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 Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.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

Laser-cut trackbed

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UK
Hello Martin,
thank you very much for your reply!
I am totally fine with the inclines topic, as I will have less than 2% gradient as you mentioned.

Just a last question: is there a way I can use DXL/STL exports as a starting point for laser cutting plywood strips for the curvy and inclined sections of my layout?
I can cut them with a jigsaw starting from plain sheets of plywood, but I think CNC laser cutting them will dramatically increase the accuracy.

Thank you,
Riccardo
 
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Just a last question: is there a way I can use DXL/STL exports as a starting point for laser cutting plywood strips for the curvy and inclined sections of my layout?
@riccardo palombella

Hi Riccardo,

Yes you can do that.

Use the template > trackbed edges... function:

trackbed_cut1.png


Each side of the track is set separately, so that you can create trackbeds for single or multiple tracks. Set the option for a baseboard cutting line. Click the trackbed widths ... button to set the required width. You can use the mouse actions to set the start and stop positions within a long template if necessary.

Store the template (only background templates can be exported, not the control template).

For the DXF export (output > export a file... > CAD file):

trackbed_cut2.png


1. click the omit all button.

2. set a colour for the platforms and trackbed edges in the combo drop-down.

3. set 2-D DXF.

4. click to export the DXF file.

The DXF will be output in mm. (You can change to inches in the options panel on the left if necessary for your laser cutter.)

cheers,

Martin.
 
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p.s. Just to add to this to say that if you set the trackbed width to match the track gauge, you can produce "tracksetta"-style radius aids for laying curved flexi-track matching your track templates.

Martin.
 
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