About
RR-Track v5 is a long-standing desktop application designed for model train enthusiasts who want to plan their railroad layouts digitally before committing to physical construction. It turns a Windows PC into a sheet of electronic graph paper, supporting multiple track gauges including O, G, HO, N, S, Standard, and miscellaneous gauges. Users can drag, drop, and arrange track sections, accessories, and scenery objects from extensive built-in libraries—eliminating the need to hand-draw elements like sawmills, coal loaders, and other detailed accessories. The software includes an integrated Terrain View for creating realistic ground contours and layout benches, a 3D View to visualize the finished layout from any angle, and a Simulation View that allows users to actually run trains on their planned layout. The in-place object drawing capability in v5.3 further streamlines the design process. RR-Track runs natively on Windows XP through Windows 10, and can be used on Mac OS and Linux via virtualization solutions like Parallels Workstation or VirtualPC. It is ideal for hobbyists who want to avoid costly real-world trial-and-error, letting them virtually test complex configurations—curved sidings, passing loops, and multi-level benchwork—before purchasing a single piece of track. After 32 years in production by R&S Enterprises, sales officially closed on December 26, 2025.
Key Features
- Multi-Gauge Track Libraries: Supports O, G, HO, N, S, Standard, and miscellaneous gauges with extensive pre-built track and accessory libraries.
- 3D and Terrain Visualization: Create realistic terrain and layout benches, then view them from any orientation using the integrated 3D View.
- Train Simulation Mode: Run virtual trains on your designed layout to test configurations before any physical track is laid.
- Scenery and Accessory Drawing: In-place object drawing and a large accessory library let you add detailed scenery elements like sawmills and coal loaders without manual drawing.
- Windows Compatibility: Runs on Windows XP through Windows 10; Mac and Linux users can run it via VirtualPC or Parallels Workstation.
Use Cases
- Planning a model railroad layout for a specific room or table size before purchasing track sections
- Testing curved sidings, passing loops, and complex switching configurations digitally to avoid real-world fit issues
- Visualizing a finished layout in 3D with realistic terrain to present to a club or family before construction
- Designing holiday or seasonal train displays (e.g., around a Christmas tree) with exact space constraints
- Comparing multiple what-if layout scenarios quickly without moving any physical track
Pros
- Saves Time and Money: Plan and test complex track configurations digitally before purchasing physical components, avoiding costly layout mistakes.
- Comprehensive Gauge Support: Covers nearly every popular model railroad gauge with dedicated track libraries for each.
- All-in-One Design Suite: Combines 2D layout design, terrain creation, 3D visualization, and live simulation in a single application.
Cons
- Discontinued Product: RR-Track officially closed sales at the end of 2025 after 32 years; no new licenses are available and future updates are unlikely.
- Windows-Only Natively: Requires Windows or a virtualization layer on Mac/Linux, which adds complexity and cost for non-Windows users.
- Dated Interface: After 32 years, the UI reflects an older design era and may feel less polished compared to modern design tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still purchase RR-Track?
No. Sales of RR-Track officially ended on December 26, 2025. Any orders placed after that date were refunded in full.
Which model train gauges does RR-Track support?
RR-Track supports O-gauge, G-gauge, HO-gauge, N-gauge, S-gauge, Standard-gauge, and miscellaneous gauges, each with dedicated track libraries.
Does RR-Track work on Mac or Linux?
RR-Track is a native Windows application, but Mac users can run it via Parallels Workstation and Linux users via VirtualPC or similar virtualization solutions.
What is the Simulation View?
The Simulation View is an integrated feature that lets you run virtual trains on your designed layout to test how your track plan will work before physically building it.
What versions of Windows are supported?
RR-Track v5 is compatible with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10.
