Question/Opinions Sought Regarding Layout Challenge of the Week

[Frank53]

Viewed the layout challenge of the week earlier.

One layout is an enormous and famous layout which is probably one of the finest ever built. It is a professionally built layout owned by an individual.

The second, which I know nothing about, specifically mentions the fellow (owner) -- "Gordon handled every aspect of construction. "

This seems to me to be a comparison that just doesn't make a lot of sense. Personally, I believe there is a certain amount of merit to the "look what I built" approach, as opposed to the "look what I bought" approach.

It looks like the "layout challenge of the week" pits the previous week's winner against a new challenger. Might as well just shut the contest down, as you've got the winner for the next 40 years.

Other opinions?, or just flame away.

[trainbrain]

I agree. I'm more impressed with layouts built by the owners instead of layouts bought by the owners. A big part of this hobby is learning how to build a layout and actually doin the work. I love working on my layout and honestly, when I see a nice layout in CTT, I'm somewhat dissappointed when I read it was built by a Pro. It's nice to look at get some inspiration but I can't imagine payin someone else for all the fun.
As far as the contest goes, it just strikes me as something irrelevant. This is a hobby of individuals with our own ideas suitable to ourselves and anyone else who likes what we do.

[daan]

I don't make a vote on other peoples hobbies. Simply everyone builds or buy's what he likes. I'm glad they share their efforts with us, so I'm not going to choose "the best one".

As stated before, when someone pays top dollars for a big layout specially built by professionals then I think it's a bit unfair to compare that with someone else who uses his own hobby skills to make something nice. Both have their charmes, both are great and both owners are proud of it.

If I have to vote, I vote for my own pike. Not that its the best, but it's mine..

[Blueberryhill RR]

I have decided not to vote on other people's layouts. A professionally built layout is very nice, but lacks the personal touch. There have been pictures posted on the Forum, recently, of layouts, that were outstanding. These are the layouts that I like to look at. I always felt shy about posting pictures of mine, until I talked to a few guys. After I finally did post pictures, I was very proud of the response. And as said before, it was mine.

[pbjwilson]

I think the layout challenge is just for fun and not to be taken to seriously.

[1688torpedo]

Hello All!    If CTT had a "Carpet Layout Challenge"  Then, that may be more fun & nobody could take it seriously. I'm sure the Chief can come up with a Carpet Layout for a Challenge!  Layout's on a Table & Four Legs can be overated at times.    P.S.- Please do not read above if not applicable to you Take Care all.

[Buckeye Riveter]

I have decided not to vote on other people's layouts. A professionally built layout is very nice, but lacks the personal touch. There have been pictures posted on the Forum, recently, of layouts, that were outstanding. ...........................

and if you want to see a layout that is professionally built, just take a look at the layout in Cincinnati:

http://www.cincymuseum.org/explore_our_sites/cincinnati_history/cincinnati_motion/

(BTW, it takes a very fast connection to operate the camera at the museum and to get through the pop ups.) 

[jonadel]

My non vote goes to Chuck #3, Buckeye and Frank53--you guy's said it better thank I could, thanks.

Jon

PS--competition is way overated and over emphasized, IMO.

[c50truck]

The layout challenge of the week is all but ignored by myself. I enjoy all layouts, and respect the time it takes for an individual to put one together, (professional or hobbyist). I wish they would just start a layout of the week thread. There you have 1000's of winners.

Rod LaFrance.

[thor]

I already said my piece which was pretty much the same as most of you. I ignored it thereafter.

[dwiemer]

to all of the above.

I personally have built and am currently building my entire layout from conception to completion.  I did use the RR-Tracks as a tool, but everything else has been me.  I have a certain budget given towards this project, a certain amount of time and effort, and personal ideas of what I want it to be.....so it is mine.  Nothing against others who build or have had their layout built, it is just that I find it hard to be a judge of who has a better layout, or worse, to tell someone that their layout is not as good as X's who spent $50,000.00 to have one built for him.

Sunday photo fun is a great thread to see other peoples layouts and to make your own opinion.  One of the books I read in getting ideas for my layout, the author (Roger Carp?) stated that he gets inspiration from every layout that he visits, something different that the builder has done that makes you say "why didn't I think of that?"  I think that no matter what, or who's layout you see, you should give it the same respect.  See it through someone else's eyes.  The owner/builder may have a limited budget, may have a nostalgia for the old O27, or many other factors.  They may be trying to relive some old memories of the tracks down the street from where I grew up.

In any case, I don't think it fair to pit one layout against another.  As mentioned earlier, it would be better to have "Layout of the week", which could be the best quality photos submitted, or the most unique ideas put on a layout, regardless, it should not be Joe's vs.Jimmy's layout.

Dennis

[Frank53]

you said it all Dennis. As an aside, I noticed your comment about teh amount of money in having a layout built. The professional layout I referenced reportedly has $60,000 just in the trees.

[dwiemer]

you said it all Dennis. As an aside, I noticed your comment about teh amount of money in having a layout built. The professional layout I referenced reportedly has $60,000 just in the trees.

I have less than $60.00 in trees, I figure to build them like several suggestions on this forum.  One thing different between my layout and his, when the crumb snatchers break a tree, or crash a unit, no problem.  I am not sure the other guy would take such destruction as well.  I have never met him, but who knows.

Dennis

[ChiefEagles]

Kill it!!!!  Don't like it [very good reason why not stated above].  I DON'T even open it. 

Layout on carpet, I'd win hands down.  NO ONE else can "cram" so much in a bedroom floor.  

[1688torpedo]

That's the spirit Chief!  Never say die. Take Care.

[Jumijo]

As I stated in an early thread, I do not think this Layout Challenge idea is a good one in its current form. I don't think one person's layout should be pitted against another's. I look at the photos, but do not vote. All the layouts are winners in my book. I know I wouldn't want our layout to be judged against another person's. Perhaps changing this internet challenge to be a one or two layouts per week photo feature with no competition would be a better idea and would garner much more favorable reviews. I like seeing the photos, but do not like them shown as a basis for competition.

$60,000.00 just on trees!   And here I am sweating out a $235.00 Williams F3 purchase!

Jim

[phillyreading]

I have to agree with everybody about judging other layouts, also I had to manually insert the webaddress that Kelly Shaw listed & sent him an email telling him so. His reply was most unprofessional!!  Not everybody can be a computer wizard Kelly!!

At least this time Kelly Shaw posted a usable webaddress.

Lee Fritz

WPB FL

[palallin]

Well, I did vote on this one, and I did it because I got such a kick out of the article on Gordon Lattey's layout.  He's a regular kind of guy, he does his own work, and his sense of humor is quirky enough to sit very well with mine, so his layout got my vote.

[Dr. John]

I think the layout of the week idea is fine. I'm not so crazy about the competition aspect. Much too subjective especially with so few pics. I agree with what has been previously stated: They are all winners!

[1688torpedo]

$60,000.00 on Trees for the Layout?    That fellow must have at least $120,000 worth of Dogs on his layout to keep happy After all, Trees & Dogs go together like: Burns & Allen, Abbott & Costello, Groucho & Harpo. Well, you get the idea. Take Care.