you begin to have a design. If it is to be a curve, you enter in the angle and radius (for example: 45-degree-angle curve and 30-inch radius). The track appears on the worksheet and you simply drag it into position. 36-inch flextrack) by clicking the icon in the library. Essentially, you begin by selecting the type of track (ex. I used Atlas flextrack combined with Peco switches. There’s a “track library” where you select the brand of track you intend to use on your layout. You start with a few basic parameters such as the measurement system you want to use (metric or English), the dimensions of the layout, grid size, etc. If you invest an hour or two with the free trial package and also refer to the manual from time to time, you’ll be able to start planning almost immediately it’s that easy to learn. Apparently it is available only for Windows, including Windows 7. AnyRail is a download product only and takes only a few minutes.

So I made the very reasonable investment of $59 and bought the full package, which includes free updates.

For me, this was an extraordinary outcome since I had little expectation of successfully learning, much less enjoying, the software. As I experimented with the trial software, I became so engrossed that I quickly reached its limits. Additionally, AnyRail offers a free trial download that allows you to design a basic layout and engage in what rapidly becomes a very user-friendly experience. When you enter their website, you discover that you can read the manual which is well written and easy to understand – no software jargon.

Most of the existing tools were just too fiddly and complicated.” A quote from their website reflected my perspective: “We developed AnyRail because we wanted track planning software that was both user-friendly and accurate. Then, I came across AnyRail (a track planning software by a small Dutch company, Modelspoor (translation: “model railways”). Much like my attitude about Digital Command Control, I’m looking for products that are reasonably intuitive and allow for ease of use so as to pursue my main objective – building and operating a layout. I looked at several track-planning software products but found them too complicated for my needs and level of skill. In designing my current layout, I wanted to move away from hand drawing track plans with all the attendant problems involved with making changes, edits, etc.

Anyrail software review