Overall I feel the Lonely Heart Club thread worked well for those who threw themselves into it. I guess I am asking for suggestions and criticisms so we can make the next one better. First, I have found 8 weeks, although not sounding like much, seems to be too long. If felt like I ran out of gas at around week 6. What do you think? Second, I would suggest that we talk more about the other fellows (gal) layout. I know a few put some lengthly posts in and I didn't respond. I think the sloth bug had a grip on me at that time, so I would suggest more talking about the other persons layout. Are there any more suggestions. Also, I am think of starting in Mid-Sept, I am open to feed back on that issue. Also I am thinking two a year is max to maintain enthusiasm - any thoughts? Also timing on the second one. I am thinking more around mid Feb for the next one - what do you think? Any other suggestions, critiques, etc. I am open to criticism to make the second one better.
I think it worked out pretty well. You are wise not to attempt another "club" session over the summer. If you really want to make it involved, there should be a pre-registration which would create a list of participants (by username). So then anyone who doesn't post progress updates could get bugged until they do. Actually, and in all seriousness, the effectiveness of your idea comes from setting up a system of accountability. If someone doesn't get a (gentle) nudge on their progress, they won't have any incentive to follow through. And that is why they join the club, right? All in all, it's a great idea that you should keep going. Twice a year sounds good.
Rick, I found it all very interesting. Thanks very much for creating it. The 8 weeks was ok but there did seem to be a drop off in posts after 6 weeks so you may be on the right track to limit it to 6. The list of those that took up the challenge was the entries in page one and two but I didn't look to see who was lagging but took interest in what the posters were doing. For those who wonder how this all came about just go back to the Layout Discussion Forum and check the Lonely Hearts Club post by Rick
All you need to do to understand it, is read the very first post in the very long thread. Needless to say, like many conversations, we occassionally bounced around other topics, but by and large, it was to help motivate people to work on their layouts. Some of the topic deviations were excellent, with great pics of the work done, or the layout, or techniques to do build something with accompanying pics.
Rick, The thread helped me get stuff done. For a long time, like 3-4 mos, I was on a sloth-procrastination mode. I didn't have much enthusiasm to get started on what would be a large project. Once I started,a nd things started to flow better, the track being laid and seeing actual progress is what kept me going forward with construction. 8 weeks was a bit long, but my problem is spending too much on locos and rolling stock than track, and turnouts..... I got an incredible amount done more because of the gentle nudge, and thanks for getting that thread going! It has to be a contender for the longest thread in TB history! All I need to do now is get the yard and hidden staging done, and the one other online industry, the grain elevator/refinery. Then the large task of building scenery, and laying the branchline will be next.
Well I just finished posting 2 more pages of layout photos on my website, and while I'm far from complete, I am certainly a lot farther along thanks to the positive reinforcement from 'the Band'. I agree about the 6 weeks though, I too found myself dragging the last 2 weeks. Some of it was DCC frustration, I'll admit, but I find its hard to keep at one task for that long. It was time to branch out. Do you really want to wait until February to start up again? I would think maybe another try in the fall once you northerners head back indoors. (We in the South will be spending the next few months in the AC thank you very much) Anyway, thanks for the group, it was at the perfect time for me, this is by far the farthest I've even gone in building a layout! Drop by and take a peak, I promise to keep updating, slowly but surely.
Burgh, I am thinking of running two a year, one in Sept and on in Feb. I and others found it helpful and fun. To be honest I am even toying with just 4 weeks instead of 6 weeks. I'll do 6 weeks in the fall and see how it feels, if it gets sluggish in the last two weeks, then I will try reducing it to 5 or 4 weeks. The idea is for me (you) to get some work done that has been dragging on longer than it should; or, to share hard work that you have been doing for some time (as in the case of Robin and Colonel - Paul). I find it is fun to post some plans then try and stick to them, or if they have to be modified, share it with the group to teach others how layout planning can - and sometimes - has to shift. Also there is synergy - group energy that can spur you on - knowing you are sharing what you are doing with them, and hearing of their results. Of course the main objective is to have fun and move the layout along towards completition.
I know that I was not part of the group that was working on thier layouts, but I was inspired to get started with mine. I have been doing the hardest part(for me) to get my layout going. I have been clearing out the garage to make room for it. I am over the half way point so I should be able to start the bench work in the next three of four weeks. I do hope that you guys keep this going to inspire those of us that are just sitting in the back ground. Dru.
I ran outta steam after the 6th week too! I did get a lot done, but as the weather warmed up, my interests changed to spring gardening, bar-b-que, and cigars! (thanks BurgThing) I'll be ready this fall for another go-around.
Robert, That is why I am thinking of changing the timing on the one we just did to mid-feb, that way the siren song of early summer, beer and the barbeque won't be in competition as much for most of North America, Europe and else where. And for Australia, they will be heading into fall. Dru, Maybe I'll start another thread called "Kibbitzing your layout" (actually I might come up with another title) where people can chat and post pictures, and generally get motivation, and crow about their layout. I think the "Hearts Club" has revealled that people want to talk about their layout, not just ask questions about engines or structures or scenery. [ 21 May 2002, 05:05: Message edited by: rsn48 ]
Well having just spent the last few hours reading the entire 12 pages of posts I must say that I think the idea was a great one. I just wish I had of known about it so I could have participated. In any case it's got me really fired up and ready to go. Only problem is it's 1Am. A little too late to be making noise I think.
I believe the topic Rick started was excellent. I enjoyed participating and I acheived a great deal of progress on my layout. funnily enough since the topic has stopped my progress has declined although this is also partly due to winter has arrived and the layout rooms is a little cool at night. I look forward to participating in the next session
I am looking forward to joining in on the next one. I had to step back from the hobby for a few months for various reasons including moving. The room I want to use is currently being used for storage for the in-law’s stuff, so my plans cannot progress to far until they clear it out. I don’t even have measurements of the room yet. But, by the time I get the room ready and pull my old layout out of storage (to be recycled) the next session should be starting up.
