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SCARM - Simple Computer Aided Railway Modeller

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#201 · (Edited)
Currently, I am investigating on that issue on the turnouts, too.

Edited: As I recalled that Snap Switch #4 is actually partial of 18" radii track with some length of straight track. I am sure that everyone know this part. It turned out that my Snap Switch was not true straight. Just a bit curved on straight part of the turnout! I just noticed it after doing the tracing the turnout on the tracing paper and draw straight line with metal ruler. I plan to get couple new turnouts anyway. Will check again.

To replace this Snap Switch #4 turn out with 1/3 18" Curve track attached on the turnout side, Only use 18" 30° and 1 1/2" straight track, to replace the whole turnout with 1/3 18" curve track attached. Hope this make sense.

For the double crossover with Snap Switch #4 turnouts, that would be with 30° 4" (short) and 2 of 3/4" straight. I had tried it and they come together fine.
 
Discussion starter · #202 ·
Hello Bluenavigator,

You are talking about Snap Switch #4, but please note, that Snap Switches and #4 turnouts are very similar, but have different geometry for the curved leg.

What I need for the Snap Switches to check them are the following dimensions when a pair is joined in a crossover:

Image


A is the length offset.
B is the center-to-center distance (or outer-rail to outer-rail as shown).

These should be for the 20-degree switch as it is the regular, supplied by Atlas. And both need to be very precise measured.

The parameters in the library are taken from official Atlas catalogs and pictures, but sometimes even there are print errors and other kind of mistakes. Last one was for the 3-way asymmetric turnout in LGB G library - it was inverted in the library. Because the pictures in the catalog, official LGB web site and even on the package showed it that (wrong) way! So it will be updated in the next release of SCARM.

Mixy
 
Discussion starter · #204 ·
Hello Dave,

Did you measure your layout configuration with 1.25" pieces between turnouts or my picture?

I need a measurement only of a pair of turnouts as show in my picture where B cannot exceed 2 1/4". If you are measuring my picture, please, check that you are measuring distance between same rails (i.e. right sided rails) as shown in the diagram.

Mixy
 
Discussion starter · #207 ·
Well, it seems that there is an error in the description of these turnouts in the catalog, so they are messed also in SCARM.

The curved leg is described as 1.5" straight + R18"/20deg curve in the catalog.
But according to your measurements, the straight is about 1.35". The difference is only 0.15", but quite enough to cause problems.

I need to check that with Atlas and to see is it another version of the Snap switch or is just a wrong description in the catalog.

Thank you for the measurements and sorry for the problem in the layout. Hope that you will be able to fill the gap with a small piece of flex-track.

Mixy
 
#208 ·
I wonder if it is a manufacturing defect. It seems they would want to make something that fits together easily with their sectional track. Maybe the catalog is correct but the dies or whatever is used to make the switches is off.
 
Discussion starter · #209 ·
Yep, that is also possible.

The Snap Switch version that is at 15 degree is from a defective batch, that was recalled back from the model train shops, but some of these turnouts were already sold and that's why I have them also in the library because a small quantity of them may be still in use.

Mixy
 
#211 ·
Just got new two left Snap Switches (#860) and they are straight as I used new metal ruler. Much better than other Snap Switches that I found to be slight crooked on straight side.

I had confirmed that distance on A is 6", just barely touch on the line of 6" mark (I used 1" mark instead of edge of the rule and it goes to very close to 7" mark). Maybe 1/128" short.

Checked for B distance, I found the same result. 2", again, just barely touch on 2" mark.
 
Discussion starter · #213 ·
Here is the only post in SCARM Railroad Modeling Blog for January:

Reset SCARM Settings to Defaults

Use the method, described above if you want to revert to default settings and/or if you have troubles when starting the program - resetting can be of help.

I am in process of finishing some new features in SCARM and the next version with many updated libraries (including Atlas-HO-100) will be released soon :)

Mixy
 
Discussion starter · #214 ·
Discussion starter · #215 ·
SCARM Model Train Layout Software v. 0.9.32

The new version SCARM 0.9.32 is ready and published, coming with new Flip and Rotate features and many new and updated track libraries. Read more details here:

SCARM Model Railroad Layout Software 0.9.32 Released

This version also fixes several annoying bugs that may appear in the older releases, so update is recommended :)

Mixy
 
Discussion starter · #218 ·
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Dennis461
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