Fast Tracks

Would it be possible to get a version of the two page tie templates as a single long page?? The #8's and larger take two pages. I want to get the shape into my cad program so I can adjust the turnout objects to get the correct shape. Or could we get a dxf file/dimensions??

Don,

I posted a link in the S Scale Forum to a turnout calculator which will generate data for cad programs. I don't know if that would be of any help. I am working on objects for 3rd Planit and also AutoCad.

Robert

I use 3rd planit too. None of the NMRA charts list the overall length of the turnout. I could try to import the tie templates or scan them, but I would be relying on my interpretation. I would prefer to be more exact. I've tried the turnout calculator but I'm not sure I am using it right.

I'm having the same problem, especially since NMRA doesn't publish a RP for Sn3 which is my scale. I've been looking for a better explaination on how to use the calculator. I can't figure out what the start and stop point is for the "Rail Length Overall, along diverging switch rail:"

Have you read the "Roll your own" posts in the 3rd Planit SIG on Yahoo? I don't know if its me or not but the post would lead you to believe it has everything you need to know but I still end up scratching my head.....

Robert

Select Sn3 on the user settings sheet. I think you copy the yellow shaded rows (13 total) from a single column on the ARE&MOWA1910, or AREA1941, or D&RGW, or PRR, or NMRA, or NARROW GAUGE sheets. This column will match the frog number that you want to use. Select cell D12 on the CALCULATOR sheet, and paste the values from the 13 shaded rows. Cells E90,E92,E93,E94 contain the values that should be entered into 3rd planit custom turnout properties. I tried this with an NMRA #4 and the numbers did not match exactly what is in the 3rd planit library. Randy told me not to worry about it. He said the frog angles and everything will be correct. I think we will still have to tweak the 3rd planit values to take a printout of a switch and make it match a real switch. I get the feeling that I need to do this before drawing the rest of my layout to avoid any gotchas while building the layout.

Hello Dan,

When we first released the printable tie templates we did offer a single page version, but demand was so low for them that we stopped offering them. But if you would like to have one, I can create a single page version for you. Just let me know the size and scale.

The templates are not available as a dxf file.

_________________
Cheers!

Ron Warris
Fast Tracks