SCARM and Atlas 2-Rail Switch problem

Tom,

While I'm no expert, I believe the Atlas 12" switches you have were imported from Austria back in the 1960s and/or 1970s.  The Atlas track in SCARM is based on the more current track products Atlas imports from China or somewhere in the Far East.  Mixy, the SCARM developer, might be willing to work with you in creating an "older" version of Atlas 2-rail track if you can provide him with the dimensions he needs for data input.

Chuck

Just a thought, but have you tried the Atlas version of SCARM? If your switches are the older ones it may not help and the programs could have the identical track pieces, but Atlas has partnered with SCARM to use SCARM for their new track design software. It is available on Atlas' website. I'm not a SCARM user, but others here are and may be able to provide more help.

I bought these Roco switches on Ebay recently- they look to be shorter than the newer no.5 switches Atlas sells. As soon as I get them, I'll see if they're the same height as the older Atlas/ Roco track, and compare them to the newer no.5 switches. I intend to use them for industrial sidings.

Geno

I know that Atlas began including a 4.5" section on the approach end of their 3R products.

Here is a photo of the 2R #5. It's hard to tell, but it's looks like there is an extension piece.

I measure the SCARM switch at ~20". What is the length of your older switch? Is it 15.5"?

Send a pic and the measurements to Mixy at scarm@ scarm.info. Perhaps he will create it for your library.

he will only use current production dimensions and product. We have been able to get him to create some obsolete libraries as modellers still use the track that exists.

I just checked RR-Track-they show the 7024 & 7025 short #5, but it will not allow me to place one on a layout. So, I cannot determine the length of the short #5.

...Nevermind...

Based on your excellent suggestions and comments I have decided to scrap the whole idea of using these Atlas switches.  But, I'm not mad at you guy's, just myself.

The picture shows that the 60's era Atlas switch is a real 12" beauty not much good for any layout I hope to have.  It's only a 24" radius switch.  You ought to have seen the fun I had getting two 80' passenger cars through it. 

Thanks to you, I will proceed to make the real switches work in my layout.  Prior to sealing the deal, I plan to post the completed Scarm layout here for you to comment on.

While I still will scratch build my switches, they certainly won't be 24" radius.  Possibly double that with plenty of easements.

Thanks to all who have responded.  We certainly don't need to add obsolete stock to an otherwise excellent program.

Thanks...

Please advise if this is a good workaround in order to create a custom curved switch in SCARM?

Given - A 48" radius curve with a 43" switch off of it...

1 - Create the 48" curve.

2 - Create a 43" curve.

3 - Move the 43" curve on top of the 48" curve.

4 - Be sure both curves are the same height.

It looks good in both 2D and 3D.

Thanks...  

Hi Tom,

I don't believe that would work. I looked at some Ross 3R curved switches for a guide.

They reduce the turnout radius enough to keep it inside of thru near the end.

In SCARM, I used the flex tool and created a double sectional 48" radius curve or 45°.I then copied and pasted another section.

I then used the "create parallel start point tool" by right clicking the beginning start point and used 0" spacing, right or left, doesn't matter, opposite direction to create a perfectly aligned start point for the turnout track.

Next, a new piece of flex track, and set 43" radius and an 53° of arc.(That used up most of the flex track). Then I created a flex curve at 43" radius and 37° to complete the 90° of the turnout.

The result is posted below with the SCARM file.

yes, it's a work-around for a hand made switch. It will just take more than 45° to make it happen. 

Moonman:

That appears to work very well.  I had to play with it a few minutes, but finally got it.

This will enable one to create a few common combinations and then copy wherever it would be needed.

Excellent tip.

Thank you...

I would be lost trying to build that switch. it looks like the points would be rather long.

When to want to add a track in the layout on the start of the switch, select the base curve. It highlights to red. Then, when you connect a new piece to that end, it will join on that point and not the top turnout piece.

I didn't check what the resulting center rail to center rail spacing would be. You could add a couple of straights and check it.

Glad I could help.