Skelton Column Spacers for Gravitrax
Column spacers for Gravitrax, featuring wide opening to ensure course visibility, and workability in passing rails.
As I've been using both Gravitrax-genuine and custom-designed column spacers, I've identified several frustrations:
Obstructed visibility: The column spacers significantly hinder or completely block my view of the area beyond them, reducing overall course visibility.
Rail installation difficulty: Even when the spacers are designed to accommodate rails, the narrow space in both the horizontal and vertical directions make rail installation annoying.
Instability: Especially when stacked, the spacers become noticeably wobbly.
Therefore, I have created column spacers with the following characteristics:
Large openings: The openings are maximized, except for the essential column parts, with a strong emphasis on facilitating easy rail handling during the design process. (Addressing frustrations #1 and #2)
Expanded base: The base is wider than that of the genuine hexagonal column spacer to reduce wobbling. (#3)
I'm quite satisfied with the results.
I've prepared three height options: 50mm, 70mm, and 100mm.
When the column spacer and ring are integrated, I've wasted a lot of filament and print time if the ring doesn't fit properly. (I've had this experience many times.) - so, I separate the ring from the main body. Two types of rings are available.
And, you can also use the rings from Hubert76's design for a looser fit : https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4721294
No supports are necessary.
However, the overhang is quite tight near the ceiling, so depending on the finish, some sanding may be necessary.