The Book of Plug Track

[James Walters]

Hi Martin,

I just read your comments in the post above referencing an experimental laser-cut turnout base I'd given to John a while back.
Just for clarity, and to avoid any doubt, it was more of an experiment in seeing what I could do in terms of exporting from Templot in Solidworks and other CAD software that I use. I hadn't intended for it to appear in the public domain.
All of your observations regarding the piece are spot on, especially the reference to the crossing chairs. I think from memory, none of the 'vectors' in that particular file were as delivered from Templot, in that I'd messed with all of it post-Templot. The fact that the ply is also too thick to be compatible with other systems is another mark against it.
I note your concern with my experiment, which I hope in no way influences others or detracts from your direction of travel with this project all of which has been a joy to behold. That is why to-date I have not posted anything myself with regard to my personal experiments either here or on YouTube as I understand the job is a work-in-progress and I would want to confuse things. For reference, I have built several test pieces using FDM bases, in addition to laser-cut, and have found the controls built into Templot to produce excellent results with no additional CAD input at all.
I so enjoy using templot, and felt it necessary to acknowledge your comments and clarify that I would never intend to cause a distraction.
I regret not noticing it up sooner.
All the best,
James

 

[Martin Wynne]

@James Walters @Steve_Cornford

Hi James,

No worries, thanks for writing. And for your excellent Bexhill videos.

As usual, I've got in a bit of muddle. I'm not too sure which post of mine you are referring to? Did you do the samples of laser-cut bases which Steve sent me? He was (still is?) using narrower 1.7mm plugs instead of the 2.0mm wide plugs which I'm using in the plug track.

Without a laser-cutter machine here, I'm a bit lost when it comes to discussing laser-cutting for plug track. I have no idea what typical cutting resolution the machines achieve, or how the home machines compare with the results from commercial firms. The Gauge 0 Guild Gazette has ads for laser cutters costing £8K. I don't know how many modellers are using such machines -- presumably not many. Or what settings they offer which are not available on the lower-cost machines. Ideally we could do with an official laser-cutter correspondent to take over all Q&A on the subject for plug track.

Today I'm doing battle with the computer code for the angled check-end chairs. They look simple enough, but are actually the most tricky part of the special crossing chairs, because of all the adjustments available on the check rail flared ends. I need a boiled egg.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[James Walters]

Thanks Martin, I'd be delighted to offer my machine up for any experiment you'd like to try. Popping bits and pieces in the post to you for expert evaluation would be no trouble either as I'm doing it most days anyway.
I have been tinkering with different 'recipe' ideas with the laser and results are very encouraging indeed.
FYI, I have a 100w laser with a 1500x1000mm bed, so it's capable of cutting quite impressive formations in one go.
I'd love to chat with you about my experiments at some point.
Best,
James

 

[Martin Wynne]

FYI, I have a 100w laser with a 1500x1000mm bed, so it's capable of cutting quite impressive formations in one go.
I'd love to chat with you about my experiments at some point.

@James Walters

Hi James,

That's great. But how typical is that of the laser cutter a typical Templot user might have? Or conversely how typical is it of the laser cutter a commercial firm might have if they were sent Templot files for cutting?

For example, I could add some tick-boxes for "output suitable for for home laser cutter", "output suitable for commercial laser cutting", if I had the faintest idea what the different settings might be. I can imagine differences in the kerf width, differences in the socket tolerances etc. All this can be set by the user of course, but my aim is to arrive at a system where folks can create plug track almost as easily as printing a paper template, with the default settings in Templot.

We have a Zoom meeting at 8pm tonight if you would like to chat about this?

Details: https://85a.uk/templot/club/index.php?threads/zoom-meetings-access-links.620/latest

cheers,

Martin.

 

[James Walters]

Hi Martin,

Templot setting wise I think the controls are already there, regardless of whether a commercial cutter or domestic machine were to be used.
I'll join the zoom later and will have an example lasered template to show.
See you later.