RailModeller Express 4+

I am planning an expansion project for my HO layout and wanted something to test out various ideas constrained by my available space of 2.2 x 1.5m.

This package is surprisingly easy to use, with a pretty good library of manufacturers track - so I was able to pick various components especially standard radius bends to see what I could achieve.

Unlike other reviewers, I had no problem adjusting the length and bends on the one metre flexitrack sections - my only criticism here would be an inability to make a bend less than 90deg. The advantage of flexitrack is the ability to create tight (non prototypical) bends. I think it should allow any radius, and perhaps set a flag if it exceeds a certain tolerance.

There is a reasonable library of buildings etc. in the free version, and a limit of 50 items means you can achieve quite a good approximation of your layout before taking the plunge and buying the full package.

And - of course - it works on the iMac (I have a licensed version of Anyrail on the PC, and Railmodeller express works in much the same way.)

Overall - I recommend this application.

The 'Express' app appears to contain enough features for the start of a railway layout design. I say appears because I only started using it yesterday evening and produced the track design of a station and sidings I want to model. Read the initial 'Help' paragraphs first and you should be able to start using it pretty quickly. I'm managing the 'flexi-track' at the moment. There is probably better methods but they will no doubt show themselves as I go on. I am about to start adding platforms and then the buildings. I would say there's an 80% chance at the moment of purchasing the full version.

Having strugged to get Windows-based apps working on my Mac, I was not only pleased to find this app but also to find how well it works. Really intuitive and it's good to have the additional Hornby TT120 track pieces added quickly. The continued enhancements are very welcome.

I’m considering whether to invest in the full £50 app and it’d be great if a subscription payment method could be introduced. £3-4/month is much easier to justify than a £50 outlay, and the developer probably gets more revenue.