How about a Micro Layout challenge?

[wm3798]

With the various discussions of model railroad therapy and the revisitation of several small projects, and an expanding interest in Ttrak, it seems to me the micro layout concept might make a suitable challenge.
Any thoughts on parameters?
Lee

[Dave V]

Ooo...well, as much as I like the idea, I'm not tackling anything of the like anytime real soon.  I would suggest the following (and if approved, I may yet participate):

1)  Timeline closer to a year rather than three months.  A layout is a much more substantial project than an individual model.
2)  Can be whole layout or module (given how many T-Trak modules are under construction as we speak).
3)  Can be something where construction has already begun...just not complete.

Those are my 2 cents, anyway.

If I did this it would be to contribute my rehabilitation of a stripped-down SlimRail HOn3 4-foot module.  The benchwork is done but that's it...everything else would need to be done over.  I don't know if that's in the spirit of what you're suggesting though Lee.

[DKS]

Yeah, I think Dave touches on some of the potential sticking points. I have about a half-dozen unfinished micro layouts, so I potentially have an unfair advantage... unless it must be a new one from scratch--in which case I'd pass, as I'm not in a position to start another one anytime soon.

I could, however, see the potential of specifying a T-Track module, as these seem to have caught on.

 

[davefoxx]

I have a T-TRAK module that I just started a few weeks ago, so, if a module is permitted in the contest, this might be the inspiration that I need to keep this project moving along.

DFF

[wm3798]

Perhaps simply a TTrak module challenge, then.  Perhaps with a meet to run them at RailBQ, Timonium, or other regional venues depending on participation.
Does 6 months sound reasonable?

And an already started box is fine, but al the starting gate we should have full disclosure as to the status of the module.
Lee

[davefoxx]

Perhaps simply a TTrak module challenge, then.  Perhaps with a meet to run them at RailBQ, Timonium, or other regional venues depending on participation.
Does 6 months sound reasonable?

And an already started box is fine, but al the starting gate we should have full disclosure as to the status of the module.
Lee

I like this idea.  In the interest of full disclosure, here's the current status of my double module:



The efforts to date were well documented here on TRW within the past few weeks.  I built the box, laid the track, hooked up the basic wiring, and painted most of the track (I still need to paint the rails).

DFF

[ednadolski]

Would a shelf layout qualify?   Something say under 8 square feet (2' x 4' equivalent) or so.

Ed

[Mark W]

"Layout Scene" or "2sq Foot" Challenge?

A T-Track module or equivalent sized build. 

[wm3798]

"Layout Scene" or "2sq Foot" Challenge?

I like that, with the caveat that a non TTrak build has to let the train "do" something... a small loop to run, or a switching puzzle.  A TTrak rig would obviously be part of a larger set up.

[MVW]

"Layout Scene" or "2sq Foot" Challenge?

A T-Track module or equivalent sized build.

I'd be 100% on board with this. I have a couple lineside areas that haven't been developed yet. At least not much.

Jim

[wm3798]

Okay.  I'll put these thoughts together over the weekend, then do a launch announcement under a new topic on Monday.

[Dave V]

In light of the other conversation about contests and the questionable purposes and motivations therewith, what is the endgame here?  Frankly I would not be interested in any sort of a physical prize...my enjoyment comes from being part of this community and sharing in a common objective.  So long as a 2 x 4 foot HOn3 module would answer the mail, I'm in.  I'm all but done with N scale so a T-Trak module for me would be a waste.

[wm3798]

The end game is for people who want to participate to have fun participating.  Unless someone wants to ferret up a sponsor, I don't see any prize other than bragging rights.
As for scale, ain't no thang.  If you don't have a dog in this hunt, plan another one.  I doubt I'll be entering something about narrow gauge, but I'll enjoy watching it unfold and voting.
Any other feedback is appreciated.  This doesn't have to be hard.
Lee

[Point353]

I'm all but done with N scale so a T-Trak module for me would be a waste.

You have to try more than one piece of Unitrack.

[Dave V]

The end game is for people who want to participate to have fun participating.  Unless someone wants to ferret up a sponsor, I don't see any prize other than bragging rights.
As for scale, ain't no thang.  If you don't have a dog in this hunt, plan another one.  I doubt I'll be entering something about narrow gauge, but I'll enjoy watching it unfold and voting.
Any other feedback is appreciated.  This doesn't have to be hard.
Lee

Well good, that was my point...  I'd much rather just do the challenge just for the fun.  I'll be building a module anyway for the club, so I'll toss it into the ring.  If it's DQ'd, no biggie...it needs to be built anyway!

I'm thinking about doing something a little unusual for my module.  So many narrow gauge layouts and modules end up being caricatures...
Impossibly cramped mining operations, vertical rock walls, broken-down Mexican border towns infested with banditos, etc...  SlimRail is different insofar as all of our modules are inspired by real places.  But we do have a lot of high-country stuff and one very nice Chili Line module.  So I think I want to do something that was very, very common on the D&RGW/RGS narrow gauge circle but seldom modeled: open rangeland.  I'm thinking about doing a module based on the D&RGW San Juan extension between Chama and Durango, or the Marshall Pass line in the Gunnison Valley west of Sargeants.  Very few trees, just rolling hills with rabbit bush, juniper, and pinon, and the 14,000' peaks on a distant backdrop.