With the convention just round the corner, I thought that a timely reminder of all the paperwork would be in order. This can all be found here.
From my personal experience last time round, here would be a few hints.
-Spend some time creating a folder of information on the prototype you modeled. This apparently makes up a chunk of marks under the guise of 'research'. There's extra marks for creating your own plan (I think) which sort of makes sense but more applies to bits other than the trains (which are more exhaustively covered).
-Indicate clearly which bits are hand made etc. Many moons ago I entered a German armoured 'train' in a competition, and it was judged as a kit as I had recycled a Lima power bogie and an old tank turret, despite the fact I has made the bulk of the body and hand detailed it.
-Make sure that the judges know how solidly built the model is. Apparently the judges were afraid to handle my J sheep wagon.
Showing posts with label Contest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contest. Show all posts
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Points scoring
Today, its time to look at the convention competitions.
The most important question is 'how does the scoring work'?
This get broken down into factors which are;
1) Skill. basically, how well did you put everything together. there are 2 subsections; scratchbuilt, in which 50% of the model is hand forged from raw metal which you have smelted yourself, and kit built, where you try to put together a model which someone else has half assedly designed. I'll make the note here about laser cut or RP models. If you have done all the work yourself then you should be able to (rightly) argue that it is scratchbuilt, and if someone else has dont the monkey work, then its a kit. The convention committee may disagree, but give me a yell and I would be happy to argue on the whole CAD scratchbuilding thing, as I think it will be quite entertaining to see just what the answers are. Oh, and this is worth 20 points.
2) Complexity. How hard/mad your build is (I think). An odd one as surely the skill is to minimise the complexity? 20 points.
3) Conformity (scratchbuilt) or fidelity/added detail (kit built). A pass on this one, as surely if it looks like the real thing its good enough? 20 points
4)Finish. doss it look like the real thing? 20 points.
5) For locos and self propelled 'stuff', there's 20 points for 'runnability', however that is determined.
So, points tally up to 80 or 100 depending on if your model can move on the application of ergs.
The colour of the medal/award you gtet is then based on the marks. If its >90% you get a gold with merit. 80 to 90% you get a gold, 75 to 80% a silver (a narrow target to hit?) and 50 to 75% a bronze. From my reading of the 2010 results you seem to get a bronze for turning up, so maybe the silver slot is a bit thin?
So, that's how the scoring appears to work (from reading the rules, which I'm reasonably good at given my background in wargaming). Next time I'll look at the categories that you can enter your models in.
The most important question is 'how does the scoring work'?
This get broken down into factors which are;
1) Skill. basically, how well did you put everything together. there are 2 subsections; scratchbuilt, in which 50% of the model is hand forged from raw metal which you have smelted yourself, and kit built, where you try to put together a model which someone else has half assedly designed. I'll make the note here about laser cut or RP models. If you have done all the work yourself then you should be able to (rightly) argue that it is scratchbuilt, and if someone else has dont the monkey work, then its a kit. The convention committee may disagree, but give me a yell and I would be happy to argue on the whole CAD scratchbuilding thing, as I think it will be quite entertaining to see just what the answers are. Oh, and this is worth 20 points.
2) Complexity. How hard/mad your build is (I think). An odd one as surely the skill is to minimise the complexity? 20 points.
3) Conformity (scratchbuilt) or fidelity/added detail (kit built). A pass on this one, as surely if it looks like the real thing its good enough? 20 points
4)Finish. doss it look like the real thing? 20 points.
5) For locos and self propelled 'stuff', there's 20 points for 'runnability', however that is determined.
So, points tally up to 80 or 100 depending on if your model can move on the application of ergs.
The colour of the medal/award you gtet is then based on the marks. If its >90% you get a gold with merit. 80 to 90% you get a gold, 75 to 80% a silver (a narrow target to hit?) and 50 to 75% a bronze. From my reading of the 2010 results you seem to get a bronze for turning up, so maybe the silver slot is a bit thin?
So, that's how the scoring appears to work (from reading the rules, which I'm reasonably good at given my background in wargaming). Next time I'll look at the categories that you can enter your models in.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Belated Boxfiles
With missing the layout in a box file competition due to a mixture of extreme dissatisfaction with an old job and moving for a new one, I've decided to do something concrete about at least one of the ideas that I had a long time ago.
My favorite idea was based on this area found in the back blocks of the Timaru industrial area.
So, here we have a potential layout that is long and narrow, with the buildings just present as a low back scene.
Last night, during a break from a job I've got going at the moment in my 'spare' time, I took some time to cut out a potential baseboard layout.
Each baseboard is 75mm by 350mm. this means that I can fit 3 boards in the box file, and get a layout that's 1 metre long without staging. I've drawn out a track plan that I like which will have enough space for shunting. Setting it in a cold storage facility will also allow me to period surf simply by changing the wagons and locos. the track will (again) be hand laid, and I'll have a go at code 40 rail
I should have been doing this 6 months ago.
(Things will be a bit slow over the next couple of weeks still, but should then return to normal)
My favorite idea was based on this area found in the back blocks of the Timaru industrial area.
So, here we have a potential layout that is long and narrow, with the buildings just present as a low back scene.
Last night, during a break from a job I've got going at the moment in my 'spare' time, I took some time to cut out a potential baseboard layout.
Each baseboard is 75mm by 350mm. this means that I can fit 3 boards in the box file, and get a layout that's 1 metre long without staging. I've drawn out a track plan that I like which will have enough space for shunting. Setting it in a cold storage facility will also allow me to period surf simply by changing the wagons and locos. the track will (again) be hand laid, and I'll have a go at code 40 rail
I should have been doing this 6 months ago.
(Things will be a bit slow over the next couple of weeks still, but should then return to normal)
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Boxed in...
Am_Fet scribbles:
And yet again some more ideas for the Box File competition bubble their way to the surface. No plan this time, just a photo...should be enough to go on...
The station is Khandallah (which apparently means "Resting Place of God") on the Johnsonville branch and the photo shows it in 1938, just around the time the main line was diverted through the 2 Tawa tunnels....but well before the 1500V DC overhead was installed for the units.
As a station to model, it would be perfect for those who hate track but love buildings and scenery...its possibly one of the simplest stations to have a signal box (24 levers according to R Heines book) and the trackwork would be nothing daunting at all....
For those questioning the operational aspects of a station, admittedly its not much...although electric hauled freights to JVille and the Raroa stock yards were an essential part of the line until the later half of the 20th century.
If you think this might be worth a look at, talk nicely to the Head Druff....I'm sure once he's perfected his stable of electric locomotive4s and units he'd be more than happy to share...
And yet again some more ideas for the Box File competition bubble their way to the surface. No plan this time, just a photo...should be enough to go on...
The station is Khandallah (which apparently means "Resting Place of God") on the Johnsonville branch and the photo shows it in 1938, just around the time the main line was diverted through the 2 Tawa tunnels....but well before the 1500V DC overhead was installed for the units.
As a station to model, it would be perfect for those who hate track but love buildings and scenery...its possibly one of the simplest stations to have a signal box (24 levers according to R Heines book) and the trackwork would be nothing daunting at all....
For those questioning the operational aspects of a station, admittedly its not much...although electric hauled freights to JVille and the Raroa stock yards were an essential part of the line until the later half of the 20th century.
If you think this might be worth a look at, talk nicely to the Head Druff....I'm sure once he's perfected his stable of electric locomotive4s and units he'd be more than happy to share...
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
(Insert Station Here) In a Box....
More inane layout ideas from Am_Fet:
I was thinking that the Nz120 Layout Comp had gone a bit quiet recently, and I'm hoping its because everyone is beavering away on their entries.
Just to further inspire those who still don't know if they should enter or not (and lets face it, all you really need are a bright idea and a box of crayons to do the plan with), here is another little snippet that fell out of my head while dreaming up other schemes.
At the start of the year I wrote about Outram as a prototype worth modelling (see here) and decided to play around with it to see if you could still capture the essence of the station (i.e cuteness personified) and still fit it within the comp rules....and this is what I've got:
For some reason I think the rectangles are slightly big, but with a wee bit of reduction it would all fit in quite nicely.....and youd still get to model a wide selection of NZR buildings as well. As with the original suggestion, a fourth box would be used to hold a sector plate, thus keeping within the "4 boxes" part of the rules. There might be a few hassles about having a main line (in which case you'll have to lose the engine shed), but for a home layout I think it would be ace.
I was thinking that the Nz120 Layout Comp had gone a bit quiet recently, and I'm hoping its because everyone is beavering away on their entries.
Just to further inspire those who still don't know if they should enter or not (and lets face it, all you really need are a bright idea and a box of crayons to do the plan with), here is another little snippet that fell out of my head while dreaming up other schemes.
At the start of the year I wrote about Outram as a prototype worth modelling (see here) and decided to play around with it to see if you could still capture the essence of the station (i.e cuteness personified) and still fit it within the comp rules....and this is what I've got:
For some reason I think the rectangles are slightly big, but with a wee bit of reduction it would all fit in quite nicely.....and youd still get to model a wide selection of NZR buildings as well. As with the original suggestion, a fourth box would be used to hold a sector plate, thus keeping within the "4 boxes" part of the rules. There might be a few hassles about having a main line (in which case you'll have to lose the engine shed), but for a home layout I think it would be ace.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Boxing on:Hutt one, Hutt two, Hutt three
(well, don't say I didn't warn anyone..MD)
(DB belatedly finishes this off: )
I've always thought a workshops scene to be a nice diorama for displaying your rolling stock, so as one example let me present the exterior of Hutt Shops in a boxfile:
(DB belatedly finishes this off: )
I've always thought a workshops scene to be a nice diorama for displaying your rolling stock, so as one example let me present the exterior of Hutt Shops in a boxfile:
The scene is 'boxed in' if you will on three sides - by workshops buildings on each side, and a fence/backdrop behind. The join is masked by a track running in front of the fence that you can store locos, wagons, a craven steam crane or whatever. If you have any old loco tops you could rust them up or even partially dismember them and have your own rotten row.
OK, I know I have some pictures of Hutt buildings somewhere, but not handy... Luckily a trawl through the blog revealed this:
OK, technically that one of DFT 7008 was taken at Hillside by someone, but it illustrates the general concept...Ah, here's some of the Hutt Traverser, stolen from the interweb. I'd model the doors as rollerdoors with plastic roofing material that could slide up in plastruct channels so you could have any of the doors open or closed. Alternatively you could hinge them properly.
(Stolen from www.valleysignals.org.nz) 
(Stolen from the bettertransport.org.nz forum)
Or is it...
Another approach, slightly more interesting, and one that I've thought about for a long time, is to actually model inside one of the big assembly halls. I've always thought this would make an impressive small diorama to show locos in, or you could connect it to the above traverser concept and have an operating inside/outside workshops layout made up of two boxes.
This second concept goes a little something like this:
Your models are in the bays , surrounded by spare parts, workstations, benches, screened-off welding areas, a freshly overhauled prime mover ready to be installed, those elevated walkways and so forth.I'd want to build a dummy loco that either has some side doors open or hood sections removed to show the bits and pieces that make locos move.
Mr McNaught did a nice pictorial of DX5477 being refurbished in the Railfan a few years back that would give you plenty of ideas for this, as would the articles that showed the DCs being 'created' in Australia and part 2 of the DSC article that showed them being assembled in NZ. For those with steamier tastes, The Real Mr Dandruff published some pictures recently of workshop interiors, and I'm sure you will have seen pics of Jas being assembled at Hillside. Evan posted an excellent Hutt visit report in here earlier too if you missed it with loads of pictures for inspiration, including the one of the DFT above.
As an added bonus, you could temporarily stick a fuel tank under a loco top and have it hooked up on the overhead traveling crane which could be motorised with slow gearing for the enjoyment of young and old.
I'd consider putting a roof on the thing too and lighting the interior (forcing viewers to peer into the depths and leading the eye on a path of discovery from detail to detail).
In the best traditions of not biting off more than you can choo-choo, the modules could be built quite quickly in a basic fashion - the blue walls with windows and roller doors etc, and then be detailed quite extensively over time. Later you could expand this into quite an extensive workshops layout by adding additional mini-modules containing the load-testing shed, the paint shop, the big blue wall that they always pose locos for photos in front of, the gutted DSC that they test refurbished motors in, the former stack of BR cars and (mainly Australian) locos awaiting overhaul or scrapping, even the old passenger stop on the way to Gracefield, which is, of course, another story!
And don't think you're stuck with Kiwirail DXs either...I took a picture of a pair of Q wagons here in 1990 while there were a bunch of southerners in town:
And to close, yet another interesting sidebar
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Unveiling secrets?
We have been kicking round ideas for the layout competition behind the scenes her on the blog, with a few in a fairly concrete form.
The question that I have for all you would be entrants out there is; do you want to see some ideas published, or do you feel that having ideas out there that are potentially close to your entry may lessen its chances of winning if its seen to be a 'copy' of someone else's thoughts.
Regardless of this, I will be publishing my ongoing efforts to build my layout. I'd encourage everyone else to do the same.
The question that I have for all you would be entrants out there is; do you want to see some ideas published, or do you feel that having ideas out there that are potentially close to your entry may lessen its chances of winning if its seen to be a 'copy' of someone else's thoughts.
Regardless of this, I will be publishing my ongoing efforts to build my layout. I'd encourage everyone else to do the same.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Boxed in
Today in the first of a series on the 'layout in/on a box file competition' competition, we look at what a boxfile is, and what you can (or can't) do with it.
First of all, what does it look like open?
Its size is 368mm by 264mm but that doesn't really help much to visualise how big it is. Instead here is a photo.
Arrangements of the boxfiles can be fairly flexible, really limited only by your imagination. As well as the linear approaches here;
and here;
There also exist the possibilities for more outlandish arrangements.
The Y;
The cross
and whatever this looks like?
Finally, they do not make very good hats....
First of all, what does it look like open?
Its size is 368mm by 264mm but that doesn't really help much to visualise how big it is. Instead here is a photo.
Arrangements of the boxfiles can be fairly flexible, really limited only by your imagination. As well as the linear approaches here;
and here;
There also exist the possibilities for more outlandish arrangements.
The Y;
The cross
and whatever this looks like?
Finally, they do not make very good hats....
"It is an overall improvement though..."
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thinking inside the Box 1: Cross Creek
Am Fet scribbles:
Right, I've been playing with a few ideas over the past wee while that would be eligible for this here Nz120 layout comp thingie. As I've previously mentioned, I'm keen to try and think "Outside the square" a bit...obviously youre never going to be able to model a sprawling landscape running Ka hauled express's around in a boxfile, and I would like to think that there would be the opportunity for a wee bit of operation away from the exhibition circuit.
This is an idea that has always been in the back of my mind, although admittedly not in Nz120 (the original was planned for P34/9mm). To my mind, the Rimutaka Incline has a lot more "play value" per mile (only 3 miles at that) than any other stretch of track....and those Chunky H's look so cool! Dont think I can fit Cross creek, Summit or even Siberia into a boxfile though, so its really a case of finding a "nugget" of action somewhere and seeing if that will fit.
And here it is: Cross Creek locomotive depot.
The joys here are in the locomotive movements of the H's from shed to water tower to yard with the occasional Ab/A visitor for variety. Plus the railcar sheds in the background may receive the odd visitor (Wairarapa cars...decidedly odd!). Add on to that the need for the ultra cute wee Fell vans needing to be put over the pit after every run to change out the brake shoes, and you can spend quite a pleasant evenings play here....especially if you cant get that lovely waggling Stevensons gear to work!
Here is how I'd get it to fit:
The dodge here is using the boards in Portrait rather than Landscape to get depth across the depot. The angle of the main shed wont matter, and will in fact add to the look of the thing (arent we always told to put tracks non-parrallel to edges??). The tracks disappear off stage left to a sector plate which will happily swallow up the last two points (or so). Tracks wise, thats a 3 way there in the middle which could be taxing, but I'm picking if you can build working H's in this scale you can probably knock one of these puppies out before breakfast, then leave with your underwear outside your lycra to save people from burning buildings/collapsing bridges/forest fires/80's music....or am I thinking of International Rescue?
Right, I've been playing with a few ideas over the past wee while that would be eligible for this here Nz120 layout comp thingie. As I've previously mentioned, I'm keen to try and think "Outside the square" a bit...obviously youre never going to be able to model a sprawling landscape running Ka hauled express's around in a boxfile, and I would like to think that there would be the opportunity for a wee bit of operation away from the exhibition circuit.
This is an idea that has always been in the back of my mind, although admittedly not in Nz120 (the original was planned for P34/9mm). To my mind, the Rimutaka Incline has a lot more "play value" per mile (only 3 miles at that) than any other stretch of track....and those Chunky H's look so cool! Dont think I can fit Cross creek, Summit or even Siberia into a boxfile though, so its really a case of finding a "nugget" of action somewhere and seeing if that will fit.
And here it is: Cross Creek locomotive depot.
The joys here are in the locomotive movements of the H's from shed to water tower to yard with the occasional Ab/A visitor for variety. Plus the railcar sheds in the background may receive the odd visitor (Wairarapa cars...decidedly odd!). Add on to that the need for the ultra cute wee Fell vans needing to be put over the pit after every run to change out the brake shoes, and you can spend quite a pleasant evenings play here....especially if you cant get that lovely waggling Stevensons gear to work!
Here is how I'd get it to fit:
The dodge here is using the boards in Portrait rather than Landscape to get depth across the depot. The angle of the main shed wont matter, and will in fact add to the look of the thing (arent we always told to put tracks non-parrallel to edges??). The tracks disappear off stage left to a sector plate which will happily swallow up the last two points (or so). Tracks wise, thats a 3 way there in the middle which could be taxing, but I'm picking if you can build working H's in this scale you can probably knock one of these puppies out before breakfast, then leave with your underwear outside your lycra to save people from burning buildings/collapsing bridges/forest fires/80's music....or am I thinking of International Rescue?
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Half baked thoughts
Well, its now out that I'm one of the 3 Judges for the layout in/on a boxfile. I guess its punishment for helping Wee Duggie set it up.
I suppose I get to put down some thoughts about what I'd like to see in peoples entries.
For those entering a plan, a clear track plan with (where possible) prototype photos to illustrate design points. Some sketches of scene details and a discussion of operational potential. This sort of submission will probably attract a few more 'out-there' layouts as it will be easier to design a layout than build it. However, pushing the envelope may reslt in amks being removed for 'not being in the spirit of the challenge'. Its hard to quanitify, but if you start cutting boxes up into odd shapes this may be marked down.
For those who are going to take it a step further and have a crack at building a small operating layout (and I do hope this is where the majority of entrants attempt to get to) the aims will be a bit different. I suppose I could bang on about excellence in modeling and fidelity to prototype etc, but what I would really like to see is people having a go and creating a believable scene. My personal aim is to try some new modeling techniques and have a go at some detail modeling in a small space. I might even have a go at laying some code 40 track, even if it instantly disqualifies me. I am also going to attempt to complete one of my steam locos that I have started.
I have also decided that I am going to chronicle my layout building endeavors. I'd encourage others to do the same, unless you feel that your efforts are too top secret to share. It will help othere to remain interested and focused.
As a final note, don't feel as thouh you have to use 4 box files. A small well executed layout that is achievable in 5 months is better than a larger layout that you may struggle to complete.
I suppose I get to put down some thoughts about what I'd like to see in peoples entries.
For those entering a plan, a clear track plan with (where possible) prototype photos to illustrate design points. Some sketches of scene details and a discussion of operational potential. This sort of submission will probably attract a few more 'out-there' layouts as it will be easier to design a layout than build it. However, pushing the envelope may reslt in amks being removed for 'not being in the spirit of the challenge'. Its hard to quanitify, but if you start cutting boxes up into odd shapes this may be marked down.
For those who are going to take it a step further and have a crack at building a small operating layout (and I do hope this is where the majority of entrants attempt to get to) the aims will be a bit different. I suppose I could bang on about excellence in modeling and fidelity to prototype etc, but what I would really like to see is people having a go and creating a believable scene. My personal aim is to try some new modeling techniques and have a go at some detail modeling in a small space. I might even have a go at laying some code 40 track, even if it instantly disqualifies me. I am also going to attempt to complete one of my steam locos that I have started.
I have also decided that I am going to chronicle my layout building endeavors. I'd encourage others to do the same, unless you feel that your efforts are too top secret to share. It will help othere to remain interested and focused.
As a final note, don't feel as thouh you have to use 4 box files. A small well executed layout that is achievable in 5 months is better than a larger layout that you may struggle to complete.
Monday, August 09, 2010
A bigish announcement thats late
Only by a day, which isn't much on the cosmic scale of things.
Announcing the inaugural 'layout in a boxfile-NZ120'. A reality series where YOU get to be the star. Arrange your own eliminations ('I don't like you there tree, you are the weakest link, goodbye'). Weekly challenges (' how do I unstick this building that I've just superglued to my hand). All leading up to the winner being crowned (or something similar; possibly tared and feathered if we are bored that day).
Have a look at the full document over at NZ120.org. the rules are pretty simple, and have been carefully sculpted so as to maximise creativity in the challenge. In the coming weeks we here at Chateau dandruff will be looking at some base ideas (just how much track can one fit in a boxfile), and some possible prototype ideas, thoug your design doesn't have to imitate one.
Anyone can enter (as many times as you want) and don't feel that you have to build the layout that you design, if you model in one of those odd scales and don't want to spend the money. However, I hope it provides the catalyst for some of you to have a dabble in the chosen scale.
I've come up with about 10 different ideas for this, and some of them won't make the cut to reality, but I'm quite excited about the challenges this poses. Its also much more manageable than a large layout modeling wise.
Gentlemen, start your pencils....
(Steve, sorry its not that KATO popsicle Dx you ahve been waiting for. better luck next time.)
Announcing the inaugural 'layout in a boxfile-NZ120'. A reality series where YOU get to be the star. Arrange your own eliminations ('I don't like you there tree, you are the weakest link, goodbye'). Weekly challenges (' how do I unstick this building that I've just superglued to my hand). All leading up to the winner being crowned (or something similar; possibly tared and feathered if we are bored that day).
Have a look at the full document over at NZ120.org. the rules are pretty simple, and have been carefully sculpted so as to maximise creativity in the challenge. In the coming weeks we here at Chateau dandruff will be looking at some base ideas (just how much track can one fit in a boxfile), and some possible prototype ideas, thoug your design doesn't have to imitate one.
Anyone can enter (as many times as you want) and don't feel that you have to build the layout that you design, if you model in one of those odd scales and don't want to spend the money. However, I hope it provides the catalyst for some of you to have a dabble in the chosen scale.
I've come up with about 10 different ideas for this, and some of them won't make the cut to reality, but I'm quite excited about the challenges this poses. Its also much more manageable than a large layout modeling wise.
Gentlemen, start your pencils....
(Steve, sorry its not that KATO popsicle Dx you ahve been waiting for. better luck next time.)
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Important questions
Sorry that there's been no updates for the last couple of nights. Its into the silly season at work, with invites to various Christmas parties, followed by equally important questions like 'just what is the legal blood /alcohol limit for someone riding a bicycle'. I'm guessing it may well be substantially less than the 6 pints I drank last night while holding conversations with scientists.
And so far we have 4 competitors I believe. Anyone else is free to join in, especially those of you who have yet to de-lurk.
And so far we have 4 competitors I believe. Anyone else is free to join in, especially those of you who have yet to de-lurk.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Off and Running
Well, tonight I start my signal box. the main problem with it is that it was assembled by a man who could not read a ruler.
Further problem is that the side thas wrong is the one that I've already done the work on. Still, whats 1mm between friends...
Further problem is that the side thas wrong is the one that I've already done the work on. Still, whats 1mm between friends...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Workbench Challenge
Was wondering what i was going to post about tonight, then remembered that its December tomorrow, and the 'finish a project month'. I'm going to start here, by saying, I will finish the signal box fort he south end of Paikakariki. Photo's to come tomorrow night.
Other projects I'm going to commit to finishing by the end of the month are to mould my Lc3 master(which may have something to do with the prizes..) and finish the design work for the A3 module system.
OK, whats everyone else going to do?
Other projects I'm going to commit to finishing by the end of the month are to mould my Lc3 master(which may have something to do with the prizes..) and finish the design work for the A3 module system.
OK, whats everyone else going to do?
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
A challenge
Tonight I've lined up my unfinished railway (yes there are other fields as well) projects. Its crappy but...
From left to right; De mech needing some better pickups and a lid, possible Wa mech, Ja awaiting a boiler, Uc14 , Z15 on express bogies, G, lc top awaiting moulding rubber, 2 Da's in need of couplers. In front is the Signal box that needs a bit of TLC and a set square.
This sorry collection is also set against the fact that I have not actually done any modeling in the last 2 weeks.
To try to do something about this, and taking a leaf from other forums, I'm proposing a December 'complete a project' month. Entrants can announce a project that they wish to complete ( or start and finish) in the month of December. Weekly updates will be encouraged so that we can all see how everyone is going. At the end again we'll have a show of hand's to pick a winner. prizes will be whatever I can get the neighbourhood cats to give up.
So whos in then?
From left to right; De mech needing some better pickups and a lid, possible Wa mech, Ja awaiting a boiler, Uc14 , Z15 on express bogies, G, lc top awaiting moulding rubber, 2 Da's in need of couplers. In front is the Signal box that needs a bit of TLC and a set square.
This sorry collection is also set against the fact that I have not actually done any modeling in the last 2 weeks.
To try to do something about this, and taking a leaf from other forums, I'm proposing a December 'complete a project' month. Entrants can announce a project that they wish to complete ( or start and finish) in the month of December. Weekly updates will be encouraged so that we can all see how everyone is going. At the end again we'll have a show of hand's to pick a winner. prizes will be whatever I can get the neighbourhood cats to give up.
So whos in then?
Monday, November 10, 2008
Contest results
Well, considering that ECMT voted against his design, the winner would have to be Michael, for what is a very well thought out (and explained) idea.. If you could contact me with your snail mail address I'll get some goodies in the post to you. (any preference on a phase 2 or 3 Da number plates?).
And I'm planning tomorrow to actually do some modeling on my week off, as I've spent today making another 30L of beer to make up for the stuff drunk during a recent visit (you didn't need THAT much to clean the car).
Finally, does anyone have any suggestions for another contest we could run (over a longer time scale), or should it just be a spontaneous thing?
And I'm planning tomorrow to actually do some modeling on my week off, as I've spent today making another 30L of beer to make up for the stuff drunk during a recent visit (you didn't need THAT much to clean the car).
Finally, does anyone have any suggestions for another contest we could run (over a longer time scale), or should it just be a spontaneous thing?
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Sunday night
well, I'm still waiting for any of you at the back in the penny dreadfuls to have an opinion on either of these layout plans. I'm obviously going to have to find a coin somewhere.
(I've had a hard weekend. In our general election yesterday I spent 20 minutes trying to find where to vote for Obama, and since I have the week off I've had to do some intense planning for the homebrewing that I wish to do).
(I've had a hard weekend. In our general election yesterday I spent 20 minutes trying to find where to vote for Obama, and since I have the week off I've had to do some intense planning for the homebrewing that I wish to do).
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Layout Contest
Well, here are the entries in no particular order.
(This is a long post tonight, but worth it I think)
1) Onehunga Branch (Michael Harrison)
1970’s / 1980’s NZR Shunting Layout
One rainy day, I was having a look through some old New Zealand Railfan magazines and came across a photo by Ken Cousins in the DH Photo Stop in the June 1998 issue showing DH 903 shunting the small Onehunga yard.
Living in West Auckland, I had never really explored the Auckland rail system and having nothing better to do, drove out to Onehunga to have a look around and found…. well nothing. The yard was gone and the track looked in very poor shape.
Several years later, I decided to build a small layout and it didn’t take to long to come back to the photo of DH 903. A small loco, 4 wheel wagons and a compact yard. Perfect.
I managed to get my hands on a track plan of Onehunga and that’s about as far as my layout got. A work transfer to Dunedin has put the brakes on the whole scheme although recently I’ve started to have another look at Onehunga even though the prototype is now a little further away.
Onehunga – The Plan
(This is a long post tonight, but worth it I think)
1) Onehunga Branch (Michael Harrison)
1970’s / 1980’s NZR Shunting Layout
One rainy day, I was having a look through some old New Zealand Railfan magazines and came across a photo by Ken Cousins in the DH Photo Stop in the June 1998 issue showing DH 903 shunting the small Onehunga yard.
Living in West Auckland, I had never really explored the Auckland rail system and having nothing better to do, drove out to Onehunga to have a look around and found…. well nothing. The yard was gone and the track looked in very poor shape.
Several years later, I decided to build a small layout and it didn’t take to long to come back to the photo of DH 903. A small loco, 4 wheel wagons and a compact yard. Perfect.
I managed to get my hands on a track plan of Onehunga and that’s about as far as my layout got. A work transfer to Dunedin has put the brakes on the whole scheme although recently I’ve started to have another look at Onehunga even though the prototype is now a little further away.
Onehunga – The Plan
The plan above shows Onehunga as it looked after the triangular platform was removed and the yard and goods shed were modernised sometime in the 1960’s (I think). I have left out the sidings that lead to the sealed loading area and the line that continued to the Onehunga Wharf. This leaves a very basic plan that includes the platform and small passenger shelter, the modern goods shed and the railway crossing.
Because this would be my first NZ 120 layout, I would use PECO points and flexi track because they are easy to use and reliable. You could use switch motors but I would change the points by hand to keep the wiring simple. The staging has been designed so that it can be easily extended and reused on a future layout.
Rolling Stock
Because of its small size, I reckon you could easily operate this layout with a single loco and around 10 wagons and carriages. I’ve included the carriages for the subbie service even though passenger services on the Onehunga branch finished on the 19th of January 1973, just to add some variety to operations.
I’m new to the whole NZ 120 scale so I’ve chosen locomotives and rolling stock that to my knowledge are available commercially in New Zealand.
eTch ceTra
DA 1970’s Red with white / silver stripes or
1980’s Fruit Salad
DC 1980’s Fruit Salad
Cross Creek Models
Bodies only. Requires chassis or bogies.
KP Weathered Silver and Red Oxide
LC Red Oxide
50’ Steel Carriages Red
Conclusion
I don’t have any pictures of the Onehunga Branch in the 1970’s or 1980’s that I could load onto the net and for some reason my scanner isn’t working. However, the June 2008 issue of New Zealand Railfan had a great article on the Onehunga Branch by Trevor Cheer that would invaluable for this project.
For someone with little room for a NZ themed layout or someone that is considering a change in scale (like me) this could be a good project to start off with.
2) " Eastern Approach To Kaimai Tunnel " (ECMT)
A simple set of 2 straight & 2 curved A3 (400 x 300) modules. The left hand module starts a bit before the points to the Whatakao Loop , the right hand module starts/ends at the tunnel mouth. A basic scenic module set, but has the ability to be expanded to the right, and used as a storage/fiddle yard inside the tunnel ( as suggested by the modules in yellow ). Or expanded to the left, adding additional modules of the Whatakao loop, bridge over the Wainui River, onto the Apata station.
Tunnel entrance east portal.
Df 6006 having just exited the tunnel heading towards Tauranga.
Both pics taken in 1983. Contrasts quite nicely with todays vegetation regrowth.
As a bonus, here is a link to a Youtube vid of a cabride in a Dft from the Works Rd overbridge, through the Whatakao loop, ending in the tunnel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQmiPAomXFY
Well, what does the peanut gallery think then?
Must go and find my tossing coin...
Friday, November 07, 2008
Counting down
3 hours to go, folks. So far we are up to 2 entries, which means I'll have to toss a coin now.
Any last entries out there?
Any last entries out there?
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Coupling, Contests and Whos reading here
Another monthly meet tonight. One of the local experts went through how to make the standard S scale coupler work well, with a collection of jigs. Its got me thinking again about doing a semi look alike coupler for Nz120, that works for unit trains. In the past I have used a cut down rapido coupler with a fair bit of success (25 lc's can't be wrong). I have however, been wondering if its possible to get some sort of coupler that combines the shank and small head of the NZR coupler with some clever method to get them to couple and uncouple. Maybe a miniaturised English tension lock that has the whole coupler move up and down rather than just the hook. It would have to be bidirectional (unlike the real thing). Anyone have any clever thoughts? (indeed does anyone have any thoughts?)
Next up, its only 25 hrs to the close of the layout planning contest. So far I've received the grand total of 1 entry, which makes judging easy. However theres a stack of you out there who quietly read this blog at work and just lurk. Here's your big chance for me to make you famouser than you already no doubt are.
Lastly, I've been getting a big increase in hits this last week. There's a few from overseas (gidday to readers from Bristol and Baden-Wurtemburg) plus more locals tuning in. Oddest link lately was from a google search 'World Domination' from Korea, so here is a big hello to dear leader Kim Jong-il. All the best with your plans for world domination, but you'll have to think up your own plan as this one is mine.
Next up, its only 25 hrs to the close of the layout planning contest. So far I've received the grand total of 1 entry, which makes judging easy. However theres a stack of you out there who quietly read this blog at work and just lurk. Here's your big chance for me to make you famouser than you already no doubt are.
Lastly, I've been getting a big increase in hits this last week. There's a few from overseas (gidday to readers from Bristol and Baden-Wurtemburg) plus more locals tuning in. Oddest link lately was from a google search 'World Domination' from Korea, so here is a big hello to dear leader Kim Jong-il. All the best with your plans for world domination, but you'll have to think up your own plan as this one is mine.
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