Originally Posted by phillyreading:
I too will find some track spacing problems when replacing my Gargraves switches later this year or early next year, as Ross and Gargraves have different size dimensions in their switches. I just cut a section of Gargraves track, curve or straight, to fit where I need it as Gargraves track is easy to cut and fit.
I don't have SCARM program so for me it is trial and error fit. I have tried using track programs but I find them too difficult to use because of correct placement of curved sections and not being able to turn the track sections in the programs like I want them to be turned.
Lee Fritz
Lee,
In RR-Track, you can drop a piece of track on the plan, right-click it and rotate it.
In SCARM, you use the Start-point tool in the Toolbox and set that at proper angle and then connect a sectional piece.
Filling the gaps as you go is a good way to do it. That accommodates the actual build better.
Measuring the curve length is just the straight line from A to B of the center rail for the space you need to fill.
I studied some basic railway engineering and circle geometry to do it in the software. I prefer to calculate the fitment piece, rather than use the cut tool in software.
But, again, retrofitting in an as built is different that starting from scratch.