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I've been messing around with dream (as well as more realistic) layout plans on SCARM, and can't seem to figure out how to place a switch on track that isn't flat.  I'd like to do a crossover between a double main line while on a slight grade (space reasons), but the software insists that both ends of the track be at the same height.   Didn't see a fix for this in the FAQ on the SCARM site.  Is just a bug in the software, or is there a way around this?  Any wisdom is appreciated.  Thanks. 

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I have not been able to do this, even removing a straight and replacing it with a switch. To be fair, having switches on a grade is asking for trouble, but it's worse in actual application with stopping the grade for a switch and picking it back up again after the switch.

 

I don't see that there will ever be a work-around in SCARM once you realize what effect the grade on the straight will have on the "out" portion of the track - it introduces a twist in the geometry that produces track that doesn't sit level on the ties.

Glad for the confirmation that it's not just me. 

 

Some clarification: I would be using this as a transition between parallel mainline tracks of the same grade instead of a true turnout.  As everything's in the same plane, there shouldn't be any distortion.  However, I can see how it may be more trouble that it's worth to program.

Originally Posted by Fridge56Vet:

Glad for the confirmation that it's not just me. 

 

Some clarification: I would be using this as a transition between parallel mainline tracks of the same grade instead of a true turnout.  As everything's in the same plane, there shouldn't be any distortion.  However, I can see how it may be more trouble that it's worth to program.

SCARM doesn't allow switches on a grade.  In the program, you would have to grade to the switch, have the switch level, then continue the grade afterwards.  For the reasons that Rob explained with the twist on the turn out, it's not allowed by the program.  I believe there's explanation of this on the SCARM website or the Hello From the Author discussion string.

 

Anyhow, I think the trouble you'll find is not in trying to get the program to do it, but to put it in practice.  The weird torqueing of switching lines on a grade is asking for trouble.  I suppose if it's super low, like 1% then maybe not so much, but if possible you should find a different solution.

 

Also, post this dream layout you're designing!!  I love seeing what other people come up with, and now you've piqued my curiosity!!

 

Yeah, it wouldn't be a severe grade, I just need to cheat a bit to get the overall grade to be more reasonable while still fitting the layout in the space I have. 

 

I'll see if I can figure out how to get screen caps out of SCARM & then how to post them in the forum.  It's designed to be built in stages, and eventually take over the better part of my basement....

Here are some 3D SCARM images of Phase 1 of my layout.  I've managed fix the original problem (why I posted this thread) by re-working a few things

 

It's basically a 12' x 8' rectangle and a 6' x 8' rectangle with a 2'x4' overlap.  If you're looking at Picture 02 the top and right sides are the masonry walls of the basement (so no expansion possible).  The 6' x 8' rectangle is a noch in the masonry open to the room on only the left side.  The left side is standard interior wall that I will eventually tunnel through in time (where the unfinished tracks extending off the baseboard will go). 

 

It's a start with what I'll be able to fit into my basement room (as soon as we move all the junk out of it & re-finish it).  There are several more phases of additions that I've planned, but that's for another thread. 

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  • Layout 5 - 01
  • Layout 5 - 02
  • Layout 5 - 03

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