At 02:27 AM 3/13/01, jonp@... wrote:
I think the focus on smaller layouts will really benefit the hobby.
When a young kid or teen looks through the hobby press these days,
they are seeing layouts and plans that are very do-able.
They'll look at an 8-by-8 plan for a bedroom and say "Hey! I can do
that right here in my room! The shevles will go over the head of the
bed and the desk, and the industrial district will be along the long
wall, and a drop-leaf reverse loop will be in front of the closet,
and..." ...and it grows from there.
Jon and list,
At the risk of sounding Grinch-like, there have and continue to be, numerous layout planning books presenting layout plans for smaller areas. I am afraid that if newcomers to the hobby see such a large emphasis put on these type layouts in the hobby press they will think that this is the status quo. Personally, and YMMV, I see a small layout as a compromise acceptable only when one simply cannot find the space for the larger layout they should be aspiring to.
I agree the smaller layout needs to be a beginning and a stepping stone as the basement filling empire can't always, and probably shouldn't be always, the beginner's first attempt. I built my share of smaller layouts over the last few decades, starting with a couple versions of the 4 by 8 Plywood Pacifics as a youth, but the dream was always to someday have the room for that basement filling dream layout - In other words, I kept my eyes on the prize.
Of course I realize many people do not have a basement available to them; in that case, this discussion is moot. However, I am tainted, having lived my entire life here in the basement rich Midwest. To me, if it don't have a basement, it ain't a house, and I would never seriously consider purchasing. I guess what I am saying that for me, this basement filling layout should be what is actually aspired to, and the smaller layouts are at best, stepping stones to that end. For an individual to choose a smaller layout, when one has the room for more, is simply unimaginable to me. I don't want the newcomers to think the smaller layout is all there is. And I think the growing coverage, acceptance, and desirability of this type of layout in MR, GMR and MRP is sending the message that having ONLY his type of layout forever if okay - there is no more. I hope I am wrong. Shouldn't the model press, or any periodical or individual representing whatever interest, showcase the best that interest can be, and not send the message that the mediocre or compromise is all right as THE end result?
I believe small plans will encourage people new to the hobby to
actually get building and experimenting. The basement-
filling "lifetime" layouts will evolve later from their small layout
experiences.
Agreed, but where will the example or motivation to build these basement-filling "lifetime" layouts come from as the hobby mags continue to downplay their existence and desirability.
I can see Paul's point if he means that he is saddened by the fact
that small layouts appear to be displacing the larger "lifetime"
layouts and "empires". But I don't think that's the case -- the
larger layouts will continue to exist, with small layouts serving as
stepping stones to larger efforts.
I guess that is my point exactly, Jon. In other words, what I have been dreaming of accomplishing my entire life is now seeming to be downplayed and presented as not necessarily that important or even desirable.
In fact, Paul, I believe another trend that's getting a lot of press
these days will ensure the future of the larger lifetime layout: the
emphasis on operations, particularly Time Table & Train Order (TT&TO)
operations, virtually guarantees there will still be large layouts in
the hobby's future.
Again I hope your are right and that the type of layout which I so badly want doesn't end up being a dinosaur - unusual, uncommon, and unwanted.
The funny part about all this is that now that I have the space to finally accomplish this lifelong dream, the recent onset of physical impairment due to rheumatoid arthritis may force me to have to abandon my dream and only be able to build and maintain a much smaller (read greatly compromised) layout - that is why I joined this list.
Anyway, that's my two cents, and a whole lot more, worth.
Paul (I'm not always this negative sounding) Kossart - Peru, Illinois, USA
BRHS, La Salle & Bureau County Model Railroad Club
Proto-Freelancing The CB&Q Illiniwek River Branch in HO in the 1960's...
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"Serving Agriculture and Industry in the Illiniwek River Valley since 1904."
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