About
RailModeller Express is a free Mac desktop app that lets model railroad enthusiasts design, plan, and visualize track layouts with ease. As the free tier of the RailModeller suite, it gives hobbyists a powerful starting point for creating detailed model railroad and slot car layouts on macOS. The app provides access to an extensive library spanning over 7,000 elements — including track systems from popular model railroad brands across scales from tiny T (1:450) and Z (1:220) up to large IIm/G (1:22.5). Alongside track systems, the library includes accessories like buildings, signals, trees, plants, electrical components, and digital systems (DCC). Users can organize layouts using a layering system to manage complex designs, with the ability to hide or lock layers, assign colors, and reorder elements easily. Built-in assistants simplify advanced tasks like inserting parallel tracks, closing track gaps, and building complex helixes in just a few clicks. RailModeller Express supports grades and multi-level layout planning, enabling users to work in a 2.5D environment. A built-in part list and shopping list feature tracks elements used and costs. Layouts can be printed at any scale — from overview sheets to full 1:1 blueprints — or exported to PDF for professional printing. The companion iOS app, Train Layouts, extends the experience to mobile. RailModeller Express is ideal for model railroad hobbyists, scale modelers, and layout planners looking for a capable, no-cost design tool on Mac.
Key Features
- Extensive Track Library: Access over 7,000 elements including track systems from popular model railroad brands, accessories, buildings, signals, and DCC digital components across all major scales.
- Layer-Based Organization: Organize complex layouts using up to 99 named layers with options to hide, lock, reorder, and colorize elements for streamlined design management.
- Built-In Layout Assistants: Automate complex tasks such as inserting parallel tracks, closing track gaps, and generating multi-level helixes with just a few clicks or keyboard shortcuts.
- Shopping List & Part Tracking: Automatically generate part lists and shopping lists with cost estimates for each layout, and manage stock inventory importable via CSV.
- Flexible Print & PDF Export: Print layouts at any scale from single-page overviews to 1:1 full-size blueprints, or export print-ready PDFs for professional large-format printing.
Use Cases
- Planning a home model railroad layout from scratch using real brand track systems and accessories
- Creating shopping lists and cost estimates before purchasing model railroad components
- Designing multi-level or grade-based layouts using 2.5D height and grade planning tools
- Organizing complex layouts with multiple layers for different track zones or construction phases
- Generating print-ready 1:1 scale layout blueprints to guide physical construction of a model railroad
Pros
- Completely Free: RailModeller Express provides a robust set of layout design features at no cost, making it accessible to hobbyists of all budgets.
- Huge Element Library: With 7,000+ elements spanning numerous brands and scales, users can start planning real-world compatible layouts immediately.
- Multi-Scale Support: Supports a wide range of model scales from T (1:450) to IIm/G (1:22.5), catering to virtually every model railroad hobbyist.
Cons
- Mac Only: The desktop app is exclusive to macOS, limiting access for Windows and Linux users.
- Advanced Features Require Pro Upgrade: Some advanced functionality — such as the full grade profile view and certain assistants — is reserved for the paid RailModeller Pro version.
- Niche Use Case: The app is purpose-built for model railroad and slot car planning, making it irrelevant to users outside the hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RailModeller Express really free?
Yes, RailModeller Express is the free version of the RailModeller suite for Mac. It offers core layout design functionality at no cost, while the paid RailModeller Pro unlocks additional advanced features.
What scales does RailModeller Express support?
RailModeller Express supports a wide range of model scales, from tiny T scale (1:450) and Z scale (1:220) all the way up to large IIm/G scale (1:22.5), covering most popular model railroad standards.
Can I print my layout at full size?
Yes, you can print layouts at any scale including 1:1 full size for use as a physical building guide, or export a PDF for professional large-format printing.
Does RailModeller Express work on iOS?
The Mac app is paired with a companion iOS app called Train Layouts, which allows you to view and work with your model railroad layouts on iPhone and iPad.
Can I manage my track inventory with RailModeller Express?
Yes, RailModeller includes stock management features that let you track your existing inventory. You can import and export inventory data via CSV for editing in external tools like Excel or Numbers.
