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Proposal for Forum Reorganization

P PSMOGR Forum Member

Ever since joining the OGR forum, I have found the organization to be confusing at best and downright frustrating at worst. Based on other users' confusion and moderators' understandable consternation regarding thread locations, it seems that this issue is somewhat widespread. One of the biggest frustrations for me is that there is no defined location for layout builds; on the many car forums I am a part of there is always a defined location for "project" threads. It also seems many of the mislocated threads stem from confusion over the purpose of the subforums under "Train Forums" and no clear delineation between 3R Traditional meaning semiscale, and the many models produced over the last 2 decades that are scale, detailed models yet don't quite clear this forum's bar for 3R Scale due to couplers and pilots.

So, rather than stew in this frustration, I have taken the liberty of writing out how I would reorganize the forum. My hope here is to start the conversation. Obviously, relocating current threads would be a monumental task; any change to a long standing forum is hard, if not impossible. I don't mean to overstep or seem demanding, I just wanted to offer an idea. Perhaps some of these changes could be tried over time.


Layout Builds (for documenting layout construction)
3R Traditional (semi/non scale)
3R Realistic (scale equipment, realistic track/scenery, but non scale couplers, movable pilots, etc, so its not "3R Scale")
3R Scale (current 3RS rules, no lobster claw couplers, fixed pilots, etc)

Layout Advice/Help (for asking questions and for providing technical guides/how to)
Scencery
Track Plans
Electrical
Command Systems

New Products (discussion and announcements)
Lionel
Atlas
MTH
3rd Rail
Other Manufacturers

Service/Repair/Upgrades (questions and tech guide/how to threads)
Lionel
MTH
Atlas
3rd Rail
Other Manufacturers

Customization
3D Printing
3R Scale (questions and tech guides for "3R Scaling" locomotives and rolling stock)
Weathering

Photo Collections/Threads
Model Trains (i.e. switcher Saturday etc)
Real Trains (Rail Fanning)

General Discussion (everything else)
Model Trains
Real Trains
Historical Real Trains (for questions/ discussion about specific prototypes, etc.)

Classifieds (Require post title to include FS or WTB)

Other Scales
S Scale
HONGZ
O Scale Narrow Gauge

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

TS Ted SOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

No offense, but I have the opposite proposal...  I've been a member of the OGR Forum since the year 2000.  I can remember when there was only one or maybe just a few different sub-forums.  I find the large number of forums confusing, and yes I've been guilty of creating a post in the "wrong" forum from time to time ;-)

I always read the Forum from the "all topics" view.  I look at the thread titles, and evaluate each post on its own merits.  When I really want to dig for something I use the search function, and search all forums.  I don't care what sub-heading a thread is posted in.  Personally I woudn't care if they all just went away!  So that's what I propose.

If Alan, or someone appointed by him wants to curate our beautiful mess, he or she could change the backround on the thread to a "theme color," corresponding to the current sub-forum structure, or the one you propose.  That would allow folks who are picky or pressed for time to focus on their area of interest at the risk of ignoring others.  My $.02.

Rich in NOVARich in NOVAOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

While I like the idea in principal, (Organization is a wonderful thing!), as others have mentioned, it would be a Herculean task to undertake at this point in time. Great idea, bad timing. I also use the search function.

I also like Ted's idea of perhaps color coding the backgrounds of each subforum. That might make it a little easier for folks looking for specific topics.

@prrjim posted:

seems like you don't like 2 Rail, I notice absolutely no mention of anything 2 rail O scale.

Maybe he's trying to tell you something! (totally joking!!!)

Last edited by Rich in NOVA
CAPPilotCAPPilotOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER
@prrjim posted:

seems like you don't like 2 Rail, I notice absolutely no mention of anything 2 rail O scale.

Also, I'd break out G gauge and standard gauge.  More posts on those gauges than on the other gauges.  Who else wants to add an area?

I also just use Recent Posts and open a topic that seems interesting.  However, sometimes I am in a hurry and don't check to see which forum I am in before posting.  Having the forum name at the top of the page with the topic title would be nice.

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