Track Planning & Layout Ideas - New Builds Started

Tell us about your layout, where you put it, how you built it, how you operate it.
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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Tue May 31, 2016 9:32 am

I did write text, about 8 lines worth and then tried adding the file after. .any isn't on the allowed file list maybe that could be it?


EDIT: Regrettably I have to go out for an hour or two but will be back soon.
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Martin Wynne
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Martin Wynne » Tue May 31, 2016 9:45 am

Knuckles wrote:I did write text, about 8 lines worth and then tried adding the file after. .any isn't on the allowed file list maybe that could be it?

Hi Knuckles,

We are talking about Templot Club? .any is definitely on the list, see:

file_any.png


Note that:

1. the file name must not include any apostrophe or quote marks (preferably no punctuation at all).

2. if starting a new topic you must provide a topic title in the subject box.

If still no joy, please email the file to me at martin at templot.com

regards,

Martin.
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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Tue May 31, 2016 11:26 am

Hello Martin.

Back now. I couldn't see the any in the list but I do now.

I just changed the name of the file as it did have dashes and things in the title, now it is just text. The file is 9.693kb's so it is less than 10MB and I have posted here...

http://85a.co.uk/forum/view_topic.php?i ... orum_id=12

However it still is giving me an error when I try to put the file in, so I guess the thread at the moment at least isn't doing much.

Although later maybe it could develop with pics and updated plans etc.

I'll pop an email then. :thumb


EDIT: Email sent. There are two because the 1st one is a duncough moment. I just sent a 3rd though too with the scenery as a pic. Won't send a 4th!
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.co ... e77d42.pdf

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Martin Wynne
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Martin Wynne » Tue May 31, 2016 12:12 pm

Hi Knuckles,

File received thanks. I will get back to you.

regards,

Martin.
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John McAleely
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby John McAleely » Tue May 31, 2016 12:32 pm

grovenor-2685 wrote:OK it will now, I've added it to the whitelist.
Max file size is 10Mib


Knuckles wrote:The full version is, err, almost 70.


I've taken the liberty of increasing the limit. We're not short of space, and page views are not impacted by the size of attachment. The forum now thinks the limit for this class of file is 100MiB.

I appreciate you've solved the problem elsewhere, so this is just a change for next time!

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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Tue May 31, 2016 12:39 pm

Oky doky. Awesome.

When on the comp' next (on 'phone at mo') I'll bung it here for all to have a close look should you want to.
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.co ... e77d42.pdf

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Noel
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Noel » Tue May 31, 2016 5:01 pm

John McAleely wrote:I've taken the liberty of increasing the limit. We're not short of space, and page views are not impacted by the size of attachment. The forum now thinks the limit for this class of file is 100MiB.


Sorry, John, but I am not sure what this means. Does it mean we can now put 100MB files in posts in line, or as attachments, so that they impact on our download limits set by out ISP whether we want to see them or not?
Regards
Noel

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Martin Wynne
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Martin Wynne » Tue May 31, 2016 5:04 pm

Noel wrote:
John McAleely wrote:Sorry, John, but I am not sure what this means. Does it mean we can now put 100MB files in posts in line, or as attachments, so that they impact on our download limits set by out ISP whether we want to see them or not?

Only if you click on them.

Martin.
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John McAleely
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby John McAleely » Tue May 31, 2016 5:18 pm

Martin Wynne wrote:
Noel wrote:
John McAleely wrote:Sorry, John, but I am not sure what this means. Does it mean we can now put 100MB files in posts in line, or as attachments, so that they impact on our download limits set by out ISP whether we want to see them or not?

Only if you click on them.

Martin.


Martin is quite correct. Attachment size matters only to anyone who clicks to download. The only 'in line' content we routinely see are photos (of several types). The size limits for those have not changed.

The change I have made makes no difference to people using the forum, unless they wish to upload or download an attachment. That always requires a specific action, and the forum is pretty good at describing the size of attachments, so the action can be an informed choice.

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Noel
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Noel » Wed Jun 01, 2016 9:40 am

Thanks, John and Martin, for explaining. I now understand. Even though I'm pretty well computer literate, I [and I'm sure many others] don't always know the implications of specific technical changes.
Regards
Noel

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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Wed Jun 01, 2016 4:41 pm

Here is everyone's chance to test out that band width issue, your mission, should you choose to accept it is simple:
Download the picture or Anyrail file and have a good look or tinker if you want. Eeeez Goood Iniit? :shock:
I said I would add it.

Knapford Junction Pre 1955 Version.any


As this plan has been redrafted many times this is my current version/idea on it.
Also apologies if I am boring the brains out of some of you with pictures that look, at a glance the same.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Last edited by John McAleely on Thu Jun 02, 2016 10:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Added .any file attachment
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.co ... e77d42.pdf

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John McAleely
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby John McAleely » Wed Jun 01, 2016 4:45 pm

Knuckles wrote:EDIT: Nope, the Anyrail file is about 63MB's and it is still rejected as "File Too Large"


Would you mind sending me the file (or a link to download it from somewhere) so I can see what's up?

Email is unlikely to work, as big files tend to break there too. Dropbox would be my suggestion, if you use it.

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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Wed Jun 01, 2016 4:49 pm

Sure, I'm unsure how to link you to the dropbox though as my knowledge and use of it is currently basic. If you could guide me through it I'll send it.
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.co ... e77d42.pdf

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John McAleely
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby John McAleely » Wed Jun 01, 2016 5:15 pm

I've dropped you an email, so we can spare everyone a blow-by-blow account :-)

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John McAleely
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby John McAleely » Thu Jun 02, 2016 10:20 pm

It turned out that I had to flip switches in two places to get the effect I was looking for, so having now done that, large file attachments (not inline photos) up to 100MB are now possible.

I've added the file Knuckles shared with me to his posting above.

I did discover that some browsers, sometimes, refuse to upload 'uncommon' file types to phpBB boards like ours (numerous bug reports are open about this, so I hope it will be fixed in time - it's a bit out of my realm of experience), and this does appear to apply to .any files.

So if you experience problems, the easiest fix is to zip the file first - as a common file extension, zip seems to be well tested.
Last edited by John McAleely on Thu Jun 02, 2016 11:10 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: Clarify problem relates to phpBB forums

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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Fri Jun 03, 2016 8:28 pm

Thanks John. :)

I have a request for collective opinion again.

This layout I have been planning for years on and off and if you read previous entries in this thread you will see I want it to be duel purpose so I can switch theme between Sudrian fiction and something more prototypical. In the back story the Island is located inbetween Walney Island off Barrow in Furness and Isle of Man. Actually Walney Island is part of it.

Now the source material makes it clear that the GWR has a lot of influence on the fictional NWR, most of the signals are down quadrant and things.

Anyway the queery is really a consideration that I don't know whether the main influence should be based on railway company influence or proximity to certain railway lines.

I'm bumbling now as I'm unsure how to convey the thoughts swirling in my bonce and it covers different subjects.

But would you say the railway chairs should be GWR or Furness pattern or something else? I have already decided that 9' sleepers are the way to go for this layout but there are other things to consider.

Now I need to learn how to rabble less.
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
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Paul Willis
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Paul Willis » Sat Jun 04, 2016 6:22 am

Knuckles wrote:I have a request for collective opinion again.

Now the source material makes it clear that the GWR has a lot of influence on the fictional NWR, most of the signals are down quadrant and things.

Anyway the queery is really a consideration that I don't know whether the main influence should be based on railway company influence or proximity to certain railway lines.


Based on what I have read, I would actually say that during the 9th and 20th centuries, the influence was actually more down to the career of individual engineers. So it would be where your Chief Mechanical Engineer or your Chief Civil Engineer had done his apprenticeship or previous work.

There is talk of Stanier taking "Swindon Practices" to the LMS, and of locos being in a "Drummond style" despite being very different locations. So imagine where your key personnel have come from, and go from there :-)

The geographical aspect would, I suppose, be more if there was a physical linkage like needing tablet catchers to work over certain branch lines, or fitted with Westinghouse pumps to work through coaches.

HTH
Flymo
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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Sat Jun 04, 2016 7:53 am

Thanks Flymo. :)

Your responce made me first think GWR as the Portly One has a lot of Great Western influence and bias and at least one of them (father and son issue) took apprentership at Swindon under Stanier) zo it would seem GWR may be the way to go. Some of the infrastructure looks more GWR too although painted different.

Regarding Stanier locomotives being related to GWR I think it is evident when you look at the boilers and cabs of Black 5's, Jubilees and such like. If you swapped around a few fittings they would look instantly GWR, plus the clear standardization seems evident too.

Your then your last point made me think of the proximity argument as the NWR is hard wired and once it passes through Vickerstown on Walney Island (Vicarstown on the Eastern tip of Sodor Island) the line heads directly into Barrow and terminates where trains are exchanged with the mainland. So this would possibly make some of it Furness pattern.

So now it is seeming both again.

Why do I trouble myself with such things? :D


Knapford is situated far West so maybe GWR for that location at least? It seems a moot point but when it is time to buy some more chairs it makes sense if I get the right ones.

Also I keep editing this post for spelling and new ideas. I'm a cereal post editor. :/
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

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Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

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Guy Rixon
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Guy Rixon » Sat Jun 04, 2016 11:39 am

You might make a distinction between parts that a railway company design for themselves and parts where they buy in a standard item. I'd guess that rail chairs are almost always made to the company's own pattern, because they're easy to get made at any competent, local foundry, whereas signalling parts are often a standard design from the specialist trade. I think you can use any pattern of chairs that you like, and claim that NWR chairs happen to look like XYZ chairs, but you should probably assume only one visible pattern of chair for track laid at a given period. (By "visible pattern", I mean that rails of different weights would prsumably have chairs of slightly different sizes, but they'd probably be the same shape and have the same fixings.)

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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Sat Jun 04, 2016 4:14 pm

Ok thanks Guy, that makes sense too.

It may seem a minor point but on the other hand is kind of foundational if I am to do this otherwise it would all be a mish mash.
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
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Martin Wynne
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Martin Wynne » Wed Jun 08, 2016 8:54 pm

Hi Knuckles,

This post copied from: http://85a.co.uk/forum/view_topic.php?i ... orum_id=12

Here is my stab at redrawing your AnyRail plan in Templot. This is just my idea of what you might do. I fully expect you to make changes and/or reject the whole thing.

I made a few changes to your plan. It now contains some interesting formations to practice your trackbuilding skills. Image

Image

I kept your preferred straight run through the platforms, but there are now transition curves at each end to provide a smooth entry into the sharp end curves. The track spacing for the main station area is at the prototype 6ft way (44.67mm centres), but I increased it to 7ft way (48.67mm centres) in the sharp end curves to ensure clearance for vehicle overhangs.

On the left I moved the main line crossover round into the curves to avoid a double reverse curve and increase the clear length in the platform. This has created a nice tandem turnout for the short siding.

On the right you had a sharp facing slip road in the running line, which didn't look good. I have replaced it with a half-scissors arrangement on that side. This will mean moving the signal box a little. The trailing slip road is ok in that position.

Both slips are based on irregular diamonds to best match your original, so as you see all the slips roads include a transition curve to maintain alignment with the slip switches.

Image

Image

Image

Image

I have left the storage sidings unfinished as I understand this area is still undecided.

The .box file is attached below. Note that no timber shoving has been done. Over to you for that. Image

p.s. I see that I have forgotten to adjust the K-crossing check rails on the yard double slip. Over to you to do that.

regards,

Martin.
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Knuckles
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Knuckles » Thu Jun 09, 2016 1:18 pm

Wow! That's quite a transformation and is pretty much what I was trying to do, the transition curves surprised me too as I thought they would be a lot more pronounced. The bottom left points are a huge help, trying to bodge the geometry with Peco 00 points on Anyrail as guess work was always bothering me but you make it look so silky and flowing. :) All of it.

The top left mod is great too, makes a lot of sense for a longer station run around. The bottom right mod with the scissors also looks cool and makes a lot of sense. I'm in two minds about that one simply as it at least at the moment changes the look of the location to certain areas already established but it also looks more attractive, will likely operate better and in real life we know track plans were sometimes changed so it doesn't have to be 'wrong' necessarily so I may keep it.

I have a lot to learn and do but this is so appreciated, cant thank you enough for this. :thumb

May I ask just one initial question though. The saving system is worrying me because I have no idea how to go to an earlier version or indeed this version if I make a monumental pigs ear of things due to everything being saved completely different to most things. I made a folder to download this file in as a 'don't touch' fail safe and then I find nothing is in there so I cannot go back to it, neither do I know how to save multiple versions of a layout or store it on an external HD. I looked into this before with my other struggles getting started and I fit very well into the Templot thicky category! :D
“He who dares not offend cannot be honest.” Thomas Paine

https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.com/
Mostly 3D Printed Loco kits etc.

SCC Price list (7/4/22)
https://www.sparkshotcustomcreations.co ... e77d42.pdf

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Martin Wynne
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Martin Wynne » Thu Jun 09, 2016 1:57 pm

Knuckles wrote:May I ask just one initial question though. The saving system is worrying me because I have no idea how to go to an earlier version or indeed this version if I make a monumental pigs ear of things due to everything being saved completely different to most things.

Hi Knuckles,

By default Templot saves everything in sub-folders within the program folder. Your .box data files are saved in the

Code: Select all

C:\TEMPLOT_DEV\BOX-FILES\

folder. But you can of course navigate in the Windows file save dialog to anywhere else on your computer if you prefer, including external drives.

When saving files, Templot always creates a new file (unless you specifically select an existing file to be overwritten), so earlier versions are always safe. Templot never deletes any files itself. In other words a save in Templot is always Save As... , and Templot creates a new unique file name for the purpose. You can view all your .box file versions by clicking the files > file viewer menu item. You can quickly access recent files by clicking the files > recent files > menu items.

Templot uses the bog-standard Windows file dialogs. Those dialogs always indicate the file name and where it is being saved, so I'm a bit puzzled where you (and others) are getting confused. Image

If you download a file from this forum it will be saved to wherever you have set you browser to download files. I suggest copying it from there into

Code: Select all

C:\TEMPLOT_DEV\BOX-FILES\

Alternatively, if you let your browser run Templot and load the file, save it immediately by clicking the files > save all templates... menu item.

regards,

Martin.
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Winander
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Winander » Thu Jun 09, 2016 2:20 pm

And the new file that Templot saves to has the date and time in the format YYYY_MM_DD_HHMI_SS at the end of the filename, so you can list them in Explorer ordered by the modification time.

If you load the file Martin provided, and then saved, it would create a filename something like this - knuckles_knapford_unshoved_1_2016_06_09_1516_22.box

A bit long, so after you have saved a precious copy, I suggest you rename the file to something shorter.

HTH
Richard Hodgson
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Martin Wynne
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Re: Track Planning & Layout Ideas.

Postby Martin Wynne » Thu Jun 09, 2016 2:40 pm

Thanks Richard.

In theory there is a risk that the file name might not be unique, if you happen to be working on Templot during the hour in which British Summer Time ends, and save a file at the exact same minutes and seconds as before. Even then you would get a warning that the file already exists.

The base part of the file name can be set on the storage box at edit > box title... menu item. Do that after loading the file, not before.

regards,

Martin.
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