Templot Club Archive 2007-2020
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posted: 27 Apr 2020 11:39 from: Mike Kynaston
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Hi All,I have sorted out the track work for my new 7mm (slightly large!) diorama in Templot, and am now thinking about baseboards. As part of the diorama will involve the track on an embankment and over bridge, I have decided to go for an open plan baseboard, and have drafted a design in the CAD package, Fusion360. The problem I have is that I want to make sure the track bed is a) the right width and b) in the right place on the boards. I may be simply missing something, but is there any way that the data from Templot (really just the outer edges of the sleepers would be fine) can be exported in a format that could be imported into the CAD software and placed in position? I appreciate its asking something of Templot that it probably was not designed to do, but I also thought I cannot be the first person to consider it! Any help would be appreciated. Mike |
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posted: 27 Apr 2020 12:26 from: Martin Wynne
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Mike Kynaston wrote:but is there any way that the data from Templot (really just the outer edges of the sleepers would be fine) can be exported in a format that could be imported into the CAD software and placed in position?Hi Mike, Sure. You need the DXF export -- it's been available in Templot for 20 years!  output > export a file... menu item. 2_051104_030000000.png  The 3D exports are currently out of action while I'm working on 3D printing exports for the track. But all the 2D functions are working fine. Here's a bit of 2D Templot imported into a CAD program: 2_051111_310000000.png  You can have as much or as little of the Templot output as you want in the DXF. See the help notes on the DXF dialog. For what you want you are probably looking to export Templot's geometry > trackbed edges... functions (2nd item in the layer list below): 2_270733_000000000.png  The most important setting to get right is mm or inches, and a matching setting in your CAD's DXF import options. cheers, Martin. |
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posted: 27 Apr 2020 13:17 from: Mike Kynaston
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Martin, That is great, thank you! How you manage to predict 20 years ago, that during a lockdown in 2020, I'd need this is beyond me! That crystal ball must be working very well is all I can say Seriously, thanks, not only for the confirmation that it can be done, but the step-by-step guide to doing it. I'll give it a try later on. My aim is that I might then be able to get the baseboard cross bearers laser cut, so that everything is spot on. I'll report back on the progress, and thanks again for a superb programme. Mike |
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posted: 27 Apr 2020 13:40 from: Phil O
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Hi Mike, It might be worth adding a few extra millimetres to the width of your track bed, on several occasions I have cut the trackbed exactly and then found when I came to the scenics an extra few mil would have been handy. Now I always go 5mm over and trim it off if not needed. Stay safe. Phil |
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posted: 27 Apr 2020 16:46 from: Mike Kynaston
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Phil O wrote: Hi Mike,That sounds logical, thanks Phil, I'll make sure I add that in. How much extra space do you leave for signals and the like? Presumably you remove the cess area if crossing bridges? Mike |
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posted: 27 Apr 2020 18:46 from: Phil O
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Mike, I didn't allow for signals, I add rectangles to suit after the getting the layout running, cutting a notch in the track bed to give the correct spacing from the post to the nearest rail. The size of the rectangle being determined by how many servos are needed for each signal. Signals can be built and tested away from the layout, it makes the job easier. Phil. |
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