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  • The Plug Track functions are experimental and still being developed. Some of the earlier pages of this topic are now out-of-date.

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    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.

Using a tracing as a basis for a template

Quick reply >

dmudriver

Member
Location
Preston
I'm wanting to replace a curved crossover on my 0 gauge layout. I built it by adapting 2 C&L 0 fine scale point kits but now want to go to 0-MF but to the same footprint.

If I traced the existing full sized, how do I get it into Templot? I assume I'd cut it into A4 size chunks and scan into the computer but then what do I do? I've looked under the "background" tab, but can't get any further.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

With thanks in advance.


Rod
 
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@dmudriver

Hi Rod,

If you have scanned the tracing, in Templot go to background > shapes menu item.

add_picture_shape.png


On the new shape tab, click the picture option. Then click the add shape button.

You should then be able to follow the instructions to create picture shapes and load your scanned images into them. As they are 1:1 traces, you can easily set the size of the picture shapes to match the actual measured size of the originals.

If you are having trouble, post your scanned JPG files here, and I will do it for you and send a BGS3 file back.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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Rod

I have done this and it works, do put a scale line on the master. I drew a 12" line and marked it off at 3" intervals. I even scanned 4 or 5 pages and stitched them together
 
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Thanks, Martin and Hayfield.

I'll do what you've suggested and come back with the results. (May be a day or two!!)


Rod
 
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I've done the tracing today, cut them up and scanned them onto my computer.

Unfortunately, they're in pdf format - and I couldn't find a way to download them in any other format. I've followed Martin's advice above but the system tells me that it does not support pdf format - or that part of the system doesn't.

I've managed to change one into jpeg by using a free trial of Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Pro (I think that was the correct name) but after one it seemed to be leading me to pay for more. Apart from these documents, I never need to change formats so I'm loathe to do that.

Any advice on how I make progress will be welcomed.

With thanks in advance.


Rod
 
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@dmudriver

Hi Rod,

Post the PDFs as attachments here, and I will fix them for you.

cheers,

Martin.
 
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HI Rod.
Usually with scanner software, there is an option somewhere to select what file format the resulting file is saved as.
I often save them as bit maps, at least to begin with.

Regards
Tony.
 
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@dmudriver @Tony W

There is also an option in Templot to scan directly into a picture shape.

It works fine -- on my scanners. But scanner software is so iffy that I just know it won't work for many others. I fear a Windows support minefield if I dare mention it. Damn, I just have. :)

scan_picture_shape.png


cheers,

Martin.
 
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Attachments

  • Crossover 1.pdf
    154.1 KB · Views: 177
  • Crossover 2.pdf
    164.1 KB · Views: 157
  • Crossover 3.pdf
    177.1 KB · Views: 151
  • Crossover 4.pdf
    167.7 KB · Views: 157
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message ref: 2115
Hi Rod,

Here you go, files attached.

You made it a bit tricky by forgetting to draw a straight line down the tracing before scanning it in sections! I aligned the pages as best I can but you may find that it needed curving a bit more or a bit less to fit properly.

You had a rather sharp instant change of radius, so I replaced it with a transition curve.

To maintain your marked tie-bar positions and 80mm track centres, the turnouts are B-9 (0-MF). The smallest radius anywhere is 2210mm 87" on the inside running line. That's a bit tight at 80mm centres, but I've checked with the dummy vehicle and there is a running clearance, just.

I changed your scan to low-contrast grey to work over it more easily, but if the templates fit ok you won't need it. :)

rod_xover1.png


rod_xover2.png

Files below.

cheers,

Martin.
 

Attachments

  • rod_0_mf_xover_b9.box
    40.1 KB · Views: 178
  • rod_scans.bgs3
    3.1 MB · Views: 164
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message ref: 2116
Hi Martin.

Sorry about not replying sooner - to be honest, I thought I had!!

Anyway, I've printed the files off and they're perfect, thank you.

Now to get on with getting the crossover made!!

I'm really grateful for your help.


Rod
 
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message ref: 2158
Rod

I have done this and it works, do put a scale line on the master. I drew a 12" line and marked it off at 3" intervals. I even scanned 4 or 5 pages and stitched them together
Looking back on this and on Martin's comment about drawing a straight line down the tracings, I realise I misunderstood!! I did actually draw 6" straight lines, marked at 3" and 6", rather than a straight line across the whole of the tracing!! Ooops, sorry about that!! Something else I've learned!!


Rod
 
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message ref: 2162
@dmudriver @Tony W

There is also an option in Templot to scan directly into a picture shape.

It works fine -- on my scanners. But scanner software is so iffy that I just know it won't work for many others. I fear a Windows support minefield if I dare mention it. Damn, I just have. :)

View attachment 1742

cheers,

Martin.
Many thanks Martin for the tip of direct scanning into Templot.

Just tried it out and it works perfectly on my printer scanner which for information is an HP Smart Tank Plus 555.

A great time saver!

All the best

Phil
 
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