AnyRail

AnyRail is a specialized design program for planning model railroad layouts. It provides technical tools to create precise track plans, using an extensive library of track components from multiple manufacturers. The result is an exact design that ensures compatibility between parts before physical construction.

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• Extensive track library. AnyRail includes technical specifications for track from over 180 manufacturers, such as Peco, Hornby, Bachmann, Märklin, Roco and others. Each part has exact dimensions in the selected scale. Users can add custom libraries with measurements for components not included.
• Automatic alignment mechanism. The system detects valid connections between track pieces and suggests compatible joints. When dragging a component near another, the program shows coupling options and automatically adjusts the position for precise assembly.
• Measurement tools and grid. A configurable reference grid can be set in multiple scales (millimeters, inches). Side rulers show real dimensions of the project. The snap function ensures exact alignment of elements.
• Working layer system. Designs are organized into separate layers for track, infrastructure, scenery, and annotations. Each layer has visibility and locking control. This allows working on specific sections without modifying elements in other layers.
• Radius and grade calculation. The software calculates minimum and maximum curve radii for each track type. The grade tool determines ascent or descent gradients, showing the incline percentage and elevation change between two points on the layout.
• Elevation and bridge planning. It allows designing structures at different levels with tools to create ramps, bridges, and tunnels. Cross-sections can be visualized to verify height differences and clearances.
• Automatic bill of materials. Generates a complete inventory of all parts used in the design, including quantity, manufacturer part number, and product code. The list can be exported in spreadsheet formats.
• Design error checking. A diagnostic system identifies problems such as incomplete connections, curve radii that are too tight, or excessive grades. It marks problematic locations with visual indicators.
• Landscaping tools. Includes basic shapes to represent terrain features, buildings, vegetation, and bodies of water. These shapes are representative for planning purposes, without photorealistic detail.
• Digital command control compatibility. Allows defining track sections for digital control systems like DCC. Decoder addresses can be assigned and basic electrical wiring can be planned.
• Export to 3D formats. Designs can be exported to COLLADA format for three-dimensional visualization in software like SketchUp or Blender. This creates a volumetric representation of the layout.
• Integration with control software. Exports files compatible with programs like JMRI and TrainPlayer. These files contain track and section information to operate layouts digitally.
• Support for multiple scales. Works with all common scales: Z, N, TT, HO, O, G and others. Each scale change automatically recalculates all dimensions of the design.
• Preconfigured design templates. Offers initial layouts based on common schemes like an oval with a siding, figure eight, double loop design, or a terminus with a turntable.
• Annotations and documentation. Allows adding text, dimensions, symbols, and legends to the design. This creates complete technical documentation for the physical model construction phase.

Development of AnyRail began in 2004 by the Dutch company DRail Software. The first commercial version was released in 2005. The program is written primarily in Delphi/Object Pascal, with additional components in C++. The development team maintains regular updates that add libraries from new manufacturers and technical improvements.

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