Templot Club Archive 2007-2020
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 11:01 from: Martin Wynne
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Just posted on the HMRS email group: "The calculation and laying out of precise transition curves for a model is however perhaps most accurately done by using the track-designing software called 'Templot'. I have, and still do, use it for curves on larger layouts, albeit I find it incredibly (and unnecessarily) difficult to use - the most frustrating feature being that one is unable to 'save' one's completed design so that has to do the work, print it off, then scan each individual page back into the computer so that when you want to print off a second copy (and you normally will; for laying a second or third track, for example), or for laying pointwork which you built on your first copy...). That way, what you decided to use is there ready for you to reprint instantly, without having to find (remember?) all the precise parameters which you originally used (and may have forgotten a year or more later, when you actually begin construction!), so that you can reset them into software which you may well have changed by then for other uses. So, while it is a useful tool, and one which does produce incredibly precise track-laying templates, (unnecessarily so, considering one also uses 'the Mk1 eyeball' and gauges to actually lay the track over said templates), it also comes with 'health warnings' and a need for relaxant tablets when you get confused by the plethora of choices it gives you and loose three hour's work... Indeed, it seemingly gives you every option under the sun but the one you actually want to just 'do the job'... It is sometimes helpful though, if you ignore all the clap-trap and just draw the tracks in where you want them, a few feet at a time, then do the next bit separately... In fact, I would go as far as to say that becoming an accomplished 'Templot User' is really a hobby in itself, and one only for those who don't really want to spend their precious time actually building railways! (Undoubtedly a personal opinion but it really is a most, er, shall we say 'individual' piece of software? And one made by somebody who simply ignores all and any complaints about its efficacy, saying, "You'll get used to it". At least: that's what I've found, historically. I can't comment on updates since around 2009 or so as at that point I gave up attempting to continue 're-learning' how to use the flipping thing as each new 'upgrade' came out...)" From: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/HMRS-MEMBERS/conversations/messages |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 11:29 from: Jim Guthrie
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Martin, I think you have to be a member to read the HMRS Yahoo group.  But it sounds as though the person never found the Storage Box (Ctrl B). I presume you will answer the entry politely and direct him/her to this forum. Jim. |
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| Last edited on 27 Nov 2013 11:30 by Jim Guthrie |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 12:15 from: Paul Willis click the date to link to this post click member name to view archived images |
Oh dear :-( Martin, don't take it to heart! Remember our chat on the Scalefour Society stand at Warley last weekend, and don't be disheartened that some people don't "get it". For years I was one of those myself and then the penny dropped. The offer to help with making Templot seem more approachable to those very new (or perhaps old, but confused) users still stands. Cheers Paul Willis |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 13:14 from: Ian Allen
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Groan, Not another negative view of Templot because the operator doesn't understand it ! It may indeed end up as part of the hobby itself, and it does fill a niche, but to state it is for those who don't want to build a railway is crass beyond belief. If only this person as aware of all the model railways which have been built or are in the process of being built because of Templot. I expect this person also prefers to have pre-defined paper templates which allow no room for adjustment. Keep smiling gang, we know where the party is at :-) Ian |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 15:13 from: Dave Summers
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I find reviews like this say far more about the reviewer than the product. Sadly, these negative comments can be very damaging to the reputation of an excellent piece of software. | ||
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 15:14 from: Len Cattley
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I can't believe that he could not find the save button (perhaps he should have gone to Specsavers). Keep smiling Martin I think you doing a great job and we all know where the party is.  Len |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 15:57 from: Trevor Walling
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Hello, You can't please some people no matter how hard you try.I think the advice for the person in question would be to use paper and pencil to make it up as they go along.No that wouldn't work because they would need something called geometry as well then and then and then...........  Trevor |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 17:13 from: Nigel Brown click the date to link to this post click member name to view archived images |
The bottom line is that it is plain wrong. There is nothing difficult or obscure about saving a track design. As Dave Summers said, it's a reflection on the commentator... Nigel |
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posted: 27 Nov 2013 18:10 from: Martin Wynne
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I know Templot isn't for everyone. You can't please everyone and I don't even try. And I welcome sensible criticism, it gets the grey cells working and pondering how things might be done differently -- short of starting again with a completely different program of course.  But what I find intensely irritating is when (as here) the comments are made based on the use of an out-of-date version of the program. I can understand, just, that some folks may prefer to go on using an old familiar version and ignore later improvements and easier ways of working. But please, if you do that please do so in private. Don't go on public forums, blogs and email groups making statements about Templot which are no longer relevant or helpful. It happens all the time -- which is the reason Templot2 now needs an internet connection on start-up, so that I can make use of the latest version mandatory. In this case there have been some helpful replies on the HMRS group and the original poster has said that he now intends to try Templot2. So perhaps we should leave it there. Arthur M has posted some very kind words about Templot and this forum, so many thanks for that Arthur. Martin. |
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posted: 3 Dec 2013 14:16 from: Andy Vines
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This is something I come up against quite a lot at work, when I roll out a fix or a new feature to our in house stock control system. I call it the Maxwell house effect, from an old Maxwell House coffee advert where they don't like change. I have had one user that flatly refused to move up to the current version of my software, but then complained that others had features he didn't, I had to force the issue to get him to update by making a breaking change, the user was my Managing Director. When I first used Templot I admit I struggled, but then I did what I was supposed to do, read the instructions and follow the tutorials, I still refer to them now and again as I still have to do with my programming at work. |
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posted: 3 Dec 2013 15:09 from: Paul Boyd
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Andy Vines said:-... but then I did what I was supposed to do, read the instructions and follow the tutorials,That seems to be the key thing at the moment that people are not doing. We all realise that the instructions and tutorials are not up to date, but the basics haven't changed. People's expectations seem to be that they want to install the software and start playing, without investing any time in learning how it works or even what Templot really is! I'm not a member of HMRS so I can't reply to the original post, but I hope someone has corrected the inaccuracies in it. Many of the statements presented as fact are simply untrue, even allowing for the very old version that's being referred to. Cheers |
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posted: 3 Dec 2013 21:46 from: Andy Vines
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Exactly and I hope that Martin continues to develop it for the users that appreciate his efforts. Its a great piece of software that as far as I know has no alternative. |
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posted: 8 Dec 2013 10:56 from: Alan Turner
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I am reminded of the saying: "Better to keep ones mouth shut and have people think you are a fool than to open it and put the matter beyond doubt". |
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