Wayne Kinney

Thanks Carl, Yes, after exporting the DXF from templot, this is used to then start modelling in Solidworks. The chairs were modelled some years ago. Extruded the sleepers and added the webbing. Chairs are then manually placed and oriented one by one in an 'assembly', using various Solidworks 'mates' to lock them into position. Would be great to have some kind of automatic method but I ain't no computer programmer...LOL Only takes me about an hour to position the chairs though.

Really nice, Carl! Are you going to stick to 3D printing now, over milling? It is possible to print flat on the base plate so long as its really level and Z height set correctly. Here is my example with 3D printed chairs included (sorry for the crap photos):

Really nice, Carl! Are you going to stick to 3D printing now, over milling? It is possible to print flat on the base plate so long as its really level and Z height set correctly. Here is my example with 3D printed chairs included (sorry for the crap photos):

Hi Guys, Currently finishing off the instructions. It will be double sided A4 size, but with 3 creases folded into 4 columns each side (like a takeaway menu or leaflet). They are being professionally printed on glossy paper and pre creased for me. Here is one side of the instructions so far, and the wiring diagram: I'm getting there, the second side is already written. Need to add a few more tags on the wiring diagram. Hoping to send this to print by tomorrow, along with the bag topper.

Hi, After the B7 is released, I will work on a matching 1in7 diamond and Single/Double Slips and also a crossover. I will then work on one of the shorter turnouts. Perhaps another 3 months or so. Proper crossover kits will be produced with prototypical shared timbers and track centres, much like I have done in my N Gauge range.

Many Thanks! Sorry, trade secret!

It's my Birthday today, so I bought myself another large 3D printer to help with production, YAY! I've already started printing production bases and milling switch blades to build up some stock! Need to finish up the instructions and artwork for the bag topper, but we are nearly there!

I guess the sharper 'trainset' curves would mostly be needed in the unseen ends of the layout where it curves back into the fiddle yard, not the scenic side where the OO-SF turnouts would be visible. Certainly true that EM can still use the same 0.3mm gauge widening, so same difference

Maybe he means on 16.5mm flexi track, as appose to the 16.2mm turnouts?

Wow, I didn't realise I had been nominated for the 'Innovation of the year for the BRM Awards', sweet! Honoured! Many thanks!

Thanks for your kind words and posting the images, Patrick! Glad you enjoyed the build. Looking forward to some video's of stock running through it Wow, I didn't realise I had been nominated for the 'Innovation of the year for the BRM Awards', sweet! Don't forget to vote, everyone..LOL

Maybe not complex but certainly a learning curve and practise needed, evidently. I think Pete (Leander) summed it up nicely:

Very useful info, Patrick. I'm sure it will help others.

I don't quite follow? You mean not offer a B6? I would prefer to offer a complete range and not skip a kit. Besides, my kits have more prototypical chairs, so that's one advantage.

Patrick has now received revision 2 of the EM Gauge turnout kit. He will be putting it together this weekend, so awaiting his feedback. It's taking me a little longer than predicted to release the first kit, organising things like packaging, designing bag toppers, writing and laying out instructions - all takes much time I'm also waiting on a second 3D printer to be installed, hopefully today. Once I'm happy with the EM Gauge kit, all the hard work will transfer over to the 00 Standard and 00-SF kits, so these will be easy. I will be starting to build up stock from the beginning of next week, need to make sure I've got plenty on hand ready to go before I release the kits. Regarding range, I will most likely work on a matching 1in7 diamond next, then single and double slips. After that, progressively adding to the range, A5, A6, B6, B8, C9 & C10 with matching diamonds and slips.

Many thanks for your help, Martin! Much appreciated. Sending them files to print now...

Hi Martin, Does this look correct?

Meh?

My bad...typo...I meant 'I'll', not 'I've'... Templates will be uploaded when the kits are released

Hi Steve, I've upload some mint templates

A question for Martin and John (Hayfield), if I may. Studying the chair layout of different drawings, I notice a discrepancy. The following shows an A switch, first drawing a prototypical drawing, and the last two are two different exactoscale templates: I notice that the first 2 show 4x L1 chairs on the right timber, but the bottom exactoscale template shows only 2x L1 chairs next to standard S1 chairs. Which is correct? I also notice a similar discrepancy on the 2 different exactoscale B Switch templates below, again which is correct?

Hi Steve, I could make .box files available, but the standard templot templates should work fine.

Thanks Keith, I fill the web side with solder before machining, so it only needs machining on one side. Keeps things strong and simple. Solder would be present anyway when the plates that attach to the tie bar are soldered on. Note that there was no solder fill on these as I was only testing and to make the video...

Thanks Keith, Rails are inserted 'head up', 'foot up' respectively, 'head up' for the left blade, 'foot up' for the right blade.

Hi Guys, Thought I would share what I've been working on the last few days, a jig fixture to hold down the rail while they are machined into switch blades: The jig holds 16 blades so enough for 8 turnout kits (or 2 double slips). Takes 52 minutes to machine all 16. Also a small video of it in operation: