CAD Tools
There are many useful and practical software tools available to the LEGO® fan community. These tools can be used to build models, plan layouts, illustrate instructions, and much more. In this section, you can find libraries, extensions, data files, etc. specifically related to LEGO® trains for some of these software tools. These resources can be downloaded from the categorized tables below.
BlueBrick Add-on Libraries
BlueBrick (by Alban Nanty) is an excellent open source software tool for designing Lego® based layouts. This tool allows you to arrange baseplates, track, and other items into any desired layout configuration. You can assign different drawing layers for each item, generate parts lists, add text annotations, and much more. BlueBrick comes pre-installed with many different parts libraries, including Lego® track from the 4.5V era up to current 9V/RC track. Since the introduction of new alternative track items from ME Models, we can now build layouts with new curve radii options of 56, 72, 88, and 104 studs. Below, you can download additional component libraries to expand the possibilities of layout design using BlueBrick.
Since v.1.2, the schematic track library has been split into two parts: one for RC/plastic track components and another for 9V/metal track components. This makes each library a more manageable size and the grouping of similar components makes track elements easier to find.
Preview | Description | Rev |
---|---|---|
RC Schematic Track Library This library exclusively contains plastic track components illustrated as symbols so that you can create track schematic drawings. This library has the following features:
It is recommended to install this library into a new sub-folder of the BlueBrick
|
1.2 | |
Download RC Schematic Track Library v.1.2 | ||
9V Schematic Track Library This library exclusively contains metal/9V track components illustrated as symbols so that you can create track schematic drawings. This library has the following features:
It is recommended to install this library into a new sub-folder of the BlueBrick
|
1.2 | |
Download 9V Schematic Track Library v.1.2 | ||
BrickTracks Track (Dark Bluish Gray) BlueBrick library which includes the BrickTracks R56, R72, R88, R104, and R120 curves. |
1.0 | |
Download BrickTracks Library v.1.0 | ||
ME Models Track (All Sleeper/Tie Colours) BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library includes track elements in all available sleeper/tie colours of dark bluish gray, reddish brown, dark brown, and black. To install and use this library:
|
1.2 | |
Download ME Models Track (All colours) v.1.2 | ||
ME Models Track (Dark Bluish Gray) BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in dark bluish gray. |
1.2 | |
Download ME Models Track (Dark Bluish Gray) v.1.2 | ||
ME Models Track (Reddish Brown) BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in reddish brown. |
1.2 | |
Download ME Models Track (Reddish Brown) v.1.2 | ||
ME Models Track (Dark Brown) BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in dark brown. |
1.2 | |
Download ME Models Track (Dark Brown) v.1.2 | ||
ME Models Track (Black) BlueBrick library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half, standard, and double length straights. This library only includes track elements illustrated in black. |
1.2 | |
Download ME Models Track (Black) v.1.2 |
LDraw Components
Many useful parts specific to trains have been designed by the community for use with LDraw software tools such as MLCad, Bricksmith, LPub, etc. In this section, you will find categorized LDraw component bundles to add to your LDraw library installation.
Preview | Description | Rev |
---|---|---|
ME Models Track LDraw parts library which includes the ME Models R56, R72, R88, and R104 curves as well as the half and double length straights. Ronald Vallenduuk has generously contributed his LDraw implementation of the ME Models track components. You can download a zip file containing the latest release of this library here or visit Ronald's github repository directly for more detail. The revision number shown here refers to the github commit hash code. |
ef24bd6 | |
Download ME Models LDraw Parts |
nControl Track Planner
4DBrix offer the free nControl software with some unique features specifically aimed at LEGO® train fans. It provides track planning, simulation, and automation. Its automation supports operation of the 4DBrix track switch motor. Support for additional components such as detection and signalling is coming soon. You can get a copy of nControl using this link.