AnyRail: The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Track PlanningAnyRail is a popular route-planning application for model railroad enthusiasts. It lets you design layouts with realistic track geometry, check clearances, and produce parts lists — all without needing advanced CAD skills. This guide walks a beginner through what AnyRail does, how to get started, basic workflow, tips for realistic layouts, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What is AnyRail and who is it for?
AnyRail is a user-friendly track planning software designed for model railroaders who want to plan layouts on screen before committing to plywood and ballast. It supports many commercial track systems (Peco, Atlas, Märklin, Kato, Roco, and others) and allows you to mix manufacturers. It’s suitable for:
- Beginners building their first layout.
- Hobbyists planning expansions or exhibitions.
- Modellers who want accurate parts lists and cutting lengths.
Key fact: AnyRail focuses on simplicity: it’s easier to learn than full CAD packages but still powerful enough for complex track plans.
Installing and setting up AnyRail
- Download the installer from the official AnyRail website and run it. The program is paid with a free trial that limits layout size; decide whether the trial meets your needs or purchase a license.
- On first run, set your working units (mm/inches) and the model scale (N, HO, O, etc.). Make sure the scale matches the track libraries you plan to use.
- Install or enable the track libraries you need. AnyRail comes with a range of common manufacturers; additional libraries can be added.
Interface overview
- Drawing area: where you place and edit track.
- Track palette/library: lists available track components by manufacturer and type.
- Inspector/properties pane: shows selected piece parameters (length, radius, angle).
- Rulers/grids and measurement tools: help align and size your layout.
- Layers: let you separate track, scenery, wiring, and labels for clarity.
Basic workflow — step by step
- Start with a baseboard outline. Use the drawing tools to create the boundary of your layout — this prevents designing impractically large layouts.
- Add mainline track. Lay continuous runs first, keeping realistic curve radii for your rolling stock.
- Place turnouts and sidings. Consider operational needs: passing sidings, runaround loops, yard access.
- Add structures and scenic landmarks. Use these as visual anchors to refine track placement.
- Check clearances and geometry. Use AnyRail’s measurement tools to ensure no clashes and that platform/structure clearances meet prototype or personal requirements.
- Generate parts and cutting lists. AnyRail can output a list of track components by type, aiding purchase and construction.
- Export plans. Save PDFs for workshop use or export images for display.
Choosing track components and scale considerations
- Use manufacturer libraries matching the real track you’ll buy. This avoids nasty surprises with turnout geometry.
- For tight spaces, consider short-radius turnouts, but be aware they limit the types of rolling stock that can run reliably.
- Match curve radii to your rolling stock: larger engines and passenger cars need gentler radii.
Tips for realistic and operable layouts
- Favor longer runs where possible — they’re more satisfying to operate.
- Add passing sidings and runaround loops for operational interest.
- Keep gradients gentle; steep grades cause stalling and derailments. In AnyRail, sketch elevations (if supported) and note grade percentages.
- Provide adequate turnout leads and approach lengths so trains can clear switches safely.
- Include hidden staging yards if space allows — they expand operational possibilities without visible clutter.
Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them
- Designing without a baseboard: Always start with the physical limits of your layout area.
- Ignoring turnout geometry: Mix-and-match without checking can cause misaligned paths.
- Too-tight curves: Test with a template or check against your longest rolling stock.
- Overcrowding: Leave room for scenery, maintenance access, and wiring.
Example mini-project: simple two-track station with a siding
- Create a 2000 mm x 600 mm baseboard in HO scale.
- Lay a double mainline with 420 mm radius curves and 1800 mm straight approaches.
- Insert a trailing turnout on each main to create a center island platform between the tracks.
- Add a siding from the left main with a 9:1 turnout to allow a short goods wagon or maintenance siding.
- Check clearances at platform edges and between parallel tracks (use 60–80 mm spacing in HO as a rule of thumb).
Exporting and printing
- Use the print or export-to-PDF features to generate construction templates.
- Exported plans can be scaled to 1:1 for cutting templates of track positions and baseboard holes.
Advanced features to explore later
- Layer management for wiring and scenery.
- Custom track libraries (if you want to model rare or hand-built trackwork).
- Precise angle and length editing for fine-tuning.
- Exporting data for CAM or CNC routing of baseboards and templates.
Final checklist before building
- Baseboard dimensions confirmed and space checked.
- Track list generated and matched to supplier stock.
- Curve radii and turnout types verified for your rolling stock.
- Access panels and wiring channels planned.
- Printed templates or measurements available at 1:1.
AnyRail makes translating ideas into buildable plans straightforward. Start small, iterate, and use the software’s parts list and measurement tools to avoid surprises when you move from screen to plywood.
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