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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 Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.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.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.
  • 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.

    Some pages of this and other topics include contributions from members who are creating and posting their own CAD designs for 3D printing and laser-cutting. Do not confuse them with Templot's own exported CAD files. All files derived from Templot are © Martin Wynne.

Experimental Plug Track: 3D-printed, CNC-milled, laser-cut

Quick reply >
I have now added some brick clip-connectors, which at present look like this, buried in the ballast:

brick_clip.png


It's called a T-clip or Tommy-clip. The clearance between the tommy-bar and housing is adjustable. It will need some trial and error to allow for polymer shrinkage, etc., and make a close fit without any play. Also some careful Z-adjustment on the printer to avoid an "elephant-foot" against the build plate. Some manual fettling of the clips is likely to be needed.

The clips are quite small, sometimes needing to fit between the timbers as above. But where possible it would be better to have them in the six-foot, attached to the timber webs using short splints. As with the splints, the clip positions are set manually, in this case by adding target mark shapes in the background shapes:

target_marks.png


You can add up to 20 clips per brick, but will usually need only a few. Clips on the left and/or bottom of a brick will be the left-facing housing part. Clips on the right and/or top of a brick will be the right-facing tommy-bar part.

Sometimes the clip will need to be at angle, to fit between the timbers -- how to set the angle is not yet decided. Sliding the template fixing peg might be one way to set a clip for both position and angle.

Hopefully it will work. If not, an alternative idea is to print some separate connector plates to link the sockets -- a plate with some plugs on it. To be removed after gluing the bricks to the trackbed.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Hi Martin

This is really quiet an exciting development, and although it's highly unlikely that I'll ever have the facilities to do 3D printing myself (my justification for getting a setup at work failed :cool: ), there are plenty of places to get that done. My perspective is that my preferred method of track-building is plastic chairs on ply timbers but that makes for quite fragile track until it's firmly laid, and I've tended to drift towards more robust methods, on the basis that anyone who starts peering too closely will get a smack in the chops! The bricks seem to me like an excellent idea to keep everything securely in place - no more ply timbers, no more cutting gaps in copper-clad.

Anyway, the reason I posted is to ask whether you've considered spinning off the 3D printing aspect into either a separate program or an optional plug-in? The reason for the suggestion is that this is clearly going to have a lot of ongoing development, possibly at the expense of fixing bugs in the core function of Templot. I can see the situation occurring where you want to release a bug fix for something that's relatively straightforward, but can't do that until a big chunk of 3D printing code is releasable - in fact, I'm sure that's happened already!

Anyway, just a thought!

Cheers,
Paul
 
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The reason for the suggestion is that this is clearly going to have a lot of ongoing development, possibly at the expense of fixing bugs in the core function of Templot. I can see the situation occurring where you want to release a bug fix for something that's relatively straightforward, but can't do that until a big chunk of 3D printing code is releasable - in fact, I'm sure that's happened already!
@Paul Boyd

Hi Paul,

Yes, that's the situation at present. There's a bug-fix in 228b for the silly straight-over-straight diamond-crossing mistake I made in 227a (and forgot to fix in 228a), but I dare not release 228b while it's such a battle of wits to get folks to understand what "experimental" means. :(

Yes, all options for how to release this are in my mind. A separate program is a possibility (and also for the sketchboard). I also have to think about the impact of all this on the open-source T3 project.

But I can't think about any of that until I have made it actually work. :)

I'm still a long way from that, and there is still the possibility that the whole thing will end up in the bin. It wouldn't be the first time. My main worry is the potential support load -- I not only have to release it, but then explain it. Sometimes explaining the same stuff over and over again until I'm just exhausted with the whole of Templot. I'm posting stuff here as I go along, because I may never get round, or remember, to explain it ever again.

Thanks for your thoughts.

p.s. I understand the difficulty in finding facilities for a resin printer, but I imagine most folks could fit an FDM printer in somewhere. If you stick to PLA polymer it's entirely home-friendly. The Templot chair files can be sent to a resin printing service, but for the FDM timbering bases there will be a lot of fiddle factors and most modellers would want to be in total control:

* https://www.amazon.co.uk/ANYCUBIC-Auxiliary-Leveling-Magnetic-220x220x250mm/dp/B08JCB2T4V/

* random pick from Amazon, not a recommendation!


cheers,

Martin.
 
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HI Martin,
Your T clips are looking good.
Somewhere during my 3D printing learning curve I saw a recomendation to add small round holes (ie 3/4 of a circle segemnt) to the inside right angle corners of female sockets to prevent stress fractures.
Sorry I can't remember where now (I take my eggs scrambled!)
Probably irrelevant to your T clips as they only have to survive until the glue sets.
My dad would have preferred dovetail joints!
Steve
 
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Somewhere during my 3D printing learning curve I saw a recomendation to add small round holes (ie 3/4 of a circle segemnt) to the inside right angle corners of female sockets to prevent stress fractures.
That's standard engineering practise, and also used where a square object has to fit into a milled cut-out with rounded corners. The snippet of drawing shows something similar, in this case half a circle to accommodate a 4mm cutter but I've also used the 3/4 circle. The square LCD panel then fits snugly into the hole without the corners needing to be filed square!

Cheers,
Paul
 

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Somewhere during my 3D printing learning curve I saw a recomendation to add small round holes (ie 3/4 of a circle segemnt) to the inside right angle corners of female sockets to prevent stress fractures.
Hi Steve,

I suspect that was referring to resin printing? For FDM printing the corners of the tommy bar will be slightly radiused from the nozzle, so unlikely to fracture the housings. But if there is a problem I will put a chamfer across the corners, as on the chair plugs. There is still a lot of trial and error to do on the printer.

Scrambled eggs are very nice, but tricky to put in your pocket on a walk. :)

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Here you go, chamfered corners on the tommy bar:

t_bar_chamfers.png


Martin.
 
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@Paul Boyd

Hi Paul,

Yes, that's the situation at present. There's a bug-fix in 228b for the silly straight-over-straight diamond-crossing mistake I made in 227a (and forgot to fix in 228a), but I dare not release 228b while it's such a battle of wits to get folks to understand what "experimental" means. :(

Yes, all options for how to release this are in my mind. A separate program is a possibility (and also for the sketchboard). I also have to think about the impact of all this on the open-source T3 project.

But I can't think about any of that until I have made it actually work. :)

I'm still a long way from that, and there is still the possibility that the whole thing will end up in the bin. It wouldn't be the first time. My main worry is the potential support load -- I not only have to release it, but then explain it. Sometimes explaining the same stuff over and over again until I'm just exhausted with the whole of Templot. I'm posting stuff here as I go along, because I may never get round, or remember, to explain it ever again.

Thanks for your thoughts.

p.s. I understand the difficulty in finding facilities for a resin printer, but I imagine most folks could fit in an FDM printer. If you stick to PLA polymer it's entirely home-friendly. The chair files could be sent to a resin printing service, but for the FDM timbering bases there will be a lot of fiddle factors and most modellers would want to be in total control:

* https://www.amazon.co.uk/ANYCUBIC-Auxiliary-Leveling-Magnetic-220x220x250mm/dp/B08JCB2T4V/

* random pick from Amazon, not a recommendation!


cheers,

Martin.
Hi Martin

At work we make extensive use of SLS printing, outsourcing to a company in Berkshire, albeit that process is rather on the pricey side. Having seen the results from that process, and FDM, I just know that I would never be happy with filament printing for detail!
Mind you, at that price I might be tempted (and I did note that it was a random selection!). For instance, MERG and RMEUK do rather nice servo mounts, board mounts etc, and FDM is perfectly adequate for that sort of thing. Carriage roofs with domed ends, or even just the domed ends - easier to smooth off a 3D print than carve from layers of plasticard. Hang on, am I talking myself into this? :LOL:

Cheers,
Paul
 
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I just know that I would never be happy with filament printing for detail!
Hi Paul,

No, FDM is not for detail (unless you are building Gauge 3 in the garden). I proved that with my efforts to make FDM chairs.

But how much detail is there in a railway sleeper? Or a signal post? Or a working lever frame? All the detail bits can be added as resin prints, but home resin is just too fragile for anything which needs a bit of strength.

And don't forget the rail filing jigs (see: https://85a.uk/templot/club/index.php?threads/rail-filing-jigs-3d-printed.226/ ):

index.php


Plus all the useful layout construction parts, servo brackets, stretcher bar sliders -- for example I made these multi-way connector brackets for a friend.

conn_bracket_cad.jpg

Martin.
 
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I experienced strange behaviour with 228a today.

Template set to experimental chairing. Whilst shoving timbers I need to see the blunt nose and timber centre line so I set genenerator setting->chair&baseplates all options unticked. Some timbers dissappeared. Even stranger As I change the length of the template which timbers are visible changes. Very weird.
@timbersgalore

Hi Timbers,

I have now greyed out the generator settings in the next few program updates until there is something meaningful for them to refer to:

exp_chairing_genset.png


Thanks for reminding me that I accidentally left them enabled.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Hi Paul,

No, FDM is not for detail (unless you are building Gauge 3 in the garden). I proved that with my efforts to make FDM chairs.

But how much detail is there in a railway sleeper? Or a signal post? Or a working lever frame? All the detail bits can be added as resin prints, but home resin is just too fragile for anything which needs a bit of strength.

And don't forget the rail filing jigs (see: https://85a.uk/templot/club/index.p...ck-file-exports-for-3d-printing.229/post-2275 ):

index.php


Plus all the useful layout construction parts, servo brackets, stretcher bar sliders -- for example I made these multi-way connector brackets for a friend.

View attachment 2223
Martin.
I seem to be finding myself researching FDM printers... I also need to have a look into CAD software. Although I have access to Creo Parametric at work, and at home via a VPN, continued access relies on continued employment!
 
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I also need to have a look into CAD software.
@Paul Boyd

Hi Paul,

For 3D most modellers go for Fusion 360 from Autodesk. It's free for personal use, but a bit of faff to get installed. It's cloud-based, so you need a good internet connection. I'm using TurboCad Deluxe which I got on a special offer for £10 a few years ago, but now seems to cost nearer £200. I didn't realise at the time what a bargain that offer was, and I'm trying to remember where it came from. :) It's now several years old (the copyright on the CD is 2013), but it runs fine on Windows 10. You might find an older version at a good price somewhere.

For others reading this, you don't need any CAD software to make Plug Track from Templot. The files from Templot are ready to use on a 3D printer or send to a 3D printing service. The same will apply to the files for the rail filing and bending jigs. Only the 1:5 filing jig is yet done, but for anyone new to FDM printing it would make a good test piece (although it's intended for the toughened PLA Plus polymer rather than the standard PLA supplied with the machines, but that might work ok). More info and download STL files here:

https://85a.uk/templot/club/index.php?threads/rail-filing-jigs-3d-printed.226/

cheers,

Martin.
 
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It kind of ties in with my thoughts about separating the 3D stuff out in some way.
@Paul Boyd

Hi Paul,

I've been looking at that. It's very difficult. It might not have been if I had thought ahead 5 years ago -- hindsight is a wonderful thing. :)

But it's now closely woven into the template generator. A separate add-on program seems out of the question. The only option would seem to be two complete versions of Templot, with all the ifs and buts and keeping them in step that would cause. We already have the headache of the open-source version now being years behind Templot2. A third version doesn't bear thinking about. At every stage nowadays my main consideration is to minimize the support load, and I get the shakes just thinking about it.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Hi Martin

I have been sat on the sidelines watching how this thread has progressed. To me it seems that the work you are doing on offering the 3D printing option is only likely to affect a small proportion of those using Templot and for you it is a huge amount of effort for which you will get little in return (I have spent most of my career writing software too so I know what is involved). On a personal note I have to thank you for opening up the opportunity for this small minority to get to play around with this option. Having to modify your code to add in things for 3D printing turnouts has to involve you in a considerable amount of work since there are so many options and variations as we have already seen (and don't even mention slips) and is it all really worth it?

For me the introduction of the ability to 3D print S1 chairs is a big opening and since most people have lots of plain track this offers some of us the ability to produce our own track quite easily. Again, for me, the ability to print turnout timbering and chairs is not something I find particularly necessary as you can buy the turnout chairs and timbering from other sources if you specifically want them. I make my own turnouts from ply and rivet anyway, experience has shown me that the ability to get the soldering iron out to change things far outweighs the time taken to apply cosmetic chairs to the few turnouts anyone is likely to build in their lifetime.

As I have already posted earlier in this thread I have been able to test out the ability to 3D print S1 chairs and laser cut some timbering to match them and it is something that I can use on my layout. Currently it is dismantled but once I have it erected again I will try this all out for real on a set of sidings and I will report back.

Thanks again for producing a great product.

Ralph
 
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To me it seems that the work you are doing on offering the 3D printing option is only likely to affect a small proportion of those using Templot and for you it is a huge amount of effort for which you will get little in return ... ... Thanks again for producing a great product.
@ralphrobertson

Hi Ralph,

A big misunderstanding there. Templot is my hobby. I'm doing the 3D stuff for me, like everything else in Templot. The "return" as you put it is the enjoyment I get out of it, and I've just added the fun of a CNC miller to that. :)

I make Templot available on a take it or leave it free basis for anyone else who wants to use it. It's now 10 years since it was a paid-for "product".

The work element is not the programming or the tinkering, it's what I'm doing right now at the keyboard -- the user support load, forum and website maintenance. It got out of hand once before and made me ill, and I'm terrified the same will happen again with the 3D stuff.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Hello Martin,
Maybe it would be an idea to draw a line with Templot development and concentrate on doing what you like at your own pace.
I and I am sure many others find Templot does what we need and much more besides.
If you turned most of your efforts onto developing the 3D printing side of things like you wish to I am sure Templot would continue to
meet peoples requirements. People asking questions could be assisted by other club members much like those on other forums.
RMweb, MERG, EMGS, or the Scalefour society. Doing so would enable you to leave things for a while if you required a break.
Perhaps you could make the 3D side of things a separate project that "bolts" onto Templot somehow when you decide to do so.
Many of us are interested in this 3D branch (pun intended) for Templot that you have introduced and would continue to follow your work with interest whilst accepting it is "Experimental" to be possibly release for general use under your terms.
Sorry to go on so much but making oneself ill due to stress or workload is definitely something you need to avoid.
Regards
Trevor. :)
 
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.
I have had second thoughts about this:

exp1.png


I'm desperate to protect myself from the support load I can see coming with all the explanations needed about the new 3D stuff. It's bad enough that so much of existing Templot is still waiting for proper docs -- the sketchboard, the background maps, all the new functions introduced in 227. And dozens of other places in Templot where clicking the help buttons does nothing at all. I don't want to spend hours and hours at this keyboard for the rest of my life, when I could be tinkering with my 3D printers, or out in the fresh air with my camera, or building that boat kit. :)

But I don't want Templot to look stroppy and bad-tempered. If folks choose to make use of my program I want it to be a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

So I have removed the silly nonsense in the above screenshot. Instead on startup users will see this, or something like this:

experimental_mode.png


After which if you you choose the experimental option you are in uncharted waters. I'm likely to get a bit grumpy if you write in to tell me that X isn't working or Y contains a bug -- I'm only too aware of all the loose ends. But I do very much value positive feedback, ideas and suggestions -- there is a long way to go and I don't yet know the way forward, any more than I did when I started Templot in the last century. :)

cheers,

Martin.
 
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I have had second thoughts about this.

I'm desperate to protect myself from the support load I can see coming with all the explanations needed about the new 3D stuff. It's bad enough that so much of existing Templot is still waiting for proper docs -- the sketchboard, the background maps, all the new functions introduced in 227. And dozens of other places in Templot where clicking the help buttons does nothing at all. I don't want to spend hours and hours at this keyboard for the rest of my life, when I could be tinkering with my 3D printers, or out in the fresh air with my camera, or building that boat kit. :)

But I don't want Templot to look stroppy and bad-tempered. If folks choose to make use of my program I want it to be a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

So I have removed the silly nonsense in the above screenshot. Instead on startup users will see this, or something like this:

View attachment 2249

After which if you you choose the experimental option you are in uncharted waters. I'm likely to get a bit grumpy if you write in to tell me that X isn't working or Y contains a bug -- I'm only too aware of all the loose ends. But I do very much value positive feedback, ideas and suggestions -- there is a long way to go and I don't yet know the way forward, any more than I did when I started Templot in the last century. :)

cheers,

Martin.
That seems like a very sensible solution. I wonder if it could be supplemented by some sort of header at the top of the Templot window as a constant reminder that a user has chosen experimental mode? I notice there isn’t a “don’t show this message again” option which is probably for the best!

My 3D printer is supposed to be here today, at work, before 10pm. Hmm.. As I type this, it’s apparently not on the van yet…

Cheers,
Paul
 
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@Paul Boyd

Something like this?

exp_top_colour.png


It could be bright red behind the tool buttons, but I don't want it to get annoying.

My experience with Amazon is that it is seldom as late as they say. If you keep refreshing that page it will show an estimated delivery window, and when the van gets within about 3 miles it will show a map of where it is and how many stops before you.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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@Paul Boyd

Something like this?

View attachment 2263

It could be bright red behind the tool buttons, but I don't want it to get annoying.

My experience with Amazon is that it is seldom as late as they say. If you keep refreshing that page it will show an estimated delivery window, and when the van gets within about 3 miles it will show a map of where it is and how many stops before you.

cheers,

Martin.
I think I might have been inclined to make it bright red, but that's just me :) But yes, something different to standard, although I must admit that I've just plugged my USB stick in to remind me what "standard" looks like!

Yep, my Amazon experience is much the same, and the regular driver at work usually delivers by mid afternoon. The page has now been updated to 2pm-5pm!

@Martin Wynne - it arrived at about 3pm! I wonder what I'll be doing this evening?

Cheers,
Paul
 
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Last edited:
@Martin Wynne - it arrived at about 3pm! I wonder what I'll be doing this evening?
@Paul Boyd

And me. Milling cutters this morning, MDF panels this afternoon. A shame the miller is still in bits! I may be gone for some time. :)

Have fun with your printer. To get the filament to feed into the extruder gears, straighten the end couple of inches, and squeeze the last few mm with flat pliers down to a smaller diameter. If you bought extra filament it is likely to be better quality than the stuff packed with the printer, I would start with that.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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I think I might have been inclined to make it bright red, but that's just me :)
@Paul Boyd

Bright red tends to be seen as an error or warning of some kind, so I'm a bit reluctant to have a big splash of red on the screen.

But we can do you a nice orange. :)

exp_top_colour1.png


Martin.
 
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Hello Martin,
Maybe a flashing header that comes up automatically to advise users they are unsupported when they click on the Experimental option?
Regards
Trevor :)
 
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Hello again,
I may have to take the cover off my Reprap Mendel filament printer. I built it then calibrated it but then covered i up some years ago. This 3D printing lark can become pretty obsessive especially when others are encouraging.
Regards.
Trevor. :)
 
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@Paul Boyd

Bright red tends to be seen as an error or warning of some kind, so I'm a bit reluctant to have a big splash of red on the screen.

But we can do you a nice orange. :)

View attachment 2267

Martin.
That’s ok, I think! Definitely not flashing though, @Trevor , at least, not continuously! Some of us get ocular migraine, migraine with aura, silent migraine, whatever the current name is (often just called “the jaggies”) and flashing lights can be a trigger.

I seem to be printing some owls on my new 3D printer 😀
 
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Wow Martin!
I've just installed 228z and had a quick play.
Exported an stl file which opened perfectly in Simplify3d and Prusa Slic3r.
I've sliced it and will now try printing it.
Superb work, I'm very impressed.

Charles
 
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.
Some notes about 228z:

_3dexp1.png


Entering experimental mode shows apricot colour behind the top tool buttons as a reminder it's in force, and there is a new section at the bottom of the program menu. There's a shortcut to the DXF exports and access to the timbering bricks functions (only half-done yet).


_3dexp2.png


This setting is template-specific. That means it is included in the BOX files for templates. Note that you can switch it on and off for any template, but it won't have any effect unless you are in experimental mode.


With the chairing switched on, this is the additional detail which you see on the trackpad when zoomed-in:

_3dexp3.png


1. timber outline.

2. black lines -- cutter kerf line for laser cutters. Outside the timbers, inside the sockets.

3. extent of the timber flanges.

4. chair base outline.

5. chair base corner radius.

6. socket outline. The default size is derived from the centres of the base corner radii.
For REA S1 chairs, that's 6" wide x 12.5" long.​
For REA L1 chairs, that's 7.5" wide x 7" long.​
7. chair plug outline. There is a small clearance from the socket on the sides, and a smaller clearance at the ends.

8. outline of the plug at the bottom, allowing for the bottom taper on the plug.

9. plug corner relief angles. Small for FDM and laser-cut sockets. Larger for CNC milled sockets.

10. outline of the top of the support pyramid below the plug.

11. outline of the bottom of the support pyramid.

12. chair screw/bolt centres.

All the above can be adjusted via the buttons on the DXF export dialog (except 4, 5, 12). They are shown on the trackpad so that you can see the effect of any changes (after rebuilding the templates). The chair dimensions 4, 5, 12, are set in the custom chairs dialog (not yet done).

The above detail will significantly slow down the screen response, so you won't want to have it switched on while doing track design. For the background templates, you can switch some of it off on the background details dialog:

_3dexp4.png


n.b. none of this detail is yet shown on the printed templates, PDF files, exported image files or sketchboard.

Martin.
 
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.

_3dexp5.png


1. as I said, it's all experimental/unfinished. These 3 buttons all do exactly the same thing, because I forgot to sort them out before releasing 228z, and there is no way yet to set the splint width. On the other hand, if I wait until everything is finished I never will release anything. :(

2. use this button to set all the socket and plug dimensions and fits. I know it's a long way from the other ones, and logically they should be together.

3. if you change anything, remember to click this button before exporting the file.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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.
With 228z available, some detailed notes about this dialog are needed:

dxf_exp2.png


But as it changes almost daily at present, it's difficult. If you are reading this after 30th September 2021, bear in mind that almost certainly there will have been some significant changes since then.

1. In an ideal world it would all be explained by clicking the help button. In practice, those notes haven't changed since written in 1998, so they won't be much help now. On the other hand you ought to read them, because most of that stuff still applies. One fine day when the 3D stuff is finalised and fully tested I will re-write them, or a Companion page, but there is no point in doing that while this dialog is in constant flux.

2. The first thing to set is whether you want a 2-D or 3-D file export.

2-D files will be wanted for importing into CAD and CAM programs for use with laser-cutters, CNC millers, etc., and for track and layout design in CAD programs.

3-D files are wanted for 3D printing, and for layout visualisations and walk-throughs in CAD rendering programs.

If you select 2-D for the DXF file, you can also optionally have a matching EMF* metafile (not yet implemented) for use in graphics design and drawing programs, some of which can't import DXF files from Templot.

Small 2-D DXF files can also be re-imported into Templot's background shapes, and EMF files can be displayed on the sketchboard or loaded as background picture shapes. By such means you can see what is being exported even if you don't have any CAD or graphics program which can import the files.


If you select 3-D for the DXF file, you can also optionally have a matching STL file for use with 3D printing software.


3. If you leave everything on the default settings and click the export DXF button, this is what you get when imported into a CAD program:

dxf_exp1.png

i.e. a 2-D file containing almost everything except the 3-D chair detail, as thin single lines.

It shows the timber outlines (with extensions), timber flanges and webs, chair base outlines, chair screw/bolt positions, and socket outlines (in red), and the kerf cutter lines for laser and other cutters (in green and blue). Plus timber centre-lines, track centre-lines, dotted and solid background shapes, and the timber numbering. Plus the rails of course.

It's very unlikely that you would want all of this at the same time, it would be usual to switch off the unwanted items before exporting a 2-D file. For example you won't want the timber and socket outlines, and the kerf cutter lines, at the same time. Just one or the other. Alternatively, because each item is in its own DXF layer, items can be switched on and off, or have colours changed, in most CAD programs.

Some of the above items can also be switched off in the generator settings in the usual way -- Templot can only export what has been generated.

A lot of this is meaningless for 3-D purposes, such as the track centre-lines, other dashed and dotted lines, timber numbers, etc., and is automatically excluded from 3-D files. Optionally the background shapes can take on new meanings in 3-D files -- rectangles can become support slabs for 3D chair printing, lines can become timbering splints, target marks can become timbering brick connector clips.

More about all this to follow.

*EMF files can also be exported as image files at output > export a file. In that case they can include thick lines, solid areas of colour, background maps and images, etc., but don't match the DXF 2-D export.

p.s. 2-D and 3-D are hyphenated like that when referring to files, and not hyphenated when referring to processes, such as 3D printing. I'm not too sure why I'm doing that, but having started I shall carry on.

Martin.
 
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Hi Martin,
Thanks for producing such concise & clear documentation.
Even if Templot does evolve further this is all really usefull information, and probably a good aide memoire.

Pity there isnt a
1632995908777.png
icon in the "good" options as I would have awarded you one!

Steve
 
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An important difference between 2-D and 3-D files is that the resin/polymer shrinkage allowance is added to all 3-D dimensions, but is ignored in 2-D files:

dxf_exp3.png


This means that if both a 3-D file and a corresponding 2-D file are imported into some software at the same time, they won't match. To export a 3-D file without any shrinkage allowance, matching the corresponding 2-D file, change this setting to zero. Some 3D CAM software also adds a shrinkage allowance, so make sure you are not adding the allowance twice. You may need some trial and error to find the correct shrinkage factor for your equipment and materials. If you do both FDM and resin printing, it's likely that the respective shrinkage factors will differ.

Now here's a 2-D DXF file re-imported into the background shapes in Templot. This provides a means of seeing, and printing out if needed, what is in the DXF export if you don't have any other software which can import DXF files. And also a means of comparing a DXF file with the current track plan -- useful if you have made some changes and want to see the before and after effect at the same time, without adding and grouping the old templates. The background shapes can be displayed in any colour on the trackpad.

dxf_import2.png


Obviously I need to look at the font sizes, I must have changed something since the last time I tried this -- although they do become readable if you zoom in:

dxf_import1.png


Note that the DXF import is a long-standing function and works fine in normal mode, it doesn't need experimental mode. Likewise the long-standing 2-D DXF exports if you don't need the new chairing functions.

And I do mean long-standing -- this stuff hasn't changed much since the beginning. My AutoCAD manual with the DXF spec I'm using is dated 1985. :)

The DXF import works only with 2-D files, it won't import the 3-D DXF files. At present it just ignores them without any explanation or error message, so that's something else I need to look at. :(

More to follow.

Martin.
 
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.
You may have noticed this menu item:

2_031310_320000000.png


The relevant discussion is at:

https://85a.uk/templot/archive/topics/topic_3230.php

But I haven't heard from Adam since.

XTrackCAD is still going strong:

https://sourceforge.net/projects/xtrkcad-fork/

https://xtrackcad.groups.io/g/main

But there's no obvious interest at present in integration with Templot (unless you know different) -- still no DXF import in the recent upgrade.

I'm going to remove the above menu stuff because it's getting in the way of the recent DXF changes. If there is interest in future it can be reinstated, or more likely start again with something different.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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.
A few more notes and exp: experimental work in progress:

dxf_combos.png


These combo boxes serve 2 purposes:

1. when blank, the corresponding layer is omitted from the DXF export. This applies to both 2-D and 3-D files. A quick way to set it blank is to right-click on it.

2. when not blank, it shows the colour used for each layer in 2-D files. For 3-D files some of the actual colours used are overridden by the settings on the 3-D chair colours ... button, but the presence of some other non-blank colour in the combo box continues to act as the on/off switch for the layer.

exp: currently the DXF colour codes are taken directly from the combo index, which means there is a limited range of colours available, biased towards shades of red. I'm intending to have a wider range of colours available from a look-up table, which will mean the 3-D chair colours ... button will be unnecessary. Work in progress.

Colours and layers have no meaning in STL files, so if your only interest is in the STL file for 3D printing, it doesn't matter what colours are set anywhere, only the fact that the combo box is or isn't blank is relevant. STL files can be exported only when the DXF file is set to 3-D.

Switching a layer on doesn't cause anything to be exported if the corresponding data is not being generated (generator menu), or if none of the templates contain such data (such as all templates set to no timbering, etc.).

Not all of the layers are included in 3-D files, such as track centre-lines, radial centres, dotted background shapes, etc., which have no meaning in a 3-D representation. exp: This isn't entirely consistent yet, I'm still working on it. Some of these layers are in the 3-D files at present even though they are always empty.

A quick way to change a lot of settings in one go is to click these buttons:

dxf_combos_change.png


which make all the (default) setting changes needed for 3D printing the timbering bricks, or alternatively 3D printing the chairs. For 2-D timbering files for laser-cutting or CNC-milling you might need some further changes.

The line style combo boxes apply to 2-D files only and have no meaning in 3-D.

I imagine many folks will be interested only in STL files (for 3D printing) and have no interest in the DXF settings. exp: I'm intending to create a separate simplified dialog for STL exports, but like so many things that's not yet done.

At present we have a grand total of 34 possible DXF layers:

layer_str[ 0]:='RAILS|';
layer_str[ 1]:='ADJTRACK|';
layer_str[ 2]:='CENTLINE|';
layer_str[ 3]:='TIMBOUTL|';
layer_str[ 4]:='SLEEPEND|';
layer_str[ 5]:='TIMBCENT|';
layer_str[ 6]:='GDMARKS|';
layer_str[ 7]:='RADMARKS|';
layer_str[ 8]:='RADCENTS|';
layer_str[ 9]:='JOINTS|';
layer_str[10]:='SBGSHAPE|';
layer_str[11]:='DBGSHAPE|';
layer_str[12]:='INFOTEXT|';
layer_str[13]:='TIMBNUMB|';
layer_str[14]:='RLSIDE3D|'; // 3-D rail section
layer_str[15]:='CHBOLTHD|';
layer_str[16]:='CHAIRS|';
layer_str[17]:='TIMBER3D|'; // 3-D timbers
layer_str[18]:='CHMARKER|';
layer_str[19]:='CHBOLTBO|';
layer_str[20]:='CHINJAW|';
layer_str[21]:='CHOUTJAW|';
layer_str[22]:='CHKEYS|';
layer_str[23]:='CHSOCKET|'; // chair sockets
layer_str[24]:='TIMBSPRU|'; // timber sprues
layer_str[25]:='TIMBFLNG|'; // timber side, end flanges
layer_str[26]:='SOLEPLAT|'; // switch sole plates
layer_str[27]:='TIMBWEBS|'; // timber webs
layer_str[28]:='BKSPLINT|'; // brick splints
layer_str[29]:='BKCONN|'; // brick connectors
layer_str[30]:='SYMBOLS|'; // dropper symbols
layer_str[31]:='DROPID|'; // dropper ID text
layer_str[32]:='KERFTIMB|'; // timber outline with laser kerf adjustment
layer_str[33]:='KERFSOCK|'; // chair sockets with laser kerf adjustment


But that may yet change. Layers which never appear in 2-D files and do not have a corresponding combo box, such as the chair keys (CHKEYS) are switched on and off via the tickboxes on the left.

exp: Some layers are for the future and not yet implemented anywhere in Templot (e.g. switch sole plates) or still work in progress (e.g. brick connectors)

cheers,

Martin.
 
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.
I've been working on the brick connector clips and added a couple of new mouse actions.

Here's a bit of very scruffy video showing work in progress:

https://flashbackconnect.com/Default.aspx?id=FV_gjzhnwQRTtJ_u0-rg0Q2

with this result:

brick_clips.png


It uses the background shapes. In 3-D exports, line shapes become brick splints, and target marks become connector clips, if the corresponding layers are switched on. If not they are exported as the existing background shapes, as in the 2-D files.

The actual Tommy-clip part is quite small, as it needs to be to fit between the timbering. The overall clip size can be adjusted to accommodate varying timber spacings, but not the Tommy-clip part (without going into the full DXF customising).

The clip can be beefed up by making it thicker, but then it's more trouble to hide it in the ballast. Normally there would be only a few clips on any given brick, so that may be worth doing. In which case size it sufficiently to connect into the timber, rather than just the side flanges. The mesh repair tool sorts out the conflicts. But you can't go too far into the timber, otherwise the clip will break into the sockets.

Templot will decide which way the clip should face, but if you want to swap it the other way you can do that on the size adjustment, as shown in the video.

Ideally Templot would do all the sizing and fitting automatically, but so far my attempts at such an algorithm are a dismal failure, so it's back to the human eye and the mouse. No doubt we will soon develop some tips and tricks for choosing the best brick outlines and clip positions.

When fitting two bricks together, there will be conflicting bits of webbing on the end timbers, which will need to be trimmed off with snips. In the screenshot above I cheated by doing it in the image editor. :)

Here's another screenshot:

brick_clips1.png


I will try to get another trial update out soon.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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.
I have added a few duplicate functions to the menu:

brick_clips2.png


So that multiple clips can be added and adjusted with the background shapes dialog resized smaller out of the way.

Martin.
 
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After years of doing my best to prevent it, the toolbars have finally gained a 3rd row. :(

At this rate, Templot will soon resemble those programs where you perform keyhole surgery in a tiny space in the middle of the screen, surrounded by massed ranks of icons, buttons, panels and lists. :)

store_marker_colour.png


Yet another tickbox. This one causes a background template to gain a marker colour as it is being stored. Much faster than selecting it and setting the colour later -- this could prove very handy. Click the colour to change it.

But the actual reason for it now is in connection with the timbering bricks. I have scrubbed the previous brick definition method based on individual timbers, it was far too tedious and clunky.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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