Interesting that AnyRail actually tests batches of track from Lionel, and uses the actual manufactured track dimensions, which vary slightly due to the manufacturing process.
David from AnyRail: "For instance, Lionel O gauge part 65505 is in the catalogue as 5.5" (13.97cm), but in reality it is 5.55" (14.1cm)."
That variation (0.05") is between 1/32" (0.03125") and 1/16 (0.0625).
Unless batches vary dramatically, this implies that AnyRail should be close to the actual real track layout dimensions.
1/8" is 0.125", less than three of these variations of 0.05". This would account for the difference we are seeing, that is, if SCARM uses the manufacturer published dimensions, and does not test actual track. (!)
I could not blame any SW system for using the manufacturers published specifications. And some variation in manufacturing is to be expected (tough to manage quality control in China, as we know). AnyRail is going above and beyond to measure actual track for its software, I would not have expected that.
One conclusion I come to, is that assembling a long length of track of many sections, and expecting it to close in very small tolerances <1/8", may be an exercise in futility. One may just have to see what actually works "on the ground". Second conclusion is that AnyRail should be close to the actual physical track, but with manufacturing variations, perfection is not to be expected.
