Well, as it stands now, I will not start up a TB dedicated to 2x4 or micro mini layouts. The poll clearly shows 4:1 against it. I am just surprised at the negative responses regarding my attempt to gather interest in our hobby.
There's several groups dedicated to N gauge layouts already. T-Trak, HCD, Unitrack, and a layout design and discussion group. The information for a new group could be posted on any of the existing groups.
I'm all for articles about small layouts, but I won't go read a separate group about them. I do and will read them when the show up here.
On the real railroad aspect of this forum. A lot of the members tha used to post have not been around much and that makes it hard.
the problem with the TB groups is that no one really uses them, and many that I would think were popular go postless for a year
I don't think you're seeing "negative" as much as you are "prudent advice"...a very ultra-specialized group like that will get little activity. Kinda like starting a group for people that wear 38x32 pants. As one poster states, perhaps a more generic "Ultra-small N Layouts" or something like that might fly. But honestly, I have to agree....it's not like the N-scale category is scrolling out of control. I would say if it gets to the point where posts about your specific topic start overwhelming the group, THEN you could think about it. In the meantime, you can always start your own subcategory...instruct your interested parties to prepend their topics with "SmNLayouts:" for example. (and btw if you can accomplish this, you are a great leader of men...trying to get folks to prepend NSF56K: back in the days of dial-up Internet--to denote a topic with large photos--was nearly impossible. "Not Safe For 56K" for the curious.)
Yeah..You're lucky if there's ten posts here most days.Not like you gotta start a separate group to get some peace and quiet..I think a regular thread would be good enough..
??? Here? Meaning which area? N Scale? Yesterday was a slow day, and there were around 100 in N Scale alone.
And to add food for thought, threads about specific types of layout (as in the case of "miniature" or "sub-HCD") could well draw some of those who watch for the most part out, give them encouragement to share ideas or show off their work. Kind of like how the T-Trak thread did.
Over the years our site owner has tried many things to make it more fun and interesting being here. Some have worked, some have not. Not any different than the world outside these types of sites. Sometimes we get thanks. Sometimes we get, (often without merit), grief. *Sigh* It happens. That's life. I guess we'll just keep on trying.
One problem is folks tend to focus on the few threads which are of personal interest, and shut out all else. Another, (we have seen), is a tendency to only check the most recent post in a topic, which misses everything else. Either way, then it can seem as though not much is happening.
I once built a 2x4' Z layout, and have built a HCD N layout, so due to current space issues, I'm a small layout fan. I never had the space to build a full basement layout.
While, ya, I would love a niche group for 'small' N Scale layouts I feel maybe it would be best served by a 'Master Thread' linking two or more threads on the subject. For Example: Master Thread - For general concepts including sizes as I would suggest it be from 4"x6" up to 3'x5'. N Scale Unitrak N Scale 'Small Themes' N Scale 'Small Layout Construction' N Scale 'Small Layout Troubles' Links to each of the above could be maintained in the 'Master Thread'. Any thoughts?
More Thoughts on Size I would include / allow / encourage: Smallest layout 4"s X 6"s, (or smaller) Largest, (there has to be a cut off), 3' X 5' All shelf layouts 18"s and narrower no matter how long they are. All 'self sustaining' modules even if part of a larger set such as N-Trak. Note: I'm not going to 'bell the cat'. That is, I'm not the one to ask to be responsible for a 'Master Thread'.
