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Tricks in Adding “Rolling Stock” to AnyRail Track Plan

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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

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Centerline View Matters More Than Track View in Track Planning

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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

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Google Maps/Earth Aids Track Planning Fidelity in AnyRail

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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

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Review: PowerPoint-like AnyRail Track Planner (Updated)

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Update 21.12. and 29.12.: I have updated this post with more information about the AnyRail features and changed the title from MS Office-like to PowerPoint-like. It was a coincidence that I discovered the AnyRail track planner software. I had previously used the licensed version of SCARM (Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller) for track planning. SCARM is a well-established layout planning program with a solid model train simulator and a 3D viewer. Some features take practice to master—just like any new software or hobby. I decided to give AnyRail a try to see how it compares and what, if anything, it … Continue reading Review: PowerPoint-like AnyRail Track Planner (Updated)

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Mehr als ein FRED in Hand: Zugführer-Holster zum Tragen von Werkzeugen

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In 99 % der Fälle bei FREMO-Treffen übernimmt das Fahrpersonal als Mitspieler faktisch zwei zusammengebundene Rollen: Lokführer und Zugführer. Ich selbst habe nur ein einziges Mal – beim H0-RP25-Treffen in Spabrücken – erlebt, dass Lokführer und Zugführer tatsächlich getrennte Rollen waren; beide arbeiteten dabei mit identischen Buchfahrplänen. In 99% of cases at FREMO meetings, the operating crew as participants effectively take on two combined roles: locomotive driver and train conductor. I myself have experienced only once – at the H0-RP25 meeting in Spabrücken – that the roles of locomotive driver and train conductor were actually separated; in that case, both … Continue reading Mehr als ein FRED in Hand: Zugführer-Holster zum Tragen von Werkzeugen

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“Anderer” Führerstand: Meine Ersten Schritte als Fahrdienstleiter bei FREMO

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Was ich an FREMO wirklich schätze, ist die Möglichkeit, Züge nach echten Fahrplänen zu fahren – und die große Vielfalt an Rollen, in die man schlüpfen kann. Die häufigste und meistgefragte Aufgabe ist die des Triebfahrzeugführers. Jeder FREMO-Tag ist in 2–4 Sessions eingeteilt, wobei jede Session etwa 2 Stunden in Echtzeit dauert (oder ca. 6 Stunden mit der 1:3-Schnellzeit). Je nach Größe des Arrangements und der Kreativität des Planers gibt es pro Session typischerweise 40–50 Buchfahrpläne. Das gibt jedem die Chance, pro Durchgang 2–3 Fahrpläne selbst zu fahren. What I really enjoy about FREMO is the opportunity to operate trains … Continue reading “Anderer” Führerstand: Meine Ersten Schritte als Fahrdienstleiter bei FREMO

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Your Companion at FREMO Meet: FREMO Signal Books 301 Bundesbahn, Reichsbahn (GDR) and DBAG

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Now that the German versions of the FREMO Signal Books for Deutsche Bundesbahn, Deutsche Reichsbahn (GDR), and Deutsche Bahn AG have been finalised, I’ve translated them into English for the benefit of a non-German-speaking audience. Nachdem die deutschsprachigen FREMO-Signalbücher für die Deutsche Bundesbahn, die Deutsche Reichsbahn (DDR) und die Deutsche Bahn AG fertiggestellt wurden, habe ich sie nun für ein nicht deutschsprachiges Publikum ins Englische übersetzt. This project has been both challenging and interesting for me. Firstly, I’ve learned much more about the German railway signalling systems and how they are applied in real life as well as at FREMO … Continue reading Your Companion at FREMO Meet: FREMO Signal Books 301 Bundesbahn, Reichsbahn (GDR) and DBAG

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FREMO N-RE Meet 2025 in Luckenwalde: Two State Railways After Reunification

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Every three years, the FREMO N-RE regional group rotates its meet venue between Gütersloh, Luckenwalde, and Prague. This year, it was Luckenwalde’s turn, with the theme “Two State Railways after the Reunification in Summer 1992/1993.” I found this an interesting concept as it allowed FREMO members to operate both Deutsche Bundesbahn (Federal Railway of Germany, FRG) and Deutsche Reichsbahn (East German State Railway) trains, and to exchange locomotives at Nordfaxe central station — a fictional location. Alle drei Jahre rotiert die FREMO N-RE Regionalgruppe ihren Veranstaltungsort zwischen Gütersloh, Luckenwalde und Prag. In diesem Jahr war wieder Luckenwalde an der Reihe … Continue reading FREMO N-RE Meet 2025 in Luckenwalde: Two State Railways After Reunification

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Zur Begleitung bei FREMO-Treffen: FREMO-Signalbücher 301 Bundesbahn, Reichsbahn (DDR) und DBAG

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Zur Begleitung des aktuellen Fahrpersonal-Heftes habe ich die FREMO-Signalbücher 301 für Modellbauer und Mitspieler in den jeweiligen Epochen der Deutschen Bundesbahn, Deutschen Reichsbahn DDR sowie der modernen Deutschen Bahn AG zusammengestellt. Detaillierte technische Beschreibungen zu Signalstellungen, Anwendungsarten und Geltungsbereichen sind in den offiziellen Richtlinien enthalten. Dieses FREMO-Handbuch ersetzt die Richtlinie nicht, sondern bietet eine praxisorientierte Auswahl für den Modellbahnbetrieb. To accompany the current Train Crew booklet, I have compiled the FREMO Signal Books 301 for model builders and operators covering the respective eras of the former Deutsche Bundesbahn, Deutsche Reichsbahn DDR as well as the modern Deutsche Bahn AG. Detailed … Continue reading Zur Begleitung bei FREMO-Treffen: FREMO-Signalbücher 301 Bundesbahn, Reichsbahn (DDR) und DBAG