SCARM Layout & Image File Sharing

Here's a couple to start with.  Russ

Thanks, Russ. I took the water tower and grouped the objects. Now, one can select it and move it or rotate it anywhere on the layout. I find I have to leave one of the lower objects edges protruding enough to select it, then I can group vertical objects. Added some rust to the spout.

Here's my crude version of a Korber 304 Roundhouse. Needs details.

OK here are some more and this time they are NOT ON30.  These are two of Atlas O structures.  The Jack's Lumber Company #6907 and Deep Rock Gas and Oil #6908.  Russ

Hi,  

I'm Paul and I'm new to the forums.  A few years ago, I found my old O-27 Lionel train set in a box in my parents garage.  It's from 1960 (when I was 2).  I think my dad got it for himself at the time.  He had purchased new track back in 2004 shortly before he passed away.  I stored the box containing the set in my garage as my home at the time didn't have the room for a layout.  

This past Christmas, while looking for the Christmas decorations, I stumbled across the box with the train set.  I set it up on the dining room table with a very small loop, hooked it up and found it ran like it was new!

Also one of the bedrooms has became vacant and I decided to build a more permanent layout on a 4' x 8' plywood sheet. (I have quite a few of those for when the Hurricanes come to town here in Tampa Bay, more than I need for the windows.)  

Being a software engineer in the mapping GIS industry, I was going to use AutoCAD to design the layout.  Then I discovered SCARM and what you see here is an attempt to model a scene that was painted on a tin-tunnel that my set had. This painting fired my imagination as a child and so I decided to try and model it with most of what I have available or can obtain/make on the cheap.

Here is what I plan to build. It will about twice as much O-27 track as I currently have, but being on a tight budget, I can't upgrade to some of more realistic tracks like Atlas or Fastrack or ScaleTrax. (Everything is to be done on the cheap for now)

Well, here is one of the layouts, and the painting that inspired it.

Let me know what you think...

Paul

Keep them coming great stuff on here, here Is another layout that someone else constructed but I thought was cool.  Also Roundhouse and turntable layout as well.

Please make sure to post SCARM files as well so others can use.

Merlin1280 and all,

Searching for SCARM on this forum site may not produce much because most times, the only clue is the attached file in another thread.  I know that several layout builders have included several iterations of their proposals for comment or critique in those threads, but they appear as file attachments and I'm not sure a search finds those.  I also don't know how long the forum holds on to those old threads.

I know you can find some O gauge (and other scales) examples on the SCARM website, and I make it a habit of "grabbing" a copy of every SCARM file I can, but sometimes I get overwhelmed with this and everything else I try to grab off the web.  I just recently found a Youtube video downloader which allows me to keep a copy of train videos (model or real) that can be found there.

Further, from this site, I grab track plan picture files (jpg etc), track plan pdf files and any other track plan file (rrt, any, etc) generated by planning software, even if I don't have that software yet, because you never know when those files might become useful.  As a result, I have a small array of other members' plans, but most are only identified by the forum member's name and the description they used.  I do all of this because things disappear from the web all the time, but only disappear from my storage if I choose to make it so, or if I choose not to back up that storage.

Hopefully, Merlin1280's effort to create a thread that just holds SCARM drawing files will work and people will post their efforts.  I, for one look forward to seeing plans that I might have missed before.

Chuck

Paul,

Nice design! The nice part of O27 is that you can actually get something to fit on a 4x8 sheet.  Yours is a creative 2 level design. 

And welcome to the forum!

Ed

That's by Albert and myself, it's squeezed into his limited space. He wanted large radius curves in a small area.

Thanks for the welcome Ed!  

Yes, the tighter curves of the O-27 can make for a compact layout.  I have always wanted a two-level layout or at least an elevated portion.  SCARM's elevation and grade tools allow you to figure out what will work and what won't.  

The goals for the layout were:

1. Be able to fit on a 4'x8' area. 
2. Re-create the scene in the painting of a trestle over a stream and between two tunnels and have the siding and building in the foreground.  
3. Have two main-line loops with the means to move between them. 

This is about the 15th iteration of the design and the one I like the best.  

The clearance at the track cross overs is 5". My engine and caboose only take 4" max and that is including the height of the O-27 track.  The grade is 5% or less on all track sections.  

Most of the track is at 2" above the base plywood because of a 2" thick foam sheet. What is hard to see in the pictures is that "inner" loop cuts into the foam to be actually down on the plywood base. By doing that, it allows the clearance of 5" at the cross overs.  

The Trestle height between the tunnels is 6" above the base.

I will add the SCARM file attachment to the original post later so it can be downloaded by others. Being new to the forums, I didn't see a way to attach files, only image links. I see how to do that now and will edit the post with the files tonight.

Paul

Now this might be old news for some but I have been modeling for a 'few' years and it is always so hard to get dimensional data for things.  So while surfing this AM I came across a site http://marketplace.collector-modeltrains.com/ that has a very clever way of showing PARTS that they have for sale.  Check it out, I am most impressed that such a simple solution is staring me in the face!  Cool!  Graph paper under the part that is being photoed.  Russ

Paul, welcome to the forum,

It's a nice looking layout and well designed within your Givens and Druthers.

here is a 317 trestle bridge and the 214 plate girder bridge to add to your 3D objects. Open them in a separate instance of SCARM, selct it, select copy(CTRL-C). Then go to you layout that is open and select paste. Next right-click the object, select properties and set the height. You can rotate it to position it.

You probably know that already, but I thought I'd share the process.

This layout is from the Lionel 1954 Operators Manual modified to fit a 4 x 8 table in Lionel O Gauge track.

Attached is the same plan for 4 x 8 in FasTrack. It's an interesting plan for the simplicity.

Here are some more good ones compliments of www.scarmhirailers.

i really need some help - i am trying to learn "scarm" but having a bit of difficulty getting going - i have watched the tutorials - but - may i ask for "help" in getting started

could someone please one end of a point to point layout using atlas O-3 36 degree track and switch - just the return  - i just need to see it

thanks so much, rdeal

Thanks for the SCARM files Carl!  I will be sure to post a picture of them being used in the design.

Paul

Start a new thread for specific help. This is a different topic.

Anyway, will this help?

Carl

I put the bridges you posted in the layout and took another snapshot...

Thanks!

(The truss is a bit large LOL)

Paul, looks like the bridge might be to close to the curve for any long cars to make the corner and CLEAR the bridge.  In Scarm make a block the size of your longest car and then see if it will make the corner.  Russ

Paul,

I didn't know you were going to do the bents for the mountain pass. That's where the truss would work. All girders on the lower crossing.

The bents look nice.

Thanks Carl.

I have an 18" truss bridge that came with my set. So it will be perfect for the stream crossing in the front-middle of the map. If I can find a girder bridge I will use that also on the main-line that is at the very front of the table.  

As a kid, my family would drive up I-4 to Orlando/Sanford area to visit my grandparents and there was a girder RR bridge over the interstate near Lakeland FL. (its still there last time I went through there.)  Only once did I ever see a train on that bridge. (it was stopped).  Always wanted a girder bridge on my layout. If I can't find one for a reasonable price, I will make one out of sheet styrene.

Paul

The bridge in SCARM is not the bridge I will be using at that point. The bridge in SCARM is for O-Scale and is about 25" long.  The actual bridge i will be using at that spot is only 18" long (two O-27 straights) so it won't be an issue.  

Unlike AutoCAD (which I use at work), SCARM can't "scale" objects or do a diagonal in the 3rd dimension. That's why bridges look "blocky" as you have to approximate the diagonal truss supports with lots of little blocks like a staircase.

SCARM is free while AutoCAD is over $3,000!  Also, SCARM is designed to build model RR and AutoCAD is a general purpose, do everything, high end CAD program.

Paul

Paul,

I think Russ gets it. He's creating steam engine parts and other cool items with a 3D printer.

3D printing is awesome!  I can't wait to see the results Russ!

Carl,

Since the truss bridge you posted earlier was a tad large for the O-27 track, I wrote a quick and dirty VB.NET program to scale it down by scale factor of 0.72.  Its now the same size as the actual O-27 truss bridge I have.

I have attached the rescaled bridge for anyone that's interested.

Paul

Paul Smith: Thank you very much! I have a couple of Lionel's metal truss bridges on my layout and I do not have the patience to learn how make my own in Scarm. I just "borrowed" (took) yours. Now, how would one go about stretching this out to make it somewhat similar in size to the Atlas O Pratt Truss Bridge, which is 40" in length?

File Sharing is a wonderful thing!

The bridge I can't take credit for.  Its just a rescale of one Carl (Moonman) posted yesterday.

Can you send a link to a picture of the one you are referring to?

Here's a 6464 10.5 inch boxcar (I think, I don't have one to measure).  I'm doing some Lionel stuff as a payback for the use of this great forum and this really fun software.  If you have requests please post em' and I'll give er' a shot.  Next up a 15 inch smoothside modern passenger car.  Russ

Testing some clearance issues so I made a couple of test cars.  A 10.5 incher and a 15 incher and also that pesky bridge!    Russ

One of the clearance cars.  The trucks will swivel indendant.

Test bridge scene with da' pesky bridge.

10.5 cars pinched at the bridge curve combination.

 15 inch cars will not make the curve and the 10.5 would be suspect.  

I measured the old truss bridge I am using and the openings are  4.5" wide (outside dimension is 4.75" width.)  Having an O-27 curve into and out of presents no issues with my current limited supply of rolling stock (its going to be some time before I can even think of acquiring more with prices as they are).  The SCARM model of the truss I rescaled is about the correct length but the interior dimensions are narrower than the bridge I have.  I will see if I can correct the model so it's an exact match in L,W and H. 

OK, all fixed. Inside width to check clearanceis 4.5" and length is 18".

This is about as close as I can get to the bridge I have in the above picture. 

Paul

Link

Can you take some measurements for me and I will try and see if I can turn this bridge into that one. (including making it black)

 length: 40-1/4”; width 5-1/2”; height: 9-1/2”

Absolute precision isn't necessary. Up until today the Scarm depiction of my layout had no bridges at all. Just the idea of the Atlas truss will be just great.

Here you go!

I have a few items created in scarm .

These are awesome!  Thanks for sharing!

Thanks so much - it looks just right!.

Paul can you post your SCARM file you are building I like the effect you have on the waterfall.  Also anyone have any SCARM images of engines.  Here is the start to my garage layout.  Not sure what type of industry I  want in the middle looking for suggestions.

Bad news I'm afraid, the "effect" was just that. I edited the image with PaintShopPro and filled the area of the waterfall with a texture.

Paul

How do you get a scarm file that someone posted to load.  I can't get it to load by clicking on it.  Yes I do have scarm.

Thank You

Ken M

Ken M

Save the file to your computer and then open it in SCARM on your computer. This should work.

The latest iteration of the 4' x 8' O-27 layout in SCARM. (some touch up with Paint Shop Pro)

I added hills and and the river is now done with a polygon. 

Paul

I can't open them from here on the forum either, like I can RR-Track files. I have to do as woody says, save to my computer then click on it. Not sure why they won't open from here?

I tried to download and nothing happened.

After I unselected the Ask toolbar and the other, it just did nothing.

Do you have to use Ask for it to work?

I'm on Windows 7 with over 400 gigs of free space.

SCARM is not a web browser based program. It's what we programmers call a "stand alone program." It runs in Windows.

My Chrome browser see scarm files as a text file. Right click on the name and "Save link as".

Then you can open it in SCARM.

Paul

It could also say 'Save Target as...' on your drop down menu if you are using IE.

Thanks Paul save link as is worked real good

Ken M

Well, I haven't even build the layout I designed, but I am already thinking of future expansion.  The room's dimensions of 10x11 put limits on what can be done in there.

So An L shaped layout is the best choice.

Here is the original layout with only a few minor changes to the lower-right corner, extended in to an L shape at 4x8 + 4x6 extension.  

The extension will feature an elevated portion over a rail-yard.

I stuck with O-27 as 1) its cheap to obtain and 2) tighter curves to fit in the small area.

WOW!  There are so many good ideas here.  Would you guys be willing to upload them to my library website: www.SCARMHiRailers.com ?  Since this forum is but one spot where us O-Gauge/Scale modellers hang out, Dad and I started this website so that everyone could upload and download freely.

I'm still working on the track plan uploads.  If you want to upload an entire track plan, email me and I'll do it manually.

Due to copyright license and whatnot, I don't want to just download all of your stuff and upload it myself.  I'd much rather have your permission.

Thanks!

John that is great news, I found your site very helpful and that is what made me want to start the thread for the SCARM sharing.  Let me know how I can help, also looking for any SCARM images your layouts you aren't seeing in here.  So please add yours as well.

Here is my layout I am working on for my garage.  Has a ton of images on it, not sure if there is any copyright issues given it is all free.

Anyone try and draw engines in SCARM love to add those to the library.

If you scroll back a bit, someone posted some loco's on this thread.  Also the SCARM blog has a few.  Mostly Diesel-Electric versions but in various scales.

Paul

John,  as far as for anything I have posted here, I have no issues sharing it with others. Please feel free to grab anything I have posted and use it on your site, just give me a by-line on it so if anyone has questions about a layout or object, they can contact me about it.  plsmith512@gmail.com

Paul

Paul for some reason I am not seeing engines when I search.  Can you post them to this thread for all to use? Happy to see your layout is growing as well, might want to have one 0-36 loop to be able to run some moderate size engines.

Opps, it was in a link from another topic here about SCARM (hello from the author).

http://www.scarm.info/blog/tut...ocomotives-in-scarm/

Paul

Paul

I went to the SCARM website download the program. It takes me to "weatherblink" for download. Is this correct? It looks like everyone here already has it running and are just talking about existing files made with the program.

Thanks - Jon

No, you don't want weather blink...

Here is the correct page...

http://www.scarm.info/index.php#download

Thanks

Jon

Vice Versa...I cannot post here what others have posted to my site.  I don't have the rights to their work.  I'm sure in a court of law, I could argue that posting on either site is considered "public domain" but I want to stay out of the courts...we're all friends here!

You all can certainly use anything I've posted and 'hack away'!  

Remeber that this all about sharing.  If you make a mod please repost it here with the pix and the Scarm file.  

I'm working on a couple of other pieces that are for our ON30 layout but they are O scale and some may find them useful as scenery! They are long out of production pieces but you may find them on ebay so I'll try and remember to also post model number and manf.   Russ

Updated layout with yard.  Found some awesome files on a site I will post when I can download them all.  I cant wait to start building this thing.

Merlin1280, I like where you are going with this except I think you may have some unreachable areas.  A 36 inch reach is a pretty good stretch especially with expensive trains under your belly and some structures in the way.  I took your plan and placed some 36 inch circles on it in a couple of areas that have me concerned.  Russ

That is a great point I added a couple spots to put access panels.  Also added the loop in the middle to the right so I can change direction of engines and cargo if needed.  Where is the best place to buy Gargraves or Atlas Track?

I own almost all accessories shown just need the track now!!

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Hi merlin,

If you have space at the short end on the on the left, you may want to consider putting the control panel there.

It's a nicer view of the layout and you can see all the switches.

I also thought that an oval access hatch would allow you a wider hatch for shoulder clearance and fit in the space. It's a 27"l x 18"w oval. It's nice if you can stand up in the access hole.

Rslaserkits Saw Filer Shack and Keystone 395-1002 Danby Sawmill.  Russ

Here's a test of the no ballast code.  The colors are just so I can see what was actually going on.  I need this for my machine shop which has service pits.  Normally for things like stations you can leave the ballast and just nudge some rectangles up to the track.  Anyhow these are ON30 but presented here for food for thought.  Russ

3 Rail No Ballast test

306 Korber Diesel Shed (3 Rail)

315 Korber Grain Silo

Today's goodies, actually only one goodie so far but it is still early!    Russ

969 Korber General Light and Power main building and Sub Station

Looks awesome keep them coming!!

Ones I would love to see are old Marx Bubbling tower, Lionel Signal Bridge and double track passenger walk way. I might try these at some point. 

Merlin haven't figured out how to do angles yet!    Russ

Will this work for now?

6-14094 Lionel Double Track Signal Bridge

Marx 0465 Bubbling Water Tower

I redesigned the walbash layout in O converted it to Fastrack also added a few features. Hope you like it

This place is filing up fast, good job all!  Russ

6-22902 Lionel Quonset Hut

this is the updated one with some of the files in this post

Russ those images are amazing thanks so much.  I just posted a room in my basement I am trying to build the layout in.  Love to see your thoughts, keep them coming.

Just a quicky reply.  Looks like two clearance issues.  Russ

well I think I am finished on this one. here's the final. along with the 2 libraries of the elevated supports there the TW Trainworx supports.

Well this is a little sad but I think the dimensions are close.  Russ

6-14083 Pedestrian Walkover

That looks great we have quite a file library being built.

Here's another for the library.  6-21390 Lionel Diner.  Russ

I want to thank all the work you guys are putting into this.  I am brand new to SCARM and these examples and libraries are very, very helpful.

Russell M.

As I have posted in the past I sure don't mind working on these as a pay back for this forum that I have enjoyed for about 9 years or so now.  So if there is a building you own and need a Scarm of it, let me know.  I don't have many of the commercial Lionel or MTH buildings, but I do have several of the Korber ones.  Right now my Scarm work is mostly in ON30 narrow gauge for the project railroad and for some modules I'm building.  I have also used it for a completely different kind of project, an artist rendering of a 750 seat outdoor amphitheater.  Anyhow, let me know and I'll see if I can help is some way.  Russ

lionel under arch bridges would be nice

I would say the Atlas Roundhouse, Lionel 465 Dispatch Station, Lionel Light Concrete Coaling Tower.  Amazing work

This is a fun program. Just learning it.

How do you make a mountain? If I make the track height of an oval 12 inches, the turf in the middle looks like a volcano depression.

GVdobler - post the Scarm file and lets play with it some.  Russ

Will do when I get home. It is just a practice file.

Draw a polygon in the middle and set it's height to higher than the track and it's thickness to 0.01 then check the box marked "snap terrain to bottom".  Also set the color to "transparent".

You can draw more polygons, each one smaller and higher to create a mountain.  Think of the polygon outlines as contour lines.

Paul

PS Nice layout.

PPS You know you can upload attachments directly to this list. No need for Photo Bucket or other file sharing sites.

OK here's the skinny on some slight limitations to the current version of Scarm.  There is no way to draw a VERTICAL angle, so there are no vertical cross braces on this bridge,  Other than that the dimensions are correct.  I've included pix showing the bridge with no track, with track, and the special "no ballast" track but it is tricky and most folks won't want to mess with the code.  I will try and upload the lib file here and see if that works.  If it does copy it into your LIB sub folder and it SHOULD show up when you load Scarm.  Russ

6-12770 Lionel Under Arch Bridge

  6-22999 Lionel Dispatch Station

6-37912 Light Concrete Coaling Tower Scarm

Atlas O 6904 Roundhouse

No laughing please, I still working on it but here's a steamer.  Russ

Lionel 611266 PRR K4 Scarm

WOW you are a wizard on SCARM.  I hope the creator of it is seeing these images you are making.  Thanks so much again and the engine looks awesome.

There is no particular end to this layout. I think the program is good for working out problems ahead of time. There is a couple places that the track is not connected and I'm trying to learn topography.

I have about 11'x20' to work with. I quickly learned it would be difficult to run a 20' long Atlas O Zephyr in my space unless I'm okay with it being in a curve all the time. I don't want a duck-under as everyday access, so around-the-room won't work, unless I want smaller radius curves.

Anyway, great tool.

I thought I would try my hand at creating some American Flyer accessories.  Does anyone know if any have been built?  I cannot find any information on the web that people are building these objects.

What kinds of Flyer stuff are you looking for?

Here's today's lowly posting. Russ

6-11150 Lionel NYC Ten Wheeler

I am mostly looking for Flyer accessories.  I haven't decided if I'm going to use flyer sectional track or some other type.  For now, I'm going to be limited to the sectional track if I use SCARM.

OK here's the deal, if you have a part# I'll see what I can come up with.  Also I need to have the actual measurements of any accessory.  Most internet look ups do not have the actual measurements.  I will need length, width, and height.  Russ

Next post.  Russ

30-9030 MTH Engine Shed

 40-1031 MTH O Steel Arch Bridge

40-1031 MTH O Steel Arch Bridge Example

Russ,

I know I am needing the following:

779 Oil Drum Loader

771 Stockyard

596 Water Tank

755 Talking Station

577 Billboard

755 Talking Station

758A Sam Semaphore Man

760 Highway Flasher

761 Semaphore

787 Log Loader

23791 Cow on Track

I will start measuring these and also post a photo of each one as well.

Thank you VERY much in advance for your help.  I can barely draw a rectangle, but I am practicing to draw more.

Russell M