3rd PlanIt is the most automated, comprehensive and easy-to-use

track planning tool ever made. Better tools let you create better designs!

Designing a Railroad?

Thousands of layouts have been designed and built using 3rd PlanIt. From tabletop Z scale, through 4x8’s, room-sized layouts, basement and outbuilding empires and a full-scale ethanol plant, 3rd PlanIt is the CAD software chosen by the most discriminating hobbyists.

3rd PlanIt now includes an incredibly powerful design tool: SoftTrak. Draw track from point to point, while SoftTrak creates the curves and easements automatically. It’s like using a multi-segment spline, but made of the same track elements used in prototype railroads. The curve radii and easement lengths are optimized to fit in the available space. You are able to design your layout to professional standards without all the learning!

Take a look at 3rd PlanIt’s full features set in the rest of this site, and you’ll find everything you need to create a layout you never considered possible.

New ways to design with SoftTrak

SoftTrak simplifies track design

3rd PlanIt Design Features

V11 - Layout Splines

Adjust turnout position; SoftTrak holds its connections and shows radius problems

Recent articles

Recognizing the special manufacturers who provide CAD files

Accurate turnout templates are key to achieving optimal geometry and knowing you can build exactly what you design. El Dorado Software thanks the manufacturers who contribute DXF files of their product line so we can offer you exact templates. They are sharing the precious Intellectual Property, and we thank them sincerely for their trust. Without a doubt, this list will grow over time.

Both manufacturers and their customers benefit!

The O-100 turnout shown here is from Gargraves, our newest contributor. These companies deserve special consideration!

Fast Tracks

GarGraves Trackage Corporation

Micro Engineering

Ross Custom Switches