Greg, I saw that. The contest was held in 2010, but the winners were published in the mag during 2011.
Vic, If you’d like to give them an entry that they couldn’t turn down, Just remove the base from your Pizza. Dig a shallow hole in your yard the thickens of the frame work and plant your pizza in it. Some dirt rock and moss to cover the edges, and bam, no one could argue that it wasn’t a Garden rail road at that point.
Mine is an operating Model Railroad, that just happens to be out of doors, so it doesn’t qualify, no-matter what size it is…operation is not a word that the staff at GR understand, or are interested in, so I’ve been told.
Always wanted to come for “American Invasion.” Now I’m in Oklahoma, and in even worse financial condition.
My layout seems to grow as I age and I have not added anything! Maybe it qualifies as small, but not sure. Magazine sort of left it up to your call. Like Vic I ran into the super pixel camera needed and I didn’t want to bother with that expense.
Fred Mills, BSc, BS, SD (Hons) said:
Mine is an operating Model Railroad, that just happens to be out of doors, so it doesn’t qualify, no-matter what size it is…operation is not a word that the staff at GR understand, or are interested in, so I’ve been told.
Ours won’t either - once it’s finished.
1. Swiss prototype 2. point to point 3. DCC 4. Not enough recognizable structures 5. Walk-a-long operation 6. Code 215 track
And I doubt that it would qualify as small. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-undecided.gif)
…and of course I don’t do photography…of any type, Pixies, Pixels, Piglets or Chiclets…!!!
Nowadays, 5 MP is nothing for a camera, and they can be had for less than a new engine or even some high priced rail cars. How better to document your old engines, as well as all that work you’ve put into your hobby?
As for what Marc is looking for…, you guys just don’t know until you try. There have been several articles on operations and point-to-point railroads over the years. Granted, they aren’t the mainstay…, but is that the fault of the magazine, or the lack of articles they receive?
And, don’t forget the possible $$$ compensation that could pay for that new camera as well as a couple new engines.
When I won the Garden Railways Magazine contest in 2013, the winning payout, article publication, and the cover shot paid $780 for all.
I would be happy to read any member’s manuscript and offer constructive criticism before you submit it to Marc. I’ve been writing environmental documents, professionally, for over 30 years and have prepared probably over 1,000 documents. Additionally, I’ve had numerous articles published by Marc in the magazine.
(http://grw.trains.com/~/media/images/magazine-covers/2013/grw131201.jpg?mw=400)
First off…I have no desire to have myself or my pike “in the lights”…second; I have no interest in photography. If I wanted to spend any money, it would be to enhance the operations on my railroad.
Those that LIKE photography, and enjoy sharing pictures in the mass media, are welcome to do so, and many get satisfaction from it.
If anyone cares to come to my place, and operate here, are most welcome. I enjoy sharing the pike with others, but in person, please.
Gee Fred, why don’t you tell us how you really feel?
I’d rather post pics than have all y’all here!(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif)
Hi all
I’ve noted the contest also; I promised the grand kids a permanent layout for them in the summer, in a flower bed that I prepared for them in the the new garden I built for my layout. The plans are prepared, but I don’t think the layout will be ready in time.
I think it fit the specifications, however: 20’ x 8’ and lots of Aristo sectional track for a long continuous run for the Thomas & Friends locomotives.
José Morais
Headmaster of the Lapa Furada RR
José,
It seems you have it backwards.
“I promised the grand kids a permanent layout for them in the summer, in a flower bed that I prepared for them in the the new garden I built for my layout.”
I thought it was build the layout, then worry about the garden. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)Don’t matter as long as the trains get there for you and the family to enjoy.
Very nice plan for Thomas and his friends. How were you planing to do all the stone work for the track? After watching people on here use the tiles from your local box store I think your project would be tailor made for them rock tile panels.
That’s a nice compact layout Jose, thats what I would consider ‘small’. Good luck with the build out, please post pics of the build here.
Devon Sinsley said:
(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-smile.gif)
Hey will you be at the train show Sunday. Chuck told me about it and I actually can make it.
Not this time !
Well the eagle has screamed and the contest decided… I received a letter today thanking me for my entry and announcing the winners, out of 15 total entries they are:
First place: Not You
Second place: Not You
Third place: Not You
Nuts, I knew my pics were far from the best, even though I took them out in the driveway on the highest setting, the camera is not the best and its almost impossible to take good pictures without all the yard project clutter showing. I won’t say who the winners are just yet to maintain some sense of mystery but I didn’t recognize any of them. I’m pretty sure neither are regulars here.
Oh well, maybe it will get into a future issue. Think positive right?
Man …I need a better camera… 
Either that, or maybe find someone who has a better camera who wouldn’t mind shooting it for you.
Better luck next time, Vic.
Nah Vic,
Your small layout is just to small for GR… GR was looking for ‘smaller that 1 acre’ layouts… (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)What pizza layout did you submit? Only 15 entries makes one wonder how many GR subscribers are ‘arm-chair’ modelers, or have 1 acre + size layouts!
Craig it was the pizza-pizza that I take to shows. VERY curious to see how “small” the winners are
Ray, Better camera, yeah… And some tower lights and a couple light diffusers and a backdrop sheet and a light meter. I’ve had college friends who were semiprofessional photographers so I kinda know just what I need to make good pics. I just don’t feel like spending $1200 to do it…oh and not shooting it in my messed up driveway.(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)