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+--- Thread: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout (/showthread.php?tid=1109)
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - MountainMan - 04-28-2009
Steamtrains Wrote:Self gratification....It goes with the "pleasing" part I mentioned before....
But sinful and slothful combined with other sins such as envy can conspire to ruin a perfectly good hobby. No...there has to be more to it than that.
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - Herc Driver - 04-29-2009
You are so right Mountain Man! Why do we post so many pictures? I for one, like looking at other's work and look forward to honest critique of mine. There is always something I learn from looking at someone else's work. Even if it's not my scale or era...there's always something interesting to notice (and maybe copy).
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - iis612 - 04-30-2009
When I post pics (which is rare these days) it is purely to gather information. There are a lot of people with a great eye who will offer up critique and advice, just as Herc said, and I too like looking at the work of others, if for no other reason than to drool.
When I posted what I said about mountains and major class I roads, I made several references to mainstream publications. Mainstream publications don't seem to publish layout photos unless they are set in the mountains, hence making it seem as though everyone has to have mountains somewhere on there layout. I have nothing against layouts with a mountain setting, quite the contrary, I love seeing them, especially when they are done well. I just want to see more variety in layout themes, especially in the mainstream magazines.
Matt
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - nachoman - 04-30-2009
iis612 Wrote:When I post pics (which is rare these days) it is purely to gather information. There are a lot of people with a great eye who will offer up critique and advice, just as Herc said, and I too like looking at the work of others, if for no other reason than to drool.
When I posted what I said about mountains and major class I roads, I made several references to mainstream publications. Mainstream publications don't seem to publish layout photos unless they are set in the mountains, hence making it seem as though everyone has to have mountains somewhere on there layout. I have nothing against layouts with a mountain setting, quite the contrary, I love seeing them, especially when they are done well. I just want to see more variety in layout themes, especially in the mainstream magazines.
I think the internet has nearly rendered the idea of "mainstream publications" dead. the last publication i picked up was "narrow gauge and shortline gazette", and considering the subject title, you can probably assume it would have a higher mountainous bias. As for the other publications, I don't think I have done much more than thumb through a new issue in 5 years, so I don't know what they put in there now. But from what I remember, featured layouts were frequently appalachian coal haulers, rocky mountain, or dense urban. Rarely did they feature an iowa prairie layout (although I remember seeing a few)
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - MountainMan - 04-30-2009
nachoman Wrote:iis612 Wrote:When I post pics (which is rare these days) it is purely to gather information. There are a lot of people with a great eye who will offer up critique and advice, just as Herc said, and I too like looking at the work of others, if for no other reason than to drool.
When I posted what I said about mountains and major class I roads, I made several references to mainstream publications. Mainstream publications don't seem to publish layout photos unless they are set in the mountains, hence making it seem as though everyone has to have mountains somewhere on there layout. I have nothing against layouts with a mountain setting, quite the contrary, I love seeing them, especially when they are done well. I just want to see more variety in layout themes, especially in the mainstream magazines.
I think the internet has nearly rendered the idea of "mainstream publications" dead. the last publication i picked up was "narrow gauge and shortline gazette", and considering the subject title, you can probably assume it would have a higher mountainous bias. As for the other publications, I don't think I have done much more than thumb through a new issue in 5 years, so I don't know what they put in there now. But from what I remember, featured layouts were frequently appalachian coal haulers, rocky mountain, or dense urban. Rarely did they feature an iowa prairie layout (although I remember seeing a few)
Since most modelers seem to want to try their hands at scenery, I doubt there are many "Iowa prairie" layouts that could be featured. Modelers usually want to get the most bang for their buck out of a layout, and while it may be highly prototypical, watching a train run across a flat landscape isn't very exciting.
There is a reason why mountainous terrain is the most popular.
As regards your comment about the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette, I have lost interest in that publication because they have never included N-scalers.
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - doctorwayne - 04-30-2009
MountainMan Wrote:As regards your comment about the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette, I have lost interest in that publication because they have never included N-scalers.
Perhaps there aren't a great many N-scalers working in narrow gauge. Also, a lot of folks go to N scale because they can fit more layout into a given space, allowing them to model a bigger chunk of railroad - usually mainline stuff as opposed to shortlines.
Don't forget, too, that most magazines rely on articles and photos submitted by their readers. If you see a need, it could be a good opportunity to share your expertise and make some cash, too.
I do agree with your way of thinking on N scale, though: if I were just starting into model railroading, (but somehow still retained the knowledge of it which I've acquired over the last 50 years or so
), I'd likely opt for a branchline or shortline, with minimal track and equipment, and in N scale. Still, I'm sure I could manage to include a few layout cliches. 
Wayne
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - MountainMan - 04-30-2009
doctorwayne Wrote:MountainMan Wrote:As regards your comment about the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette, I have lost interest in that publication because they have never included N-scalers.
Perhaps there aren't a great many N-scalers working in narrow gauge. Also, a lot of folks go to N scale because they can fit more layout into a given space, allowing them to model a bigger chunk of railroad - usually mainline stuff as opposed to shortlines.
Don't forget, too, that most magazines rely on articles and photos submitted by their readers. If you see a need, it could be a good opportunity to share your expertise and make some cash, too.
I do agree with your way of thinking on N scale, though: if I were just starting into model railroading, (but somehow still retained the knowledge of it which I've acquired over the last 50 years or so
Wayne
I certainly plan to - but I plan to change them at the same time. I will make my mark on the modeling world!
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - iis612 - 04-30-2009
MountainMan Wrote:I certainly plan to - but I plan to change them at the same time. I will make my mark on the modeling world!
You already have. Your candor alone has made an impression. I am going to venture a guess that your layout would be just as honest as you. This is not a slight, rather a compliment. If you are inclined to post pics, I would stand in line to see them.
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - MountainMan - 04-30-2009
iis612 Wrote:MountainMan Wrote:I certainly plan to - but I plan to change them at the same time. I will make my mark on the modeling world!
You already have. Your candor alone has made an impression. I am going to venture a guess that your layout would be just as honest as you. This is not a slight, rather a compliment. If you are inclined to post pics, I would stand in line to see them.
Sorry - too much candor is not a good thing. As for "standing in line to see them", I think you are being far too kind.
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - Sumpter250 - 05-01-2009
Quote:Then why do so many of us post pictures and seek the approval of others?
Ohhhh, I just can't resist........
Because a picture is worth a thousand words.................and I type very slowly!
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - MountainMan - 05-01-2009
Sumpter250 Wrote:Quote:Then why do so many of us post pictures and seek the approval of others?
Ohhhh, I just can't resist........
Because a picture is worth a thousand words.................and I type very slowly!
Touche`!
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - Brutus - 05-03-2009
MountainMan Wrote:Another "cliche`" is structures that have no reason to be where they are, such as a hotel next to a track in the middle of nowhere, unconnected to any community or activity.
Unless it's the Shady Rest Hotel! Which, was built where it was because the car derailed on a sharp bend and spilled out all the construction materials
One thing that usually catches my eye in layouts is when people put in one of those "puzzle" yards. But, they are fun, so why not!
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - Sumpter250 - 05-03-2009
Quote: Sumpter250 wrote:
Then why do so many of us post pictures and seek the approval of others?
Ohhhh, I just can't resist........
Because a picture is worth a thousand words.................and I type very slowly!
Quote:Mountainman wrote:
Touche`!
I woke up this morning, needing a good laugh to put me in the right mood for a beautiful day.....
Thanks!
Re: Modeling Cliches to Avoid when Building your Layout - upnick - 05-03-2009
Mainstream publications when i can get them here provide plenty of ideas .......... MR i look forward to every month (if my newsagent hasnt been missed by his supplier) always a month behind you'd think lived down under
, i would subsribe gladly if it was shipped in a brown envelope as our postal service staff seem to take a liking to magazines from abroad in a see through polybag 
The net has put publications definatley in the shade and great forums such as this are a superb way of sharing work and techniques.