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I have been having problems getting loops of track to close completely when there is a double slip switch in the loop.  There is a gap about 1/8" to 1/4". 

What I think is that there's a problem in the SCARM AtlasO 3-rail track file.

A real AtlasO DS measures 23" end-to-end over each leg.  Using the Measuring Tape Tool I get a 23.25" overall length.  What's more, the excess length appears to be concentrated on the right-side legs.

Has anyone else noticed this?  Is there a way  to correct the track file myself, or does the author need to issue an update.

Jan

Last edited by Jan
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Shoot an email to Milen (Mixy)  ( scarm@scarm.info ) , the author - he will check the Atlas specifications versus his track library and contact Atlas. For your build file, use the snip track tool to adjust the file track to match the switch that you have or will use.

I checked my SCARM retail with the Atlas library - when the cursor is hovered over the 11.25°DS it displays 23.25"L. I measure that on both legs with the SCARM measure tool.

The track library standard that he adheres to is the manufacturer's specifications.

Just checked RR-Track. it's the same. No published specification in the Atlas track catalog. The length through the center with a perpendicular line connecting the two innermost rails seems the longest.

Jan,

I have found, when trying to recreate Atlas track plans from their published layout plan books,  that the fitment isn't exact. No matter the software used. So, fudge a fitment in the plan in the software and make notes that will remind the builder that this area needs attention. I haven't built an Atlas layout yet, but, Ross and GG requires minor adjustments when physically assembling the track compared to a software plan. Similar to real train tracks, making it fit when you build it is part of the deal.

Carl, I agree with you, and have noticed that.   I think that all manufacturers take some "liberty" in their published track plans.   Those using sectional track without roadbed have more "play" available with the track connections using rail joiners, which have some flex at each joint. 

Lionel Fastrack has much less "play", so track plans must be more precise - I use 3/32" tolerance in my planning (across a length of track, NOT at each joint), which Fastrack accommodates nicely "on the ground".   Usually, I allow only one or two lengths of track, at least 4' long, to connect at less than perfect, in a track plan.   It takes time working with the small fitter track sections, and curves of different diameters in order to achieve this.   Working with other track systems with flex track goes faster without this hassle.

Last night I searched my shelves and found a DS still in its box.  I took a measuring tape to it and over one leg it is 23 1/64" which confirms my original measurement of an installed switch.

Milien and I have exchanged several emails.  He is contacting Atlas to get verify the actual value.  What is know so far is:

  1. Measured by me, 23 1/64",
  2. Atlas, ?,
  3. AnyRail by Ken, 23 1/4",
  4. RTS by Milen, 23 1/4"
  5. RRT by Carl and me, 23", and
  6. SCARM by several, 23 1/4".

I realize that it is virtually impossible to get track ends to match in all but the simplest layouts and plan for gaps to occur in the curves and long straights.  Where I was having the problem was in some complicated track work at the entrance and exit of a station complex.  Here I had multiple DS and #5s with straight runs between them.  My normal solution is to fill the space with the appropriate combination of straight pieces  Everything worked in RRT and real life, but when I converted to SCARM gaps began showing up.  My solution after all track was "laid" was to cut a straight to replace the little pieces. 

Wanting to know why, is why I started this investigation.

Hopefully, Milien will hear from Atlas soon.

Thanks for your participation.

Jan

Last edited by Jan
Jan posted:

Last night I searched my shelves and found a DS still in its box.  I took a measuring tape to it and over one leg it is 23 1/64" which confirms my original measurement of an installed switch.

Milien and I have exchanged several emails.  He is contacting Atlas to get verify the actual value.  What is know so far is:

  1. Measured by me, 23 1/64",
  2. Atlas, ?,
  3. AnyRail by Ken, 23 1/4",
  4. RTS by Milen, 23 1/4"
  5. RRT by Carl and me, 23", and
  6. SCARM by several, 23 1/4".

I realize that it is virtually impossible to get track ends to match in all but the simplest layouts and plan for gaps to occur in the curves and long straights.  Where I was having the problem was in some complicated track work at the entrance and exit of a station complex.  Here I had multiple DS and #5s with straight runs between them.  My normal solution is to fill the space with the appropriate combination of straight pieces  Everything worked in RRT and real life, but when I converted to SCARM gaps began showing up.  My solution after all track was "laid" was to cut a straight to replace the little pieces. 

Wanting to know why was I started this investigation.

Hopefully, Milien will hear from Atlas soon.

Thanks for your participation.

Jan

There is a feature in RR-T that will automatically close gaps. I turned it off as I felt it was not helpful to fake fitments. SCARM will not do that, hence the gap occurrences.

If you don't know where the gaps will occur when building, you can't rearrange the track beforehand or prepare for it properly for the build. It just becomes an oh crap!

Anyway, the slip switches are cool. I have only used them on one build where crossovers were needed, but level space was limited as the layout had a lot of grades and terrain between 3 levels.

When you place a piece of track there is zero gap between the two pieces.  When you place a piece of track between two or more pieces is when you might get gaps.  If the gap size is less than the tolerance you will get a joint; if it's greater then you have a gap.

Jan

Last edited by Jan

The SCARM Atlas 3R library has been updated.  I had to download and reinstall SCARM to install the new library.  When you load your layout, you'll need to delete any DS in the plan as they have the old, incorrect length.

That fixed the gaps that caused all my pain,  Now to fix the caps they the new DS caused.  At least they are on the curves.

Jan

 

 

Last edited by Jan

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