Wild West Masterpiece

[Anonymous]

The Furlow G layout is whimsical, but well done. I kind of liked it. It's not the first whimsical layout featured in MR by any means.
Not that long ago, Northlandz was featured, with mixed responses from readers.Interesting? Yes it was, at least to me, even with its' separate loops of track and impossible bridges.

Just this year, the new Chicago Museum layout was featured...that enormous steel bridge in the foldout would never have been built by any railroad in such a location, so it was just there for the sheer fun of having it, so it is really whimsy.

Many think (especially recently ), that John Allen's masterpiece G & D was a caricature...I think it was the most inspirational layout in history.

Many ,many years ago, MR did a feature on a "space-age" moon surface railroad, with futuristic equipment....just for fun.

Fun is ok. Really.
regards
Mike in Meaford.

[Anonymous]

The Furlow G layout is whimsical, but well done. I kind of liked it. It's not the first whimsical layout featured in MR by any means.
Not that long ago, Northlandz was featured, with mixed responses from readers.Interesting? Yes it was, at least to me, even with its' separate loops of track and impossible bridges.

Just this year, the new Chicago Museum layout was featured...that enormous steel bridge in the foldout would never have been built by any railroad in such a location, so it was just there for the sheer fun of having it, so it is really whimsy.

Many think (especially recently ), that John Allen's masterpiece G & D was a caricature...I think it was the most inspirational layout in history.

Many ,many years ago, MR did a feature on a "space-age" moon surface railroad, with futuristic equipment....just for fun.

Fun is ok. Really.
regards
Mike in Meaford.

[CNJ831]

Mike posts -
"Many, many years ago, MR did a feature on a 'space-age' moon surface railroad, with futuristic equipment...just for fun."

The MR moon layout was intentionally an April Fool's issue article. Perhaps Furlow's piece should have been similarly positioned.

CNJ831

[CNJ831]

Mike posts -
"Many, many years ago, MR did a feature on a 'space-age' moon surface railroad, with futuristic equipment...just for fun."

The MR moon layout was intentionally an April Fool's issue article. Perhaps Furlow's piece should have been similarly positioned.

CNJ831

[vsmith]

As I said in my earlier post, its the rivit counters with no sense of humor that ruin this hobby.

So what if its a flight of whimsy, There is MORE and BETTER detailing in this one finished section than in a whole heck of a lot of layouts I've seen published. What scare me is how good will the rest of the layout be when its finished. I really think theres alot of bashing of this layout out of pure spite and envy and jealousy. Most modelers would kill for Furlow's skills and imagination but too conservative to really go out on a limb for something they like. Furlow's discovered the true freedom that this hobby affords, if it didnt ever exist in reality, who cares? it can in your mind and you can model it.

Again, Lighten up before your arteries harden.

P.S. The photos in the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette were FAR better quality than MR.

[vsmith]

As I said in my earlier post, its the rivit counters with no sense of humor that ruin this hobby.

So what if its a flight of whimsy, There is MORE and BETTER detailing in this one finished section than in a whole heck of a lot of layouts I've seen published. What scare me is how good will the rest of the layout be when its finished. I really think theres alot of bashing of this layout out of pure spite and envy and jealousy. Most modelers would kill for Furlow's skills and imagination but too conservative to really go out on a limb for something they like. Furlow's discovered the true freedom that this hobby affords, if it didnt ever exist in reality, who cares? it can in your mind and you can model it.

Again, Lighten up before your arteries harden.

P.S. The photos in the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette were FAR better quality than MR.

[MAbruce]

QUOTE: Originally posted by david77

This layout is silly. I know everyone has their own tastes but I prefer the more serious protype.

Wow, what a way to start out on this forum! [:0]

That layout was not exactly what I would do, but I have to admit that it was very well crafted.

[MAbruce]

QUOTE: Originally posted by david77

This layout is silly. I know everyone has their own tastes but I prefer the more serious protype.

Wow, what a way to start out on this forum! [:0]

That layout was not exactly what I would do, but I have to admit that it was very well crafted.

[Anonymous]

There is already a forum catering heavily to the rivet counters, grinches, and assorted malcontents, whose main contribution to the hobby is to make nasty comments about what they don't like in other peoples' modeling........it's the Atlas forum.
There's no need for this forum to become like that one.
regards
Mike

[Anonymous]

There is already a forum catering heavily to the rivet counters, grinches, and assorted malcontents, whose main contribution to the hobby is to make nasty comments about what they don't like in other peoples' modeling........it's the Atlas forum.
There's no need for this forum to become like that one.
regards
Mike

[Anonymous]

Why do people react so strongly when something different is published. Would you like to eat chicken every night for the rest of your life - I thought not! We like variety in our foods, or at least most of us do, and so we should enjoy the differences as well as the similiarities in layout design and presentation.

For those of us not into the steam/diesel transition period, do you know how many layouts we have to look at in MR and other mags of the transition period? Malcom has done something different and he has done it well. Judged artistically and creatively, he gets an "A". It may not be your favourite style, but so what. What I don't get, and never do, is the anger when some one does something different.

Why the anger? I don't get it.

[Anonymous]

Why do people react so strongly when something different is published. Would you like to eat chicken every night for the rest of your life - I thought not! We like variety in our foods, or at least most of us do, and so we should enjoy the differences as well as the similiarities in layout design and presentation.

For those of us not into the steam/diesel transition period, do you know how many layouts we have to look at in MR and other mags of the transition period? Malcom has done something different and he has done it well. Judged artistically and creatively, he gets an "A". It may not be your favourite style, but so what. What I don't get, and never do, is the anger when some one does something different.

Why the anger? I don't get it.

[Anonymous]

"Model railroading is fun." Furlow had a lot of fun with this one. Conservative thinkers would find it silly (maybe) and unprototypical (definitely). But I have to admire the amount of skill and effort that went into each small detail, which is inspiring to us lesser artisans. John Allen did a lot of over-the-top stuff and had fun too.

[Anonymous]

"Model railroading is fun." Furlow had a lot of fun with this one. Conservative thinkers would find it silly (maybe) and unprototypical (definitely). But I have to admire the amount of skill and effort that went into each small detail, which is inspiring to us lesser artisans. John Allen did a lot of over-the-top stuff and had fun too.

[ironhorseman]

It's a model and it's a railroad. A model railroad, therefore, should be in Model Railroader Magazine. I'm not a subscriber but I think I'll go to the store to see what all the fuss is about.

Model Railroader should NOT have to be cold, stiff, sterile, and serious like those science journals. Nobody reads those excepts university professors and their unfortunate students who are made to do research. If we're gonna be all serious about model railroading all the time I suggest we drop the word magazine and insert the word journal. (UGH! [xx(])

I've noticed that some people here are grumpy, tend to attack others, and get upset over small stuff. I tried to start an informal survey here and got chewed out over a misunderstanding. I didn't phrase my question correctly. But this is not representative of railroad hobbiest as a whole. When someone makes a fuss they usually get noticed, right? When you're in a restaurant and kid screaming you'll notice him, but do you notice all the other kids behaving quietly? No, not unless you make a conscious effort. Typically everyone will leave remembering the screaming child, where he sat, and what he was wearing and not the other kids.

David77's opinon is just that, an opinion. I don't know if it was necessary to post it, he obviously thoght so. But there are probably about a billion serious articles in MR a year and one article that is not serious is a good way to shake things up, do somthing different.

If you're going to criticize I can't stop you, but be constructive not destructive. Somthing like: "It wasn't to my liking but I thought it was clever."

A silly layout? Everyone needs a laugh now and then. Laughter is the best medicne.

[ironhorseman]

It's a model and it's a railroad. A model railroad, therefore, should be in Model Railroader Magazine. I'm not a subscriber but I think I'll go to the store to see what all the fuss is about.

Model Railroader should NOT have to be cold, stiff, sterile, and serious like those science journals. Nobody reads those excepts university professors and their unfortunate students who are made to do research. If we're gonna be all serious about model railroading all the time I suggest we drop the word magazine and insert the word journal. (UGH! [xx(])

I've noticed that some people here are grumpy, tend to attack others, and get upset over small stuff. I tried to start an informal survey here and got chewed out over a misunderstanding. I didn't phrase my question correctly. But this is not representative of railroad hobbiest as a whole. When someone makes a fuss they usually get noticed, right? When you're in a restaurant and kid screaming you'll notice him, but do you notice all the other kids behaving quietly? No, not unless you make a conscious effort. Typically everyone will leave remembering the screaming child, where he sat, and what he was wearing and not the other kids.

David77's opinon is just that, an opinion. I don't know if it was necessary to post it, he obviously thoght so. But there are probably about a billion serious articles in MR a year and one article that is not serious is a good way to shake things up, do somthing different.

If you're going to criticize I can't stop you, but be constructive not destructive. Somthing like: "It wasn't to my liking but I thought it was clever."

A silly layout? Everyone needs a laugh now and then. Laughter is the best medicne.

[Anonymous]

Some very interesting comments about Furlow's newest creation in the forum. David77 called it silly and immediately got hammered. Come on ,guys. It's meant to be silly...a characature using preposterous engineering and precambian geography. Where have you been for the last 20 years? Malcolm has always used this style and it's become his trademark, reaching far beyond John Allen and John Olson, his inspiration. As some of you know, the 4x5 Linhoff Camera is his canvas and the dilapdated trains and structures are the colors he paints with.

Having spent a few years working with Malcolm on a variety of RR projects, I can attest to the fact he is, indeed, crazy. When he models the unbelieveable, that is also our reaction...UNBELIEVEABLE! And then we look deep into each photo to find all there is to see.And it's a great journey.

When a poll is taken of the top three most inspirational contributors to the modelrailroading artform, guaranteed, Furlow's on the list. Tony Koester may be a prolific modeler and author but his miles of lichen treescapes will not inspire anyone to create outside the box, not like malcolm has.

Chris Comport

[Anonymous]

Some very interesting comments about Furlow's newest creation in the forum. David77 called it silly and immediately got hammered. Come on ,guys. It's meant to be silly...a characature using preposterous engineering and precambian geography. Where have you been for the last 20 years? Malcolm has always used this style and it's become his trademark, reaching far beyond John Allen and John Olson, his inspiration. As some of you know, the 4x5 Linhoff Camera is his canvas and the dilapdated trains and structures are the colors he paints with.

Having spent a few years working with Malcolm on a variety of RR projects, I can attest to the fact he is, indeed, crazy. When he models the unbelieveable, that is also our reaction...UNBELIEVEABLE! And then we look deep into each photo to find all there is to see.And it's a great journey.

When a poll is taken of the top three most inspirational contributors to the modelrailroading artform, guaranteed, Furlow's on the list. Tony Koester may be a prolific modeler and author but his miles of lichen treescapes will not inspire anyone to create outside the box, not like malcolm has.

Chris Comport

[Anonymous]

My primary complaint about the recent article about Furlow's Wild West layout is its length. Given the number of pages available, I can't see how the editorial staff could justify devoting so many pages to this "whimsical" layout. Yes, I understand that Mr. Furlow is a skilled artist and modeler. No, I'm not a rivet counter.

[Anonymous]

My primary complaint about the recent article about Furlow's Wild West layout is its length. Given the number of pages available, I can't see how the editorial staff could justify devoting so many pages to this "whimsical" layout. Yes, I understand that Mr. Furlow is a skilled artist and modeler. No, I'm not a rivet counter.

[ironhorseman]

I finally saw the article. I still stand by all my previous statements. All I can say now, having seen it, is WOW! I vote for this to be the best layout of the year, of the decade. I can't put into words all the detail devoted to this layout. As to the complaint about how many pages it took up. Big deal. This magazine usually runs 150+ pages. Besides, a big scale layout needs more space to cover it.

Personally I get tired of seeing the same kind of layouts all the time. You know the kind I'm talking about. The major Class I RR that wraps all the way around the basement twice. What about that article done in the 1990s about the coal route that took 6 whole issues to cover? I'm glad MR made Wild West Masterpiece it's cover story. If they do more like this I just might resubscribe again.

This is a fine example of the World's Greatest Hobby. This is craftsmanship and creativity at it's peak.

Decline of MR??? I think not! This is a renaissance!

Sincerely,
the ironhorseman

PS- read the editorial on the last page of the Sept 2003 issue: "Imagination as your silent partner" by Al Kalmbach.

PPS- i also enjoyed ALL the other articles. this is the 1st issue of MR that i've read cover to cover in 1 day, thanks MR staff! [8D]

[ironhorseman]

I finally saw the article. I still stand by all my previous statements. All I can say now, having seen it, is WOW! I vote for this to be the best layout of the year, of the decade. I can't put into words all the detail devoted to this layout. As to the complaint about how many pages it took up. Big deal. This magazine usually runs 150+ pages. Besides, a big scale layout needs more space to cover it.

Personally I get tired of seeing the same kind of layouts all the time. You know the kind I'm talking about. The major Class I RR that wraps all the way around the basement twice. What about that article done in the 1990s about the coal route that took 6 whole issues to cover? I'm glad MR made Wild West Masterpiece it's cover story. If they do more like this I just might resubscribe again.

This is a fine example of the World's Greatest Hobby. This is craftsmanship and creativity at it's peak.

Decline of MR??? I think not! This is a renaissance!

Sincerely,
the ironhorseman

PS- read the editorial on the last page of the Sept 2003 issue: "Imagination as your silent partner" by Al Kalmbach.

PPS- i also enjoyed ALL the other articles. this is the 1st issue of MR that i've read cover to cover in 1 day, thanks MR staff! [8D]

[Anonymous]

I thought Malcolm's "whimsical" layout looked very nice. Not my style, but still looked very nice.

That being said - I perfer stuff more grounded in reality. When I start building again (hopefully in the next year or so) I'd like mine to be a little bit caricature, and alot of fun. Malcom's layout was - to me - a LOT of caricature and eye-candy, but not as much "substance" as I would like to see.

I was hoping for something a little more on the lines of a San Juan Central.... sigh.

IMHO, John Allen's Gorre and Daphetid was a good mix of whimsy and real. It looked great, it could be operated well, and it had great visual interest - ridiculously long and/or tall bridges, "in-jokes" etc.

Malcolm's layout looked more like a work of art - a few loops of track - little operational possibilities, and very, very pretty.

Just some opinions...

Rob

[Anonymous]

I thought Malcolm's "whimsical" layout looked very nice. Not my style, but still looked very nice.

That being said - I perfer stuff more grounded in reality. When I start building again (hopefully in the next year or so) I'd like mine to be a little bit caricature, and alot of fun. Malcom's layout was - to me - a LOT of caricature and eye-candy, but not as much "substance" as I would like to see.

I was hoping for something a little more on the lines of a San Juan Central.... sigh.

IMHO, John Allen's Gorre and Daphetid was a good mix of whimsy and real. It looked great, it could be operated well, and it had great visual interest - ridiculously long and/or tall bridges, "in-jokes" etc.

Malcolm's layout looked more like a work of art - a few loops of track - little operational possibilities, and very, very pretty.

Just some opinions...

Rob

[Anonymous]

Sorry, double post.

That'll teach me to go eat dinner in the middle of posting!

Rob

[Anonymous]

Sorry, double post.

That'll teach me to go eat dinner in the middle of posting!

Rob

[vsmith]

Regarding David77 calling it silly and getting slammed. Its not that he called it silly, thats his opinion and he's welcome to share it.

What I didnt like about it and other posting is that it was dismissive of the layout without nay recognition of the skill and creativity needed to produce it. As for the number of pages, what do you expect for a layout that is full of detail? a couple of aside photos maybe off to the side? SHEE-iittt, this is the BEST layout I've seen in years, and I dont care if its fictional, How many layouts just blur one into the other?

I dont get it, the man produces a tour-de-force and people just snicker like its not "real". Well everyone, NO ONES layout is REAL. every layout is someones FANTASY of that particular line or portion there of. That fantasy is then contorted to fit the space available to model in. I have seen at least 3 different version of the same D&RGW section and none of them looked remotely the same. Thats because each modeler brings his own veiwpoint to the model. as for whimsy I consider whimsy if Donald Duck or E.T. is driving the loco. This layout has seriously detialed figures driving incredibly detailed locos around a scen that looks ALIVE, like it could be a real place. most published layout I see are so sterile its sickening.

David77 you havent replied to any posting, I would like to hear more of your point of view? What do you consider "Silly" about the layout -vs- what is a good prototypical layout. Dont be put off by the replies, were all friends here.

[vsmith]

Regarding David77 calling it silly and getting slammed. Its not that he called it silly, thats his opinion and he's welcome to share it.

What I didnt like about it and other posting is that it was dismissive of the layout without nay recognition of the skill and creativity needed to produce it. As for the number of pages, what do you expect for a layout that is full of detail? a couple of aside photos maybe off to the side? SHEE-iittt, this is the BEST layout I've seen in years, and I dont care if its fictional, How many layouts just blur one into the other?

I dont get it, the man produces a tour-de-force and people just snicker like its not "real". Well everyone, NO ONES layout is REAL. every layout is someones FANTASY of that particular line or portion there of. That fantasy is then contorted to fit the space available to model in. I have seen at least 3 different version of the same D&RGW section and none of them looked remotely the same. Thats because each modeler brings his own veiwpoint to the model. as for whimsy I consider whimsy if Donald Duck or E.T. is driving the loco. This layout has seriously detialed figures driving incredibly detailed locos around a scen that looks ALIVE, like it could be a real place. most published layout I see are so sterile its sickening.

David77 you havent replied to any posting, I would like to hear more of your point of view? What do you consider "Silly" about the layout -vs- what is a good prototypical layout. Dont be put off by the replies, were all friends here.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by david77

This layout is silly. I know everyone has their own tastes but I prefer the more serious protype.

I must agree with all, that while I probably wouldn't model this type of layout, Malcoms work is well respected and has been responsible for inspiring many a new comer to this hobby, over the years. I also agree with vsmith and others on the forum, LAD, you gotta get a life and lighten up or your going to be labeled a RIVIT COUNTER and once your a rivit counter, you never enjoy the hobby anymore, because your always having to defend your RUDE Stance on other peoples work. MODEL RAILROADING is supposed to be fun, not critical. Don't criticize others work until everyone else has seen yours.[:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!]

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by david77

This layout is silly. I know everyone has their own tastes but I prefer the more serious protype.

I must agree with all, that while I probably wouldn't model this type of layout, Malcoms work is well respected and has been responsible for inspiring many a new comer to this hobby, over the years. I also agree with vsmith and others on the forum, LAD, you gotta get a life and lighten up or your going to be labeled a RIVIT COUNTER and once your a rivit counter, you never enjoy the hobby anymore, because your always having to defend your RUDE Stance on other peoples work. MODEL RAILROADING is supposed to be fun, not critical. Don't criticize others work until everyone else has seen yours.[:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!][:(!]