TEMPLOT 3D PLUG TRACK - To get up to speed with this experimental project click here.
To watch an introductory video click here.
See the User Guide at Bexhill West.
The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed. Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.
For an updated overview of this project see this topic. For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.
The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.
The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed.
For an updated overview of this project see this topic. For some practical modelling aspects of using Plug Track see Building 3D Track.
The assumption is that you have your own machines on which to experiment, or helpful friends with machines. Please do not send Templot files to commercial laser cutting or 3D printing firms while this project is still experimental, because the results are unpredictable and possibly wasteful.
Hi Terry,
Is the effort of changing gauge worth it to you from a running or visual aspect ? If you are worried about the time involved why not continue as planned and put the time saved in wheel conversions into better scenery, buildings etc that will possibly offer more overall enjoyment of the layout ? If you are considering re-gauging of RTR wheels you won't benefit from the visual benefit of narrower wheels and if you are using the original wheels you may have issues with cylinder/crankpin obstruction. If you use finer wheels ( ie Gibson ) you gain around 1mm in this area ( 2 wheels each 0.5mm thinner ). What minimum curves is the plan currently designed to use ?
Sorry if this puts a fly in the ointment but worth a thought or two before deciding.
Hi Terry,
Is the effort of changing gauge worth it to you from a running or visual aspect ? If you are worried about the time involved why not continue as planned and put the time saved in wheel conversions into better scenery, buildings etc that will possibly offer more overall enjoyment of the layout ? If you are considering re-gauging of RTR wheels you won't benefit from the visual benefit of narrower wheels and if you are using the original wheels you may have issues with cylinder/crankpin obstruction. If you use finer wheels ( ie Gibson ) you gain around 1mm in this area ( 2 wheels each 0.5mm thinner ). What minimum curves is the plan currently designed to use ?
Sorry if this puts a fly in the ointment but worth a thought or two before deciding.
Hi Rob, thanks for your comments. Honestly, I'm still on the fence here and I assume this is process many born again modellers face at some time. I have begun amending a copy of my layout from 00-SF to EM and as usual, really enjoying the Templot creation process. I have laser cut scissor crossing in 00-SF and resin printed many chairs so I'm planning on laser cutting timbers for EM this week. I will review layouts and wheel-sets etc at the EMGS Bracknell show on Sunday and probably make a final decision over the next few weeks.
Any thoughts, comments articles from others who have made these choices previously would be greatly appreciated.
A point to note is that if widening RTR 00 wheels (NMRA RP-25/110 profile) to EM, the required back-to-back is 16.4mm, not the usual EM 16.5mm back-to-back. Otherwise you will likely get some flange knocking against the crossing nose.
Sorry I don't know of 16.4mm back-to-back gauges available anywhere. You could ask about this at the show. Or perhaps you could 3D print them?
George Watts ( GW Models ) do make an adjustable gauge. I lost my original one and replaced it with the same last year. They are nice and the adjustment can be locked at whatever you set it to.
Terry -> Ask if you want a picture of onesee below.
Hi Rob, thanks for the info. I have just spoken to George at GW Models and unfortunately he is out of stock of the adjustable B2B gauge and has no plans on making anymore. I will try and locate a 'used' one from somewhere.
Hi Rob, thanks for the info. I have just spoken to George at GW Models and unfortunately he is out of stock of the adjustable B2B gauge and has no plans on making anymore. I will try and locate a 'used' one from somewhere.
Hi Martin, After visiting the EMGS show yesterday I'm now starting down the EM (18.2mm) conversion. I did bump into Phil O at the show which was nice to chat and share our enthusiasm of all things Templot etc. Anyway, my query is regarding the checking of fee crossing rails etc. Is there a way in Templot to show the perpendicular checking positions as I have marked up below?
FYI, the checking extents function work brilliantly and has enabled me to re-do my first board of Princess Risborough in EM Gauge (18.2mm). As I don't have any EM loco or stock converted to EM as yet can someone advise whether the 750mm suggested minimum radius is a reasonable minimum radius for off scenic return curves?
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