OGR mag layout questions

Both of the layouts you mentioned were not built with sectional track.

Jim Teeple's layout ("Born to Have Fun") was built with Atlas flex track, while John Stup used Gar Graves flex track to build his "3-Rail Tribute to Wild Mary" layout. Consequently it is not really possible to provide a track list as one could do if sectional track was used throughout.

However, your question is a good one and we'll take a look at including the track list in the future on those layouts that are built entirely of sectional track.

Burlington,

You'll find that layout photo features whether in OGR or CTT rarely include piece by piece listings of track sections used, which is not appropriate to some layouts anyway as Rich mentioned.

The emphasis in a layout feature is to showcase in photos and text the results of another modeler's efforts, that is, how they have created a complete, scenicked, operating layout. The intent is not necessarily to provide detailed instructions as to how a trackplan could be duplicated.

The layout planning articles in CTT that I believe you are referring to are a different category of article. In those, tracks plans with complete inventories of track sections needed are included. However, usually the layout has never actually been constructed. The graphics show suggested scenery elements, but not completed layout photos since there are none.

However, anyone wishing further information from the author of an OGR article may contact the OGR office and make a request that the author contact him or her to provide more information. The request will be forwarded to the author who in most cases will be happy to contact them.

Several readers of my articles have done this in the past, and we now correspond regularly in some cases. Most authors appreciate the fact that a reader will take such an interest in an article.

Jim

Jim Policastro has it exactly right. 

With layout planning articles (which we rarely do), it's not a problem to provide a list of individual components, especially when sectional track is used.  In fact, a component list is pretty much a must-have which such articles. 

Layout features, however, are a whole different ballgame because these layouts are, for the most part, already completed or largely completed.  Beyond listing the brand(s) of track/switches used, and the curvatures, there really aren't many specifics that can be given.

If you have a question about a specific layout that we've published, all you need do is send your question/request to me via e-mail and I will forward your request to the author.  Be sure to include your full contact information, including address and phone number.  The author himself or herself can then respond directly to you, and most are happy to do so.

I have a few CTT mags when the LHS carried them and "just got a digital subscription to OGR"...it was there in the OGR digi mag archive where I saw the layouts in question and thought either of those would be neat. The curve radius' were mentioned but that was it. I could get off my lazy butt, I suppose, grab myself a cup of coffee or mountain dew and try them out on my anyrail5 program, but I was honestly looking for a quicker way. I'm used to CTTs way of showing piece counts and brand, but I guess I never really payed attention to whether they were layout articles or builds...will have to do that now.

I doubt a responce is warranted via the authors since both were all flex track...not much to report back about more than that, so I won't bother them.

That "born to fun layout" really calls to me though...3 bottom levels of 3 rail, one middle rail for what I'd do as On30 but add a loop down to the transformer, and a top loop, or a tad more, of more 3 rail again. I see a big wooden trestle bridge for that On30 crossing too where it says MTH bridge.

Thanks for the input folks- it's greatly appreciated and was enlightening.