InteractiveSignallingLaboratory - 3Dmodels

About

The 3D model repository serves as the primary source for all 3D-printable components of the Interactive Signalling Laboratory. The components are created in OpenSCAD. OpenSCAD is a script-based 3D CAD modeler used to create precise 3D models for manufacturing and prototyping.

Structure

The repository is organized into several key components:

InteractiveSignallingLaboratory-scad/
├── README.md                    # Overview and printing instructions
├── scad/
│   ├── config/                  # Configuration files
│   │   ├── global_variables.scad    # Global variables
│   │   └── colors.scad              # Color definitions for views
│   │
│   ├── components/             # Reusable components
│   │
│   ├── parts/                  # Main models
│   │
│   └── views/                  # Various views
│
├── stl-files/                  # Generated STL files
│
├── images/                     # Rendered images and photos
│   ├── renders/                # OpenSCAD renders
│   └── photos/                 # Photos of printed parts
│
├── documentation/              # Technical documentation
│   ├── assembly_guide.md       # Assembly instructions
│   ├── print_settings.md       # Print settings
│   └── materials.md            # Material recommendations
│
└── scripts/                    # Build automation
    ├── build_stl.sh            # Generate all STL files
    ├── render_images.sh        # Render all images
    └── install_dependencies.sh # Model validation

1. Core Components

   • config/ - Configuration files containing global parameters and settings
   • components/ - Reusable component library
   • parts/ - Main model components

2. Track Components

   • track_straight.scad - Straight track segment design
   • track_curve.scad - Curved track segment design
   • switch_body.scad - Switch mechanism body
   • switch_blade.scad - Switch blade components
   • direction_management.scad - Direction control mechanisms
   • overlap_measure.scad - Overlap measurement components

3. Signalling Components

   • signal_distant.scad - Distant signal designs
   • signal_block.scad - Block signal components
   • signal_route.scad - Route signal components
   • balise.scad - Balise (track-side beacon) components
   • clearing_point.scad - Clearing point indicators
   • train_integrity.scad - Train integrity components

4. Supporting Components

   • number_plate.scad - Number plate generation
   • magnet_rod.scad - Magnetic components
   • locking_pin.scad - Locking mechanism components

5. Templates and Tools

   • drill_template_straight.scad - Drilling templates for straight tracks
   • drill_template_curve.scad - Drilling templates for curved tracks
   • drill_template_switch.scad - Drilling templates for switches

6. Testing and Development

   • test_code.scad - General testing file
   • test_magnets.scad - Magnet component testing
   • test_pins.scad - Pin component testing

config

The config/global_variables.scad file serves as the central configuration file for the entire project. It contains all the essential parameters and measurements needed for the various components of the Interactive Signalling Laboratory.

Key Attributes

1. Global Parameters

   • Resolution settings for 3D printing ($fn, $fa, $fs)
   • General move tolerance for component fitting (move_tolerance)
   • Copyright and licensing information

2. Track Specifications

   • Rail dimensions (height, width, thickness)
   • Track well specifications
   • Straight track length
   • Curve parameters (radius, angles)

3. Component Specifications

   • Magnet specifications (thickness, diameter, positioning)
   • Engraving parameters (height, thickness, line weights)
   • Basis component dimensions
   • Overlap measure specifications
   • Switch blade and body parameters
   • Signal and clearing point dimensions
   • Drill template measurements
   • Number plate and balise specifications

Important Notes

• All measurements are in millimeters
• Parameters are organized by component type
• The file includes detailed comments for each section
• Some parameters are calculated based on other values to maintain consistency

dependencies

This project requires several OpenSCAD libraries to render the models correctly. The dependencies can be installed automatically using the provided scripts/install_dependencies.sh script or manually following the instructions below.

Official OpenSCAD Library Installation

For general information about installing OpenSCAD libraries, please refer to the official documentation:

• OpenSCAD User Manual - Libraries
• OpenSCAD Libraries Directory

The official OpenSCAD library path can be found by running:

openscad --info

Required Libraries

1. BOSL2 (Belfry OpenSCAD Library)

   • Repository: https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2
   • Required for: Connector/joiner functionality
   • Documentation:
     • Installation: https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2/wiki#installation
     • Joiners: https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2/wiki/joiners.scad

2. dotscad/trains

   • Repository: https://github.com/dotscad/trains
   • Required for: Track library functionality
   • Dependencies: Requires the dotscad base library

3. dotscad (Base Library)

   • Repository: https://github.com/dotscad/dotscad
   • Required for: Supporting the trains library

Installation Methods

Automatic Installation (Recommended)

The scripts/install_dependencies.sh script provides an automated way to install all required dependencies. It will:

• Check for required tools (OpenSCAD and git)
• Determine the OpenSCAD library path
• Install/update all required repositories

To use the script:

# Basic usage (installs to OpenSCAD library path)
./scripts/install_dependencies.sh

# Install to a specific directory
./scripts/install_dependencies.sh -d /path/to/directory

# Install from a custom repository list
./scripts/install_dependencies.sh -f repositories.txt

# Show help
./scripts/install_dependencies.sh --help

Manual Installation

If you prefer to install manually:

1. Clone BOSL2:

   git clone https://github.com/BelfrySCAD/BOSL2.git

2. Clone dotscad base library:

   git clone https://github.com/dotscad/dotscad.git

3. Clone dotscad/trains:

   git clone https://github.com/dotscad/trains.git

Place all cloned repositories in your OpenSCAD library path or in the same directory as your SCAD files.

System Requirements

• OpenSCAD installed and available in PATH
• Git installed and available in PATH
• Unix-like operating system (OS X, BSD, Linux) for the installation script