New Project Party?

[NozomiFan]

Me thinks that we should have another project party around here.
This place is getting a little boring, sooooo.... why not do a project party to wade out the winter in the southeastern part of the country?
I have a project in mind and making some ideas.
Who's with me?

[Lawrence]

Me thinks that we should have another project party around here.

Where is here?

[Darren Jeffries]

Me thinks that we should have another project party around here.
This place is getting a little boring, sooooo.... why not do a project party to wade out the winter in the southeastern part of the country?
I have a project in mind and making some ideas.
Who's with me?

Boring? Really?

What did you have in mind?

[Shashinka]

Me thinks that we should have another project party around here.

Where is here?

Well, by reading this from the PC at the house, here would refer to my house, but somehow, I do not think the cat would approve of a project party in her house. Of course if you are reading that in your place,i it would refer to your house. 

[Mudkip Orange]

Me thinks that we should have another project party around here.

Where is here?

Well, by reading this from the PC at the house, here would refer to my house, but somehow, I do not think the cat would approve of a project party in her house. Of course if you are reading that in your place,i it would refer to your house. 

I've been thinking about this, Mr. Hand. If I'm here, and you're here, doesn't that make it our house?

[Toni Babelony]

why not do a project party to wade out the winter in the southeastern part of the country?

Somewhere in Bayern? That's a little to far for me...

[qwertyaardvark]

nom nom nom... I'm game for a project party, but i'll have to see how mercifulless my profs are this semester...

[NozomiFan]

Here as to forum.
I think a single piece of unitrack, double or single would be a basis. (128mm)
And for all the UK peps out there, in some areas in the US are being held up w/ snow.
Heh, I just realized that above is an analogy.
Here as to Forum

And just some thing to spice up the forum.

[Mudkip Orange]

What

[Krackel Hopper]

hey hey,

I'd be down for a new project party.  I joined the boards just a little too late to jump into the September project party :(

I'm not sure what exactly you mean by a single piece of unitrack?

The "small layout" from September was cool but we should try not to repeat the same theme..

Yet.. the project needs to be "small" for it to be feasible for people to participate..

Here are a few ideas -

A diorama - A scene for your layout.  It does not require the use of any track.  Something you can plug into your current/future layout.  It could be a farming scene, a train station (the building, platforms and details), a street market, a ceremony or festival.  Basically, a scene that tells a story of the people in your layout.

A T-Trak module -  I know! I am bias - I'm building them anyway!  Yet they are fun, and can be completed in a reasonable amount of time.  This is a little like the last project party though..

A few other ideas I like, but I have ZERO experience with..

Kit-Bashing -  Create a kit-bashed building/scene for your layout.

And very similar..

Scratch Building -  Scratch build a building/scene for your layout.

Those are just a couple off the top of my head.  Anyone else have some ideas?

Jon

[Darren Jeffries]

Ok so it seems there is a fair bit of interest...

Who would like to host this? PM me if you are interested in hosting a party and what would be your preferred theme.

If you want an idea of what to expect as a host, contact disturbman (the host of the Sept party) or take a look at the forums over at ARCair.com where they have regular and concurrent partys.

[disturbman]

I'll be here if anyone has any question.

And, as far as the subject is concerned, I think it should be keeped pretty open. The last party showed it, you have to aim general enough so people can integrate their project in their layout/module building. For that reason, it should be diorama based.

[NozomiFan]

Ok, I guess a small diorama would be cool.

What

Mudkip, What is up?

[Mudkip Orange]

I'd like to propose that we all make a diorama based on the 29mm Kato Unitrack piece.

[Mudkip Orange]

Like this...

[David]

Well I don't have any room for a full layout, but I have been gathering pieces and doing preliminary work to design and build a 800mmx500mm (due to restrictions on space to store it) or less micro layout with R177 to run steam. If the party somehow connects I could alter my direction to match.

EDIT: To clarify, I doubt an 800x500 complete layout would be an appropriate party project (though "small, continous running" would work as a theme, since you could assemble a circle of R103 and run a shorty, TomyTec or ProHobby small loco/cars with the space inside being used for a nice building). However something like kitbashing/super detailing a loco/rolling stock, or creating a "mini" TTrak module along the lines of NozomiFan would work (it would give me some practice and I could still find space to store it). Only suggestion for that one is that it should accommodate Finetrack and various sized rolling stock (for example a diorama for a C62) we might want to display as well - perhaps make it "diorama of 16,000mm2 or less", which would be 124x124, or 210x75 or even 248x64.

[David]

Like this...

Can the closest Finetrack (33mm) be used instead, since I don't know of any mass produced rolling stock whose axles are only 3.75m apart? I'd be willing to make it 33mm x 25mm to keep the same area as 29mm x 29mm

[Krackel Hopper]

David,

I really like those ideas.

A small continuous run would be cool because it would provide for a "functional layout" for everyone by the end of the project party.  There are the Tomix super-mini curves, Kato R216, or flex track available for this.

I also really like the idea of setting a surface area.  I might suggest a slightly larger surface though.  Around 65,000mm² would allow those of us building T-Trak modules to create one for the project.  Then again, a really small display diorama could be cool as well.. would require some super-detailing that I have little experience with, but am willing to try out!  I have a MicroAce D52-1 that could use a sweet display.

I am game for about any type of project.  Also, I think a project party really inspires creativity.  Seeing what other people are working on makes me want to work more.  It also gives me new ideas or different approaches to modeling that I hadn't thought of..

[NozomiFan]

Meh, I am not one for Finetrack, because
 I can't get it anywhere in the US.
What about a Double track theme?
Like, it could be elevated
Or a bridge?

[Mudkip Orange]

Yeah I'd rather go with the 45.5mm unitrack then the 33mm finetrack.

[disturbman]

Imposing the type of tracks is, in my opinion, a very bad move.

Maybe the solution is to re-use the themes of the last party (and maybe change the maximum size to accomodate David's requirement). It was open enough to allow projects like: very small layout, TTtracks or other modules and Dioramas.

[David]

Imposing the type of tracks is, in my opinion, a very bad move.

Maybe the solution is to re-use the themes of the last party (and maybe change the maximum size to accomodate David's requirement). It was open enough to allow projects like: very small layout, TTtracks or other modules and Dioramas.

I'd prefer not to impose track type too, just keep any dimensions (like "124mm") flexible enough that it doesn't indirectly imply that Unitrack must be used (i.e. TTrak). Almost all my current track is Unitrack, but for my upcoming little layout/diorama I wanted to try Finetrack (it's got smaller ballast, which I think creates an illusion of a longer run/bigger layout when seen next to Unitrack). A project based on area (mm²) keeps things open to flexibility.

The other project type, making or enhancing a locomotive or piece of rolling stock (or set of rolling stock) is something that could fit with anyones layout, and also provides a wide budget range (you could buy all the pieces to kitbash a working logging steam locomotive, or you could modify a generic $8 TomyTec 103 cab car to match a photo of a prototypical one off painted/decorated train).

http://pinktentacle.com/2008/12/decorated-trains-in-japan/

[disturbman]

Yes. I like better the idea of using a regular track dimension as a base or a maximum surface (mm²) has a limit. But I stand by my earlier comment, I think it will be easier if we allow people to work on a diorama/layout/part of a layout. Comiting to a very precise theme could make people turn their backs to the Party. The key here is to be as open as possible.

Let people use finetracks/unitracks or any other tracks they like to work with. Let them build a completely independant diorama (with or without a locomotive scratchbuilding project) or one that could be part of a bigger layout. Let them scratchbuild a building or make a moutain if they desire so. Since this hobby is so exepensive I think it's best to allow people do something that could be part of their plans.

Sure we could have some sort of "build a yard" or "rural station" theme but I don't think much people will be interested in this.

[Shashinka]

I think we should create a new sub-forum under platform 2.5 for a summer 2010 project party.

[keiman]

How about no bigger than a sheet of A4 paper and then people have a free reign to do what they want but must include 1 item of rolling stock ?

[Krackel Hopper]

When I commented on Tomix super-mini, Kato R216 and flex track, I was saying that any of those could be used.  Not that we should pick one of those to use.  I don't think people should be limited to a specific type of track.  Not only for availability and compatibility, but also for appearance.  Someone may want wooden ties, others concrete, maybe someone on here wants to use code 55 rail.. the track should not be limited to a specific brand..

However, I'm not sure if I like the idea of repeating the last theme.  It seems bland..

I agree, the theme needs to be open enough that everyone can accommodate it into their layout/plans, but there still needs to be a theme.  For instance, maybe not a "rural" station, but how about a station theme?  For those people wanting to build a big Kato Viaduct station across the board to those who want to scratch build a country station.  Every layout can use a station.. heck, even a tram stop could fall into this category and we could still have a "theme"...

My personal opinion is every layout can use a rail yard too.. it could be as small as a single siding, or as big as.. well.. as big as your living quarters allows.

Point is, maybe not every layout needs a skyscraper, but a "residents of your layout" theme would allow some people to build skyscrapers or apartments, some to build old country shops and others to build maybe a lone farmhouse.

We can still have a theme and not alienate people because it does not fit their needs.  I'm not saying the last party wasn't a good idea, it was.. but I think some people might not want to participate because it's "just the same old thing.." offering something new, the chance to see several projects.. several different stations for example.. would be a great idea.. and hopefully spur some creativity and discussion on the boards..

[disturbman]

I won't say know no to a station theme, I've one to build. 

I would like to ask: in what would you all personally interested? You can pick up several "themes".

[Krackel Hopper]

I won't say know no to a station theme, I've one to build. 

I would like to ask: in what would you all personally interested? You can pick up several "themes".

I am up for about anything.

I think a station theme might get the most amount of people signing up.. but whatever everyone wants to do, you can more-or-less count me in..

I've got T-Trak modules to make, and I'm sure I could incorporate about any theme we decide into a module.  Even if we restrict the size, I would probably just make it a modular landscape piece that would fit onto a T-Trak module.. heh..

[NozomiFan]

 JNS Forum Throwdown: Bridge scene
JNS Forum Throwdown: Station Scene
JNS Forum Throwdown: Freestyle

Those are my finalists, anyone can add to the list.
Once I think there are enough ideas, we can start a poll.
Throwdown: Bobby Flay style!

[Mudkip Orange]

If the topic is "freestyle" I'm just going to scratchbuild some N scale turntables and a sound system and have "Sushi K" performing for a sold out crowd.

[Krackel Hopper]

So the Freestyle Throwdown..

Does it have to be done solo?

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/acEEk-7NDys" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/acEEk-7NDys</a>

Or can it be a collaborative effort?

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/KSqISmvaguo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/KSqISmvaguo</a>

[David]

JNS Forum Throwdown: Bridge scene
JNS Forum Throwdown: Station Scene
JNS Forum Throwdown: Freestyle

Those are my finalists, anyone can add to the list.
Once I think there are enough ideas, we can start a poll.
Throwdown: Bobby Flay style!

As long as station can be interpretted as any type of train platform (i.e. an old muscle powered freight station where boxcars are loaded) then those all sound good.

[Krackel Hopper]

As long as station can be interpretted as any type of train platform (i.e. an old muscle powered freight station where boxcars are loaded) then those all sound good.

I don't see why not.  I think the "station theme" should encompass everything from big city stations, to rural stations, to tram stops, to freight stations.  I think everyone can make their own judgment call on this.  Heck, I would probably even say it fits the category if you were building a factory/warehouse with a rail side loading dock.. a gray area, but probably still on the side of being acceptable for the theme..

I think we can use a theme so all the projects have some remote sign of cohesion in all of this..

[Darren Jeffries]

Ok, well there seems to be some call for this. So please can i ask those who would like to host this party to PM me with their suggestion for a theme.

No PM's=No Party=No Host

[Darren Jeffries]

Discussion regarding a 2010 project party has been moved here: http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,3126.0.html