Trains.com

A New Contest!

2988 views
8 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2011
  • 36 posts
A New Contest!
Posted by Winna Pic & Yucca River R.R. on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 10:23 PM

Hi everybody,

I haven't posted in a while since I've started high school and my brother started college. I'll have to post some pictures and update on the railroad in general. This winter I wanted to build a live steam engine. I'm not going to say yet because I had the idea of a live steam engine building contest! It could be announced in the magazine with the first, second and third place winner engines featured. The guidelines could be something like...

  Costs under $600

  Freelance or prototypical

  Scratch built or heavily kit bashed

  Any design (American, British, ect.)

  Any fuel type

I think it might encourage some to start or advance in live steam. Some might disagree with the $600 however, I know that some of you may have the extra money to spend to produce a museum quality model. This will ensure everyone gets a fair chance. I think it would be fun a with a good turnout. Post back if you have interest.

Paddy McConnell

P.S. Even if I don't end up participating I would like to see some great models!

 

  • Member since
    June 2011
  • 36 posts
Posted by Winna Pic & Yucca River R.R. on Thursday, November 8, 2012 11:56 PM

Does anyone have any interest?

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Starks Maine U.S.A.
  • 155 posts
Posted by Grims on Friday, November 9, 2012 4:09 AM

I dont see the draw to live steam they dont  look realistic under power and to expensive.

but thats just me im sure im one of the few and im sure ive ticked a few folks off with these comments

When I read about the evils of drinking I quit reading.

  • Member since
    June 2006
  • From: Oakley Ca
  • 1,407 posts
Posted by dwbeckett on Friday, November 9, 2012 7:15 AM

I don't think it's a lack of interest it's more a lack of readers/posters. This site doe'sn't have the partisapents it did a year or two ago.

Yes they are expensive to own/operate but there are many live steamer's out there just not as many on this fourm as there was.

Dave 

 

The head is gray, hands don't work , back is weak, legs give out, eyes are gone, money go's and my wife still love's Me.

  • Member since
    June 2011
  • 36 posts
Posted by Winna Pic & Yucca River R.R. on Friday, November 9, 2012 8:20 AM

I can see why. Some good research would show that the most creative engines are the cheapest ones like for under $400. It not always about the realism but most people just love the joy of running a REAL engine, not a piece of plastic. After all I did say "post back if you have any interest". Obviously you don't.

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Smoggy L.A.
  • 10,743 posts
Posted by vsmith on Friday, November 9, 2012 9:08 AM

Winna Pic & Yucca River R.R.

I can see why. Some good research would show that the most creative engines are the cheapest ones like for under $400. It not always about the realism but most people just love the joy of running a REAL engine, not a piece of plastic. After all I did say "post back if you have any interest". Obviously you don't.

Just because its beyond the means of most readers here. That doesnt mean you shouldnt build it anyways and post pics here. I'd love to see a "from scratch" live steam build. 

   Have fun with your trains

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Bomadery, Australia
  • 45 posts
Posted by Andrew Simpson on Friday, November 9, 2012 3:47 PM

Why not have a "masterclass" as they say on another forum. We build from Garden Railways Magazine plans for wagons & buildings, so why not a loco?

Andrew

Sandbar & Mudcrab Railway

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Starks Maine U.S.A.
  • 155 posts
Posted by Grims on Friday, November 9, 2012 6:38 PM

Wow didn't mean to upset you I was responding thinking you may  point out what im missing .Each person is into the hobby for different things for me I never had room for a decent model RR. till I discovered the garden scale. building small towns and economy's to work off one another intrigues me so you see for me its more than just the trains for me.

  As far as getting satisfaction from running somthing I built I build competition 4x4 vehicles from the ground up so no worrys  there.

  with this hobby for me because im not wealthy its about the most bang for the buck. So I guess Ill keep runnin my cheap" pieces of plastic "

I was on the fence on whether to re up my sub. to this forum I guess now Im not

Have A nice day

Ed

When I read about the evils of drinking I quit reading.

  • Member since
    June 2011
  • 36 posts
Posted by Winna Pic & Yucca River R.R. on Friday, November 9, 2012 8:04 PM

I wanted to introduce this idea only for enjoyment of others and myself. It was supposed to do the opposite of discourage. I was not trying to refer to non-live steam as cheap pieces of plastic. My brother and I have three Bachmann Annies, two of which are second hand with one kit bashed. We love our electric trains. Our one live steam is a heavily kit bashed ruby. I just wanted to see what other people would build and so they could show it. We are NOT expert  modelers. An expert would look at my engine plan and call it a child's toy; cheap and far from prototypical. To my brother and I, the railroad part is barely half of the experience! Trust me, we love plants! It has brought us together better than anything else. I'm truly sorry for any bad feelings. If we'd all like, we should show all our railroads this weekend. No contest. Please resubscribe. It really is a great  magazine.

Paddy McConnell

P.S. I'm only 14 years old. I think you'll know a lot more than me.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy