Re: OGR, Run 262, Norm Charbonneau

Norm's layout is one of those that "speaks" a thousand words in each and every picture.  The first time I saw photos of his layout, I thought John Allen had been reincarnated.  Each picture tells a story on its own that makes words unnecessary allowing the viewer to feel as if they were standing within the scene itself.  This most recent feature in OGR couldn't have been any better letting the large and beautiful photos honor a master's canvas.  I believe the limited copy in this story enhanced the impact and purpose of the feature making for one of the most impressive spreads that OGR has ever produced.  

Norm...I can't wait for your next layout...I have so much more to learn from you!!

Alan

Norm,

   You are a great artist/modeler and your layout is(was) a masterpiece. Your attention to detail is second to none.  Your work has inspired me particularly with the weathering.  Your artistry also shows in your photography.  I really enjoyed the OGR photo spread and I'm glad you have preserved your work.  The only good thing about taking down your layout is that you are building a new one.  I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future.

Rich

 P.S. Don't put a refrigerator in the new cave or you may never leave it. 

You're certainly no slacker yourself when it comes to building great layouts, Rich!  Your trilogy of videos have certainly been an inspiration, and now I'm getting close to giving that ScaleTrax a try.

Go Ahead Allan and 'take the plunge' with Scaletrax - we think you'll be pleased if you do.

Someone above asked Norm if he was considering another track system perhaps; what do you think Norm?

Norm's layout was fantastic and something we can aspire to.  Then of course there is SIRT and Rich Battista.  I wish I had even one tenth of the talent those guys possess.   Every time I build a building I always keep their 'ideals' in my mind.  The best part is they are willing to share their techniques with us commoners.  

They help to make the hobby fun for all of us.    

Or, you can just incorporate the best aspects of each in one.

I hope that wasn't a back-handed slap at my 'learn something' comment Allan.  I think I was pretty clear that it was much to 'learn' just by looking at the wonderful photos.  My comment's meaning was directed more to learning a technique than anything else.

- walt

Everyone, thanks again, it's nice to see the kind words and interesting to read the criticisms. For what it's worth, I tend to stay away from doing 'how-to' type of things but I did do a couple of simplified weathering features in TM's Lionel Nation 4 and the newest Hirail 4 DVD. That K4 is the same one featured in the article. I just got word from my builder that work on my basement should start in the next week or so and I can't wait to get down there and get my space set up.

As for the next layout, I may start a thread in the Track Planning forum in the next few weeks to solicit some ideas for the finer points of my layout design. The theme will stay PRR hirail with Atlas track.

Allan, I hope you do more work with Norm. I also hope he explains to the Luddite group among us (or maybe I'm the only one) how or why he does something.

Jim Barrett alone is worth the price of admission for the mag. But the Bill Bramlage article was superb. And when you look at how he explained what he did and why, you see the significant difference between that and the pictures of Norm's layout.

Norm's modeling skills are the best. I said that above. Moving is a PIA and stressful. Maybe next time Norm can verbalize how he did something and OGR can tell us.

Gerry

I'd bet that Norm will stay with the Atlas O, 21st Century Track System.

Very nice article!

Stated much more eloquently than my crude attempt at saying the same.  Thanks!!!!

- walt