We discuss the modeling and verification of real-time systems using the SAL model checker. A new modeling framework based on event calendars enables dense timed systems to be described without relying on continuously varying clocks. We present verification techniques that rely on induction and abstraction, and show how these techniques are efficiently supported by the SAL symbolic model-checking tools. The modeling and verification method is applied to the fault-tolerant real-time startup protocol used in the Timed Triggered Architecture.