XTrackCAD vs SCARM

Struggling to choose between XTrackCAD and SCARM? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

XTrackCAD is a Home & Family solution with tags like model-railroad, cad, track-design, train-simulation.

It boasts features such as 2D and 3D track planning, Customizable libraries of track shapes and sizes, Simulation of train operations, Wiring diagram generation, Design reuse and collaboration, 3D visualization, Compatibility with multiple model railroad scales and pros including Intuitive and easy to learn interface, Powerful track planning tools, Realistic simulation of train operations, Automated wiring diagram creation, Can share and collaborate on designs, Great for all model railroad scales, Active user community support.

On the other hand, SCARM is a Home & Family product tagged with model-railroad, track-planning, railway-simulation.

Its standout features include Design model railway layouts, Add tracks, locomotives, rolling stock, Simulate train operations, Automatic design tools, Support for common model railroad scales, Export designs and simulations, and it shines with pros like Free and open source, User friendly interface, Powerful features for design and simulation, Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux).

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

XTrackCAD

XTrackCAD

XTrackCAD is CAD software specialized for model railroad design. It allows users to design track plans, simulate trains running on the tracks, and generate wiring diagrams. The software is aimed at model railroad enthusiasts.

Categories:
model-railroad cad track-design train-simulation

XTrackCAD Features

  1. 2D and 3D track planning
  2. Customizable libraries of track shapes and sizes
  3. Simulation of train operations
  4. Wiring diagram generation
  5. Design reuse and collaboration
  6. 3D visualization
  7. Compatibility with multiple model railroad scales

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Intuitive and easy to learn interface

Powerful track planning tools

Realistic simulation of train operations

Automated wiring diagram creation

Can share and collaborate on designs

Great for all model railroad scales

Active user community support

Cons

Limited customization options for track and scenery

No support for controlling real model trains

Requires purchase of add-ons for advanced features

Steep learning curve for 3D features


SCARM

SCARM

SCARM is free and open source software for designing model railways and model railroad layouts. It allows users to create track plans, choose components like tracks and locomotives, and simulate trains running on the layout.

Categories:
model-railroad track-planning railway-simulation

SCARM Features

  1. Design model railway layouts
  2. Add tracks, locomotives, rolling stock
  3. Simulate train operations
  4. Automatic design tools
  5. Support for common model railroad scales
  6. Export designs and simulations

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Free and open source

User friendly interface

Powerful features for design and simulation

Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Cons

Limited library of pre-made components

Steep learning curve for advanced features

Lacks some features of paid alternatives