A query specifically for Martin Wynne please, if he wouldn't mind - and first of all, thank you Martin for Templot. Having previously worked out my track layouts with spreadsheets and 2D CAD (and before that a drawing board), I'm extremely grateful!
Much of my planned layout consists of inset track on a quayside. For this, and the hidden storage lines, I'm looking into using solid track bases with CNC- or laser-cut slots to accept the rails. I'm hoping that this will improve the build speed, strength and accuracy compared to conventional hand-built track. I work in P4 and the layout will use GWR loose-heeled switches throughout. My current plan is to make the inset track with continuous check rails, so each slot will be dimensioned to take two Code 75 bullhead rails plus a spacer strip to maintain the 0.68mm flangeway gap.
I've produced 2D CAD drawings of individual turnouts to work out the track base design and dimensions/tolerances, using prototype information mainly from David Smith's GWR Switch and Crossing Practice (Great Western Study Group, 2001). However, I've designed the overall track layout in Templot (over an imported DXF drawing of the layout site) and it would make sense to base the cutting files directly on the Templot output if possible, rather than re-drawing the trackwork from scratch. Whether that will be technically feasible I don't know yet (bearing in mind that Templot-generated DXF's form curves as a series of short lines), especially since I'll need to add the continuous check rails and potentially gauge widening on the sharpest curves. Thoughts on that welcome please.
Martin, my main query however is whether you are happy for users to share Templot-generated files with suppliers for bespoke manufacture (laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing etc.)? If so, do we need to include any clauses when doing so to protect your copyright? Aside from the final DXF cut files, it would also be useful to send suppliers a PDF or PNG "print" of the overall layout plan for initial discussions.
Many thanks,
Andrew
Much of my planned layout consists of inset track on a quayside. For this, and the hidden storage lines, I'm looking into using solid track bases with CNC- or laser-cut slots to accept the rails. I'm hoping that this will improve the build speed, strength and accuracy compared to conventional hand-built track. I work in P4 and the layout will use GWR loose-heeled switches throughout. My current plan is to make the inset track with continuous check rails, so each slot will be dimensioned to take two Code 75 bullhead rails plus a spacer strip to maintain the 0.68mm flangeway gap.
I've produced 2D CAD drawings of individual turnouts to work out the track base design and dimensions/tolerances, using prototype information mainly from David Smith's GWR Switch and Crossing Practice (Great Western Study Group, 2001). However, I've designed the overall track layout in Templot (over an imported DXF drawing of the layout site) and it would make sense to base the cutting files directly on the Templot output if possible, rather than re-drawing the trackwork from scratch. Whether that will be technically feasible I don't know yet (bearing in mind that Templot-generated DXF's form curves as a series of short lines), especially since I'll need to add the continuous check rails and potentially gauge widening on the sharpest curves. Thoughts on that welcome please.
Martin, my main query however is whether you are happy for users to share Templot-generated files with suppliers for bespoke manufacture (laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing etc.)? If so, do we need to include any clauses when doing so to protect your copyright? Aside from the final DXF cut files, it would also be useful to send suppliers a PDF or PNG "print" of the overall layout plan for initial discussions.
Many thanks,
Andrew
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