Can a train simulator be used to model a model railroad?
Yes. Trainz is particularly good at this. The built-in Surveyor module is a snap to use and lets you lay track, sculpt the ground, place buildings and natural features, and add textures to the landscape.   A Trainz layout is built on baseboards measuring 720 meters on a side and divided into squares. You can select a scale to work in or just use 1:1. You can find measuring devices at the Trainz Download Station that you can place temporarily in the layout to verify your dimensions. You will also find there curved sections of track with fixed radii to help manage your planning.   2-D simulators, such as JSS Bahn and the original Rail3D (Rail 3D Classic), are handy for simulating operations. It’s quick and easy to set up a route, place signals, and establish operating rules.
