NP01 and an industry at the big round would add to the operational interest.
and an industry at the big round would add to the operational interest.
Model Rairoading is a multidimensional hobby. While operation can be very rewarding, it is not a top priority or even desired by everyone. Some people like to "railfan" on their model railroads, Some model railroaders like to build models (rail equipment or buildings or scenic dioramas) and don't care if they ever run a train. There are even some who enjoy building benchwork, others wiring layouts or electronics. Still others like to design layouts, and never get around to building one..
The "big round" is an excellent representation of an actual location. Placing an industry there would destroy the effect. The builder of the layout achieved his goal.
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
cmrproductsThis is unfortunate as the ones I personally knew HAD really fine looking layouts that are no more and have left the Hobby due the Operations thing and now we are missing out on their fine Modeling Skills too! BOB
I've know several that has departed the hobby and some was stellar modeler.
They all had one thing in common in their layouts--all was a dumped bowl of spaghetti that was hopeless to operate other then running endless loops.
One can have a operating small layout if they will forge ahead to the more modern layout planing and forget the plans in layout books and poor advice from "layout design experts" that is still pushing the old school methods of layout designing.I suspect many fail to realized a 1'x10' ISL can be operated prototypically as can a 36" x 80" hollow core door N Scale layout..
At every ISL design clinic I have attended you will without fail have one attendee to mention John Allen's "Time Saver" design ( a one time design switching puzzle for a NMRA meet) at a serious ISL design clinic..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Unfortunately most small plans are NOT designed for OPERATIONS but for those that want to have a Model Layout and just watch trains run!
Even if the Layouts are of the Garage size - TOO many find out too late that there IS MORE to Model Railroading than just watching the train make endless circles!
And when they do - they find the layout can NOT be Operated smoothly or even at all!
Fustration sits in and the Layout either becomes disused or torn down - never to be rebuilt as the Layout Owner is too unhappy in seeing all of his great work being trashed to make the Layout OPERATIOAL!
While I know there are a number on here and other Forums that state they have no interest in OPERATIONS - Which is fine!!
I know of TOO Many that were and the Layouts are no more as they left the hobby as they found out too late!
Look at ALL aspects of the Hobby not just one area should be considered when beginning Model Railroading but they are in too much of a hurry to make the trains RUN!
This is unfortunate as the ones I personally knew HAD really fine looking layouts that are no more and have left the Hobby due the Operations thing and now we are missing out on their fine Modeling Skills too!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
Spoiler alert! I haven't got my issue yet.
NP01Maybe it's just me. Maybe there is something I don't understand, and I think different people prioritize differently. It's their road!!
No its not you..I still see old school track planing that's been around since the days of Moses.
I don't see that style of planing changing any time soon since the "expert" layout designers still follow the old school teachings.
Your observations of the plans is quite correct.
Is it just me? Or others think the same way? The layouts in July MRR are beautiful. The photos show really awesome works of modeling. Whether it's the hand laid Code 70 rail on sanded sticks from the yard, or the beautiful downtown and golden hills, or the original ideas on the plexiglass sub roadbed.
But, I did not quite get the operating plan for the layouts. On the first one, the interchange could be reversed for better operation. On the second, there could be a run around at Valley Junction and Lake View. Perhaps a town at Lake View and an industry at the big round would add to the operational interest. Both designers used industry tracks that have switchbacks.
Maybe it's just me. Maybe there is something I don't understand, and I think different people prioritize differently. It's their road!!
They are pretty good looking though!
NP.
Edit: Added "spoiler alert" ... thank you for suggesting