Issue with Atlas Double Slip Switch and SCARM (8/25 SCARM Updated)

Shoot an email to Milen (Mixy)  ( scarm@scarm.info ) , the author - he will check the Atlas specifications versus his track library and contact Atlas. For your build file, use the snip track tool to adjust the file track to match the switch that you have or will use.

I checked my SCARM retail with the Atlas library - when the cursor is hovered over the 11.25°DS it displays 23.25"L. I measure that on both legs with the SCARM measure tool.

The track library standard that he adheres to is the manufacturer's specifications.

Thanks Carl!

Jan

Follow up:  I did send the above info to SCARM.  I checked the blog for other reports but only found one on Atlas HO.  It was fix in a update to the library.  When I hear anything, I'll post it here.

Jan asked me to check how AnyRail represents the switch.   AnyRail says its a #5 at 23.25 inches.   

Confirmed by measuring the switch within AnyRail:

I don't have an actual switch to measure.  -Ken

Just checked RR-Track. it's the same. No published specification in the Atlas track catalog. The length through the center with a perpendicular line connecting the two innermost rails seems the longest.

Jan,

I have found, when trying to recreate Atlas track plans from their published layout plan books,  that the fitment isn't exact. No matter the software used. So, fudge a fitment in the plan in the software and make notes that will remind the builder that this area needs attention. I haven't built an Atlas layout yet, but, Ross and GG requires minor adjustments when physically assembling the track compared to a software plan. Similar to real train tracks, making it fit when you build it is part of the deal.

Carl, I agree with you, and have noticed that.   I think that all manufacturers take some "liberty" in their published track plans.   Those using sectional track without roadbed have more "play" available with the track connections using rail joiners, which have some flex at each joint. 

Lionel Fastrack has much less "play", so track plans must be more precise - I use 3/32" tolerance in my planning (across a length of track, NOT at each joint), which Fastrack accommodates nicely "on the ground".   Usually, I allow only one or two lengths of track, at least 4' long, to connect at less than perfect, in a track plan.   It takes time working with the small fitter track sections, and curves of different diameters in order to achieve this.   Working with other track systems with flex track goes faster without this hassle.

I used RR Track when designing my layout and I noticed that the double slip switch was "off".  I have 3 Atlas double slips on my layout and each leg measures 23".

Last night I searched my shelves and found a DS still in its box.  I took a measuring tape to it and over one leg it is 23 1/64" which confirms my original measurement of an installed switch.

Milien and I have exchanged several emails.  He is contacting Atlas to get verify the actual value.  What is know so far is:

1. Measured by me, 23 1/64",
2. Atlas, ?,
3. AnyRail by Ken, 23 1/4",
4. RTS by Milen, 23 1/4"
5. RRT by Carl and me, 23", and
6. SCARM by several, 23 1/4".

I realize that it is virtually impossible to get track ends to match in all but the simplest layouts and plan for gaps to occur in the curves and long straights.  Where I was having the problem was in some complicated track work at the entrance and exit of a station complex.  Here I had multiple DS and #5s with straight runs between them.  My normal solution is to fill the space with the appropriate combination of straight pieces  Everything worked in RRT and real life, but when I converted to SCARM gaps began showing up.  My solution after all track was "laid" was to cut a straight to replace the little pieces. 

Wanting to know why, is why I started this investigation.

Hopefully, Milien will hear from Atlas soon.

Thanks for your participation.

Jan

Jan posted:

Last night I searched my shelves and found a DS still in its box.  I took a measuring tape to it and over one leg it is 23 1/64" which confirms my original measurement of an installed switch.

Milien and I have exchanged several emails.  He is contacting Atlas to get verify the actual value.  What is know so far is:

1. Measured by me, 23 1/64",
2. Atlas, ?,
3. AnyRail by Ken, 23 1/4",
4. RTS by Milen, 23 1/4"
5. RRT by Carl and me, 23", and
6. SCARM by several, 23 1/4".

I realize that it is virtually impossible to get track ends to match in all but the simplest layouts and plan for gaps to occur in the curves and long straights.  Where I was having the problem was in some complicated track work at the entrance and exit of a station complex.  Here I had multiple DS and #5s with straight runs between them.  My normal solution is to fill the space with the appropriate combination of straight pieces  Everything worked in RRT and real life, but when I converted to SCARM gaps began showing up.  My solution after all track was "laid" was to cut a straight to replace the little pieces. 

Wanting to know why was I started this investigation.

Hopefully, Milien will hear from Atlas soon.

Thanks for your participation.

Jan

There is a feature in RR-T that will automatically close gaps. I turned it off as I felt it was not helpful to fake fitments. SCARM will not do that, hence the gap occurrences.

If you don't know where the gaps will occur when building, you can't rearrange the track beforehand or prepare for it properly for the build. It just becomes an oh crap!

Anyway, the slip switches are cool. I have only used them on one build where crossovers were needed, but level space was limited as the layout had a lot of grades and terrain between 3 levels.

And don't forget there may be a difference in the tolerance settings between programs. The default in SCARM for joining is .079" and a 2° angle. In RR-Track it's .05" and I couldn't find the angle.

When you place a piece of track there is zero gap between the two pieces.  When you place a piece of track between two or more pieces is when you might get gaps.  If the gap size is less than the tolerance you will get a joint; if it's greater then you have a gap.

Jan

I "measured" the DS in TRAX and got 23.25".  I'll see if Milen has heard from Atlas.  Atlas should be back from the summer vacation.

Jan

I received confirmation from Milen this morning.

"Now it is confirmed – your measurement is correct and the switch in SCARM is wrong.  I will make the necessary correction and will update the library in the program later this month."

Jan

Thanks for the update! Good to know as I finally broke down an purchased SCARM. 

Thanks for your persistence, Jan.  Milen is easy to work with.

The SCARM Atlas 3R library has been updated.  I had to download and reinstall SCARM to install the new library.  When you load your layout, you'll need to delete any DS in the plan as they have the old, incorrect length.

That fixed the gaps that caused all my pain,  Now to fix the caps they the new DS caused.  At least they are on the curves.

Jan