About First Radius

First Radius is a free layout planner for OO gauge railways built with Hornby setrack. It is made in the UK by Adam Jones.

Why it exists

Setrack is how most people start in the hobby, often with a train set. The next questions are usually the same: will this fit on my board, will the loop close, and what do I need to buy? Full track planning software can answer them, but it is built for experienced modellers and takes time to learn. First Radius answers those questions for setrack, quickly, in the browser.

How the plans are checked

Every piece in the planner uses Hornby's published setrack geometry: the length of each straight, and the radius and angle of each curve and point. Pieces join exactly as they do on a real baseboard, so when the planner says a loop closes, it is working that out from the measurements rather than from how the drawing looks.

The ready-made track plans go through the same checks before they are published: every joint meets, the track fits the board, and no tracks overlap.

Independent

First Radius is not affiliated with Hornby or Peco. Hornby is a trademark of its owner. Some links to shops are affiliate links: if you buy after following one, the shop may pay a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, First Radius earns from qualifying purchases. It never changes which pieces a plan needs.

Get in touch

Spotted a mistake, or want a plan or feature added? Email hello@firstradius.co.uk.