A centerpiece of the new Blea Moor layout is a T gauge model of Ribblehead viaduct. This is a 3D printed model, 0.9m in length, designed in pieces using OpenSCAD. While not totally accurate, it does capture most of the prototype's distinctive features.
It turns out to be extremely simple to convert UK terrain elevation data to a complete 3D printable model of a 1km x 1km square using OpenSCAD. Both the software and the elevation data are available for free download.
After a few more experiments, it turns out to be very easy to convert this free data to a 3d printable terrain model, as well as to cutout diagrams for foam sheets representing selected contours for scenery construction.
One challenge With a layout like Blea Moor is getting the very well-known terrain just right. Contour maps are the obvious source of data, but there is a UK government website with free-to-download 1m and 2m resolution aerial LIDAR (laser-radar) data covering much of the UK.
The picture shows the north end of the Ribblehead viaduct approaching Blea Moor, plotted in Excel. This has potential, so more to come! https://environment.data.gov.uk/ds/survey/index.jsp#/survey The baseboards for Blea Moor have now been built, as an arc of 4 boards following the 1-mile radius curve of the track in this area. Viewing is from the outside of the curve, with an outside length of 6.5m or 21.5 feet.
|
Overview
British and Australian model railway layouts in T, N and OO. My Layouts
Friends' Layouts
Main Articles
Categories
All
Archives
April 2024
AuthorMartin Kaselis |
- Home
- My Linear Motor Layouts
- My Conventional Layouts
- Other Layouts
- T Gauge
-
Electronic Tips
- Blue Pill - Bare Metal C Programming
- Working Roads
- Hybrid DC - DCC Controller
- Using LEDs
- Connectors
- Controlling the Fleischmann Turntable
- Constant Brightness Tail Lamps (OO scale)
- Point Motors and Relays
- Point Motors and Toggle Switches
- Dapol Signals
- Colour Light Signals and Automation
- Synchronized Fast Clocks
- Wire Sizes and Voltage Drop
- DC Controllers
- Controller Types
- Feedback Controllers
- Working Level Crossing
- General Tips
- 3D Printing
- Contact
- Links