Printing Track Plans... What are some other options?

[VonRyan]

So, now that I've finally completed the process of assessing and removing my former HCD layout, rendering it down between useable and non-nuseable bits, I have the space to begin the process of constructing my new HCD layout. I plan to go out "door shopping" to the local Re-Store and pick up the new 36"x80" door after having donated my 30"x80" door.

Once all that is out of the way and I get the 1" thick foam down, I'm wondering about how to go about getting the track plan onto the door/foam.
I've already determined that my home printer isn't up for the job, thus I'm wondering if it is possible to have the track plan printed in full size on one large piece of paper... Has anyone done this, or something similar? Is it expensive? And lastly, where would I look for such a place that could do such a thing, if it is possible/reasonable?

I figure that if I'm diving into this project, I should at least try and knock as much out of the way as possible, especially now that I'm on spring break.


-Cody F.

[Philip H]

FedEx Office (formerly known as Kinkos) is your friend. Depending on your track planning program, you cAn usually print the file 1:1 on their plotter in black and white for a reasonable fee.

[DKS]

Staples or Kinkos (FedEx) have large-format printers. Don't recall the price, but if it's too much money, use a conventional printer and tape the pieces together.

[Dave Schneider]

FedEx Kinkoos is  $0.75 a square foot  for B&W plotting here in AK. Some clerks insist on rounding up to the nearest foot, so in your case 30 inches becomes 3 feet. Others who seem more comfortable with math are fine with the actual measurements. I bring them the track plan as a full sized PDF and walk out 5 minutes later.

Best wishes, Dave

[VonRyan]

That does leave me in a bit of a jam then, seeing as how I don't have a full sized .pdf of the track plan.
Is it necessary to be printed at the full 36"x80" or is the .jpg that DKS posted in my original HCD-revamp thread ok?

-Cody F.

[Dave Schneider]

You could print a jpg at full size, but the quality of the output would depend upon the resolution of the image. The bigger the image (ie. number of pixels in the x-y) the better.

Best wishes, Dave

[M.C. Fujiwara]

Draw the 6" or 3" grid on the foam (it's only a HCD!).
Transfer the track from the plan, but really only the key turnout placements.
Everything else should flow from the actual track, not the trackplan.
More "happy accidents" happen that way, as well 

[LV LOU]

Draw the 6" or 3" grid on the foam (it's only a HCD!).
Transfer the track from the plan, but really only the key turnout placements.
Everything else should flow from the actual track, not the trackplan.
More "happy accidents" happen that way, as well 

That's exactly what I was going to suggest.When I build a railroad,to get a feel for it,I lay out all the mains with striping tape,and different mains [say,LV,CNJ,EL,ETC..] get layed out in different colors..

[VonRyan]

Well, seeing as how this is my first venture into code 55, and given some radius issues with my previous layout, not to mention other issues as a result of hand-drawing the track plan, I'm definitely going the printed track-plan route to ensure accuracy once it comes down to track laying, plus given that the layout is focused on an industrial port area, I won't be needing any cork roadbed, although I'm a bit concerned about sound issues by not using any cork...


-Cody F.

[LV LOU]

If you want smooth curves,just make a tool to draw them.Get a thin piece of wood,drill a hole in one end for a screw.Drill holes at different distances from the first hole for your radius that will fit a thin marker.Figure your center,put the screw in,and just draw the outside of the curve.Line up the ties with the marker line..I have 3 foot long piece of lattice I cut down the middle,hole in one end,then starting at 13 inches,it has a hole every 1/4 inch.I use it when I'm building to get the maximum radius I can get in a given area..

[chicken45]

For the love of God, make sure you print out your track plan with a center line.

[VonRyan]

For the love of God, make sure you print out your track plan with a center line.

Good thing you mentioned that. The original track plan does not have center-lines on it.
DKS, does the track planning software you used to formulate the plan have a centerline option, and does it have the ability to export the plan as a full-sized .pdf or .jpg? (Many thanks in advance)


-Cody F.

[DKS]

Good thing you mentioned that. The original track plan does not have center-lines on it.
DKS, does the track planning software you used to formulate the plan have a centerline option, and does it have the ability to export the plan as a full-sized .pdf or .jpg? (Many thanks in advance)

Yes, AnyRail lets you print a centerline instead of the roadbed profile, and it can export the plan as a .jpg at 100%.

[VonRyan]

Yes, AnyRail lets you print a centerline instead of the roadbed profile, and it can export the plan as a .jpg at 100%.

A 100% sized .jpg must take up quite a large amount of memory, would it be too large to email?


-Cody F.

[Chris333]

Yard stick with a pin or nail at one end and notches at the various radi you want...  BAM

I use this to draw the centerline and both outer most sides of the ties just so I know what space I'm using.