The uncompromising discipline of single-themed focus

[FJ and G]

Back as an undergrad I had this art teacher who I didn't really care for that much. Kinda boring, didn't really spark an interest in art, but it was one of those easy credits that were mandatory.

But he did have an unusual single-themed focus in life. He had a fetish for windows. He roamed the entire state of Arkansas and Missouri, photographing windows (of course it's a wonder he didn't get arrested or shot at). He would return with the pictures and then do window paintings. He had hundreds of slides of his work that he showed one day.

He didn't do doors. He didn't do roofs or chimneys. He was singly focused on windows. I've got to admit, that he had me fascinated there, showing all his window paintings. He, of course included the window frames, so there was a natural frame, and the frames, some of them had character with paint chipping, cracks, ivy, you name it.

Sometimes a cat was framed in the window. Or a horse in the case of a barn window. For a 2 hour class showing nothing but windows (it was a summer cram course that's why the 2 hours), I left having visions of windows for some time and it's a wonder I didn't become a peeping tom after the experience.

I get fascinated in the same way looking at single-themed layouts. Other layouts are great, with industries of all type, the requisite yard, roundhouse and reversing loop, and other "essentials" you'd never dream of not using.

But it is the single-themed focus layouts that really get my attention. These uncompromising characters were so firm in their goals that they were not distracted from adding that "must-have" item that would detract from that goal or vision.

You know the types. Fertig (sp?) and his Davis Steel Mill, a guy in latest 05 MR trackplanner who focused just on a Great Lakes port in which several scale vessels took up a good portion of his real estate. The one guy who just modeled an engine shop with multiple engine tracks to move his locomotives around on (hey if you really dig locomotives this is for you).

At one time even I was focused for a while on a single-tracked 2-mile segment of Abo canyon, but eventually succumbed to the temptation of another track and some spurs. I didn't have what it takes to be one of the single-themed masters and that failure of mine makes me appreciate all the more these stalwarts.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G
You know the types. Fertig (sp?) and his Davis Steel Mill,

Dean Freytag and his Davies Steel Mill.

Bob Boudreau

[leighant]

It is not too difficult to make a single module or a very small layout focused on a single-theme. I think I came close with the United States Naval Air Station Tidelands (Lighter than Air) Railroad, known better as the "Lighter Than Air Railroad".
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aab.jpg
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/aac.jpg

I designed an MGM Studio backlot layout that would be pretty single-minded if built, even though it has a multiplicity of scenes in about 8 to 10 car lengths. But in this case, it is the multiplicity of scenes jumbled together that is the single-minded focus.
http://www.railimages.com/albums/kennethanthony/abs.jpg

[dinwitty]

Whats been called the purist.

I have too many interests, why I will Shelf/Module, each shelf/module will theme a location but must be flexible for operating reasons, so there will be artistic licensing going on, but a person familiar with an area will recognize locations.

I plan a lot of operation, which will mean some things a purist will scream about, but the hobby fun goes full tilt.

I suppose you could focus on just a windows theme, any actor should be able to grab one object and think all kinds of shtick to make it entertaining...

[CBQ_Guy]

David,

I can appreciate and respect this kind of modeling, but in considering attempting it at the early design phase of my layout, decided it was just too limiting for me. I personally want to be able to model and include the things I want on my layout, and not have to deal with those I don't. Since I don't wi***o be purely off in the ether, though, I've decided to model as a proto-free lancer. The Burlington prototype part keeps me grounded in reality and acts as a reference for my modeling, while the free-lanced Illiniwek River Branch allows me to do my own thing as I desire.

Best of both worlds, IMO.

[IRONROOSTER]

Well, I don't have that problem. I go the other way, there's so much I want to include that I can't fit it all in. For me variety is the spice of life, do a lot of different things even if I don't go into any of them very deeply. But hey, that's what makes this a great hobby - so many different ways to go.
Enjoy
Paul

[ksax73]

Believe me, I want more variety but the problem is space for a layout and storage. Because my preference is passenger service, I give that priority and when I do have more space, freight and various aspects of the industry will be incorporated as well.