Plug track - for fiddle yards?

[Martin Wynne]

.
Traditionally fiddle yards and hidden loops, storage sidings, etc. have been constructed using soldered copper-clad construction.

Given recent price increases for copper-clad laminate, users of plug track for the main layout areas might feel that it would be more cost-effective to use it for the fiddle yard too. This also makes for easier construction without needing track gauges, etc.

If you ticked a box labelled "for fiddle yard" what changes would you expect to see in a template?

Alternate timbers omitted?

Plain track sleepers wider?

Timber webs and flanges thicker and chunkier?

Brick splints and connector clips stronger?

Chairs with delicate thin edges beefed up, wider jaw ribs, etc.?

Something else?

Most of these changes can be made manually now, but a single tick box to do it all in one go might be convenient.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Martin.

 

[Steve_Cornford]

Well the alternate timbers idea would speed up the FDM printed timbers a bit?
Stece

 

[Hayfield]

In the past there were several methods of saving scarce or expensive materials, from memory 2 out of 3 sleepers were omitted, and likewise for turnouts with the exception of areas that need the extra strength/support

The cost saving will be much less as at the moment the cost of filament and resin are in pence not pounds, but for those with larger layouts it might be worthwhile on a cost and build time basis, not forgetting the saving in print times

 

[LassUnsSchaun]

In the past there were several methods of saving scarce or expensive materials, from memory 2 out of 3 sleepers were omitted, and likewise for turnouts with the exception of areas that need the extra strength/support

The cost saving will be much less as at the moment the cost of filament and resin are in pence not pounds, but for those with larger layouts it might be worthwhile on a cost and build time basis, not forgetting the saving in print times

Or with Laser Cutting it could be the other way round;
Why cutting prototypical or any sleepers,
when you just need the plug holes and some slots for switch mechanism as well as electric wires?

...

Chairs with delicate thin edges beefed up, wider jaw ribs, etc.?

...

Yeap, rather bulky chair plugs that don´t bother about stresses and strains while transport and set-up.

 

[Martin Wynne]

Or with Laser Cutting it could be the other way round;
Why cutting prototypical or any sleepers,
when you just need the plug holes and some slots for switch mechanism as well as electric wires?

@LassUnsSchaun

Hi,

That is the 2D DXF export and doesn't require any new functions -- simply switch off the KERFTIMB layer:

With the result:

I assume anyone with a laser cutter will have the 2D CAD skills to put a suitable outline around this.

cheers,

Martin.