Large Scale Central

Newbie Questions on Articles, Photos, and misc

Website
#1

It’s been a while since I dabbled in LS (maybe a dozen years) so please don’t hurt me.

I like a lot of the features of this site and have a few questions as I explore various areas.

I realize there are “for pay” options to get additional storage for photos/videos. Is there a page that

details the basic site features and the options that are available at a charge. I suspect it’s here somewhere

but I click on members and I see a list of members…what I’m looking for is ‘basic’ and

‘member’ benefits.

As someone relatively new I’m very interested in the articles available on this site. Is there a way to

simply list all of the articles on one page…

I’ve also noticed that some articles are missing photos. There is one article that indicates the contents

are in effect a picture “Tunnel Reconstruction on The Littleton and Smallville” while the picture referenced

is missing.

It’s my understanding that users link to pictures in their “Freight Shed” so that if they delete a photo

all threads/articles that refer to the picture end up with a big hole in them.

For articles that benefit the entire LS community and that would be good to keep around would it make sense to allocate some amount of space with articles so that the photos live on indefinitely?

Otherwise it would make sense to either request the user restore the photo or remove the incomplete

article/post. Even if someone purchases extra space it’s my understanding if they create numerous

articles with links to their freight shed and later leave for some reason the photos would disappear

and the articles would be incomplete.

Just trying to better understand how this works.

Thanks in advance.

#2

David Fielding said:

It’s been a while since I dabbled in LS (maybe a dozen years) so please don’t hurt me.

I like a lot of the features of this site and have a few questions as I explore various areas.

I realize there are “for pay” options to get additional storage for photos/videos. Is there a page that

details the basic site features and the options that are available at a charge. I suspect it’s here somewhere

but I click on members and I see a list of members…what I’m looking for is ‘basic’ and

‘member’ benefits.

Welcome David.

I don’t believe that there is such a place here. The only “pay” option is a larger Freight Shed. I believe 5MB is included with your free registration. You buy more if you need it, but there’s no requirement to do so. You get no additional privileges. You can also use free picture hosting on the web if you prefer.

Should you wish to help Bob with the cost of operating the site there is a Tip Jar on the home page.

As someone relatively new I’m very interested in the articles available on this site. Is there a way to

simply list all of the articles on one page…

I’ve also noticed that some articles are missing photos. There is one article that indicates the contents

are in effect a picture “Tunnel Reconstruction on The Littleton and Smallville” while the picture referenced

is missing.

It’s my understanding that users link to pictures in their “Freight Shed” so that if they delete a photo

all threads/articles that refer to the picture end up with a big hole in them.

For articles that benefit the entire LS community and that would be good to keep around would it make sense to allocate some amount of space with articles so that the photos live on indefinitely?

Otherwise it would make sense to either request the user restore the photo or remove the incomplete

article/post. Even if someone purchases extra space it’s my understanding if they create numerous

articles with links to their freight shed and later leave for some reason the photos would disappear

and the articles would be incomplete.

Just trying to better understand how this works.

Thanks in advance.

The Articles section, just like the forums, are completely controlled by the poster. It’s just a little bit better way to post something and make it available for long term access.

Unfortunately, many folks delete pictures from their web storage breaking articles and old posts. Not much anyone can do about that except spread the word that there is value in those old pictures hanging around.

You could report articles that should be purged to Bob. He can make the call and delete it if the lack of pictures makes it valueless.

#3

Welcome David. You will find a wealth of knowledge here, people willing to share their experience, and some of them just a little bit off center!

Lou

#4

It also helps we know what part of the country you hail from. Climate and such.

#5

I’m in the Northeast where the cold and snow interfere with this hobby for a few months of the year.

I’m actually interested in starting on the inside which appears to be a very small slice of LS. Any

thoughts of a forum for indoor or micro layout? It seems there are a few individuals out there who

are interested in this area.

How is this site in terms of adding new features…

#6

Many of the forum topics such as On30, Smaller Scales and Other Hobbies were the result of suggestions by members. As always it’s Bob’s forum and his call but he has always been open to ideas and if you put up a convincing case for a new topic and enough others chime in that they would be interested I’m sure Bob would give it consideration. I know there are several members that do have at least some indoor large scale.

#7

I do indoors … though there’s probably no way you could call what I’m doing a “mirco layout!” And, I hail from the Northeast myself, though the last 11 years i’ve been a whole lot further south.

What you thinking about doing?

Matthew (OV)

#8

Thanks Matthew. I believe there are definitely a bunch of different issues when working inside and

when creating smaller layouts. The user Vic has sparked my interest in small layouts with his pizza

layouts. Makes me think more people could participate in LS without massive investments of time,

money, and real estate. I suppose indoor LS also draws a lot from traditional indoor modeling so

maybe there are other sites that are also useful.

I’m also wondering if supporting/encouraging an “indoor” segment of the hobby might allow folks

to stay involved year round where the climates outside to not allow this.

As someone just getting started I’ve really been looking for a “how-to-guide” or “step-by-step”

guide to help answer questions I have about creating a layout. Often times I end up with more questions

after reading the forums. Was thinking to try and accumulate some of what I learn and collect as I

go along into an article. Not sure if this is the intent of Articles but it might give other new members a

bunch of links and ideas and help get them up to speed.

#9

Matthew (OV) said:

What you thinking about doing?

Matthew (OV)

As the weather is turning I’ve been thinking of building something indoors that will eventually connect

to something outdoors. At the minimum a run from outside into a storage yard and maybe work area.

Trying to decide whether something large is plausible since moving seems to require dismantling these

layouts (since most home buyers don’t want a LS layout). Don’t want to box myself into a corner.

I seem to run into a lot of large layouts on the web that no longer exist. I suspect the maintenance

increases with size and folks burn out. Want to collect ideas from folks as how to avoid common

mistakes and stay motivated in the hobby. Lot’s I’m thinking to do…

#10

David Fielding said:

As someone just getting started I’ve really been looking for a “how-to-guide” or “step-by-step”

guide to help answer questions I have about creating a layout. Often times I end up with more questions

after reading the forums. Was thinking to try and accumulate some of what I learn and collect as I

go along into an article. Not sure if this is the intent of Articles but it might give other new members a

bunch of links and ideas and help get them up to speed.

Welcome, David.

If you have questions, just start a thread and start asking them. I would probably just start in the General Forum and title it “Some Questions” or something like that. :wink:

I’m sure you’re bound to get lots of answers.

#11

Maybe folks would find a forum on “Indoor Layouts” or "Indoor Trains (Layouts, MicroLayouts, Storage, Workshops etc) where members could discuss how they get their trains inside, what they are doing

inside (maybe just storage, an indoor layout, or maybe the indoor line that runs to their workshop or

maintenance facility). Seems like a neat area to focus on and give large scale folks something to work

on and discuss during the winter.

#12

Indoors with heat and a/c is often a lot of fun when outdoors makes you want those things. On the other hand, having a locomotive over three feet long and needing a minimum of an 8-10 foot circle to turn it around can make things interesting.

Beyond that, I think my primary problem is, it’s me, and occasionally some friends who come to help… but mostly one guy with all this scenery to cover, all this frame to build, all these wires (or hoses) to run … and it becomes overwhelming quickly, and you’d really rather go do something else. (I’ve been trying to talk myself into going down there for about an hour now … but the logistics of what I have to do make me tired just thinking about it!

I’m hoping once it’s built, and becomes the stage my trains run on it’ll be a bit more fun … this project is about 7 years into it now.

Moving? Oh, never… never… :slight_smile:

Matthew (OV)

http://slatecreekrailway.blogspot.com

#13

Matthew,

I definitely want to avoid burnout as I mention above. It’s not clear of the state of your indoor

layout. Is this in the planning stage, in progress, partially functioning…I agree that in many ways

we are just creating work for ourselves…that’s where I was thinking that working on small sections

and getting them up and running might be fun and motivating.

I’m curious how many believe indoor layouts are just a bad idea or too much work to bother.

I’m not as worried about the curves since I’ll likely design it for smaller engine…with parking for the

big guys (whenever they show up).

Thanks

#14

David,

Build it in segments (not the same as modules!), whatever you build and are able to place a retun loop at both ends … you’re up and running while you work on the next segment.

The method works in any scale, even worked for the 1:1 guys when they built the empires.

But … you need to do a bit of planning. Something that is anathema to some.

:wink: :slight_smile:

#15

What do folks think about a Forum to discuss indoor and smaller G scale projects?

Hans-Joerg reminded me about “modular design” which might be enhanced to the benefit of

large scale. I agree with the idea of working on a section at a time. I was thinking it would

be cool to “create” a sort of tabletop modular standard where it would be easy for a group

to gather with their abridged tabletop modules and connect them like a puzzle.

I forgot about large scale modules - I believe discussion of modules would fit perfectly in a forum

intended to discuss small and portable G scale.

"Indoor Trains (Layouts, Micro/Pizza-Layouts, Modules, Storage, Workshops etc)

What do others think about this?

#16

It makes no difference what we members think about it. If the owner of this site (Bob McCown) decides he likes the idea, it will be done.

#17

Joe,

I’m just going from Gary’s earlier post which stated if I made a strong case and enough people

expressed interest Bob might consider creating a new forum. I’ve made a case but I have no idea

if others are interested.

So my first bit of homework is to find out if other members are interested. If no one else

expresses an interest I won’t bother Bob with a request for a new forum.

It’s been made very clear that this is Bob’s site but I suspect he wants to support special interest

groups.

I could be wrong but I suspect Bob might like to know several people are interested in such a

forum before he creates it. The topics I grouped together seem to relate well but I will be the

first to admit the indoor and small layout areas are not mainstream G scale.

Are you recommending I go to Bob before determining there is sufficient interest in this new forum?

David

#18

I’m sure there is probably interest.
But is there a need?

Tracks and Trestles covers all layouts now.
Just relay to Bob the reasons you believe a new forum to be beneficial.
Ralph

#19

Yes David, I was recommending asking Bob. It has been made clear that this is his forum. It may seem that others are in charge of the chaos at times, but that is not the case. :slight_smile:

#20

Great idea, Im surprised this hasnt been asked before. There are many members that have micro layouts, or work exclusively indoors. (Waves hands) Done!