Vanishing forums?

[FJ and G]

Sounds good. I enjoy GRR and the forum(s); whatever way they shape up to be.

(vsmith's logic for organization is pretty good)

[kstrong]

As an alternative to losing them altogether, I'm happy. One other suggestion--and it is simply that--move the "General Discussion" forum down to the bottom. That will inherently make readers look at the other categorized forums first, to see if their question should fit in one of those instead. Think of it in terms of those annoying automated phone menus. You don't get "for all other inquiries..." until the last option. Yeah, it's annoying to have to wait, but many times one of the earlier options is exactly what you need.

But I'm at least pleased that gardening isn't disappearing from the Garden Railways website. [;)]

Later,

K

[tangerine-jack]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Camaro1967

Thanks Rock Modeler. Its a sleeper. .30 over 454, turbo 350, big cam, runs on pump gas, suprised a few 5.0 mustangs. Check it out at: http://www.life.umd.edu/cbmg/faculty/bottino/genetics/camaro.html
Paul

Dissing moustangs ain't real hard to do. I've easily embarrased many with my 71 Plymouth Valiant (318 .030 over, 268/272 cam, Weiand 9" dual plane intake, 2.02 valves and all the matching machine work) Off topic, I know, but I couldn't resist.

On topic, OK, I'll accept Rene's terms of surrender[;)] I just don't like the idea of losing all that good info. I am now ready for the GRR staff to sign the instrument of surrender.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

TJ, I took the announcement as a statement of total capitulation, albiet one that maintained "face"! I can reasonably live with it!

I can just hear TJ & Bottino at dinner Sat night! Ain't gonna be any talking trains, it will be the Mopar - Delco wars all over again! And that at a train show????

Rene, are the gods in the corner office gonna let you go to York this year, or are they gonna hog the expense account for themselves again??? Hope to see you there, and we won't make you wear white slacks to plant posies!

[Rene Schweitzer]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Capt Bob Johnson


Rene, are the gods in the corner office gonna let you go to York this year, or are they gonna hog the expense account for themselves again??? Hope to see you there, and we won't make you wear white slacks to plant posies!

Capt,

No York this year. Only going to the National in July. Too bad it isn't this month; warm temps would be nice right now. [V]

[Anonymous]

Joe what is this Major thing have you been promoted?

By the way we have started moulding again, hope to be able to get Doreen to do you some grave stones soon. We are having technical troubles with one of them, a cross.

It hase been 6 months since we have been able to get below 20 degrees even in the early hours, so moulding going pretty good; especialy because of cyclone Larry it has been raining which is a pretty rare thing around here of a daytime.

Rgds Ian

[Anonymous]

Thanks Rene for listening, I hope my sugestion helps everyone....
Camaro1967 -very nice build up (of course those 'stangs should have already known not to mess with a camaro, but they drive 'stangs so that is to be expected [:p][;)] .....)

[Anonymous]

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Ian,
The flying Capt. ain't a Capt. any more! He got a raise!

Rene,
I think Zajicek has a good point about melding scratchbuilding & construction!

Everybody else,
Have a go at it! Give it at least as much time to see if it will work as the powers that be gave the now defunct categories! I can already tell you it works for me!

[vsmith]

Actaully I would think if anything the "Scratchbuilding" forum would be far better off with the "Pull-out plans" forum. Afterall kitbashing a lokie has nothing to do with tracklaying technics or which plant to install, yet it does have everything to do with the technics used to build the pull-out plan models.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by vsmith

Actaully I would think if anything the "Scratchbuilding" forum would be far better off with the "Pull-out plans" forum. Afterall kitbashing a lokie has nothing to do with tracklaying technics or which plant to install, yet it does have everything to do with the technics used to build the pull-out plan models.

That's a good point and one I overlooked.

Why did I overlook it, you may wonder? Because 95%+ of the Pull 0uts are for !:20.03 or 1:24 scales... also the originals are no longer available for more than you would think. The structures I'm building are 1:29 scale. IOW, zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. [:D][:D][:D]

Speaking of Pull Outs... the current issue has a 1:20.03 delivery wagon. Another ho hummer as far as I'm concerned. I wonder if it would be asking too much for a 1:29 ice house, coaling station, water tower or some other structure? Just a thought. [:p]

[FJ and G]

Bob, I raised that point yesterday or the day before on the pull-out forum. I think that the current crop of pullouts are really neat but I really can't use them as I don't model that era or narrow gauge.

(as long as they don't take away space from the rest of the magazine I think they're OK, and I'm sure there are some Maine 2' modelers who are absolutely thrilled with them). [:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

Bob, I raised that point yesterday or the day before on the pull-out forum. I think that the current crop of pullouts are really neat but I really can't use them as I don't model that era or narrow gauge.

(as long as they don't take away space from the rest of the magazine I think they're OK, and I'm sure there are some Maine 2' modelers who are absolutely thrilled with them). [:D]

David,

Thanks for your thoughts. I just ran over there and took a look at your post and I agree completely. I'm modeling almost the same period, mid 50s to mid '60s. I also noticed that before you made it, the most recent post to the entire Pull Out forum was made on March 13th. That's SIXTEEN days ago. The Pull Out forum appears to be quite the adrennelin rush huh?

FWIW, the other day I went to the Pull Out website and checked the number of 1:29 projects. I think there were maybe three of them in the last five years. Awesome, huh? [:D][:D][:D]

[vsmith]

Bob, Dave
If you look at the structures plans that come in the pull-out plan section they usually include a ratio chart that will allow you to reduce the plans to 1/29 scale. Same with the car, wagon, boat, autos plans, etc.

One prime reason thier are no 1/29 scale modern plans is that they require a completely different of modeling skills. The plans as is are wood based cars being modeled in wood. Modern cars are steel and would need to be modeled in styrene or resin. Styrene takes a different mindset from wood, and even things like endpanels on a modern boxcar cannot be easily replicated, often needing to be custom cast in resin which I saw being done over at MLS (mylargescale.com). Riveted steel is harder to model than wood siding.

While I think scratchbuilding modern cars can be done and done well, I've seen a few good examples at MLS, I don't know whether it could be done in the same simplified beginner oriented ways the pull-out plansets utilize. If your looking for something modern, why not just try it using builders plans and a mess of stryene, that's kinda what I do bashing lokies.

[vsmith]

Here's a couple of modern car projects in 1/29 scale

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36227

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=35781

http://www.mylargescale.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36848

They are quite involved even though the modelers tried to keep things simplified. I think this is why we shouldt expect any 1/29 beginner plans soon.

[FJ and G]

Vsmith,

My issue is not scale. I know things can be rescaled.

Also, modern rolling stock is not even necessary.

But what about other types of plans such as warehouses, engine facilities, sanding towers, and numerous other structures that could be made in wood and would cover an incredibly long time period, from turn of century to present, for example. Those types of plans would be truly outstanding.

Also, plans using metal would be nice as well such as various styles of bridges or even signal towers.

[Anonymous]

Vic,

Thank you for your reply. I just checked sidestreet banner works and there’s maybe three 1:20.03 structures listed thru June ’06. The rest of the stuff is 1:20.03 rolling stock. As you've said, the 1:29 stuff is a PITA to model in the first place. And, like Dave said, there isn’t a need for 1:29 rolling stock anyhow, we’re practically drowning in the OTS variety.

Anyhow, I totally agree with Dave. There’s a need for 1:29 era structures. Stations, coaling towers, sand houses, water tanks.. etc… after all this time, GRR hasn't published a single 1:29 structure that wasn't rolling stock that I could find.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Bob, don't you realize that we 1:29 modelers are almost as low on the priority list as Dave the "O" outdoors modeler? We ain't gonna get nothin!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Capt Bob Johnson

Bob, don't you realize that we 1:29 modelers are almost as low on the priority list as Dave the "O" outdoors modeler? We ain't gonna get nothin!

Aye Cap'n! [:)]

The 1/32 bunch is in the same boat with us. What's good for us would fit them too.

Being relatively new to this hobby, I'm just flabergasted at this scale situation. I guess the Polks figured no one would sweat the differences 1:29 would create, possibly thinking back to the Lionel days. Well, kids don't worry scale differences as most know, but kids aren't playing with 1:29 trains either, for the most part. I want my GRR to look 'right', not like a bunch of doofus toys scattered all over the backyard.

I can almost tolerate having to scratch build 95% of my structures, but holy cow, why can't someone at least cast some freakin' doors that fit? Gads, is that asking too much?

This industry is really starting to tick me off.

What Bozos.

[Capt Bob Johnson]

And the doors are the real problem! You see houses and stores with all sizes of windows, but doors become standardized; and looking at 1:20.5 doors on a station that a 1:29 car is parked near really points it out. Makes it all look like junk! Even the 1:24 doors are just too big!

Guess I'll just have to pack my bags and go to York tomorrow and see if anybody is coming out with a line of 1:29 doors! Yuk Yuk[:D][:D][;)][8D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Capt Bob Johnson

And the doors are the real problem! You see houses and stores with all sizes of windows, but doors become standardized; and looking at 1:20.5 doors on a station that a 1:29 car is parked near really points it out. Makes it all look like junk! Even the 1:24 doors are just too big!

Mornin' Cap'n!

FWIW, the Colorado Model Structures doors are cheap and easy to modify, especially if you’ve got a band saw or a table saw. If you cut the bottom off even with the lower rail, then remove about ¾” farther up, you can re-glue the two parts and the surgery is invisible. However, it’s still a PITA and sucks up time you could be devoting elsewhere. After I modified the first successfully, I just went ahead and did all that I had available.

What you realize pretty quick is how fast you go through these. A simple business or house is going to use two at a minimum. A small trackside warehouse can easily consume five or six. The pictures I posted in the scratch building forum the other day illustrate exactly what I’m talking about. I thought I had a decent inventory of doors and windows and after only three structures, I’m almost completely out of them.

Well, I guess I’ve rambled on enough. I hope you and everyone else going to York has a wonderful time. Ask the Polks when we can expect something to match the 1:29 trains they’ve been selling for the last decade or so. [;)]

[Camaro1967]

I am with you Bob. The first thing I do when I get my GR is rip out the plans in the middle and throw them away. Nothing there I can use ever. I will take a coaling station anytime to the useless plans they give me.

[RhB_HJ]

Hi all,

QUOTE: Posted: 29 Mar 2006, 21:29:10 by Bob Zajicek

QUOTE: Originally posted by Capt Bob Johnson

Bob, don't you realize that we 1:29 modelers are almost as low on the priority list as Dave the "O" outdoors modeler? We ain't gonna get nothin!



Aye Cap'n!

The 1/32 bunch is in the same boat with us. What's good for us would fit them too.

Being relatively new to this hobby, I'm just flabergasted at this scale situation. I guess the Polks figured no one would sweat the differences 1:29 would create, possibly thinking back to the Lionel days. Well, kids don't worry scale differences as most know, but kids aren't playing with 1:29 trains either, for the most part. I want my GRR to look 'right', not like a bunch of doofus toys scattered all over the backyard.

I can almost tolerate having to scratch build 95% of my structures, but holy cow, why can't someone at least cast some freakin' doors that fit? Gads, is that asking too much?

This industry is really starting to tick me off.

What Bozos.

Here is what the Polks figured http://www.aristocraft.com/articles/scale%20vs%20gauge/; according to "Uncle Lewis".

BTW we produce "stuff" from Z scale to Large Scale. In Large Scale there are two scales as far as I'm concerned: 1:32 (aka Spur1) and 1:22.5 (aka Spur2). Our products are fashioned to those scales.

If someone wants to do the "10% up or 10% down Tango".......... by all means, be my guest! [;)][:D][:D][}:)][:D][:D]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by RhB_HJ
<snipped>
BTW we produce "stuff" from Z scale to Large Scale. In Large Scale there are two scales as far as I'm concerned: 1:32 (aka Spur1) and 1:22.5 (aka Spur2). Our products are fashioned to those scales.

If someone wants to do the "10% up or 10% down Tango".......... by all means, be my guest! [;)][:D][:D][}:)][:D][:D]

<wooooosh>

Looks up sees nothing.

I'm sorry, you'll have to explain the above when you get a minute. I have no idea what you're talking about. BTW, thanks for the refresher on the Nat Polk / 1:29 scale. [:)]

[toenailridgesl]

Anyone want to follow along if I do a 1:29 sand house project? It'll be in wood with metal bits & pieces. No plans but based on the HO plastic model Atlas used to do years ago.

I'll build it the same way I've done my scratch-build classes, document & photograph each step. We'll scratch-build everything, no commercial castings etc needed unless you want to add them to your version.
I don't model in 1:29 & have no need for a hugely underscale sandhouse on my 1:20.3 line so I'll only do this if there is sufficient interest & then I'll sell the finished structure on ebay.
Gents, it's a matter of put up or shut up :)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by toenailridgesl

Anyone want to follow along if I do a 1:29 sand house project? It'll be in wood with metal bits & pieces. No plans but based on the HO plastic model Atlas used to do years ago.
[Gents, it's a matter of put up or shut up :)

Phil,

Thank you much for the very generous offer! I'm in!

If we complete this one with flying colors, can we do a coaling tower next? [:)]

[FJ and G]

Gents, it's a matter of put up or shut up :)

-------------------------------------

Nice structure! MR has lots of good plans, btw.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by FJ and G

Gents, it's a matter of put up or shut up :)

-------------------------------------

Nice structure! MR has lots of good plans, btw.

Thanks for the haids up. I never thought to look there... 1:29 is just 3 times HO. [:D]

I think I'm going to make a glue up for a water tank today. I'll throw up a picture on the scratch build forum before it's on the lathe. [;)]

[Capt Bob Johnson]

Price tag on the finished one? Might not have to e-bay!

[Anonymous]

Ok since we are on this topic, is there any source of good 1:29 scratchbuilding supplies, for example brick walls, or metal building walls (like the pikestuff in HO). Or even any modern Industry buildings made in 1:29 that is American (not European) style????? My wife has searched the net and come up with zip. I have a hair brain idea to contact a plastics company and see how much it would cost to have molds made and sell the stuff as a side job.