As many here already know, I usually host a layout party twice a year. The last one I had to leave in its early conception due to a death in the family. I am eager to get another one started after all the festivities have settled down and we are all back into our post New Years rut. The point of a layout party is to help people push through an area of layout construction or design they are having problems with. Or, to help motivate newbies to start a layout. Or, to encourage further work be done on the layout. Now you will notice I say layout because that is what I am working on. However, some work on structures, or weathering, or...or... or... In other words, its whatever you feel you need to work on. The idea of this layout party is not to compete with others, but to join in with a group of fellow modellers to help motivate you; and, for you to help motivate them. Its kind of a "round robin" Internet layout support group." I usually have the parties go for about 6 weeks, but often some guys will jump in during the middle of the party and wish to extend it, which I sometimes do. Anyways, enjoy your turkey, don't feel to guilty about your winter weight gain, do have a safe and healthy Christmas, do enjoy your model gifts from your family and friends even if it is the wrong engine in the wrong era with the wrong livery on it. Oh yes, I forgot to add, plan on the party starting somewhere in the third week of January. I'm already dusting off the lens of my camera, maybe you should too. Merry Christmas all.
Sounds great!! I missed the last parties mainly because I didn't have a camera for pictures. This time I will have it covered, just bought the wife a digital camera for christmass. You know once she opens it up we are going to have to try it out on something to make sure it works!
Hopefully I will be doing some MKT GP40's so I will use this topic to post progress as well as my MKT thread.
"How to convince the wife to shoot picstures of trains.....on the next Dr. Phil" Seriously, when I first got my digital, I shot the wife & kids (and a cat or two), then scooted upstairs to take some quick shots of my model railroad. Now that I have the digital camera, I can't wait to get busy on the layout, and get out to do some railfanning.
After my last goal didn't really get off the ground , I will definately be taking a more conservative approach this time. Something more suited to my chief assistants ability to help me. She may only be 4, but she loves helping daddy with the scenery, and is pretty handy. Maybe just a 6 foot scenic run though, where the thourough breds can strech their legs.......
The goals don't have to be on a grand scale, in fact I think people are better off with some smaller goals. I know in my first layout party, my goals were to large and I really didn't finish the project until the second layout party. So my goals will be much smaller this time - but I hope more achievable. Having a digital camera, or film camera that some how can make it onto the net either through the developer posting to the web or a personal scanner, is great but also not necessary. The priorities are: 1) Achievable goal. 2) Honest reporting of said goal. 3) Dialoguing with others during their reporting, either in the form of a cheer leading group, helpful hints group, or support group. 4) And lastly - only if you can do it - but it isn't essential or necessary - maybe a picture or two of said results, problems, or what have you. But the first three priorities are the most important, not only to talk the talk but walk the walk, and if you get a picture of it great, but not essential.
My goal will simply be to lay down roadbed for the mainline layout. That's about 60 feet double-tracked. I think that ought to keep me off the streets for a while... And the second goal will be to finalize the switching layout that filles the gaps. I'll be submitting a plan in the Layout Design discussion forum in the next week or so for feedback.
Looking forward to seeing that, William! We'll all need to pull together to save you from planning too many industrial spurs that can only fit 30' cars. Seriously though - your new space looks very nice, with much more room than you've had previously. Was that a planned peninsula I saw in one of the photos of your basement? I have always loved the layout parties and look forward to being back on the board for this one. I'll be sure to pick a project that still leaves time for me to get the crimson airbrushed on your custom PA/B/A set, William!
Mine is to actually finalize the right of way by finishing the remodelling needed to secure said space. Not really model railroading , but it'll get me going.
YES YES YES!!! I'll finish my bridge and my abandoned coal mine area for starters. I also want to start & finish the modifications to my LL GP-38s so that I can actually use them. How about both?
When you first posted this invitation a couple of weeks ago I was thinking that maybe I'd make enough progress between then and the start of the party that it wouldn't be worthwhile getting involved. Well, seeing as I've accomplished absolutely nothing in these two weeks, maybe joining the party is exactly the kick start I need to get going. Nothing like embarrasing yourself in front of friends to motivate one to make progress. Can I take the photos from far away so my lack of progress won't seem as noticeable? Regards,
Hey David, good to see you back on the Board!! Yep, I've got my usual "cram it to the rafters" layout thinking cap on, as you can see in the separate thread... http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/33/t/000561.html
Ed, LOl... you sound like my kind of guy. I work in spurts and having friends come over to see what I have done, or having a friend come over to help, or throwing a layout party is often what gets me out of a "slump."
Hello Friends!! I've been away from the board for about 6 months now (with exception of an occasional browse), but I'm glad to be back and slide right into Rick's next party. I actually did something with my trains tonight, first time since last spring. I placed new couplers on one of my diesels. It was my first shot at drilling and tapping, but I got through it. I've got some final touches on my track to complete. I need to install 2 turnouts so that will be my first goal. If I get that done, which I expect I will, I'll move to some scenery that my daughter has been after me to do for about....well 6 months I guess.
