XTrkCAD

XTrkCAD is a CAD application designed to help users create and design model railroad layouts. It features advanced settings and configuration parameters mainly geared toward experienced users.

Quick setup and plain-looking GUI

The installation procedure is a fast and easy job that does not require special attention. As far as the interface goes, XTrkCAD adopts a classical window with a professional, yet outdated look.

Insert and manage objects, edit properties

It is possible to insert straight, curve and circle tracks, parallels, turnouts, handlaid turnouts, structures and turntables. Helix properties can be edited when it comes to the elevation difference, radius, turns, angular separation, grade, and vertical separation.
You can modify the properties of objects, move, rotate, flip and join them, split tracks, move descriptions, raise or lower the elevation, insert text, notes and rules, as well as draw lines, dimension lines, benchworks and table edges, boxes, filled boxes, polylines and polygons. The train and layers can be managed. What's more, XTrkCAD provides designers for crossings, single and double slipswitches, right and left crossovers, and more.

Configure settings and record macros

There are many types of configuration settings available regarding the layout, display, command, colors and others. What's more, XTrkCAD integrates a feature that lets you record and run macros, which particularly comes in handy for repetitive tasks. The project can be saved to file and resumed at a later time, as well as exported to BMP or DXF format.

Evaluation and conclusion

We have not come across any stability issues in our tests, since XTrkCAD did not hang, crash or pop up error messages. It runs on low CPU and RAM, so it does not hog system resources. All in all, XTrkCAD comes packed with an extensive list of features and settings for designing railroad models.