Am I the only one who misses track plans for OGR magazine featured layouts

I think most articles to feature track plans. But... I too did miss that the recent issue didn't have a plan for his layout.

I agree with Don.  Track planes help in the visualization aspect.

Yes, Don. The track plan, or the plan view, is the first aspect of an article I look for; this gives me a perspective of "touring" the layout and understanding how the various elements fits together. Simply put, they're integral in presenting a layout's design and function, and like you said, it's fun to locate the pictures via arrows on the diagram.

What I would like would be numbered arrows pointing in the direction of the photo of that number.

I was surprised too there was no plan but then again, sometimes the complexity of the layout only results in a spaghetti bowl of a plan anyways and there most likely isnt room in the article to publish scarm files showing every level individually.  Plus not everyone is a draftsman to do their own plans out.

I did the same. I kept flipping the pages thinking I missed it.

Maybe they will.have a part 2.

Hi Guys....I understand and agree with you BUT sometimes there are reasons why a plan is not published not the least of which the author simply does not supply one.  When we get one, we generally publish it.  I talked to Allan Miller this evening about this thread and he said he would chime in either late tonight or tomorrow to give more details about some of your statements in this thread.  Lets keep it positive please since our author's work hard on the articles.  THANKS!

Totally agree that Skip's layout is one the best I have ever seen, Track plans are super nice to have, but not having it for Skip's layout just adds to the mystery on how it all works, from the Christmas scenes we got in the December issue, to the NY Central yard scenes in the latest issue.  The  written content with both articles are beautifully written, it makes us dream a bit.   

If/when a track diagram is received from the author, it almost always is published with the article OR as an extra (if available) in the Digital Edition of that respective issue. There are exceptions to this, such as (1) no track plan available because the author/layout builder never used one in developing the layout, or (2) the layout is so large and/or complex that excessive editorial space would need to be devoted to displaying it.

When we do receive a track diagram, the graphics person I work with remotely (he is in Easton, PA) in designing each issue generally creates a simplified version for publication. It provides the layout dimensions, the track configuration, and perhaps some of the main features.

Keep in mind that ALL of our layout features are solely the creation of the author, with perhaps the help of a family member or friend. The Author Guidelines I provide to prospective authors asks for about 1,500 words of text; a large number of hi-resolution images for the editor (that would be me) to choose from; a brief author bio and author photo; and a track diagram, if available. After photos are selected, the author is also asked to assist with captions. And if one of the author's images is selected as a possible cover image, I generally work with the individual, via multiple emails, to have him or her "fine tune" the image to fit our cover requirements. This, in itself, sometimes requires the author to devote a whole lot of additional time and effort to the project.

If you have ever had your layout published in OGR or any other magazine, you already know that getting published involves a a good bit of work. The vast majority of our authors are not professional writers or photographers, but I am always happy to work with each and every one of them, if and when necessary, to give their creativity a proper presentation.

And if you have never had your layout published in OGR, please consider giving it a shot! Send me an email and I will send you our Author Guidelines and Photo Tips sheet to get you started. You'll make a few bucks if your layout is published, but the real reward is the satisfaction received from sharing your handiwork--in a tangible and permanent way--with your fellow hobbyists and others who may be inspired by what you have created.

Thank you to Allan and Allan, there is so much involved with each publication of which we are unaware. However, we are grateful for the continued quality.

Also, I was wondering if there is a way that we could go about asking questions of the authors? For example, I was greatly influenced by Ron Tong’s layout in the recent December/January (327) issue. There are specific questions I would like to ask, but I don’t know how to go about doing this.

Thanks,

Jay

@Tranquil Hollow RR posted:

Also, I was wondering if there is a way that we could go about asking questions of the authors?

You can address your question{s) to me via email to editor@ogaugerr.com and I will be happy to forward the correspondence to the author. I cannot provide their direct email addresses, phone numbers, etc., but if the author responds to your email you will have his or her email address for future use.

Thank you Allan.