Question - Atlas Track in Scarm (Free Atlas Software)

In Tools/Settings there are several options for displaying tracks. The main ones are Rails, Center and Outlines. The Rails option displays all 3 rails. The Centers option displays the center rail. The Outline option displays the footprint, including the ties. They can be used in various combinations. However, the best way I've found to insure proper separation is to use center-to-center spacing. I do this by using the Figures library to create rectangles with the desired spacing. In my example, I used the Centers and Outline options together. The yellow rectangles are 5 1/2" deep and 12" long to give me 5 1/2" center-to-center spacing. I copy/paste these around the layout wherever I want to insure adequate clearance. In this case I used the spacing created by a crossover with Atlas O72 switches. The  curves are O45 inside O54.  I added another crossover with Atlas #5 switches, This gives a spacing of 4 1/2". The clearance needed is determined by the engine/rolling stock with the largest overhang. This is most often a largest steam locomotive and/or long passenger car.

Thank you so much Dave, not only for answering my question, but for some great advice one spacing tips! 

-Eric

Another thing to watch out for is you can put pieces of track together in the software that you can't do in real life.  I had some switches arranged and then when to do it with the track and had to put some 1.25" straights between them to get them to fit.  Well, the track did go together, but the switch machines didn't fit.  If you convert them to under the table, then it isn't a problem.  I also have a ladder yard of O54 switches and I'll have to trim the throw bar on the points off so that the switches will actually throw, otherwise the bar hits the next leg over and doesn't go.

I had the same problem with one of the Atlas switch machines not fitting. Curve entering a switch, IIRC? Used a DZ-1000 in it's place, they are much smaller. Plus it gave me a chance to try out one of the DZ-1000s to see what they were like. Turned out to be a very nice item!

Eric - you're very welcome. If you need any other tips or help with the software don't hesitate to ask.

You are going to get me into SCARM yet, Dave! 

Sinclair/RTR12 - I have 4 crossovers using Atlas O-72 switches in my design. They all have straights leading in/out and I plan to use DZ-1000 switch machines. Do eitherof you think I'll run into the clearance problem?

Dave, I think you will be fine. The switch machines can go on the single entry side of the switch. With 4-1/2" centers you will be fine. You could use the Atlas switch machines if you want as well. Should be plenty of room for those too.

I don't have the exact setup as in your drawing, but here's a couple of pics that are similar. The one with the DZ-1000 in the top pic is the one where the Atlas machine wouldn't fit.

rtr12 posted:

You are going to get me into SCARM yet, Dave! 

Playing around with the software is one way to get your creative juices flowing. Plus it's the best way I know to learn the software.

RTR12 - Thanks for the photos. I didn't think the Atlas machines could be wired for non-derailing without an Atlas board (no longer in production) to prevent burning out the machines. I thought the points will move out of the way, but then spring back, so they don't change the direction for the next run through. The DZ's are $20-$25, so it'd be nice to save that money if I'm wrong.

Oops, I forgot about the non-derail. I don't have the non-derail functions hooked up on mine. I just use the built in springs, but those might not be suitable for you? Train has to enter from the switched end of the switches for those to work. I think you are right that you need the 6924 boards for that with the Atlas switch machines. 

Yeah, but I'm not really sure the feature is worth the investment. The thing is I won't need to make that decision beforehand, I can always swap out machines later.

Swapping them out would be pretty easy to do, I think. Of course you would have to add the non-derail wiring, but the main wires should be in place. Worst case is that you might have a few of holes to plug or cover up after the changes. I have a couple of the 6924s around here somewhere. I once had them working on a test setup, but decided I really didn't need them for the setup I have now. I guess later could be a different story?

Anyway as I recall I don't remember them costing a lot when I got them, but don't remember the pricing? I am thinking they were like $10-$15 or so less than the DZ-1000s, but could be wrong? And now that they have become rare (or extinct?) it might be a different story? It would be nice if Atlas re-made these things someday soon!

Edit: Had to go look to make sure I wasn't dreaming here. In the OGR Forum Meeting Report from the last York meet, Atlas is coming out with a new signal system next year sometime. Wonder if the 6924s will be a part of that? IIRC, those also worked dwarf signals or something signal related, I think? Didn't mention them specifically in the report though...