Gauge O Guild, "An Evening With..."

Over the last few of years I have been involved with the Guild's "An Evening With..." seminars and have so far presented three of these on Templot. However, I am looking for a willing volunteer to step forward and cover the latest developments with Plug Track and COT, especially as Templot 5 is now available. Martin has joined in the previous sessions we have hosted and supported the evening with help and advice, but it would be good to have someone who has made some Plug or COT track to promote it across a wider audience.

The seminars take place on the 26th of each month, except December, starting at 8pm (GMT or BST) and last between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on how involved the topics are on the night. Each one is currently carried out via Zoom and is recorded so that those unable to attend can watch at a later date. The reordings are uploaded to YouTube and go "Public" the day of the following month's seminar.

An example of a previous session can be viewed here:

If anyone feels like this is something they would like to help out with, then please contact me at aew@gaugeoguild.com

Ian Allen

 

[Martin Wynne]

@Lancastrian @Hayfield

Hi Ian,

Does the volunteer need to be a member of the Guild?

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Lancastrian]

@Lancastrian @Hayfield

Hi Ian,

Does the volunteer need to be a member of the Guild?

cheers,

Martin.

Hi Martin,

No, the contributor for the seminars doesn't have to be a Guild member. Will Heath, for example isn't one as he is primarily a 2mm modeller, and we have had others over the last 3 years who aren't members either.

Regards,

Ian

 

[Hayfield]

Ian

Perhaps something else we could do is to be invited to GOG shows to Demonstrate both Templot and Templot 3D

Last year James was swamped at Scaleforum on his own, this year we had 3 x 6' tables with 2 printers working during the show and had assistance from 3 other Templot Club members

Certainly 7mm COT track went down a storm at a P4 show and all were kept busy both days with interested modelers (4 & 7mm)

Also perhaps the odd article in the members magazine

I am certain some of us will make ourselves available

 

[Martin Wynne]

I am looking for a willing volunteer to step forward and cover the latest developments with Plug Track and COT,

@Lancastrian @Hayfield @James Walters

Hi Ian,

Can you clarify -- are you looking for help with another of your own Templot sessions:

"An Evening With Ian Allen (ably assisted by A.N. Other)"

or for someone to prepare and present:

"An Evening With A.N. Other" ?


Just to add that non-members of the Guild are charged £3 to watch these sessions, so it needs to be something more polished than our own rambling Templot Club Zoom meetings -- no-one would pay to watch those.

Next one is this Saturday, 26th October 2024:

https://www.gaugeoguild.com/news/news_details.aspx?id=3517

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Lancastrian]

As an update, this Saturday's "An Evening With..." has had to be postponed to Saturday 2nd November due to Dan Evason being unavailable because of a last minute family commitment.

 

[Lancastrian]

@Lancastrian @Hayfield @James Walters

Hi Ian,

Can you clarify -- are you looking for help with another of your own Templot sessions:

"An Evening With Ian Allen (ably assisted by A.N. Other)"

or for someone to prepare and present:

"An Evening With A.N. Other" ?


Just to add that non-members of the Guild are charged £3 to watch these sessions, so it needs to be something more polished than our own rambling Templot Club Zoom meetings -- no-one would pay to watch those.

Next one is this Saturday, 26th October 2024:

https://www.gaugeoguild.com/news/news_details.aspx?id=3517

cheers,

Martin.

Martin,

I was thinking along the lines of A.N.Other being the demonstrator/presenter, although I would more than likely be the host for the session, which makes sense.

I certainly agree that having a presence at a couple of Guild Shows in 2025 is a good idea, and I will mention it to the Show Managers at our next meeting. Guildex over two days at Stafford would certainly be a sensible suggestion. As we have separate seminars at Guildex as well, that is also something to consider and they are well attended by visitors.

Regards,

Ian

 

[Hayfield]

Martin,

I was thinking along the lines of A.N.Other being the demonstrator/presenter, although I would more than likely be the host for the session, which makes sense.

I certainly agree that having a presence at a couple of Guild Shows in 2025 is a good idea, and I will mention it to the Show Managers at our next meeting. Guildex over two days at Stafford would certainly be a sensible suggestion. As we have separate seminars at Guildex as well, that is also something to consider and they are well attended by visitors.

Regards,

Ian

Ian

At Scaleforum James and my self had an 18' stand (3 tables) where we both brought printers which we had working both days, also laptops to demonstrate Templot 2D & 3D, plus one demonstration board along with samples of 4mm & 7mm items, as it happens FDM COT track/chair printing, had only been an experiment for about a month. Things have now moved on.

James also undertook a lecture session on both days

We also were aided by 3 Templot club members on the Saturday.

I am happy to send you some prints if you want to handle COT track print and or filing jigs.

As we all have been saying Templot3D is in constant development, however in a very short time 7mm scale printing has changed and one of the biggest benefits is that only 1 printer is required, which I have found very much easier to use in making chairs.

Happy to chat through any questions you may well have

John

 

[Phil O]

Hi All,

I'm happy to help out with general Temploting, but the only 3d knowledge that I have has been picked up either on here, or at Scaleforum, where I was one of the temporary assistants.

I'm more than happy to help out with demo's as long as they don't clash with other activities.

 

[Lancastrian]

Martin/John/Phil,

We have a Guild Events meeting on Monday 28th and no doubt this topic will be raised. Steve Robinson, Guildex Show Manager, seems interested as he has used Templot (badly - his own words) and thinks there are more people out there who would like to know more about how to use it....he's obviously not watched my "An Evening With..." sessions...or maybe he has...lol!

Regards,

Ian

 

[Martin Wynne]

he has used Templot (badly - his own words) and thinks there are more people out there who would like to know more about how to use it..

@Lancastrian

Hi Ian,

This is the problem we are struggling with. When I started on the plug track project my assumption was that it would be for folks who are reasonably experienced with Templot. You do need to know Templot quite well to create brick templates and adjust the chairing functions.

But plug track is now attracting users who are new to Templot. It was bad enough when they jumped straight into track planning a lifetime project without learning the basics first. But jumping straight into 3D printing and laser cutting after switching Templot on for 5 minutes is bound to lead to disappointment, wasted materials and a lot of frustration. I don't want Templot to get a reputation for causing that.

I'm fearful now that I'm going to be explaining stuff over and over again for the rest of my life. I've been doing it for 25 years now and I'm not sure I can carry on much longer. Fortunately we now have open-source Templot5 and several willing helpers to take Templot forward.

My feeling is that it's too soon to be promoting plug track as a ready to use system. Maybe in 12 months time at next year's Guildex. On the other hand, I am trying to make folks at least aware of what we are doing -- hence my posts on the Guild forum. It would be a shame if someone spends a fortune on track making materials (prices seem to be going through the roof) and then says they wished they had known about plug track sooner. Already I have heard one or two folks saying that.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Lancastrian]

Hi Martin,

Steve Robinson (Guildex Show Manager) is certainly interested in having a Templot demonstration at that show, and we must make sure it is emphasised to people that whichever version of Templot (2 or 5) is being used, there is still a steep learning curve to get to grips with the basics before moving on to more advanced design work and 3D printing. Of course, for many though, they may just want some simple points, B7's for example, and don't actually require any complex formations and all that entails. I'm hoping to have a chat with Steve on the phone about Guildex, so will update this thread when we've had a discussion.

Regards,

Ian

 

[Martin Wynne]

Hi Martin,

Steve Robinson (Guildex Show Manager) is certainly interested in having a Templot demonstration at that show, and we must make sure it is emphasised to people that whichever version of Templot (2 or 5) is being used, there is still a steep learning curve to get to grips with the basics before moving on to more advanced design work and 3D printing. Of course, for many though, they may just want some simple points, B7's for example, and don't actually require any complex formations and all that entails. I'm hoping to have a chat with Steve on the phone about Guildex, so will update this thread when we've had a discussion.

Regards,

Ian

@Lancastrian

Hi Ian,

Steve Robinson might be interested to see this (Templot at Scaleforum last month):

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Hayfield]

Hi Martin,

Steve Robinson (Guildex Show Manager) is certainly interested in having a Templot demonstration at that show, and we must make sure it is emphasised to people that whichever version of Templot (2 or 5) is being used, there is still a steep learning curve to get to grips with the basics before moving on to more advanced design work and 3D printing. Of course, for many though, they may just want some simple points, B7's for example, and don't actually require any complex formations and all that entails. I'm hoping to have a chat with Steve on the phone about Guildex, so will update this thread when we've had a discussion.

Regards,

Ian

Ian

Certainly the brief I had for Scaleforum was to answer questions about Templot. To this aim we both had

1 Laptops fully loaded with Templot
2 Samples for those attending in both 4mm and 7 mm scales
3 Printers working in the background

We both just handled what questions were asked, from basic Templot usage to 3D printing

James also gave lectures both days which seemed to be very well attended

As far as I am concerned happy to comply with reasonable requests from the organizers and or chat over what we can bring to the show.

Certainly it might be better if we had monitors for out laptops, as when I was demonstrating Templot one to one, several others seemed interested. James had one of his boards showing his work in progress of a layout. Perhaps a 7mm small test track could be available. An example of a 7mm turnout was well and truly handled/examined both days, and remained intact. Both printers (little & large) were working, showing space and affordability were not an issue, and a few visitors went home with the odd sample

John

 

[Phil O]

Hi All,

I have a laptop and a 32inch tv, which no longer works as a tv, but still works as a monitor which I'm willing to bring along.

 

[Lancastrian]

Gents,

I've had a chat with Steve Robonson this week, and I can confirm he is very keen for there to be a Templot demonstrator(s) at Guildex 2025. I think it would be beneficial to have someone showing how Templot works, from the point of view of an introduction/first steps to the product and a second person to show how it is currently progressing with 3D Plug/COT. This should hopefully allay any fears that it is simple to just dive straight into Templot 5 and expect results first time.

Steve can be contacted at: showmanagerautumn@gaugeoguild.com

Kind Regards,

Ian

 

[Phil O]

Do you know what the dates are for Guildex are.

Martin something we can discuss tonight, perhaps?

 

[Steve_Cornford]

Guildex 2025

Date: 6th & 7th September 2025

Location: Bingley Hall on Stafford County Showground. Weston Road. Stafford, ST18 0BD

 

[Phil O]

Thanks Steve,

That so far means that I can be available, as I have volunteered to do the floor plan for Scaleforum, not that I have heard anything since I had a chat with the show manager at this year's show. After which I shall be going on holiday.

 

[Hayfield]

Sorry I missed the chat last night but if the coconscious is that we attend I suggest that we start planning now and perhaps see if the Guild want us to attend the Spring guild show in Kettering as well.

From a personal view I think James got it right at Scaleforum, in that we both had laptops with Templot on, had 2 printers in the background, had items visitors could both handle and inspect

I also think we should have a working test track, nothing better than seeing something working

The boys turning up and helping was a great benefit and I think they all enjoyed themselves, I think its a must to have at least 3 demonstrators, with simply 2 hours on 1 hour off rota

At Scaleforum 4mm(P4) was the emphasis, naturally 7mm scale should be at the forefront

I don't want to see any more pressure put on Martin, but one or more should step up to the plate and take responsibility.

John

 

[Lancastrian]

Sorry I missed the chat last night but if the coconscious is that we attend I suggest that we start planning now and perhaps see if the Guild want us to attend the Spring guild show in Kettering as well.

John

John,

I'll have a word with Dave Smith, the Kettering Show Manager and get back to you on here. I'd still like some willing victim volunteer to do on "An Evening With..." if possible, certainly as an appetiser before Guildex.

Ian

 

[Martin Wynne]

John,

I'll have a word with Dave Smith, the Kettering Show Manager and get back to you on here. I'd still like some willing victim volunteer to do on "An Evening With..." if possible, certainly as an appetiser before Guildex.

Ian

@Lancastrian @Hayfield

Hi Ian,

Now is not a good time, because:

We are in the middle of changing Templot to an open-source project.

We are in the middle of developing plug track -- no K-crossings yet, which is the very first thing someone will ask for.

We are in the middle of creating an updated set of docs, to replace all the long-term gaps in the Companion.

Any evening with Templot is going to be a confusing mess at present. Give it 6 months and things should be better.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Lancastrian]

@Lancastrian @Hayfield

Hi Ian,

Now is not a good time, because:

We are in the middle of changing Templot to an open-source project.

We are in the middle of developing plug track -- no K-crossings yet, which is the very first thing someone will ask for.

We are in the middle of creating an updated set of docs, to replace all the long-term gaps in the Companion.

Any evening with Templot is going to be a confusing mess at present. Give it 6 months and things should be better.

cheers,

Martin.

Hi Martin,

Do you think August might be do-able?? That's where I was going with the An Evening With...suggestion, but I'm happy to wait until a suitable time.

Ian

 

[Hayfield]

Ian

I think we may be in a better position sometime next year, the thing is at the moment the group are of a feeling that until the K crossings are available and tested, too many may be disappointed if only turnouts are available at the moment. I hope I am not out of step with others with this reply.

I have been experimenting with 7mm COT track and have had superb results with turnouts and plain track, but not had a real trial with plug track, so my knowledge is a bit limited, I have gone a bit farther in experimentation and the results are very good, but that's all I will say.

I am sorry its frustrating as its also frustrating for ourselves. If we do have a stand and if I am asked (by the group) I would be more than happy to demonstrate at either show. Martin and the others were happy for James and myself to demonstrate at Scaleforum, for whatever reason we were called the track building display, but obviously demonstrating/explaining Templot 2D and Templot 3D. All I can say was the stand was always busy, we had 2 3D printers working, 2 laptops available to show first hand how Templot works, answer queries and had examples of 3D prints for visitors to handle.

As for an "evening with", you probably need someone with better technical abilities. Happy to share my experiments but I am a user, not a technician, plus I am hopeless with technology .

 

[Lancastrian]

Ian

As for an "evening with", you probably need someone with better technical abilities. Happy to share my experiments but I am a user, not a technician, plus I am hopeless with technology .

John,

The An Evening With... sessions don't have to be technical, so if it is a case of someone who is able to print items at home doing a session, rather then describing the technicalities of the system, then that would be preferable. Although the Templot sessions I did, ably assisted by Martin, in the wings, were more of a "navigating Templot for beginners". I think a session on 3D Plug or COT could be a look at the output end of the process, showing attendees how the parts go together and what you can achieve using 3D printing to make the parts you need.

There's no rush for anyone to make a decision yet, as I'm only starting to fill the 2025 calendar. Five of the eleven dates are already confirmed, for example.
Decoder Pro: James Aitken (January)
Ashpans and Pickups: Nick Dunhill (February)
Coach Painting 1: Tony Andrews (March)

Stockton & Darlington 200: Nigel Paine (September)
Coach Painting 2: Tony Andrews (October)

Regards,

Ian

 

[Phil O]

Hi Ian/John,

I can certainly do August September, but I would need a night's accommodation as both are too far to do out and back.

I have a laptop and a 32 inch tv, so that the audience can see what's going on.

I can't help with a zoom meeting as I use my tablet for that.

 

[Lancastrian]

Dave Smith, the Kettering show manager can be contacted at showmanager@gaugeoguild.com for any offers of demonstrating at the Spring Show in 2025.

 

[Phil O]

Ian,

I have sent an email.

 

[Hayfield]

Its looking 50/50 whether I can make the September show, not saying I cannot but very much in the balance