Three-way point advice

[Ikcdab]

I now have to build my first three-way point.
I have created the attached which is extracted from the full templot plan. I started with a 1:10 and the second turnout is 1:8.
Is this workable and buildable? It looks Ok to me but i thought it best to double check with the experts before i start hacking about rail and ply.
Thanks
Ian

 

[Martin Wynne]

Hi Ian,

That looks good to me with some neat timber shoving. Time to print the template.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Ikcdab]

Martin, thank you. Im still not totally clear on curviform v regular and straight or semi curved switches etc, so glad you think it's ok.
I'm just building a curved crossover in copper clad for the inset harbour branch, then it's onto the main event which includes this three-way in the sidings.
Ian

 

[Martin Wynne]

I'm still not totally clear on curviform v regular

Hi Ian,

This video might help:

https://flashbackconnect.com/Movie.aspx?id=pu2F-wveux5-EWGYuqPd3g2

Good to see your plan using Templot to the full with trackbed edges and platforms.

By the way, the idea of hiding the rear edges of the platforms is so that you can overlap them easily:

to create a solid platform between the tracks of any shape. There is no need to make the rear edges align neatly:

If you can't get exactly what you want that way, the trick is to split the templates into shorter sections, and set the platforms on each one separately. Use CTRL+END to jump the peg along the rail joints, for convenient tools > make split at peg without disrupting the timber spacings.

cheers,

Martin.

 

[Ikcdab]

Hi Ian,

This video might help:

https://flashbackconnect.com/Movie.aspx?id=pu2F-wveux5-EWGYuqPd3g2

Good to see your plan using Templot to the full with trackbed edges and platforms.

By the way, the idea of hiding the rear edges of the platforms is so that you can overlap them easily:

View attachment 230

to create a solid platform between the tracks of any shape. There is no need to make the rear edges align neatly:
View attachment 229

If you can't get exactly what you want that way, the trick is to split the templates into shorter sections, and set the platforms on each one separately.

cheers,

Martin.

Martin thanks. Your encouragement and help throughout this project has been great.
I have spent many hours now with templot and I still keep finding things I wish I had discovered earlier.
My baseboards are open frame type with the track laid on 9mm ply topped with 3mm cork. I set two trackbed limits, one at 30mm which I used as a template to cut the ply and the other at 20mm to cut the cork. .
I now have a question about the platforms. I have placed the platforms using the default settings. I assume this represents the platform edge? If I inset that edge, I guess I could build the platform walls in the edge and thus save all the usual "pencil taped to a coach" to plot it out?