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 Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.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

how to print

Quick reply >

Mike-Venus

Member
Location
United Kingdom
Hi Everyone,

I have a large background map and a iarge track plan. I would like to obtain a full scale print of these as one print.
Due to the size I cannot print. I need to take to Pronto Print for them to do this as the map will be approx 5 meters x 1 metre wide.
Will by map and track plan load onto a thumb drive?
Is there anything that would be required by Pronto Print to be to print this map, ie put templot on to there PC?

Regards

Mike
 
_______________
message ref: 6681
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Export a single large PDF document. output > export a file. Put it on a USB stick, or upload it to an online print service.

Tick this box to include the map:

pdf_bgnd.png


Set the roll paper size on the PDF dialog.

If the print shop are using Adobe software there will be a limit of about 4 metres page length, Templot will split it into separate pages. But put each one in a separate PDF to keep the file sizes down. Other PDF print software generally has a much longer page limit. You need to ask the shop about their maximum page length.

There have been lots of topics on here about creating large PDF documents for wide-format roll-paper poster printing. Sorry I'm too tired tonight to go searching for all the links.

The golden rule is to tell the print shop 5 times that it must be printed 100% size with no scaling or fitting to the paper. This is NOT the default setting, so watch over them changing the setting.

cheers,

Martin.
 
_______________
message ref: 6682
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Export a single large PDF document. output > export a file. Put it on a USB stick, or upload it to an online print service.

Tick this box to include the map:

View attachment 5782

Set the roll paper size on the PDF dialog.

If the print shop are using Adobe software there will be a limit of about 4 metres page length, Templot will split it into separate pages. But put each one in a separate PDF to keep the file sizes down. Other PDF print software generally has a much longer page limit. You need to ask the shop about their maximum page length.

There have been lots of topics on here about creating large PDF documents for wide-format roll-paper poster printing. Sorry I'm too tired tonight to go searching for all the links.

The golden rule is to tell the print shop 5 times that it must be printed 100% size with no scaling or fitting to the paper. This is NOT the default setting, so watch over them changing the setting.

cheers,

Martin.
Thanks Martin,
Yet again, appreciated.
Quick question everyone.
Martin has advised how I can print this map.

Can I trim the map width and save it and the templates will remain in the same position. It is acceptable for my map to be 1 metre wide x 5 metres long. Previous print was 4 pieces 1 metre wide each and 2.5 metres long. But that was due to the original maps used.
Much cheap and easier to handle if I can print at 1 metre wide.

Thanks everyone.
 
_______________
message ref: 6684
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Use the crop/combine function:

video: https://flashbackconnect.com/Movie.aspx?id=bomMjJ9g_5mE4D8_8ZE8iA2

https://85a.uk/templot/companion/crop_combine.php

For best PDF export results create several smaller rectangles rather than one big one.

If you don't want to delete the underlying picture shapes (your current map comprises 3 of them), untick the show on output option below the shapes list for each one. Otherwise the PDF will include both the original maps and the cropped maps.

It would be better to delete them, and create a new BGS3 file containing the cropped maps only. You can then load whichever of the two files you need at any time.

But don't delete them until you have finished creating all the cropped maps!

The crop/combine function won't disrupt their alignment with your track templates.

Many results if you search crop/combine.

cheers,

Martin.
 
_______________
message ref: 6685
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Use the crop/combine function:

video: https://flashbackconnect.com/Movie.aspx?id=bomMjJ9g_5mE4D8_8ZE8iA2

https://85a.uk/templot/companion/crop_combine.php

For best PDF export results create several smaller rectangles rather than one big one.

If you don't want to delete the underlying picture shapes (your current map comprises 3 of them), untick the show on output option below the shapes list for each one. Otherwise the PDF will include both the original maps and the cropped maps.

It would be better to delete them, and create a new BGS3 file containing the cropped maps only. You can then load whichever of the two files you need at any time.

But don't delete them until you have finished creating all the cropped maps!

The crop/combine function won't disrupt their alignment with your track templates.

Many results if you search crop/combine.

cheers,

Martin.
Thanks again Martin,

I think if I learn terminology better, or asked with the correct words I probably would of things out quicker.
Map looks good.
I had 2 errors in the track plan of which one is corrected and the other I will leave as it is too complicated to deal with at present.
When I get to the point of building the junction, I will sort that out then.

Thanks and regards

Mike.
 
_______________
message ref: 6690
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Export a single large PDF document. output > export a file. Put it on a USB stick, or upload it to an online print service.

Tick this box to include the map:

View attachment 5782

Set the roll paper size on the PDF dialog.

If the print shop are using Adobe software there will be a limit of about 4 metres page length, Templot will split it into separate pages. But put each one in a separate PDF to keep the file sizes down. Other PDF print software generally has a much longer page limit. You need to ask the shop about their maximum page length.

There have been lots of topics on here about creating large PDF documents for wide-format roll-paper poster printing. Sorry I'm too tired tonight to go searching for all the links.

The golden rule is to tell the print shop 5 times that it must be printed 100% size with no scaling or fitting to the paper. This is NOT the default setting, so watch over them changing the setting.

cheers,

Martin.
Hi Everyone,

Sorry but I am confused. I have attached 2 photos, which is what I see on my screen. So am I looking in the right place yo generate a PDF for E port to a USB, or is it somewhere else?

I don't really understand the box in the 2nd photo.
I do not see the same Box as shown above.
Any help gratefully accepted.

Thanks
Mike
 

Attachments

  • 20230519_202445.jpg
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  • 20230519_202457.jpg
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    2.2 MB · Views: 60
_______________
message ref: 6691
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

1. ask the print shop what is the width of the roll paper they have machines for, and what is the maximum length they can print.

Even if they say 20 metres, you might not want a plan that long because it will be very unwieldy to handle. You might want to split your trackplan into shorter pages, say 3 metres long each.

For the paper width you need to leave an allowance for the trim margins, so that you can print side-by-side pages and trim them to fit together accurately. So if the shop say their paper is 900mm wide, you might choose to have the page say 875mm between the trim margins. It's a good idea to try the shop first with a short bit of trackplan. You can then measure the printed grid squares for accuracy. If necessary you could make an adjustment on the output scaling for best accuracy.

A short initial test print also gives you a chance to try all the settings on the output menu for line thicknesses, colours, etc., and switch template elements on and off as you wish:

output_elements5.png



2. having established the page size you want, enter the size details on the dialog:


pdf_wide_format.png


Then click the create PDF... button. Templot will show you the page outlines for each page, and I suggest creating only one page at a time in each file. Remember to tick the box for the picture shapes if you want to include the background map in the print. Templot will ask for the file save location, and you can navigate to the USB stick, or copy it to the stick later.

Before taking it for printing, you will be able to open it in your PDF reader program, and check that the results are as required.

cheers,

Martin.
 
_______________
message ref: 6692
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

1. ask the print shop what is the width of the roll paper they have machines for, and what is the maximum length they can print.

Even if they say 20 metres, you might not want a plan that long because it will be very unwieldy to handle. You might want to split your trackplan into shorter pages, say 3 metres long each.

For the paper width you need to leave an allowance for the trim margins, so that you can print side-by-side pages and trim them to fit together accurately. So if the shop say their paper is 900mm wide, you might choose to have the page say 875mm between the trim margins. It's a good idea to try the shop first with a short bit of trackplan. You can then measure the printed grid squares for accuracy. If necessary you could make an adjustment on the output scaling for best accuracy.

A short initial test print also gives you a chance to try all the settings on the output menu for line thicknesses, colours, etc., and switch template elements on and off as you wish:

View attachment 5796


2. having established the page size you want, enter the size details on the dialog:


View attachment 5797

Then click the create PDF... button. Templot will show you the page outlines for each page, and I suggest creating only one page at a time in each file. Remember to tick the box for the picture shapes if you want to include the background map in the print. Templot will ask for the file save location, and you can navigate to the USB stick, or copy it to the stick later.

Before taking it for printing, you will be able to open it in your PDF reader program, and check that the results are as required.

cheers,

Martin.

@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Export a single large PDF document. output > export a file. Put it on a USB stick, or upload it to an online print service.

Tick this box to include the map:

View attachment 5782

Set the roll paper size on the PDF dialog.

If the print shop are using Adobe software there will be a limit of about 4 metres page length, Templot will split it into separate pages. But put each one in a separate PDF to keep the file sizes down. Other PDF print software generally has a much longer page limit. You need to ask the shop about their maximum page length.

There have been lots of topics on here about creating large PDF documents for wide-format roll-paper poster printing. Sorry I'm too tired tonight to go searching for all the links.

The golden rule is to tell the print shop 5 times that it must be printed 100% size with no scaling or fitting to the paper. This is NOT the default setting, so watch over them changing the setting.

cheers,

Martin.
Good Morning Everyone,

In the Create PDF Drop down it states (Page Origin X0.0, Y.0) can this be changed here or is it something that would have to be done at the print shop. I have generated 2 PDF's. The first wanted 3 pages using X0.0, Y0.0. and print width 980mm
The second I entered a print width of 1500mm but provides a sheet that is too big on the width.
What I would like to is to maintain the X0.0 Origin but can the Y position to Y500.00 Print area I would set at Length 4650mm and Width at 1000mm
But I can not change the Origin.
Attached below is a PDF I have achieved but the paper is too big on the width.

Regards
Mike
 

Attachments

  • 2023-05-20 09_14_02-Greenshot.png
    2023-05-20 09_14_02-Greenshot.png
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  • 2023-05-20 09_13_31-Greenshot.png
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  • 2023-05-20 09_14_27-Greenshot.png
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    878.4 KB · Views: 52
_______________
message ref: 6695
@Mike-Venus

Hi Mike,

Set the page origin directly, or use the mouse action to get the best fit to the track plan:

set_page_org.png


set_page_org1.png



Just think how enjoyable and less frustrating this process would have been if you had learned the basics of Templot before starting on your master project!

I try to suggest this as gently as I can to beginners, but no-one ever takes any notice. :)

cheers,

Martin.
 
_______________
message ref: 6696
Everyone,

What I should say here is that the PDF generated through Templot with all the trackwork in position on my map of Tynemouth Station is fantastic. Looks superb and I am able to see everything as I wanted to see it.

Regards

Mike
 
_______________
message ref: 6697
To Everyone,

I now have 2 pdf's. 1 of the station as I want to see it, and the 2nd is a Scale test PDF for the print shop.
I will get this done during the week as they are not open on Saturday, (curses).
My next mission is to attend the up and coming MERG meeting and to see if I want to incorporate some level of automation. Which is first week of June in Reading.

Thank you Martin for your patience, guidance, answers, solutions, willingness to help and general nudges in the right direction.

Regards
Mike
 
_______________
message ref: 6698
Hi Everyone,

I have a large background map and a iarge track plan. I would like to obtain a full scale print of these as one print.
Due to the size I cannot print. I need to take to Pronto Print for them to do this as the map will be approx 5 meters x 1 metre wide.
Will by map and track plan load onto a thumb drive?
Is there anything that would be required by Pronto Print to be to print this map, ie put templot on to there PC?

Regards

Mike
Hi Martin,

Test piece with Pronto print is perfect.
Just have to wait for the full size print.
Expensive though.

Regards
Mike
 
_______________
message ref: 6701
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