Steve, I understand where you're coming from, but I've found that beginners often have a harder time visualizing what you and I may take for granted. I present finished plans to demonstrate what is possible within the modeler's parameters; it's no different from thumbing through a book of track plans, except that mine are a better fit for their specific needs. They don't have to build what I offer, but giving them a more concrete starting point helps them get their feet wet more quickly. Although it can, a modeler's first layout doesn't necessarily have to be a lesson in layout design, IMO. As they grow and progress, they'll come to learn track planning fundamentals--assuming they want to.
Two heads usually work better then one. I used to go out of my to help beginners build that first layout. Realizing, I'm not doing them any good as I'm taking away the learning experience. Even in designing a layout I don't feel it's something I should be doing. Many lessons learned along life's model railroad way have convinced me, to quit being the teacher and let the newbie learn on his or her own. I still make suggestions but have given up on being the guru of model railroading. Not that I ever was but I had a pretty good thing going for me. Better... the layout's teach the newbie and the newbie will learn what he or she can from the grey beards. Of which I qualify, see my profile if you don't believe me. Grin! Looks like David and Steve have come to an understanding and I wish Grey the best with his model railroad. Lot's of good advice shared by David so we shall see how Grey does and hope he post pictures of his progress. Why? So, other's can learn and I get to enjoy in the fun. What else is there?
Alex, I'd go with David's scheme. It's un-coagulated and pro looking/acting. And you can always modify tracks here and there. One thing: Not sure why David suggests old code 100 Atlas. I'd say go with Atlas code 83 as its rail height scales out closer to real rail. And switch frogs on 83 are metal which allows you to power the frog to prevent stall outs. 100s' frogs are black plastic. (the frog is the section in the inside rails of a switch (turnout) which allows car wheels to criss-cross. Looks kind of like a bull frog from above. Welcome aboard the Board
I don't agree with you on this Rick. I refuse to believe a person is better off being hand fed anything. I have reread the original post. I clearly have wasted my time. The OP asked for help. I saw no request for a finished product. Apparently I was wrong. My bad. As for the GandG6. I don't believe anyone is interested. I presented an approach I have not seen anywhere else and not one person responded. Message received.
What he said, I thought he said and what he didn't say. That's the best part of participating here Steve aka Grey. We don't have to agree and we can agree to disagree. Now which Rick are you referring to? There is a bunch of us here. Steve, you wrote, "I refuse to believe a person is better off being hand fed anything". Not sure but this RickH. believes we are saying the same thing. For clarification: I realized fairly late that in attempting to help others I wasn't doing them any favors. I over built three different layouts for some fairly simple minded persons who couldn't figure out how to run these gorgeous pieces of work. What good is a layout if you can't run and enjoy it. I would have been better off to put in some simple hoopity do's, loopity loop's and let it be. I watched on other websites as one gentleman spoke as though he was the tin god of model railroading. He spoke with absolute authority, as though his $#!+ didn't stink. No evidence, no proof and yet he wanted everyone else who spoke contrary to his word to provide such. Sorry, but that person will never earn my respect. So in conclusion. What? There's a conclusion?:startled: There's those smiley faces.
@Alex - My sincere contrition for mucking up your thread with philosophy and discourse. Trainboard is a very welcoming place and sometimes threads go sideways a bit. In the end we all learn. If you have any questions please feel free to post them or send me a private message. @Rick - Ya, I did misread you entirely but that is not because you failed to communicate. You were spot on in your comments and I just didn't see it. @David Smith - You and I are very different and to the same extreme very similar people. We both want to help people and yet have decidedly obverse approaches yet we are still part of the same coin. There is nothing wrong with that. I am certain we can learn from each other - maybe meet around the edges if not in the middle. You are one of those people with whome I'd want to sit and share a glass / cup / mug of favorite beverage.
Here, here! There seem to be some people on these forums who think their designs are the only good ones, and never hesitate to pick apart other people's suggestions to a newbie. And any critique of their design is brushed aside as if inconsequential. I suppose those people have a close cadre of supporters who gush over every design they come up with. It is extremely annoying. GREY ONE: What is the "GandG6"? First I've heard of it.
Backshop - It is my shorthand for "The Grey and Grandure VI-3". It is the 6th versioon and 1000th itteration of the layout since I started it 10 years ago, (soon after joining Trainboard). The '3' refers to the 3 shelves. While I truly love the current version 'V', it just takes up tooo much room and is tooo complicated.
Ran into quite a problem today. I was going to finally go to the hobby store and pick up some pieces to get the ball rolling and for whatever reason I can not see the picture that you posted anymore... Is it possible that you could share it again David?
