Input time for the next forum contest

13.1769 sq./ft.

Seriously!   Ohhhhhh, 3.63 X 3.63, cute!  I would hope this is a maximum, and one could go smaller if one wished to.  Getting to such an odd dimension precisely could be a bit dodgey!

Yes, this is the maximum area, and you may build your layout smaller if you wish. The reason why I left it at such odd dimensions is to challenge a modeler. For the curious, .63 converts to 7.56"  

I chimed in on this a couple weeks back. Here's my detailed input. Some of this may seem hard lined...that's what rules are for...sure, they can be amended BEFORE a start date begins. I've given this sizeable thought and seeing how some here on the forum can't stay focused...I've included some lines in the sand. Respectfully.

Concept: Micro O Layout Contest

Inspired by Carl Ardent and Thor Trains Micro Layout Section

Gauge/scale: O to fit in context with OGR Forum/magazine

(O, O-27, O scale, On3, On30, On15, etc...O being the driving factor)

HO need not apply

Categories: As outlined on Carl's web site (you pick one Category to build from and stick to that category)

-With No Switches

-Continuous

-Shelf Switchers

-Industrial Railroads

-Unusual Venues

To make it fun, we could have competition within each category, winners from each category would then be judged overall best micro layout. (kind of like classic car shows). Individual Category winners could take home OGR's $50 photo submission to appear in the magazine. Best in show would win the full article spread and the $400 "prize." (and forgo the $50 photo prize in lieu of the larger prize/article feature.)

Any other sponsorship opportunities would be considered and welcomed to enhance motivation and expand participation.

Theme:

Whatever works for you. Historic, vintage, holiday, urban core, underwater, whatever gets you to lay down rails.

Dimensions:

Max square feet: 18 if it will make everyone happy. That's close to a 55 X 45 inch board

Layout shape: Any, circle, square, triangle or??...cannot exceed 18 square feet.

Third dimension is a given...Layout must be able to fit through a regular door frame...other than that, no height nor depth restrictions.

If you can make it shrink into a briefcase like George Jetsons car...more power to you.

If minor disassembly/assembly is expected for travel...please indicate so...perhaps it's worthy of a technical highlight in the magazine article...no points deduction.

Build Timeline:

Everyone has 3 months, 90 days. (4 months, and people may lose focus)

Start the contest January 15th 2013 and run it through 11:59:59 PM, March 15th, 2013.

That way all Christ-mas stuff is put away and right before spring break to prep for outdoor activities.

To prove you started on January 15th. Each submission must submit photo or two with an easy to read dated newspaper laying on your micro's blank layout board.

Photo/Video submission to an OGR forum thread:

Submit your pics/videos by x-date/time cutoff on a forum specified by OGR Editorial team or you're out...(factor in time zone changes) and no crabbing.

Videos: ok to submit as SUPPORT collateral to capture the essence of the layout as best as possible.

Video submissions will not bias judgeing...but can provide clarity and additional amusement and/or operational explaination, where necessary.

Photos will be required since OGR still prints to paper based medium.

Write up:

Submit with your photos as part of your entry submission. All edits end at the cutoff date/time.

Describe your layout in one, maybe two paragraphs. Consider these questions:

What's the purpose?

What's the intent? (i.e. retail display window, card table, childrens hospital ward, etc.)

What's your inspiration?

What did you have fun with?

What made you pull out the anti-acids?

Technical elements: Does what, why, reason, benefit?

Perhaps call out why you used material X vs. Y for a specific need.

Photo submissions must include:

-Date started: newspaper on blank layout material

-Layout Plan: Picture, drawing like on Carl's web site, image from CAD software (pic must be viewable by all regardless of CAD app you use).

-Max number of pictures: 10 or less. Judges may request more for clarity and/or OGR magazine requirements. Users will then be allowed to add to their existing submission without penalty.

Materials:

Layout board: Whatever works, Ply, foam, shelf, tabletop, door, etc. basic through exotic.

Trains:

-User must include at least one train on their layout

-Train can be: vintage, tinplate, scale, semi-scale, scratch built, modified, weathered, stock, junk yard dog, restoration, original, unrestored, dusty, shelf-queen, or any combination.

-At least one motive powered unit (steam, diesel, propane, electric, nuclear, plasma, whatever...since it could be scratch built)

-One or more items to make up the consist

-Conventional, TMCC, Legacy, DCS, DCC or static

Track:

Two rail, three rail, mono-rail, cog, custom, hand laid

Must be able to properly support the prime mover and it's consist

Layout integration:

If the micro layout integrates or, will someday, integrate with your larger layout...it cannot be a module as defined by LCCA, TCA and any other organization with modular layout criteria. If it falls into any one of those...you earn a points deduction for that judging element.

Judging Criteria:

1-5 points assigned for each judging criteria element outlined below: (plus others agreed upon by Alan and OGR Editorial team and fully disclosed here PRIOR to start.)

For each chosen category:

-Fits within the spirit of the theme for each category set out by Carl on his site and Thor Trains respectively.

Includes:

-Overal concept

-type of layout (track plan implemented for that category)

-Unique track plan or utilized an existing layout design (more points for originality? sure!)

-functional capabilities (does it work vs. static display)

-Execution of modeling - intentionally scratched...to level-set across various modeling skills, budget, etc.

-Completeness of layout - is it done? If not 100%, give us a per cent complete gut-check at the end of the 90 days.

-Best integration of model train use for that layout theme. Say your theme is a Coal mine, you loose points for including an Amtrak passenger consist...make sense?

-Best tie-in to technical elements explored by Carl and Thor Trains for that layout Category (i.e. Turntable, cassette, fiddle area, etc. etc.!)

-Does NOT integrate as a moduler layout component as identified by TCA, LCCA or any other sanctioning model train body. If so, 6 points are deducted from the overall total for this criteria.

-Other subjective criteria:

-Is the layout fun? Does it invoke conversation? Is it engaging? Kid friendly?

-Who built the layout? You. Good. You + kid(s)?  Earns 2 bonus points per child (under 18) and be able to prove via pictures.

Best Micro Layout:

Layout in any category with the most points across all layouts across all categories.

In the event of a mathematical tie, OGR could opt to:

Put final layouts to a vote on the forum or via online survey

And/or consider other subjective criteria that don't contradict what's been put forth above.

It seems the small layout contest idea has died, which is a shame. I've been gathering components to build one, and intend to start over the Christmas holidays. Some of you may remember the "Layout on a Door" contest from a couple of years back. My next layout will also be on a door, featuring On30 trains and trolleys, and some "Super Streets" vehicles, and a ship. It will be fun.

Dave,

The next contest will officially start mid January, 2013, assuming the world doesn't end and the Mayans buy a new calendar. If you want to start building now, I'll post the rules on January 1, 2013.