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About
3rd PlanIt is the premier track planning CAD software for model railroad enthusiasts, developed by El Dorado Software. Whether you're designing a compact tabletop Z-scale layout or an expansive basement railroad empire, 3rd PlanIt provides the precision and automation needed to bring your vision to life. At the heart of the software is SoftTrak, a groundbreaking design tool that lets users draw track point-to-point while automatically calculating curves, easements, and optimal radii — eliminating the need for manual geometric calculations. The tool behaves like a multi-segment spline built from real prototype track elements, ensuring your layout meets professional engineering standards. Additional features include Layout Splines and Roadbed Splines for CNC-precision construction guides, intelligent turnout positioning with automatic connection alignment, and support for manufacturer-supplied DXF files from partners like Fast Tracks, GarGraves, Micro Engineering, and Ross Custom Switches. These exact manufacturer templates ensure that what you design can actually be built. 3rd PlanIt also includes Full-Throttle 3D visualization capabilities, helix design tools, and SectTrak for sectional track planning. The software is tailored to both beginners who want automation and advanced hobbyists who demand precision, making it an all-in-one solution for model railroad track design across all popular scales (Z, N, HO, O, and more).
Key Features
- SoftTrak Automated Design: Draw track point-to-point and let SoftTrak automatically calculate curves, easements, and optimal radii using real prototype track elements.
- Layout & Roadbed Splines: Create CNC-precision splines for both layout structure and roadbed, streamlining the physical construction of your railroad.
- Manufacturer DXF Templates: Includes accurate CAD templates from leading manufacturers like Fast Tracks, GarGraves, and Ross Custom Switches so your design matches real-world components.
- Full-Throttle 3D Visualization: View and explore your track layout in full 3D to catch design issues and visualize the final result before you build.
- Multi-Scale Support: Supports all popular model railroad scales from Z and N through HO, O, and beyond, accommodating any layout size or complexity.
Use Cases
- Designing a compact HO or N scale tabletop layout for a spare room or basement corner
- Planning a large multi-room model railroad empire with complex switching yards and helixes
- Creating CNC-ready spline files to guide the physical construction of roadbed and track
- Visualizing a model railroad layout in 3D before committing to materials and construction
- Selecting and placing manufacturer-accurate turnouts and track pieces to ensure a buildable, precise design
Pros
- Highly Automated: SoftTrak and other automation tools handle complex geometry automatically, making professional-quality design accessible to hobbyists of all skill levels.
- Manufacturer-Accurate Templates: DXF files from real track manufacturers ensure that designs are buildable and components fit exactly as planned.
- Versatile Scale & Layout Support: Handles everything from tiny tabletop Z-scale layouts to massive basement empires, giving it broad appeal across the model railroad community.
Cons
- Desktop-Only Software: 3rd PlanIt is a desktop application with no web or mobile version, limiting access to a single machine.
- Niche Use Case: The software is exclusively built for model railroad planning, offering no utility outside of this specific hobby domain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What model railroad scales does 3rd PlanIt support?
3rd PlanIt supports all popular scales including Z, N, HO, O, and larger scales, accommodating everything from tabletop layouts to full room-sized railroad empires.
What is SoftTrak?
SoftTrak is an intelligent track-drawing tool built into 3rd PlanIt. You draw track from point to point, and SoftTrak automatically generates the curves and easements using real prototype railroad geometry — no manual calculation required.
Does 3rd PlanIt support 3D visualization?
Yes, 3rd PlanIt includes Full-Throttle 3D, which lets you view your entire layout in three dimensions to better plan and verify your design before construction.
Can I use real manufacturer track templates in 3rd PlanIt?
Yes. El Dorado Software partners with manufacturers like Fast Tracks, GarGraves, Micro Engineering, and Ross Custom Switches, who contribute DXF files so you can use exact, accurate templates for their products.
Is 3rd PlanIt suitable for beginners?
Yes. While it is a powerful professional-grade CAD tool, its automation features like SoftTrak, automatic curve calculation, and spline tools make it approachable for hobbyists without a CAD background.
