SCARM printing to scale?

By scale you mean actual 1:1 like you stated? I believe that 1:1 is actual real scale if you want to lay each page out on bench work. Here’s some web info from SCARM:

https://www.scarm.info/blog/ad...ayout-in-1to1-scale/

Jim Harrington posted:

New user to SCARM.  

is it possible to print a plan to scale in SCARM?

Seems like fit to page and 1:1 is all there are; unless I’m missing something.

Jim

 

You are correct - however, when the print window appears you may be able to resize from 8.5 x 11 in the printer properties. This would be the full track plan view on perhaps 11 x 17 - depends upon the printer that you have.

What I would like to do is print to an architectural scale such as 1/4”=1’-0” or 1/2”=1’-0”.  I don’t se the function to do that in the software.  

Thank

Jim

Like Moonman, I believe the feature you are looking for does not exist in SCARM.  Might I suggest you ask the developer to consider adding that feature, if not too difficult?

Chuck

In the settings dialogue, one can set the grid dimensions under dimensions, next, one can select to print the grid in the print dialogue. The one has a scale reference no matter the physical size of the print.

The scale is set by the track library - the physical size of the baseboard is what it is.

Here is a 12" grid layout, view option with show size and area turned on, printed as a Landscape 11" x 8.5" - it is O scale track-

What are you missing?

Carl knows more than I so i'm glad he's here helping haha.

Carl,

I looked at your PDF, and it looks like the scale is approximately 1/2" = 1 foot.  How can he change that scale to 1/4" = 1 foot or to 1" = 1 foot?

Chuck

PRR1950 posted:

Carl,

I looked at your PDF, and it looks like the scale is approximately 1/2" = 1 foot.  How can he change that scale to 1/4" = 1 foot or to 1" = 1 foot?

Chuck

It is not - that is a 12" grid - 10 blocks on the left - 120" side is displayed

The grid is actual size and the track is scale - O scale is ~ 1/4 = 1ft - the layout diagram is automatically sized to print on whatever paper is in the printer

It seems that SCARM has the ability to produce 1:1 prints and proportioned images, not scaled drawings.

It would be useful to have a scaled drawing to develop benchwork construction drawings from.   In my world in the construction industry, things are usually presented in a scaled drawing, for which the trades can develop shop drawings or working drawings.

The grid, while a visually useful tool is insufficient.  I exported the SCARM drawing to an .EMF file, convert to .DXF, and imported into AutoCad.  While the result seemed to be in proportion, it did not come in scaled, it was roughly half scale and I had to scale it up.  There were still anomalies, i.e., individual 10" track sections varied in length by very small amounts, and overall proportions were slightly off.  I can work with this, but it is not exact.  Without having a CAD platform, I'm not sure one would be able to do this.

Jim

FWIW, RR-Track has a scale feature with a lot of options. I assume that’s what you’re looking for.

I have to admit I’m not sure what a scale drawing does that the rulers, grid and baseboard coordinates (down to a fraction of an inch don’t do), but I’m not a CAD guy. I simply draw 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 2x4 rectangles, etc., then arrange them under transparent decking rectangles/polygons to decide how best to configure the bench work framing.

Hey Jim,

Just noticed your post. Hope I'm not way too late to help. I just went through this whole exercise. Here is how you can do it:

1. Once you have a finished version of your track plan, go to file/export and choose 'emf' (Enhanced Metafile File) and place it in a folder.

2. Find a quality EMF to PDF file converter. Adobe Illustrator is a really good one but there are free ones online. Convert and download the new pdf file.

3. If you are wanting a template, find a print commercial shop with a wide format printer like 50" or wider. They can print as long as you need it. If you just want a 1'=1/4" scale drawing, the printer can size it however you want.

The caveat is to make sure they scale it correctly and be SURE you check it. Have them print a small section with a shown dimension and measure it yourself. 1/8" off turns into 3" off in 24 feet. My first print was on light bond paper and at the time all I could find was a 32" wide print. Seaming it together with cellophane tape was difficult and imperfect but it worked. The best thing that happened was it showed me actual scale and 1:1 dimension of my plan. I made a number of revisions primarily widening curves where I could. I had them print a few smaller ones to make note on.

I just had my 22'-6"x12'-4" track plan printed for the second time. This time on heavier paper and wider. 3 segments instead of 5. Actually working on placing it now.

The first print was less than $100, the second was just over $200

Like you, I've been in the construction business all my life working with drawings and specs. Gotta have a plan.

Interested to find out how it goes.

DL