Layout challenge of the week

[Kelly Shaw]

Check out our latest website feature, "Layout challenge of the week," here:

http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=lc&id=94

Just cut and paste the link.

[Jumijo]

An interesting idea, but what is the point of pitting one person's layout up against another? I'd wager that at least some of the losers are going to end up with hard feelings. Is there some kind of prize for the winners?

My opinion is that all layouts have their own charm and appeal.  None of the layouts featured in CTT deserve to be labled losers.

Jim

[IRONROOSTER]

An interesting idea, but a little confusing.You call it the Layout Challenge but you ask us to pick the picture we like best.  In my case I picked the photo that shows more of the layout because that's the kind of picture I like.  I can't really compare the layouts because I don't see very much of the bottom one.  They both appear to be very nice layouts.

Maybe you could call it the picture challenge.

Enjoy
Paul

[Kelly Shaw]

Thanks for the feedback, guys. We agree that our "Layout challenge" is imperfect. At the same time, we're just trying to add something fun to our website. Over time, we'll try to tweak the "Layout challenge" and bring it closer to perfection. Keep in mind, this is the first time we've ever done this, so it can only get better from here.

We also agree that none of these layouts could ever be "losers." As you pointed out, all of the layouts in the challenge have previously been published in our magazine. So, indisputably, all of the layouts in the challenge contain their own special charm.

[jimhaleyscomet]

Just a thought....but can you add a place for comments (perhaps here)?.  I liked the top one because it showed more of the layout and was more modern.  However the diner is a nice touch on the second one.

Keep it up...this is great!

Jim H

[Dr. John]

I like the idea of showcasing layouts of CTT readers. I'm not sure about the voting aspect. I selected the first one simply because I could see more of it (as has been already mentioned). They both looked like outstanding layouts. Thanks for offering something new and allowing feedback from those of us on the forum.

[Buckeye Riveter]

Click on here:  http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=lc&id=94

[csxt30]

Click on here:  http://www.trains.com/ctt/default.aspx?c=lc&id=94

Thanks Buckeye !!  I'm not too good at cutting & gluing that on my computer !!

[ChiefEagles]

Not smiling. 

[perry1060]

Layout 1

Include 2 or 3 pictures

Present the reader with features 1,2,3,4,5 and let the reader vote which single feature is their favorite for this layout. Features could be track plan, scenery, trains, water falls, mountains, structures, bridges, etc...

Then

Layout 2

Include 2 or 3 pictures

Present the reader with features 1,2,3,4,5 and let the reader vote which single feature is their favorite for this layout. Features could be track plan, scenery, trains, water falls, mountains, structures, bridges, etc...

Then

Tally the votes for fun while at the same time CTT gains additional insight about what the  readers would like to see more of in future issues.

[dwiemer]

Have to agree with the prior posts.  I think it could be a Layout Photo Challenge, this way, CTT and potential contributors can see the types of photos that appeal to the populace.  Another idea could be to showcase different plans and products in a challenge and make the manufacturers aware of the results.  That will help them get more of a market focus and could perhaps increase the items that the manufacturers provide to the CTT staff for review.  Then you could add the results and story to the print copy of CTT.  Just some rambling thoughts.

Dennis

[daan]

I didn't vote, both layouts have been made with love of detail, both owners are proud of it and I don't see any reason why I should judge their work.

To me, just the amount of different layouts, from scale to toy, make the magazine interesting. I like them both, and both have a complete different atmosphere which cannot be compared with eachother. The builder of every layout invests a lot of time and money in his hobby and he is willing to share his work with us, giving us new idea's and a nice time reading it.

Because I'm thankfull for their contribution, I'm not going to judge them.

[phillyreading]

Like daan;

I didn't vote because it was too difficult to see the entire layout of each one.  There is only one photo of each layout so how can that do any layout justice? There are some nice ideas from each layout, but you need to SHOW MORE PHOTOS!!!!

 

Lee F.

[thor]

I can't judge because the two photos are completely different but what bothers me is the 'MTH rules the roost' on the top description and 'Lionel' on the bottom, in other words it encourages people to take a partisan view and judge on the basis of their prejudices which isn't fair and shouldn't be encouraged.

[Bob Keller]

I believe that Kelly picked the photos, Thor, and he doesn't know (or care) who made what.

If you ask me, the first thing my eyes are drawn toward in the top photo is the Lionel lift bridge, not the MTH diesel (I can't stand Santa Fe, anyway). Reading anything into the placement of the pics on the web page is way out there, because "upper or lower" was probably decided by whichever image was up first (based on the letters and numbers of the original story code) for Kelly to write the caption.

[phillyreading]

Thor is correct on the idea that Kelly is pitting Lionel against MTH in a photo contest!  Still not enough photos to see the whole layout!!

Lee F.

[Bob Keller]

Kelly works here, but he isn't a hobbyist. He really doesn't care about Lionel vs. MTH vs. Weaver vs. Williams vs. Ready-Made-Toys. There isn't any hidden agenda here, but I guess its fun theorizing that there is.