Straight Track Jig

Discussion in '3D Modeling Projects' started by paul_l, Apr 16, 2018.

  1. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    I'm about to start laying track on Another Bridge Too Far, which will be straight.

    I could have cut a length of ply 32mm wide and used that, but thought I'd make a 3D printed Jig.

    The idea is to drill a pair of 2mm dia holes on the track center line 65 mm apart, apply glue to baseboard, lay the track in position and then place the jig between the rails and screw the jig into place aligned with the holes.

    The jig was created in created in Autodesk 123D Design (the free version)

    upload_2018-4-16_23-8-52.png

    Then imported into Makerware, duplicated to make two at a time

    upload_2018-4-16_23-11-11.png

    Material used PLA, Temp 210C, 25% infill, Bed heated to 70C (actually approx 50C), 0.1mm layer height.

    These will take a while to print so I will post pics once completed.

    Paul
     
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  2. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    That machine is getting another work out. :thumbs:
     
  3. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Maybe get another version for the curved boards when I get round to them - I think there is a pun in there

    Paul
     
  4. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Just a little one. :facepalm:. I'll look to see the jig in action then.
     
  5. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    It'll be tomorrow, as its only 30% printed after 30min.
     
  6. scottystitch

    scottystitch N Gauge Society Publicity Officer Full Member

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    Can I order an n gauge one at 4ft long?
     
  7. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Not sure how long they took to print


    Fits nice and snug between the rails and the rebates clear the chairs allowing the jig to be slid along the sleepers.


    Mark 2 smaller clamps (probably 32mm square) will have a slot so that the clamping screw can be installed on the center line then the jig slid under the screw head and clamped down. The two larger jigs used to keep the track straight.

    Here is the concept

    upload_2018-4-17_21-50-55.png

    Now just to make it.

    Paul
     
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  8. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Started to print 4

    upload_2018-4-17_22-9-45.png

    Probably take a couple of hours

    Paul
     
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  9. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    I take it this is like a track setta type item. You run it along the track to keep the track straight when laying it.
     
  10. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Yep - but will clamp the track in place while the glue dries, the screws go between the sleepers and not through the sleeper. Also as the base of the jig sits on the sleepers the sleeper will be held flat.

    32% of the print done so has probably got another hour and half to go :whatever:, so again piccies tomorrow.

    Paul
     
  11. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Now I get the screw holes. Good idea.
     
  12. SMR CHRIS

    SMR CHRIS Staff Member Moderator

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    Very clever idea Paul so simple but a really useful set of tools to have.
    Could also be used for setting up across joins etc
    Shorter ones could also be used to set curved sections of track as well
    :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
     
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  13. Davoetype

    Davoetype Full Member

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    Why do all these good ideas come up just when you have finished track laying and are on to scenery? Murphy's law? Must be.

    Cheers

    Richard
     
  14. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Been there :avatar:

    Did a quick check this morning and the print was successful .
    Will post pics when I get home.

    Chris ,for curves I think I will make some almost triangular (trapezoid to be correct ) approx 5mm wide at the outer side. I will post up a pic later as well.

    Paul
     
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  15. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    As promised ... the pics

    The short clamp


    And how it's used

    Mark the track center line, drill a pilot hole and install the screw - if gluing the track down the glue would also be spread now


    Lay the track over the screw


    Slide the jig under the screw and tighten down


    Once dry remove the clamp and screw.

    As for the curved section jig, home about this ...

    upload_2018-4-18_21-16-38.png

    The wider side in the inside radius, the narrow side on the outer radius, for tighter radii I may have to reduce the contact areas further.

    Paul
     
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  16. Toto

    Toto I'm best ignored Staff Member Founder Administrator

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    Clever bunny :thumbs:
     
  17. York Paul

    York Paul Staff Member Moderator

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    What a great concept Paul
     
  18. jakesdad13

    jakesdad13 Staff Member Moderator

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    A brilliant simple idea brought to completion.
    You need to copyright this mate!! Maybe go into production!!!

    Cheer's, Pete.
     
  19. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    Actually come up with a simpler idea for the curved clamps

    upload_2018-4-19_21-13-4.png

    32mm outer diameter, 26mm inner diameter, so that the outer diameter sits touching the inner side of the rail and the 26mm giving clearance of the chairs.

    Paul
     
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  20. paul_l

    paul_l Staff Member Administrator

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    and finally some track being laid


    I have also used German pins (from the florist section of Hobbycraft) to help secure the track to the foam whilst the glue dries


    Paul
     

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