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Reply to "Christmas Layout based on Ken H's 5x17... SCARM gaps OK?"

Moonman posted:
Ken-Oscale posted:

I just worked an experiment: I replicated one of the inside reverse loops in SCARM.   It does not close.   So, one of these two track planning software systems is off a bit.   I don't know at this point in time, which is in error.   I am seeing a small rounding-type error with AnyRail in the small straight sections, but not enough to account for this degree of difference, even if accumulated (0.001").   

This may be why you (Skipdup) cannot connect the layout in SCARM.   Will look at some more later.

Some evidence that SCARM has errors:  A length of track that should measure 32.625", is repeatedly measuring at 32.68", measured on SCARM using its measuring tool.  That 0.055 seems small, but errors accumulate, and can add up to a noticeable difference.  [1-3/8, 1-3/4, 4.5, 10, 15" turnout, 5 sections].   Perhaps its a measuring error with the tape measure.  0.055 is more that 1/32 (0.03125).   If this is real, over 20 sections it could add up to 1/8" or more.   IF...   I tried this a few times, and still getting the same measurement, building with new track sections, and multiple measurements.   Hmmm.

Carefully measuring the same set of tracks with AnyRail, measures at exactly 32.625 (had to zoom in to be precise).   

Seems to be measurment errors with the SCARM tape measure, now getting inconclusive results, more like 32.64" (0.015 error).   So this is inconclusive, no reason to suspect SCARM based on this test.  Perhaps one or the other system has errors in the curved sections? - doesn't seem to be, both measure an O48 circle precisely.

So what could be going on?  If the difference is not in the straights, and not in the curves, that would leave the diverging side of a turnout. I know that an O48 turnouts fits in perfectly in AnyRail into a circle, as it does in SCARM - just tried it.

 

O60 turnout is the only one that doesn't work (fit as an arc of a circle). Weird design by Lionel.

I am trying to recall if the Anyrail divergence automatically places the 1 3/8" piece. In SCARM it does not automatically insert those pieces - this is on O60, O72 switch, O72 wye and 22.5° cross. An O72 circle won't join without a 1 3/8" half-roadbed

Carl, I think we had this conversation before.   AnyRail does not automatically insert the 1-3/8" fitter, but when you add an O60 turnout to the layout plan, you add the fitters that are in the package from Lionel, as well as the turnout.   They are not automatically connected, and one is not required to use them in AnyRail, or in "real-life".

It is possible to use the O60 and O72 turnouts without the fitters, you have to notch the roadbed of the adjoining piece, not hard to do.   I try to include the 1-3/8" fitters in my design so folks don't have to trim.

Last edited by Ken-Oscale

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