N Scale Convention

[davefoxx]

The idea of sticking to a time period definitely ties everything together in terms of aesthetics. Take a look at the Mini-Mod-U-Trak modules. The place and 50s-60s time period restrictions on locos, rolling stock, structures, and details ties it all together and is a reflection on the high quality of modeling. Otherwise, might as well stick with the code 80 three track Mothra mish mash.

What you suggest is exactly what I'm thinking- pick an era with relaxed restrictions rather than a specific date.  For example, modeling the 1950s-60s (as you wrote that Mini-Mod-U-Trak does) is actually quite a span that covers the end of steam through second generation diesels.  I guess my point is, for the purpose of a oNeTrak module that will connect to an Ntrak layout, do we need to be really concerned that Industry X existed in 1960 but was gone by 1975?  It's not difficult to design modules that can represent different eras by swapping out trains and vehicles... and even buildings if it's that important.  Otherwise, with such stringent rules, we would have to worry about when the line was double track versus single track and pick just one.  That doesn't sound like as much fun for this purpose.  Obviously, for the home layout, I have no problem with modeling a certain time period that may even be narrowed down to one specific day.

DFF

[sirenwerks]

Otherwise, with such stringent rules, we would have to worry about when the line was double track versus single track and pick just one.  That doesn't sound like as much fun for this purpose. 

Huh? What? You kinda do, don't you? If you model the line double track you're de facto limiting it to a certain time period - prior to 1960, when the line was single-tracked to take advantage of the higher clearance lines at the center of the tunnels.

I'm not that much of a purest, so if you were to build double track and run equipment new past 1959, I wouldn't cry out. But the closer that build or repaint date got to 1969 the more tempted I would be to do so, until I burst, probably around '67 or '68 actually. Same for industries (of course, most of the industries were wiped out with Agnes anyway - June of 1972). And if there were the occasional running of some of today's ugly locos, I probably wouldn't mind.

Here's the trade off - clearance for such would need to be factored into such operations for the same reason the B&O went single track - to accommodate higher clearance modern cars. If you planned on running the occasional double stack on a double track line this decision would have an aesthetic impact, since the clearances would need to be significantly altered to do so. IMO, dropping the tracks that far down for double track at a tunnel portal would create a noticeable visual effect. With MMUT it's different, they don't have tunnels to worry about, just the occasional bridge. The OML has 11.

[mcjaco]

Take a look at the Mini-Mod-U-Trak modules. The place and 50s-60s time period restrictions on locos, rolling stock, structures, and details ties it all together and is a reflection on the high quality of modeling.

We're not that strick.  Mike lets me run Amtrak (circa 1998) for cryin' out loud! 

I'm with Lee on this one.  I think module is doing what it was intended.  Getting people to stop and look (for a good reason), and get the kids interest piqued.  There's a module at Trainfest every year that has a race track on it.  The Micromachine cars are all powered by magnets, as they run the course.  It's really cool to watch, even for an a$$hat.   

[sirenwerks]

We're not that strick.  Mike lets me run Amtrak (circa 1998) for cryin' out loud! 

Read the whole dialogue, that's addressed. What MMUT doesn't skimp on is in terms of era is scenery/structures/details. Again, it creates aesthetic cohesiveness.

[jmlaboda]

Hmm... I thought this thread was about the convention... folks were taking pot shots at the A forum for straying from the topic yet now this one as well has strayed.  Oh well, guess I can wait for the on-line announcements to see what is coming though I would have liked to learn more about it here.

[bbussey]

Lots of good stuff coming.  The Trainworx TOFC car looked spectacular.  New trucks with properly contoured metal wheels and body-mounted couplers integrated into the body.  The model also will come with container pedestals that can be snapped in place, or removed for trailer cargo.  The body is mostly metal with the the top face and side channels being plastic that snap into the diecast part.

Also, while the first release of FVM Wagontops will not feature schemes from the 1950s, Prototype N Scale Models will be offering a three-pack of Wagontops featuring three schemes from the 1950s, including two Timesaver schemes.  They will be available at the same time as the first stock run, around Labor Day.  One note with the Wagontops - the metal wheels included are the new "wide-tread" wheels, so most of the modelers on this board will want to substitute standard FVM or BLMA wheelsets.

 

[wcfn100]

Lots of good stuff coming.  The Trainworx TOFC car looked spectacular.  New trucks with properly contoured metal wheels and body-mounted couplers integrated into the body.  The model also will come with container pedestals that can be snapped in place, or removed for trailer cargo.  The body is mostly metal with the the top face and side channels being plastic that snap into the diecast part.

It looks as if the riser boards were molded as part of the deck.  Do you recall anything about that?

Jason

[bbussey]

It looks as if the riser boards were molded as part of the deck.  Do you recall anything about that?

Click on photo to see super-sized.  Risers are separate pieces that snap into the deck.

[seusscaboose]

Prototype N Scale Models will be offering a three-pack of Wagontops featuring three schemes from the 1950s, including two Timesaver schemes. 

bryan
do you have a link to this?

also... Lowell Smith announced a 2rd Carolwood Pacific car. So if you are closet CP fan, you're in luck in November.  In addition, artwork for his 2011 Disney Christmas Car featured old school original Mickey Mouse.  Pretty nice actually.

I pushed Kato for a NKP version of their NW2's and he took a note...  maybe that is a decent sign it might actually get discussed in meetings???

Intermountain talked about enhancing their packaging for their cars relative to their lighting system.  Something to reduce the change of the battery contacts getting pushed around during the "opening the package" process.

FVM has those sweet wagontops in a green scheme for express service, there are plenty of scheme's those could be done in.

Soundtraxx had their surround sound system there... impressive, expensive ($500), and still in the early adopter phase (IMO).

EP

[bbussey]

bryan
do you have a link to this?

Eric, I do not as George to my knowledge does not have a website.  But he had an announcement at his table.  He usually sends email announcements out, so I will be sure to post that on Railwire when I receive it.

[wcfn100]

Right-click on photo to see super-sized.

Thanks.

Jason

[mcjaco]

Read the whole dialogue, that's addressed. What MMUT doesn't skimp on is in terms of era is scenery/structures/details. Again, it creates aesthetic cohesiveness.

Last I checked you used the term restrictions.

The place and 50s-60s time period restrictions on locos, rolling stock, structures, and details ties it all together and is a reflection on the high quality of modeling.

Only pointing out we aren't that anal, unless we're at the National Train Show.  I guess I should have followed it with one of these: 

[sirenwerks]

Last I checked you used the term restrictions.

I'm really not the sort of guy that has to have the last word, but I do need to tenaciously defend my point; either you guys have some sort of generally-accepted, written or verbally-communicated restrictions or there's an amazing mind-meld going on within the group that you've all decided to back date the locales to around the 50s, use 1950s-era vehicles (although I've not authenticated the Weiner mobile yet), '50s-era details (no modern Coke machines at any of the stations, billboards along the highway...), etc. A freakin' coincidence?  ;D

I've seen the pics of the modern equipment on the modules, I know about that, but you've got a (back-dated) aesthetic going on for presentation.

[mcjaco]

^ To which I'll agree on every point.  No matter what we run, there's always somewhere on the layout, where it looks like it fits in.  Except for Jamie's Daylight.   

Yes.  The main restriction is the time period.  I just didn't want anyone to think we're that anal retentive about what we run.  Mike wishes we were, but we hog tie him down on Sundays, and anything goes.   ;D

I love MiNi, because as a modern modeler myself - and not midwest either, it's forced me to take on some modeling projects I would never have thought of doing.  Never would I have thought of modeling C&EI.  In N scale no less.