Convert a SCARM layout from Lionel O tubular to Atlas or Ross and/or Gargraves?

Bill, no, there's no way to bulk convert one brand track to another, mostly because while some tracks appear to match, they often don't. For example, tubular O-27 curves are 14.18" long while Atlas are only 13.50". As a result, the geometry doesn't match, see photo. The shorter ones are Atlas, both with an 5.5" straight in the center. Brands often don't have the same sizes. Atlas has O-27 curves, but not switches, their smallest is O-36, GarGraves is O-32 and Ross is O-31. Even where they offer the same size switch, the footprints don't match. And that isn't the only problem with. Atlas has a lot of the same size straights, but GarGraves and Ross don't. GarGraves is even worse because their shortest straight is 6.20" and there other straights don't come close. The end result is they have to be cut, IF you want a close match to whatever design you're trying to match. You're only recourse is to use the design as template and try to get as close as possible. I played around a bit and it's going to be pretty hard to match those short zig zags, the location of the 90 degree crossover and the location of some of the switches, especially if you're limited to the same size space. If you're just trying to learn SCARM, it'll actually be a pretty good exercise if you don't limit the size of the space, but concentrate on just getting the overall design close.

I should have mentioned too that if you have any questions about how to do things in SCARM, don't hesitate to ask.

Thanks Dave. I like the idea of modeling something close enough. I don’t have my heart set on anything specific. I’m doing this to learn C&C and operations, graduating from simple loop and one transformer. It feels like going from a row boat to a hydrofoil.
I appreciate the offer to help with follow-up questions. Learning SCARM will help me with future budget battles with my financial controller (a.k.a. My wife).

Thanks again. OGR Rocks! -Bill

Bill,

Going from one track system to another has its own unique problems as Dave has said.  Anyway I like a challenge.  My preferred track system is Atlas.  Here is my Atlas O36 version of your design.  As you can see it almost fits in your space.

The complex track arrangement of the Y and crossover limits the flexibility in the design in order fit the space.  You can scrap a little space by selectively using sections O27 curves.  Every thing is O36 switches and curves.  SCARM in the tools drop down Tools tab has a Parts List option.  There are no cut pieces in the design.

I moved all your scenery to Layer 1.

Jan

Bill, Dave helped me immensely to learn the ins and outs of SCARM!  Though  I’m not slick like he is.  Like Dave said, don’t be afraid to ask any question!  I’m an old HO modeler from back in the ‘60s.  Learning any type of layout design software and all the variations of O Gauge 3-rail controls were taught to me here on this forum!

I tried SCARM, RR-Track, and ended up with AnyRail for my track design software.  I took the easy way out for a lot of my trackwork, I use Gargraves flex track, so it fits whatever I say it fits!

I like the philosophy John 👍😎