[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]
Re: New Proposal: Skirts for the inside of the layout
I lend my support to Ricky's proposal. A move to uniform ballasting and more realistic but minimalistic scenery given that it's a modular layout, with some degree of standardization of ballasting and scenery colors. Allan's modules are good examples
The BIGGIE for me is to eliminate the tight radius curves by modifying the corner modules to have broader curves and wider track centers -- maybe with some 45 degree modules -- as some of you were discussing . Dunno.
I suggest our minimum diameter curve should be 072 (72 inch diameter) with 4.5 inch track centers minimum on the corner modules. 090 and 099 and larger up to 120 look and function even better. Take an especially critical look at how to provide broader curves when it makes sense to have an L shaped layout. Bet some of you more experienced club members already know how to do this. Whatever geometry is chosen as track radiuses increase, just eliminate any curves less than 072. .
Several of us club members now like to run full scale trains and the general viewing public seems to enjoy seeing them. Unfortunately, the combined overhang of the locomotives and passenger cars on adjacent tracks has resulted in locos and cars striking each other in the last two events I participated in -- with resulting damage to my trains in both cases. I fault the layout geometry for this. Not the individuals running trains. There's just too much going on to count on each operator watching out for the other operators trains.
Even with a pure rectangular layout, with scale trains running on tracks 1 and 2, we have this interference. With an L shaped layout where the broader curves match up with the tighter curves in the inverted corner it may be possible to run a large train but it doesn't look right and the potential for interference from an adjacent track is greatly heightened. I personally like the L shape. It adds interest for me. Makes sense to me to remove the restrictions so we can all run our trains to our heart's content.
Talk is cheap. I'll be finishing the intensive part of my layout modifications and upgrades in the next couple of months (whew!!) and will be available to devote a decent amount of time to those Club upgrades I'm interested in seeing implemented. My air conditioned garage workshop with a decent selection of power tools is available for a team effort in constructing or upgrading a bunch of modules in a relatively short time -- if there's the interest. Then individuals could take modules home and do the scenicking.
Bill Lohman
Maybe instead of interior curtains we could do something to catch their eyes and divert peoples attention away from the interior of the layout and undersides of the modules.
Perhaps work on improving the scenery like ballasting track and landscaping. Stuff that adds visual interest to the layout.
Most people understand that we are modular and transitory in nature and overlook the interior of the layout.
Ricky
Cc:
ttat-members@aoot.comSent: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 8:43 pm
Subject: Re: New Proposal: Skirts for the inside of the layout
Actually, there have been some set ups in the past where we did drape the
inside for that reason. WE used the roles of plastic we have in the
trailer or had at that time. WE also have the yellow plastic sheets
currently so with some clips an interior drape could be created.
We will add it to the next board meeting . Thanks for the idea and
suggestion.
Scott
On Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:21:05 -0500 <Peter_Magid@Dell.com> writes:
> I would like to offer a proposal for the board to consider.
>
> It occurred to me that as people come up to view the layout, and the
> trains running on them, the inside view of the modules become
> visible to
> those people with all the ugly wires hanging down.
>
> Therefore I would like to propose that the board consider purchasing
> additional skirts to cover the inside of the layout.
>
> Thanks,
> -Peter
>
> ------
> TTAT members reflector.
>
>
____________________________________________________________
Click to make millions by owning your own franchise.
http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m6iRZMXFp7S52DWGY6Jv0i2975C9R0gTDHE8oG3oFFBpwsY/
------
TTAT members reflector.
McCain or Obama? Stay updated on coverage of the Presidential race while you browse - Download Now!