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SCARM layout software

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163K views 377 replies 75 participants last post by  Grifter_Guru  
M
#1 ·
Hello dear friends,

I want to introduce my freeware layout design program, called SCARM, which you can download and test from www.scarm.info. After the last major update, SCARM is able to print the track plan and now it has more than 40 track libraries included.

Because SCARM is still under development, I collect any ideas about new functionality or improving the existing features. I will appreciate any comments concerning SCARM here or by email - scarm at scarm dot info.

I was not sure where to post this topic, so I do it here - please excuse me if this is not the correct place or if I'm violating some of the forum rules.

Mixy,
from Bulgaria
 
M
#3 ·
Hi Preston,

Please tell me, which antivirus do you use, to check SCARM?
I see that there are some alerts for file named scam.exe, which is close to scarm.exe (SCARM executable file), but is not the same.

I am using Avira Antivir with latest definitions to be sure that my computer where I am compiling SCARM is clean and safe.
Here is also latest antivirus report form www.soft82.com by NOD32: http://www.soft82.com/antivirus-report/dow.../windows/scarm/
If you are still unsure, you can use some other trusted downloading place for SCARM like www.download.com - the link for SCARM here is http://download.cnet.com/SCARM/3000-18496_4-75328501.html.

Regards,

Mixy
 
K
#4 ·
I've been using this for a few weeks now. Although it still needs to have a few more facilities, such as adding platforms and buildings, the ease of track laying is excellent. I'm also waiting for grid overlays (to make it easier to avoid placing a point motor on a baseboard support), and I would like to be able to adjust a piece of flexible track which has already been placed in position rather than having to delete it and add a new piece. As well as the normal 2D view, there is also a 3D to give a better idea of what the finished layout might look like.

Give it a try, it may not (yet) be quite as easy as some of the commercial packages but it's free, and it's far easier to use that xtracad, and Mixy is continuing to develop it.

Regards
Keith
 
#5 ·
Hi Mixy,

Welcome to the forum, Downloaded , tested and think it looks OK

No problems with the Anti-virus - I use AVG (free edition)

I will have a go at putting a more complex layout design in and let you know - but it looks quite easy to use -without looking at any instructions (as yet)

Regards

Zmil
 
C
#6 ·
scarm is great. It is not the first layout planner I have used but it is the best. You can build anything that can be made with proprietry track sections from the major UK manufacturers. It even has Hornby 4th radius curves so it is bang up to date. The 3d Viewer means you can get a snap shot of how your layout will actually look. Give it a go I do not think you will regret it, I have had no problems.

Simon
 
M
#7 ·
Thank you, guys
Image


I will continue to work over SCARM and some of the planned features for the next versions are Platforms, Custom shapes (for roads, buildings, etc.), Inventory (for tracks) and some other improvements, like adjustment of already placed flex-tracks. Depending on my free time, they will appear soon or in the future.

Check also the FAQ section in the documentation (F1) or in the web site - it takes about 10 minutes of reading, but explains a lot for SCARM features, tips and tricks. If the answer of given question is missing, post the question here
Image


Mixy
 
D
#8 ·
Hmmm!

I like this, I like this a lot. As has been stated previously, bell and whistles are probably required here and there. On the whole, though, very well done. I am particulary impressed with the 3D imaging which will assist us mere mortals in visualising what we are trying to achieve. I also like the rapid zoom that seems to be lacking in so many layout CADS.

Oh! BTW, welcome to the forum, Mixy.

Nice one!
Image
Image


Ian
 
M
#14 ·
Thank you again for cordial welcome
Image


@Fellwalker: Unfortunately, there is no Mac version of SCARM, because I have no Apple computer and because it will be difficult and time consuming for me to support SCARM for more than one OS platform.

Regards,

Mixy
 
#18 · (Edited by Moderator)
QUOTE (spurno @ 4 Mar 2011, 18:02) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>can't get it to work.i click on run and it vanishes from sight.

cheers

alan

Hi Alan,

I'm pretty PC unfriendly & i got it going from the original post on the thread, click the link 1. then click on the download 2. when you get the window ... do you want to run or save this file ? click on the save box then a new window will appear showing your pc folders i usually save downloads in the downloads folder click on my documents and then the downloads folder it should then say open click on there then save the download will start when its done close that box dont click run (i think this is where you mean it disappears if it is then its already on your pc where you downloaded it to ) or look in downloads it should be there under scarm2 double click on it & you should have something like this .

Image


Double click on the bottom line with the S & scarm as here and it opens the programme.
Image


There could be other quicker ways but it does work this way ...... hope this helps.
 
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S
#19 ·
hi nick i've tried that,i think.downloaded version 0.7.2 but it shows 900kb not 1600 kb in your screenshot.it even goes as far as saying extracting to archives but no luck.no idea what i'm doing wrong.

cheers

alan
 
#20 ·
Hi Alan,

Delete it completley & try it again i'd say i did & it worked for me then.
 
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#23 ·
Hi Alan,

Thats a shame it didnt save for you there as you say for future references, glad you've got your layout planned though hope to see progress soon
Image
 
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#24 · (Edited by Moderator)
Good morning to you all,

I have been using SCARM now for a few hours and my overall impression is very positive. This program has arrived at a good time for me as i am in the early stages of a new layout design and I was preparing to transfer all my "chook scratchings" from my notepad to some form of design software. I used SCARM as a test for this leap and the feeling was good.

The program and its functions were easy to navigate through and easily identified on the Menu Bar and the Toolbar. The libraries are very comprehensive however I must admit I only used the Peco library to any great extent.

What sold it for me was the fantastic 3D feature which enable me to view my layout plan in a 3D representation. Using the mouse movement, the left-mouse button and scroll wheel, I was able to "fly" around my layout, viewing it from all angles. This visual feature brought my layout to life! (see attached image 2).

Mixy, I have some constructive point to mention:

1. I felt the scroll wheel on the mouse in the 3D function was reversed (at least for me). When I rolled the scroll wheel "forward", I expected the view to zoom in but instead the view zoomed out. Did anyone else experience this?

2. I could not locate any turntables however I understand that they are being considered in future updates.

3. In 3D screen, you need a "2D" button on the toolbar to take you back to 2D mode.

4. In 3D mode I would like to see a "point of view" (POV) or "loco view" feature where you can lock the camera to the track and move the camera "along the track, providing a cab view. I very clumsily simulated this with my mouse to simulate the shunting operation of my design to a colleague. Whilst I do not want to turn SCARM into a train simulator, I feel this simple feature would be very helpful (see attached image 3).

5. When using the Screenshot function in 3D mode, can you provide other image formats in addition to BMP's? i.e. JPG and PNG?

6. I think was your program evolves you may want change the name. When I first read the opening post, and indeed when the software was extracting, the first this I my brain registered was the word "SCAM". This may be a distraction to some users downloading and reading it for the first time.

Overall, an excellent package, far superior to the Atlas and RTS equivalent, and it will be my program of choice from here on in. Like many others here on MRF, I welcome your endeavour in providing a free application to the model railway community. I am more than happy continue testing and providing feedback for you.

Well done.

Regards,
Stephen



 

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#25 ·
QUOTE (spurno @ 5 Mar 2011, 14:51) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>hi nick,tried again and still the same result.i've given up now.don't really need now as i've done my layout.just thought it would be nice to try it for possible later changes.

cheers

alan

Hi Alan I had a bit of trouble when I first down loaded it made my laptop crash.I think it clashed with my internet security mine is set high I once got hack into
Image
,never again I also have windows 7 and find a lot do not like it. I have got it working but it is not right I think some part did not load but what I have looks good need to spend more time on it to get it working right.
 
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