What happened to Atlas RTS?

[OldEastRR]

I went to their website and couldn't find it anywhere. Has it gone the way of the Atlas Forum?

[C855B]

From what I gather, their contract with the software company expired and they didn't renew. There was mention of the same mindset as that which killed the forum, that they were in the model train business, not the software or forum business.

There was a thread here a while back about track planning software that mentioned the original program RTS was derived from, which is still available, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name of it, nor find the thread.

[bdennis]

If your after a decent application I can recommend Anyrail.
I have used RTS in the past and white it is great, Anyrail is far better and for $60 (or there abouts) it is relatively cheep.
I have a copy of RTSv10 if you need a copy. It is 16mb. PM me if you want to get a copy..

note: Im not affiliated with Anyrail in any way.

[Chris333]

Atlas didn't want you planning layouts for track they didn't have   

[Kisatchie]

Atlas didn't want you planning layouts for track they didn't have   

 


Hmm... oooh, oooh...

[C855B]

Here's the old thread we were looking for. Basically the same discussion:

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=28208.0

[garethashenden]

There is a free version of Anyrail, I think you're limited to 50 pieces of track or so. It's a good way to try it out without having to spend the money.

[GimpLizard]

I found Anyrail as easy, if not easier, than RTS. Plus you have other brands of track. And yes, the free version is limited to 50 sections of track. But at $60, the full version is well worth it.

[DKS]

I use track planning software a lot, because I develop plans for other people. So you could say I'm a "power user." I'm not affiliated with AnyRail, but I cannot overstate the value of it. For some people $60 is genuinely a big deal, but others are just stuck on the notion that free is always better. But, of those who've been able to get over their reluctance to pay for a track planning application when there are plenty of freebies to be had, I've not seen anyone express regret; indeed, many will remark they're glad they did.

The "free" version of AnyRail is identical to the paid version except that you're limited to 50 track sections. This is done so you can fully evaluate the software to see if it meets your needs. Quite often a trial version of an application is limited in functionality (this is called "crippleware"), which is a self-defeating way of demonstrating software because you're not able to exercise all of its features. Other developers will give you 30 days (or whatever) to evaluate their app, but that may not be enough time for some people. You can use the trial version of AnyRail as long as you like, and if 50 track sections is enough for your needs, then you've got the freebie you wanted.

One of AnyRail's biggest strengths is its comprehensive track library collection, which even includes Fast Tracks. Some have complained that AnyRail doesn't provide 3D functionality. However, AnyRail can export files to Collada and Trainplayer. AnyRail may one day support 3D, but for now the developers are focusing on making it as easy and intuitive to use as possible, and I think they're doing an admirable job.

[bbussey]

I agree.  Use the AnyRail product.  It has the full Atlas inventory of track items, is very easy to learn and is the superior product.

[davefoxx]

I will invest in Anyrail in a second, if the developers ever release a version that works on a Mac.   

DFF

[sizemore]

I will invest in Anyrail in a second, if the developers ever release a version that works on a Mac.   

DFF

Easy solution...stop using a Mac! 

The S.

[TrainCat2]

Dave,

Many times someone wants to take a published plan and modify it for their needs. Does AnyRail allow you insert scanned image into a plan and design over it?

[ednadolski]

I will invest in Anyrail in a second, if the developers ever release a version that works on a Mac.   

Have you tried running it in a VM?

Does AnyRail allow you insert scanned image into a plan and design over it?

Yes, you can map in an image such as a .jpg and scale it to any size you want.  For example:





(I gotta finish up on the coupler pockets and get back to that Tunnel module!)


Ed

[davefoxx]

Easy solution...stop using a Mac! 

The S.

Sure, except that I'm not made of money.  My 2006 Macbook is still going strong, so there are no plans to replace it.