SCRAM 1:1 print, transfer to layout

[JasonTrain]

I used to be a big fan of XTrackCad (http://www.xtrkcad.org) and it had its challenges at times, became a bit of a turn off. I've since begun using SCRAM (http://www.scarm.info/index_en.html), and for me it’s just been a better software product.

One feature it has is the means to print your layout in “real scale”, then use these prints as templates on your foam board, plywood, etc.

This is where I appear to have an issue I didn’t really think through. Curious on the ideas . . .

I’ve taped together my 50 some odd sheets of 8.5 x 11 paper to form my 8’ x 4’ layout. It looks great, I was shockingly impressed as it even allocated space for printer boarder on paper limitations. So I lay this track-plan down on my board and I started, just for size and testing, putting down some of my turnouts, Everything was lining up just perfectly, again really surprised (pleasantly).

Here is where I fell short, I don’t mean for my template to stay on my board, I’d like to use it to lay my track but then remove the paper template. I have been using pins to hold track down, again this is just testing.

Any suggestions on how to accomplish this? I want to use the template as it is “precise” regarding where I put my track, but I want to remove the white paper template once the track is down, I feel like a chicken before the egg type scenario.

 

[bwells]

Have you tried carbon paper? Put it under your print and trace the track center, it will transfer the outline to the board and you can move them as you go.

 

[JeffZCT]

Transfering layout

You can use a ponce wheel. Run it over the drawing, then hit it with a chalk bag. Remove the paper and you have the center lines in chalk on the layout.
Here is one sold by Micro-mark.
http://www.micromark.com/3-piece-pounce-wheel-set,6668.html

 

[jdetray]

The ponce wheel is a fine idea.

What I did was to print a full size printout with XTrackCAD, then use a Sharpie marker which, when touched to the paper, easily penetrates the paper to leave a mark on the surface underneath. I made a series of marks at key locations throughout the layout and then "connected the dots" with a long straightedge and a flexible ruler.

- Jeff

 

[cmaceeepc]

JasonTrain

I have just laid over 100 lengths of flex on my layout and used the template from XtracCad - the simplest way if you fit your track over the template is to, prior to pushing track pins all the way, is to get a hobby knife and lightly cut from adjacent to pin to edge of paper and pull paper from under the track - when all removed complete pressing of pins and hey presto..

give it a go

 

[scrollman53]

I tried using scram last night and couldn't get it opened. Says I need updated drivers so when I get someone a little more computor savey than me to help I'll try it again. Any help would be appreciated. I have windows XP

Richard

 

[Cjcrescent]

Richard, have you tried just re-installing it? Failing that I would download the latest version and install it

 

[LordFlashheart]

I just started using SCRAM this week myself. I have tried several CAD packages in the past and I just love SCRAM. The learning curve is very shallow and it has all the features and libraries I need. In fact I have already come up with my best track plan ever after spending just 5 nights with SCRAM.

-Martin

 

[Hutch]

I just started using SCRAM this week myself. I have tried several CAD packages in the past and I just love SCRAM. The learning curve is very shallow and it has all the features and libraries I need. In fact I have already come up with my best track plan ever after spending just 5 nights with SCRAM.

-Martin

I'm in the same place with same results. My new layout is way better then I came up with in XtrkCad. I now have elevations that I can see with tunnels and bridges shown in 3D. What's better than that? It's free.