The developer of SCARM frequents this forum and is open to suggestions for improvement. I have downloaded different versions of SCARM over the years and never received any "unwanted" 3rd party software with it. HOWEVER, you do have to choose the proper download link from his site because he does make money by advertising (and hosting links for) other software vendors. Whether you pay for it or use the "free" version, I suspect that if you click on the wrong link, you will get the unwanted software.
Another tip; when installing any downloaded software, if given the choice, choose to custom install what you want. Further, read all screens (all the way to the bottom of each page) to make sure you don't accidentally "accept" said unwanted supplemental software.
Oh, and by the way, the other free to use (but limited version) track planning software is Anyrail.
Chuck
