Sparked by the weekends layout post, some mug proposed some sort of layout challenge for 2012. My first response is "Just where the hell is it going to be?".
then the next is "what are the conditions to be?".
Right, the first obvious thought is to be that it has to have 120 in it somewhere. Thus layout dimensions adding up to 120" are possible. however this could lead to some quite large layouts 9at 2' wide a layout could be 8' long) which is still a fair size. 1200 square inches could be a possibility, but some of our more mathematically challenged modelers could struggle with this. my other suggestion would be that it has to fit the Air NZ luggage size, namely be under 25kg and the 3 dimensions have to add up to 158cm.
Who else has any thoughts? should we also aim for a standard end board to connect them all? (say a 9' by 2" with a couple of holes and the track orientation set) or should they be stand alone type layouts?
Oh, and just to remind everyone, we are not an HOn3.5 blog as well (despite the flights of fancy of some of our writers, who will have to be taken to the basement for re-indoctrination). If we start catering to other scales we will have to let those S scale nutters on and who knows where that is going to end.
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12 comments:
PIZZA ANYONE ?
one of the best (in my opinion) little layouts I have seen lately is this roundy-round one - could even be somewhere here in NZ (with different rolling stuff)...
http://www.pbase.com/espeef5/image/126307132
it's also on utube...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvVTodbHbY&feature=PlayList&p=A069D817C31945AC&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=41
cheers...
steve w.
"parem"ts
After viewing the "pizza" referred to above,how about a 120cm diameter module?
Why not just keep it simple to the freemo idea so that all entries can be contected together as one display for the convention? Then we can show a united front to the other scales, that it is possible to have modellers from all corners of the country, come together and create a single layout (display).
As the "mug" who floated the initial idea, just to add a less TIC suggestion than my intial 12 x 0 parameter - perhaps a dimensional challenge constraint of 120 cm x 2.5 cm, or a layout not to exceed the 30,000 sq mm area would give sufficient scope for allcomers, rather than one of those "this is a UP Bigboy running on the head of a pin" type deals, fun and all as they are.
A few moons back I sponsored a minimalist 9MM (or P34) layout competition in the Journal it drew a massive response of ONE design, who was of course the winner - the layout was featured in the Journal.
I would be happy to sponsor an NZ120 type competition along those lines, in the Journal to complement Rhys continuing saga of the history of NZ120 up to the present.
The prizes would be some NZ120 goodies of course - suggestions gentlemen please.
I was just idly wondering what it might take to get more people to build a layout. I still think that the freemo ideal might be a bit scary to people, whereas a small shunting plank might be doable, and thers no reason why they can't be connected up. I can't quite remember where we got t with the Freemo standards either, I'll have to hav ea look
Greg, I do remember that contest, was going to do something about it and then got sidetracked (possibly by moving). This would not be a planning exercise, but an actual building exercise, with photos posted etc to keep everyone enthused. I'm already kicking plans around on paper to see what can be done on a 6' by 1' board.
As the originator of the A3 layout comp I can confirm it is possible to build a fully working (or it would if I'd finished it) inglenook in H0 on the A3 footprint; I also mocked up the full 5:3:3 version in 4mm so A3 would be a useful size for you microscopic modellers to do a working self-contained layout in a transportable size.
I'm really not a fan of this modular malarkey - a layout should be a single connected scheme built as such and designed as a whole otherwise it's just trains passing through lots of little bits of something. N-trak is a particularly awful offender in this regard with its bizarre arrangement of 3 tracks which just doesn't grip as realistic. just my twopennorth and I'll get my coat.
Whispers are that the 2012 Convention may be held somewhere in the Kapitol - NZAMRC who invite clubs to submit bids to host the Convention presumably in the throes of doing just that, with the official announcement to follow in due course.
What size then for the Journal NZ120 Competition Project layout build?
Its quite alright Kevin, you can stay. I'm not tossing anyone out for expressing an opinion (well, unless its completely daft).
I agree that a layout should ideally have one theme. The best ones do. However I think there is also a place for modular themed layouts where anyone can build a small scene that as long as it follows the NZR prototype style should fit in.
(And yes, N trak is quite honestly an abomination).
I hereby propose "A Layout in a Banana Box"?
A Banana box is usually free...
A Banana box is sturdy...
A Banana box is close to A3 in footprint....
A layout in a Banana Box has never been attempted before...
that's bananas!!!!
a narrow gauge railway in a banana republic perhaps?
2nd word for today: REBUHL
when you have had 5 redbulls in a row and try to pronounce it!
that is a good idea, I was wondering what to do with all those empty banananaboxes after I've sold nearly my complete N scale collection - use it to build a layout...
cheers...
steve w.
"nobibly" and no jehova
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