Crappy Basement Layouts Feature

LOL now that's funny.  There certainly would not be any shortage of material.

Rick

I conclude from the lack of response that the feature layouts in the magazines are the creme-de-la-creme of the hobby, and not our typical basement layouts.

In my opinion, many many layouts remain hidden treasures of magazine source information because those who built them do not consider them to be the creme de la creme typically seen in the magazines.

There ought to be a recurring magazine feature that highlights particular model railroading features of interest from layouts. Features that are unique, features that are clever and features that solve problems. So why not have a recurring magazine feature that highlights via snapshots and dialog (show & tell) interesting, clever and problem solving aspects of layouts and trains?

Source information abounds in Scott's Weekend Photo Fun, and also in weekend video clips. Another source is the posts that appear daily on the OGR Forum.

Your thoughts?

Bobby, I tend to agree.  It is inspiring and intimidating to see the "crème de la crème" of O gauge layouts, however, I am more impressed by the craftsmanship, inspiration and knowledge of an individual then by what money can facilitate.  Many of our members have done beautiful work, it might be one little piece of their layout because they could not afford to do more or because they work full time without the luxury of time to devote to the hobby.  

We have several posters on the forum who do excellent work and tell us they do not even have a layout because they don't have a big enough home or can't afford to build their layout.  What a great opportunity for our magazine to offer a monthly post where hobbyists could submit one section or one accomplishment of their layout that they are very proud of.  I think our magazine might be quite surprised by the submissions.  

I agree with you. I would like seeing them also. Almost every layout I see has at least one good way of dealing with problem areas or something that interests me. I'd feel OK in the crappy basement crowd. After all I have an unfinished room and a poured walls and floor with all plumbing, electrical, propane and HVAC exposed overhead. Many have artistic abilities beyond mine. Serious time, thought and money put into scenery. The great layouts featured in ogr usually have serious attention to detail, feature towns and allot of people inhabiting the layout. I am more of a country guy and stay away from the cities wherever possible. My scenery will reflect that when I finally get the base scenery plan figured out. It keeps changing the more I see other layouts. 

I would offer up my layout. Certainly not the cream of the crop, but not altogether crappy either.

Personally, I would like to see all types and peoples journey's along the way.  Seeing nothing but the best can be both awe inspiring and depressing at the same time.  Seeing one's going through the same struggles as the rest of the average Joe's would be nice.

I would also like to see layouts that are done on thin budgets.

My layout was featured in CTT, but is really in my crappy basement.  Roger Carp commented in the article on lack of creature comforts, because I dived into layout building without finishing the basement.  Careful camera angles avoided the piles of junk.  Oh- and and I'm always dealing with spiders and dust!

I'm seeing more and more layouts that are like ours ... track, structures, ... and not much else but lots of track and trains.

Our first "weathering/detailing" project, the Engine Terminal, has turned into a months long effort ... much more than I had envisioned.

Suspect the "magazine layouts" are the exception, and a lot of them are the result of spending a **** of a lot of money on professional layout builders.

I've seen a friend sink probably $20K just into having his wired up ....

Professional job, but way overkill in my humble opinion.  But it's his life-dream so bless him.

Ok, I'm in...sort of...what do I win?