Month: January 2026

FREMO, Layout Planning9 Comments

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Track Plan Concept 1.0

traiNmaster

Note: This is the second post in a series about my first FREMO module in N scale, built to the N-RE standard. Rather than presenting the research as a complete history, this post shows what I had discovered at this stage—and how that information shaped Track Plan Concept 1.0. Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Concept Overview In this second post, I delve into my concept and planning for my first FREMO N-scale module. If you have not read the history of the Verden–Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE) and why I chose to model this private branch line, you can find it here. … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Track Plan Concept 1.0

FREMO, Layout Planning7 Comments

Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Past and Present

traiNmaster

Note: This is the first in a series of posts about my first FREMO module in N scale, built to the N-RE standard. Rather than providing a complete history, this post explains what I discovered during my research—and how it influenced the planning, construction and eventual operation of the module. Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. Why I Chose Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn Before I dive into the history of the Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE), I should explain why I chose this railway out of all the lines across Germany. I actually came across the name VWE almost by accident while looking for … Continue reading Verden-Walsroder Eisenbahn (VWE): Past and Present

AnyRail, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Tricks in Adding “Rolling Stock” to AnyRail Track Plan

traiNmaster

Currently, AnyRail does not include object libraries or user object libraries for rolling stock such as locomotives, passenger cars, or freight wagons. However, you may still want to check track spacing and determine how many freight wagons you can realistically fit on each siding. By using the existing features in AnyRail, you can create your own “rolling stock” objects and add them to your track plan for positioning and spacing checks. First, choose the longest wagon and locomotive you plan to use on your layout. Measure the body length—both with and without buffers—as well as the body width. In my … Continue reading Tricks in Adding “Rolling Stock” to AnyRail Track Plan

AnyRail, Layout Planning1 Comment

Centerline View Matters More Than Track View in Track Planning

traiNmaster

I know that when it comes to track planning software, we usually want to see the actual tracks and turnouts—preferably with roadbed. However, any track planning software that offers a centerline view brings an added level of advantage. When it comes to actual track laying on your layout or module, you typically draw centerlines to guide the placement of roadbed (cork, foam, or other materials) or directly position tracks and turnouts along those lines. These centerlines ensure that the tracks are properly aligned. Why not do the same in your track planning software? AnyRail offers this feature under Show → … Continue reading Centerline View Matters More Than Track View in Track Planning

AnyRail, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Google Maps/Earth Aids Track Planning Fidelity in AnyRail

traiNmaster

We often get inspiration for our model railroads from our favourite railways or locations. We might like a particular station, junction, or industrial track plan and want to incorporate it into our own layout. With AnyRail, you can import images from Google Maps or Google Earth, resize them, and use them as a baseline for laying out your model railroad tracks. This is how I did it. First, I selected the industrial area and the corresponding tracks I wanted to model in Google Maps/Earth. Using a snipping tool, I defined and captured the required area. In AnyRail, go to Insert … Continue reading Google Maps/Earth Aids Track Planning Fidelity in AnyRail