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Software Review of:
3D Train 
by Greg Lundblade
& Kirk Lundblade, age 10 
boxOne of the features I liked of this model railroad layout design program is that it offers information on manufacturers of model railroad items, prices, etc. It makes it easier to calculate how much the setup you planned will cost. I checked on the prices of the items in the ideal setup that 3D Railroad designed. The prices that the software gave were close to the prices I found either in model railroading magazines or in local hobby shops. 
  • The program offers a metric conversion table. 
  • You can view your layout design in 2 dimensions (2D) or in three dimensions (3D). 
  • You can first set the parameters of the layout, and then design your layout. You will learn from the software whether or not your curves are too sharp or the angle of elevation is too extreme. (See train properties dialogue box.) 
  • You can change the scale of the model railroad to one of many choices that the software offers. 
Once you have created your model railroad layout, you can take a 3D tour of your layout. You can even run a sample train on the layout you created. In this manner, you can determine if your layout is realistic and will work. If the train encounters a problem, a box will identify the problem with your track layout. This is where you really need all the RAM you can get. You will need to keep the manual close to you, while you learn the program. 

Ease of use

This program is difficult for the novice to use. Knowledge of and experience with one of the major graphics programs is a definite plus. You must click and drag in all phases of this program. My son read the manual and went to work. It took me a little longer. There is a learning curve that must be heeded. I looked through the manual and then spent one hour playing with the drawing tools before I began working on my model railroad layout. 

System requirements

pentium PC, 16MB RAM, 256 color VGA, Win95, 15MB hard disk space, 2X CD ROM. 

Test system A: Pentium II 350 MMX, 64MB RAM, 19” high res monitor, 8MB Video 3D card, 8X CD ROM, Win98. 
System B: Pentium I 133, 32MB RAM, 15” SVGA, 2MB VRAM, 4x CD ROM, Win95, 

Recommended system: Pentium 200+, 32-64MB RAM (important!), 19+ inch monitor (helpful), printer. 

Installation

The program installed easily with no problems. It does not load automatically. The user must use the run then setup commands. Installation took a little longer on the pentium 133. The spiral bound manual that comes with the program gives all of the appropriate tips for a novice PC user. The spiral made it easier for my son to keep the manual open to a certain page. This is one of the best manuals for software I have ever seen. The manual gets a perfect score! 

Summary

This is a very handy piece of software for a PC user who is designing his/her own model railroad layout. You need to have some PC skills in order to easily work with the program. My ten year old son was able to make the program work. Experience with graphics or drawing programs is very helpful when learning this program. I find myself sometimes playing with the program. I’m still trying to design the perfect model railroad layout. 3D Railroad will make this quest go much easier. On a scale of one to five jalapenos, I give 3D Railroad four jalapenos. Enjoy! 

Abracadata, 1-800-451-4871 orders only, 541-342-3030 technical support, 8:30-16:30 Pacific time, 

Greg Lundblade is a husband, father, teacher, long-time Alamo-PC member, and a long-time model railroad enthusiast.