SCARM layout software

144603 Views 377 Replies 75 Participants Last post by Grifter_Guru, Mar 6, 2019

Mixy

Discussion Starter · Feb 27, 2011

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

61 - 80 of 378 Posts

R E Faust

· #61 · Mar 27, 2011

Just had a look at this but it appears there is no facility for using Peco N gauge code 55 track. Will it be added soon?

R E Faust

Stephen-67772

· #62 · Mar 27, 2011

Hi Dave,

In order to place a track piece on the plan, you need a start location (a red arrow) to connect to. This red arrow can be (1) on the end of an existing track piece or (2) you can create a new start position, without connecting to an existing track piece.

To explain (2) first..

- Right click anywhere on the worksheet. In the dropdown menu, select New Start point. The mouse cursor changes to an arrow.

- Click and hold the left mouse button anywhere on the worksheet. Don't release the left mouse button just yet! You have just placed a start point "red arrow".

- By moving the mouse around whilst holding the left button, you can change the orientation of the start point.

- Release the left mouse button.

- Goto your library on the left of screen and select a track piece. If the piece you choose has only two possible ends to join, it will automatically connect to the red arrow. If it has more than two possible ends to join (e.g. a point or crossover) you need to choose which end of the track piece you wish to connect to the red arrow.

(1)

- You can click on the end of any available track piece already placed on the worksheet (the end of the track pieces all have grey arrows). The grey arrow will turn to red and this will be the next connection point.

I hope this helps in some way.

Regards,
Stephen

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Mixy

Discussion Starter · #63 · Mar 27, 2011

Yes, I will try to add Peco N code 55 soon. Just check in the library list after couple of weeks

Mixy

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Discovery

· #64 · Mar 29, 2011 (Edited by Moderator)

Hi Mixy,
As a new member of the forum I am using my first post to say thank you for the SCARM software. Being retired and never having worked with computers I find other layout planning software rather daunting. I've tried Anyrail and Xtrkcad but I just haven't the patience to persevere with them. I'm sure they are both excellent but far too complicated for me.
I had no trouble downloading and getting started with SCARM and the help file was easy to understand if a little sparse. I soon discovered how to do things not covered by the help file by experimenting, and was surprised how simple it all is. My baseboard will be a 'U' shape built against three walls of my loft room and drawing this was easy, which is more than I can say for the other two programs. I'm getting the hang of placing and connecting track and finding it most interesting and enjoyable.
That well-used saying "If I can do it, anybody can!" is most apt in this case, and I look forward to future developments.

Best wishes,
Gordon.

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Mixy

Discussion Starter · #65 · Mar 29, 2011

Thank you, Gordon,

I am glad to see that SCARM is easy and useful to more and more forum members and model railway enthusiasts

Regards,

Mixy

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sprinter

· #66 · Mar 29, 2011

Its great ive just downloaded the latest version to get the turn table as i need it on my layout

Mixy

Discussion Starter · #67 · Mar 30, 2011

SCARM update 0.8.3 is released, including Peco N Finescale C55 library. Try it

Mixy

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spurno

· #68 · Mar 30, 2011

Hi mixy
I've already downloaded Scarm and it's excellent.Its all I need now code 55 is included.thanks for all your efforts.

Cheers

Alan

R E Faust

· #69 · Apr 2, 2011

QUOTE (Mixy @ 27 Mar 2011, 12:37) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Yes, I will try to add Peco N code 55 soon. Just check in the library list after couple of weeks

Mixy

Thanks Mixy, I'll keep me eyes peeled

As the angle of divergence is different with to Code 80, it's not possible to use that. Still, it should be a little easier to do, as all the turnouts are the same frog angle

R E Faust

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3

Mixy

Discussion Starter · #70 · Apr 10, 2011

SCARM update 0.8.4 released. Added 3D supports management, which will allow creation of realistic-looking helixes and viaducts in 3D viewing mode, like those below:

Now SCARM is able to work with 58 different track systems. Try it

Mixy

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3

Drewfield

· #71 · Apr 10, 2011

That is impressive!! Too much for my layout though

but I'll still download the latest version.

Great to see the program developing with new features seemingly being added weekly. Well done Mixy

regards Drew

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Stephen-67772

· #72 · Apr 11, 2011

QUOTE (Drewfield @ 11 Apr 2011, 07:18) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>That is impressive!! Too much for my layout though

but I'll still download the latest version.

Great to see the program developing with new features seemingly being added weekly. Well done Mixy

regards Drew

Yes, I second that Drew. Great work by Mixy.

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Mixy

Discussion Starter · #73 · Apr 11, 2011

Thank you, friends

Your opinions are very important and valuable for me. With this positive feedback, I know that my work over SCARM is worthy, so I will continue to improve it with adding more functions and features in the new releases

Mixy

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manager46

· #74 · Apr 15, 2011

I think it's been mentioned already...

I would really love the chance to place some basic shapes to give a representation of buildings etc.

Mixy

Discussion Starter · #75 · Apr 16, 2011

I am already working over shapes, buildings, signals, roads and other like these to be created in SCARM

However, it will take more time than expected, because I am also working over 3D representation of these as custom created objects. It looks simple, but actually it is very complex functionality. So I will need at least a 2-3 months to finalize it. First tests are looking very good

Mixy

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spurno

· #76 · Apr 19, 2011

hi mixy

is there a facility to "cut" flexible track so as to copy my layout exactly for scenic purposes?

cheers

alan

spurno

· #77 · Apr 19, 2011

hi again mixy

i am having problems rotating track sections.would it not be easier to just have a rotate(left or right) button.

cheers

alan

Mixy

Discussion Starter · #78 · Apr 19, 2011

Hello Alan,

You can cut flex track by pressing right mouse button while modeling it.
Right and Left are relative directions and for complex tracks or sections this can be confusing. But you can rotate the track (or section) by placing new start point, oriented in the desired direction. Then just attach your track (or section) to that start point.

Regards,

Mixy

manager46

· #79 · Apr 19, 2011

Just want to say, the more I use this the more impressed I am.

I can't wait for the facility to add buildings.

spurno

· #80 · Apr 20, 2011

hi mixy

i must be a complete idiot but i can't get pieces to rotate.it took me 15 mins to find out how to change start point direction.it took me an hour to do the baseboard because line skept joining up for no reason. please can you give an idiots step by step giude to rotating track pieces.

cheers

alan

61 - 80 of 378 Posts

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