I am not sure if it has been mentioned before, (can not found owt), but here is an excerpt from today's 'Model Railway Scenery' email -
"Also, the preliminary series launch dates for the new series of the Great Model Railway Challenge, which we're really proud to be a part of this year, have been announced. The new series has been scheduled to start on the 30th of August, but they're trying to push it back a bit I think so it falls more inside modelling season."
Information on RMweb says , it was Steve Flint who wanted it earlier so the winning layouts could be at Warley. Note there are 8 episodes this time of a length extended 1 hour 15 minutes..
I took a picture of the Finalists at Fawley....
will it be with the same two talking heads who don't seem to be able to tell the difference between N and Narrow gauge, and seem to know sod all about model railways, or is someone who does know something going to be appearing ?
According to 'British Railway Modelling' the programme start has been put back until the middle of September.
Fans of the hit series, The Great Model Railway Challenge will have a little longer to wait for series two as producers have delayed the start until mid-September. It was originally planned to start on August 30.
Channel 5 has extended the episode run to eight instead of the previous six for this year and will now allocate a 75-minute timeslot in the schedule, 15 minutes longer than last year.
They'll be 15 teams competing in total, three in each of the five heats, made up of a mix of clubs, groups, and single modellers who have been put into teams by the show producers. The full list of teams is available here.
A lot of the show's format has stayed the same, with the same judges returning to the same location, Tim Shaw and James Richardson also return to presenting duties. There will now also be two semi-finals, with the winner of each heat going through, plus one runner up across the heats that particularly impressed, leaving six teams to go head-to-head in the final.
That would explain why it was missing from my recorders tv guide for the 30th
Didn't they do that last year as well.
Hi David,
Thanks for the heads up. I don't know what I enjoy more, the programme itself or people slagging it off :D. Should be watchable though for all it's good, bad and ugly.
Cheers weave :beers:
I shall be watching, despite having that :censored: Tim Shaw on board, he really does spoil it for me. James May would have been a better choice.
Quote from: TrevL on August 25, 2019, 06:49:43 PM
I shall be watching, despite having that :censored: Tim Shaw on board, he really does spoil it for me. James May would have been a better choice.
I agree totally. I stopped watching car SOS because Tim Shaw got on my nerves with his fake "blagging".
Quote from: Steve Brassett on August 25, 2019, 08:55:04 PM
Quote from: TrevL on August 25, 2019, 06:49:43 PM
I shall be watching, despite having that :censored: Tim Shaw on board, he really does spoil it for me. James May would have been a better choice.
I agree totally. I stopped watching car SOS because Tim Shaw got on my nerves with his fake "blagging".
I'm just grateful that he isn't joined by Fuzz Townshend. Now that really would be too much for me.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/80/6067-300819094118.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=81000)
Eeeek!
It's like a Marvel's Avengers poster! ;D ;)
I just hope that the transmission date of the first episode does not having a bearing on anything. :worried:
The first series didn't really do it for me, I found it just too gimmicky, but I guess it'll be a case of I feel still I have to watch it as it is related to my main hobby, and family and friends will no doubt keep asking "did you see it....?".
Quote from: ntpntpntp on August 30, 2019, 12:40:33 PM
The first series didn't really do it for me, I found it just too gimmicky, but I guess it'll be a case of I feel still I have to watch it as it is related to my main hobby, and family and friends will no doubt keep asking "did you see it....?".
https:www.kathymillatt.co.uk/blog/2019/08/31/great-model-railway-challenge-2019/ (https://www.kathymillatt.co.uk/blog/2019/08/31/great-model-railway-challenge-2019/)
one of the presenters - her modelling Blog as well
family and friends will no doubt keep asking "did you see it....?
this is why we need to offer constructive comments and encourage all & sundry to watch - the publicity may support the future of our hobby. We need more new members ( AKA Addicts) and all the publicity we can get.
Quote from: Railwaygun on September 01, 2019, 05:01:21 PM
this is why we need to offer constructive comments and encourage all & sundry to watch - the publicity may support the future of our hobby. We need more new members ( AKA Addicts) and all the publicity we can get.
Yes I agree because my wife and I were motivated to join the hobby by this programme and have spent the time since then Reading, YouTubing and Building. The N Gauge Forum has been a wonderful resource, with friendly and knowledgeable members.
The layout does appear to be taking longer than 3 days (!) but we wouldn't have thought of modelling without the inspiration of the TV programme.
Sandy
Time to tune in for the 8:00pm start on Channel 5.
Well...
[spoiler]
The novice team, The Train Set, were the runaway winners for me.
[/spoiler]
We all agree that the hobby should be fun. No question about that but fitting volcanos near a row of Metcalfe terraced houses takes things to ridiculous levels.
Not the right way to promote model railways to newcomers in my view.
Yours grouchily
Alec.
Quote from: RailGooner on September 13, 2019, 09:24:19 PM
Well...
[spoiler]
The novice team, The Train Set, were the runaway winners for me.
[/spoiler]
My thoughts too. I enjoyed it though, would've liked to have seen more trains running and playing a bigger part in the layouts.
:D Yeah but they all, bar the winner, had trouble running trains. :D
One thought struck me after the results: Have a single novice team who compete in every heat up to the 1/4 finals. They have a pass through to the 1/4 finals, from which point they can be eliminated. It'd be interesting to see how they did/didn't improve along the way. :hmmm: I know it's early days and I'm not criticising here - I enjoyed tonight's show very much - just a thought.
Thought I'd do some modelling tonight, as been a bit lapse recently, and watch it tomorrow but have just sliced the side of my finger off with a craft knife so will watch it now as bandaged myself up and presumably need to keep it upright for a while.
Sorry for sharing that but the wife's been working long hours, is asleep and I didn't want to wake her. Just wanted to share to ease the pain a bit. They should have had the cameras here :D. Will comment soon.
Cheers weave :beers:
I enjoyed it a lot. Likewise I think the newbies punched well above their weight.
For those that worry about the correct type of brick pattern a house near a volcano should have. I'd like to point out the beneficial effect Thomas the Tank Engine had on the hobby, despite being a little bit unrealistic ;)
I enjoyed the fun, have got used to the judges and presenters, and enjoyed quite a bit of what I saw.
It's prime time TV after all, so must include: inanity, jeopardy, stupidity, awful puns, and a liberal dose of affected amazement.
All in all, not that bad. And good to play 'spot the things I saw at Fawsley Hall earlier in the year'.
And @weave (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=735) , hope your finger stops throbbing/bleeding/hurting soon. :thumbsup: :beers:
as a bit of light hearted entertainment I thought last year's series was ok, will look out for it on the web as like last year's show I can't see it being broadcast down under.
Yes, me too. I also watched every episode of the last series, and found it entertaining enough if you don't take it seriously. Certainly no worse than a lot of the other stuff that's dished out on a daily basis.
This one was a bit too 'Michael Bentine's potty time' for me. I liked Michael Bentine's potty time but, once again, this programme doesn't know what it is. They concentrate 98% on the gimmicks, which is great and I liked them, but then criticised them for a poor railway that hadn't really been mentioned.
I laughed when the female judge, sorry forget her name, who had only really mentioned the gimmicks (except for digging up one team's ballast with her fingers - it's temporary for gawd's sake!), said towards the end 'this IS a model railway competition after all' or something like that.
Still watchable with a pinch of salt.
Cheers weave :beers:
PS Thanks @daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634), still hurting but finger eventually stopped bleeding. Bit light headed so will review what I've just said above in the morn :D
I think we're all agreed, it is ultimately aimed at the non-modeller. Therefore it puts entertainment ahead of modelling. And as Steve Flint pointed out in an editorial in The Modeller last year, the programme reached many many times more people than The Modeller ever could.
Watched about 2 thirds of it last night on catch-up until the ch5 catch-up thingy died. Interestingly Mrs Kirky watched it with me. Never in 25 years of marriage has she even bothered to ask about anything to do with trains - I smply get a patronising 'thats nice, John'. But last night she asked 'What's all this about ballasting? Why is it important to get that right?
She soon fell asleep once I started talking about correctly scaled 2mm ballast grains and having a bag of terrarium sand in my stash.
A last word on presenters; for me there is only one person to present it - the one and only @Ben A (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=94) . It would bring a certain amount of much needed gravitas to the programme. However, I imagine its way to trivial for Ben.
Quote from: kirky on September 14, 2019, 08:17:23 AM
A last word on presenters; for me there is only one person to present it - the one and only @Ben A (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=94) . It would bring a certain amount of much needed gravitas to the programme. However, I imagine its way to trivial for Ben.
And I wonder what the BBC would have to say about him moonlighting for another channel - great idea though!
Quote from: weave on September 14, 2019, 12:14:06 AM
This one was a bit too 'Michael Bentine's potty time' for me. I liked Michael Bentine's potty time but, once again, this programme doesn't know what it is. They concentrate 98% on the gimmicks, which is great and I liked them, but then criticised them for a poor railway that hadn't really been mentioned.
I laughed when the female judge, sorry forget her name, who had only really mentioned the gimmicks (except for digging up one team's ballast with her fingers - it's temporary for gawd's sake!), said towards the end 'this IS a model railway competition after all' or something like that.
Still watchable with a pinch of salt.
Cheers weave :beers:
PS Thanks @daffy (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=5634), still hurting but finger eventually stopped bleeding. Bit light headed so will review what I've just said above in the morn :D
Michael Bentines Potty Time, THAT'S what it reminded me of. As I watched, it kind of had that familiar feel. All that was missing was the funny voices.
Thanks for clearing that one up in my head.
I like the fact they actually give out points for the layouts now, instead of just telling us which one won in a vague way. Though I do think there should be bonus points for the first to slap a presenter after they make a pun. :angel:
Quote from: voltan on September 14, 2019, 12:53:16 PM
I like the fact they actually give out points for the layouts now, instead of just telling us which one won in a vague way. Though I do think there should be bonus points for the first to slap a presenter after they make a pun. :angel:
I'd pay good money to see someone deck that charlie Tim Shaw.
I've never come across a more excruciating presenter.
He doesn't bring anything to the programme.
Quote from: voltan on September 14, 2019, 12:53:16 PM
I like the fact they actually give out points for the layouts now, instead of just telling us which one won in a vague way. Though I do think there should be bonus points for the first to slap a presenter after they make a pun. :angel:
There's a very logical reason for the points though. You notice that this year the highest scoring loser also gets a chance at making the final, which means you have to give them all scores that can be compared later rather than just "this was the best of the 3"
Quote from: monkey_brains on September 14, 2019, 12:28:40 PM
Quote from: kirky on September 14, 2019, 08:17:23 AM
A last word on presenters; for me there is only one person to present it - the one and only @Ben A (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=94) . It would bring a certain amount of much needed gravitas to the programme. However, I imagine its way to trivial for Ben.
And I wonder what the BBC would have to say about him moonlighting for another channel - great idea though!
My guess is they probably couldnt stop him. Its not like presenter is the same job as journalsit, which is what he is. But I could well be wrong. Ultimately it would depend on his contract. Still, I'm sure he couldnt be bothered with such trivial stuff.
Quote from: weave on September 13, 2019, 10:23:51 PM
... just sliced the side of my finger off with a craft knife ....
Weave, take care of that finger!
Leon
@weave (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=735) A good bandage and plenty of anestet anisthet anasthe alcohol, that's the word I'm looking for! :beers: Take care.
Quote from: zwilnik on September 14, 2019, 12:59:43 PM
There's a very logical reason for the points though. You notice that this year the highest scoring loser also gets a chance at making the final, which means you have to give them all scores that can be compared later rather than just "this was the best of the 3"
Even without that reason I like the introduction of the scoring, it also makes the scratch building challenge a must do for the chance of points, rather than something that could be happily ignored.
Quote from: kirky on September 14, 2019, 08:17:23 AM
..
Interestingly Mrs Kirky watched it with me. Never in 25 years of marriage has she even bothered to ask about anything to do with trains - I smply get a patronising 'thats nice, John'. But last night she asked 'What's all this about ballasting? Why is it important to get that right?
...
I hadn't planned to watch last night's episode - it was scheduled to record but when I looked up from my laptop it was airing live.
Sitting here one hour ago, with MBH flicking through the TiVo, she suggests "Should we watch The Great Model Railway Challenge 2019."! "Oh, I watched it last night." replies I. To which she comes back with " :censored: :veryangry: :censored: :veryangry: :censored: ! Well you're watching it again now!". Fine with me. :D
Ive managed to see the GMRC19 episode 1 now. Quite enjoyed it but usual annoyances ..not for us etc etc
However, Im really annoyed because I liked the geyser and the volacno. But noone metioned how either of them worked - that is how they produced the whoosh as it went up. Presumably the same device operated both - any ideas anyone?
cheers
Quote from: kirky on September 15, 2019, 05:03:01 PM
Ive managed to see the GMRC19 episode 1 now. Quite enjoyed it but usual annoyances ..not for us etc etc
However, Im really annoyed because I liked the geyser and the volacno. But noone metioned how either of them worked - that is how they produced the whoosh as it went up. Presumably the same device operated both - any ideas anyone?
cheers
I suspect a CO2 cylinder was released to produce the effect
No ideas about the volcanoes.
One thing that did occur to me was that it wouldn't really work with N in the same format because the general standard of tracklaying and ballasting was so bad. I assume that this is because theyare in such a rush and are sponsored by Peco so they have to use their track and can't use Kato track for instance. I'm surprised that no one has used foam track underlay to save time and provide a better appearance but maybe that isn't allowed either. Tracklaying and wiring take time which they don't have but maybe there is a team who will get it right and have good running too.
It felt as if the overall quality of the layouts was better this year (so far), they all had trains that ran, there were a couple of issues but no so much of the half finished scenery we saw in the first series.
Me and the Mrs. went to see the filming of an episode in June and had a blast. We had a great time and it was very interesting to see what goes into making an episode. The teams really work hard!
I think the ingenuity of the builds and animations are brilliant, we watched Fridays episode and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
I'm sure we all know the difference between building a prototypical layout and television entertainment so try not to get too worked up by this show, take some time out and just enjoy it.
Quote from: Railwaygun on September 15, 2019, 05:43:10 PM
I suspect a CO2 cylinder was released to produce the effect
Wouldnt CO2 be colourless though? Unless they somehow fed it through water to create that steam effect.
Any other ideas anyone?
I reckon they used CO2.
CO2 discharged at high pressure into an ambient atmosphere will fog. To try it for yourself, go and ask your Fire Marshall at work for training on CO2 FAFFA. :D
Quote from: RailGooner on September 15, 2019, 09:08:35 PM
I reckon they used CO2.
CO2 discharged at high pressure into an ambient atmosphere will fog. To try it for yourself, go and ask your Fire Marshall at work for training on CO2 FAFFA. :D
Been mucking about with fire extinguishers again have we Mark?
:D
Quote from: emjaybee on September 15, 2019, 09:31:09 PM
Quote from: RailGooner on September 15, 2019, 09:08:35 PM
I reckon they used CO2.
CO2 discharged at high pressure into an ambient atmosphere will fog. To try it for yourself, go and ask your Fire Marshall at work for training on CO2 FAFFA. :D
Been mucking about with fire extinguishers again have we Mark?
:D
:toot: :D
Quote from: RailGooner on September 15, 2019, 09:34:01 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on September 15, 2019, 09:31:09 PM
Quote from: RailGooner on September 15, 2019, 09:08:35 PM
I reckon they used CO2.
CO2 discharged at high pressure into an ambient atmosphere will fog. To try it for yourself, go and ask your Fire Marshall at work for training on CO2 FAFFA. :D
Been mucking about with fire extinguishers again have we Mark?
:D
:toot: :D
Not sure if that's better or worse.
;D
In my science teacher days we'd get a chunk of dry ice from the ice cream factory up the road, and that would be a whole day's lessons - letting kids chuck it into beakers of water, and burning themselves with it. They loved it!
Maybe it was dry ice?
Edit: Or one of those smog machines you can buy these days
The Train Set's geyser effect was dry ice sublimation, as Tim Shaw correctly stated, all giggly excited in a kind of 'Ho Sir! Me Sir! I know Sir!' creepy way. :uneasy:
for those of us not in the UK, and wanting a bit of light entertainment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zXtpirxC2Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zXtpirxC2Y)
cheers
Graham
Cool, thanks, Graham! :thumbsup:
Now I can check out this famous volcano!! :beers:
Quote from: RailGooner on September 15, 2019, 09:08:35 PM
I reckon they used CO2.
CO2 discharged at high pressure into an ambient atmosphere will fog. To try it for yourself, go and ask your Fire Marshall at work for training on CO2 FAFFA. :D
Yep, discharged CO2s many times in training and once for real, I reckon that was a bog standard CO2 extinguisher fired up the volcano..
But if you're going to have fire extinguishers round the house and more importantly the model railway shed, have Dry power (blue band on the extinguisher) as it can be used on anything, electricity , scenic stuff or oils. CO2 Has black band on the extinguisher..
dry powder is messy though...
Got me viewing tonite!
All I've got to do is get out of this bowling club! ;) :beers:
Hi George,
Are you all watching highlights from the Oval and your beers keep filling up with tears :D ;)
Hope you enjoy the railway programme. Might be best that you've had a few :).
Cheers weave :beers:
Just settling into bed with me Samsung Tab 3.
Regards the Oval, we still won, though, eh ;)
Anyway, bring on the Challenge! :beers:
Unfortunately, nothing I can do will get the challenge on.
Ah well, sleep is a good option. Skin cancer doc 9am tomorrow. :beers:
No, I haven't got skin cancer, by the way. Well not until tomorrow! ;D
Quote from: Graham on September 16, 2019, 07:53:51 AM
for those of us not in the UK, and wanting a bit of light entertainment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zXtpirxC2Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zXtpirxC2Y)
cheers
Graham
Graham, this link doesn't work. Sends me to all sorts of sign up pages asking for my credit card. :hmmm:
just tried it and got
Video unavailable
This video is no longer available because the YouTube account associated with this video has been closed.
Watched the first episode of series 2 last night.
Caveat: Was actually not in great mood beforehand, due to it being the Sunday after TINGS (a whole year before I can go again) and having to be in work today etc etc. Plus the channel 5 catch up thing was annoying with insisting I needed subtitles.
Found the whole thing a lot more irritating than I remember the first time round (and I watched the entire series).
I don't think it's the concept that irks me, I am aware that it is an entertainment show and as such things are rushed that us in the hobby wouldn't ever rush (or at least shouldn't, track laying as mentioned being a prime example).
There was also some lovely modelling, especially from the young chap on the chemist / "Train set" team who did the lovely water and coastline work.
I think it's the presenters (seemingly now only being allowed to speak if they spout an inane pun) and the judges (overly animated in pieces to camera and often downright rude to contestants).
Will give the second episode a go, hopefully in a better mood.
Skyline2uk
looks like I will have to go looking for it again, this worked for about 2 mins hence I put the link up, thought I would watch it this morning and it failed on me also. hmmm!
I'm currently copping Australian Survivor as I finish my last beer for the night, heck, I can't wait for the taxi!!! :beers:
No hablo Oz. Qué?
All I can say is that I hope I can find working access to the Challenge tonight.... Mrs Bealman will be ensconced in front of the season finale of the Bachelor! :sick2:
there is a Hornby Video blog & photos here:
https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/episode-one-restless-earth?utm_campaign=2470785_Hornby (https://www.hornby.com/uk-en/episode-one-restless-earth?utm_campaign=2470785_Hornby)
I watched the first episode yesterday. I can't quite decide what I made of it. It seemed to have gone backwards in terms of the "fun" element, I think because of them introducing point scoring from day to day. As a result, the judges seemed to want to tell the team s how to build the layouts.
And they've gone from allowing three pre-built items to six. Presumably to counter last year's problem where one team brought an entire town as "one item", IIRC. So the "action" items largely arrived pre-built. And the teams have had two months to practice...
[spoiler]I hope we aren't going to end up with well established model clubs just trouncing newcomers all the while. No disrespect to Corby, but setting them against The Train Set was a bit like running a Masterchef competition with Michel Roux ranked against me.... There's not a lot of doubt who'd win and it wouldn't be my attempt at egg & chips... :( Although The Train Set were close...[/spoiler]
Quote from: Nick on September 18, 2019, 01:01:01 PM
I watched the first episode yesterday. I can't quite decide what I made of it. It seemed to have gone backwards in terms of the "fun" element, I think because of them introducing point scoring from day to day. As a result, the judges seemed to want to tell the team s how to build the layouts.
And they've gone from allowing three pre-built items to six. Presumably to counter last year's problem where one team brought an entire town as "one item", IIRC. So the "action" items largely arrived pre-built. And the teams have had two months to practice...
[spoiler]I hope we aren't going to end up with well established model clubs just trouncing newcomers all the while. No disrespect to Corby, but setting them against The Train Set was a bit like running a Masterchef competition with Michel Roux ranked against me.... There's not a lot of doubt who'd win and it wouldn't be my attempt at egg & chips... :( Although The Train Set were close...[/spoiler]
The above post prompted me to ponder the wider issue around "action items"....
It occurs to me that these are, or would seem to be, primarily intended to add entertainment for TV purposes....I don't believe many actual exhibition layouts have such things?
I know some do, and there is nothing wrong with that, but in my experience these are in the minority (especially when multiple action features are present).
No judgement either way, just a ponder...
Skyline2uk
Quote from: Skyline2uk on September 18, 2019, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: Nick on September 18, 2019, 01:01:01 PM
I watched the first episode yesterday. I can't quite decide what I made of it. It seemed to have gone backwards in terms of the "fun" element, I think because of them introducing point scoring from day to day. As a result, the judges seemed to want to tell the team s how to build the layouts.
And they've gone from allowing three pre-built items to six. Presumably to counter last year's problem where one team brought an entire town as "one item", IIRC. So the "action" items largely arrived pre-built. And the teams have had two months to practice...
[spoiler]I hope we aren't going to end up with well established model clubs just trouncing newcomers all the while. No disrespect to Corby, but setting them against The Train Set was a bit like running a Masterchef competition with Michel Roux ranked against me.... There's not a lot of doubt who'd win and it wouldn't be my attempt at egg & chips... :( Although The Train Set were close...[/spoiler]
The above post prompted me to ponder the wider issue around "action items"....
It occurs to me that these are, or would seem to be, primarily intended to add entertainment for TV purposes....I don't believe many actual exhibition layouts have such things?
I know some do, and there is nothing wrong with that, but in my experience these are in the minority (especially when multiple action features are present).
No judgement either way, just a ponder...
Skyline2uk
Well, Little Aller Junction has thunder, so it wouldn't take much for the hills on the left to have a landslide, and that could trigger a tsunami rolling into the harbour of James Street.
:hmmm:
:laughabovepost:
Do you know as I was typing that I though of "Little Aller" and it's "don't touch" button, but I wouldn't Class that as an "action item", more a life lesson... :D
Skyline2uk
Quote from: Skyline2uk on September 18, 2019, 01:23:36 PM
:laughabovepost:
Do you know as I was typing that I though of "Little Aller" and it's "don't touch" button, but I wouldn't Class that as an "action item", more a life lesson... :D
Skyline2uk
I DID touch, but did ask first.
Quote from: emjaybee on September 18, 2019, 01:19:57 PM
Quote from: Skyline2uk on September 18, 2019, 01:13:15 PM
Quote from: Nick on September 18, 2019, 01:01:01 PM
I watched the first episode yesterday. I can't quite decide what I made of it. It seemed to have gone backwards in terms of the "fun" element, I think because of them introducing point scoring from day to day. As a result, the judges seemed to want to tell the team s how to build the layouts.
And they've gone from allowing three pre-built items to six. Presumably to counter last year's problem where one team brought an entire town as "one item", IIRC. So the "action" items largely arrived pre-built. And the teams have had two months to practice...
[spoiler]I hope we aren't going to end up with well established model clubs just trouncing newcomers all the while. No disrespect to Corby, but setting them against The Train Set was a bit like running a Masterchef competition with Michel Roux ranked against me.... There's not a lot of doubt who'd win and it wouldn't be my attempt at egg & chips... :( Although The Train Set were close...[/spoiler]
The above post prompted me to ponder the wider issue around "action items"....
It occurs to me that these are, or would seem to be, primarily intended to add entertainment for TV purposes....I don't believe many actual exhibition layouts have such things?
I know some do, and there is nothing wrong with that, but in my experience these are in the minority (especially when multiple action features are present).
No judgement either way, just a ponder...
Skyline2uk
Well, Little Aller Junction has thunder, so it wouldn't take much for the hills on the left to have a landslide, and that could trigger a tsunami rolling into the harbour of James Street.
:hmmm:
There's a layout called Thunder mountain on the exhibition circuit, complete with sound and lightening effects.. it's fairly well modelled, but standing alongside for some hours is not what I would want to do...
So watched episode 2 last night.
Wasn't any more annoyed and I think the standard of modelling was overall better than last week. On balance the best layout won I think.
Will probably watch them all now, even if it's just to see what will be at Warley.
Skyline2uk
Quote from: Skyline2uk on September 18, 2019, 01:23:36 PM
:laughabovepost:
Do you know as I was typing that I though of "Little Aller" and it's "don't touch" button, but I wouldn't Class that as an "action item", more a life lesson... :D
Skyline2uk
Ah, so that's what that button's for. I did see it and wondered why there was an exposed button that anyone might press!
There is a magazine available now -
http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/65770/Magazine---The-Great-Model-Railway-Challenge (http://www.kernowmodelrailcentre.com/p/65770/Magazine---The-Great-Model-Railway-Challenge)
Hi all,
Doesn't seem to be much interest, good or bad, from last week. I did have some opinions on last week but can't remember what they were :beers:, hic.
Might watch it again plus tonight's helping.
Still needs less cheesy presenters though.
Cheers weave :beers:
watching Train Truckers instead tonight so I don't yell at the tele so much over the comments of the presenters.
Maybe i'll catch up by watching the end of the program at 9:00 just to see the layouts.
I rather like the series! You have to take it at face value and see it as TV entertainment based around railway modelling. I think the second series has been better, and I don't mind the slightly cheesy nature of the comments. The modelling is still a key for us, even if action items have to be included to bring entertainment. The ingenuity of the teams to meet these targets is well within the normal routine of a club with its range of experts, it's just that it's not the norm for a club or exhibition layout. It seems to be attracting newcomers to the hobby, and The Train Set from episode 1 came up with some marvellous modelling for beginners, and young too!
As for the suggestion of a tsunami hitting James Street's harbour, I would say we have enough already going on on the layout to not need further distractions! We could always get the dock operator to knock his knees onto the board I suppose as a low-tech alternative.......
Quote from: Skyline2uk on September 18, 2019, 01:23:36 PM
:laughabovepost:
Do you know as I was typing that I though of "Little Aller" and it's "don't touch" button, but I wouldn't Class that as an "action item", more a life lesson... :D
Skyline2uk
That is an "interactive" feature rather than an animation.It does bring lots of smiles to people's faces and that is a good thing. I did think of spraying a little water on anyone who says "where's the rain" but decided it might get me into trouble. I also have many sounds to go with the layout that I play when young ones are around - cows, sheep, tractor starting, seagulls, skylarks and the bells in the signal box (codes for accept an express and train entering section are used). I think this helps to provide entertainment and adds a bit more depth to the model.
As for the GMRC - I enjoy it. Yes the modelling is rushed but that's about making tv that will entertain a wider audience rather than just pure railway modellers. Whenever I have seen layouts at exhibitions with any animation it has always attracted a lot of attention. This leads me to think that maybe the tv programme has got a lesson for us all in that thinking up a few little animations for our layouts is a good thing. They are entertaining and it gives us all something different to think about. I suppose I could claim that making the signals work is a form of animation - I like watching them go up and down even if viewers usually miss them or don't notice that they work. Animation in N is more of a challenge than in larger scales but it might be worth giving it a go sometime....
The idea of automated effects is not new. A layout called Ortogo (if my memory serves me well) was featured in RM and Meccano magazine back in the fifties. The entire layout was automatic, hence the name.
This impressed a young Bealman, and I have several effects on my layout, which visitors can activate by pushing push-buttons on the layout's fascia.
Anyone who has visited Minatur Wunderland in Hamburg would know what I'm talking about.... except I did it first :P
On my layout, press "Factory chimney" and you get 30 seconds of smoke. "Haunted priory" gives wails and spooky lighting. The button under the kid throwing a stone at a window gives the sound of breaking glass, etc.
Quote from: Southerngooner on September 28, 2019, 08:26:58 AM
I rather like the series! You have to take it at face value and see it as TV entertainment based around railway modelling. I think the second series has been better, and I don't mind the slightly cheesy nature of the comments. The modelling is still a key for us, even if action items have to be included to bring entertainment. The ingenuity of the teams to meet these targets is well within the normal routine of a club with its range of experts, it's just that it's not the norm for a club or exhibition layout. It seems to be attracting newcomers to the hobby, and The Train Set from episode 1 came up with some marvellous modelling for beginners, and young too!
As for the suggestion of a tsunami hitting James Street's harbour, I would say we have enough already going on on the layout to not need further distractions! We could always get the dock operator to knock his knees onto the board I suppose as a low-tech alternative.......
Never let it be said that the operators on James Street don't have a sense of humour. I had a chat with one at TINGS, I apologise as I can't remember his name, and I casually mentioned "I've always thought you're a bit light on stock". His face was a picture until he saw your other chap wetting himself laughing.
James Street is awesome.
If you want an abject lesson in how to draw crowds and keep people entertained... ...James Street is it!
although I did not exactly enjoy the first series, mainly IMHO spoilt by the inane chatter of the talking heads, I decided to watch series 2 to see if things had improved ...
yes and no, again my opinion...
inane chat and excruciatingly forced puns from the talking heads as before, but the program itself had for me improved....
so, i decide to solve the problem when watching episode 3 this morning, on my5 ...
muted the volume, ans concentrated on watching what was going on, and it worked :thumbsup:
much more enjoyable :)
the down side of course is the while you can pause, replay etc the actual program, the adverts have this ability removed :veryangry: but are long enough to boil a kettle, or open a bottle :beers:
so, overall, and purely for me, much more enjoyable
As in post #78 above, I don't have a problem with animated effects, but the scale you all describe intrigues me....
Free advertising for the program, cos I can't wait to see it!
Still keeping up with this and last night watched heat 5.
Probably the best so far in terms of quality, couldn't pick a winner at first but then winners turned on the style.
Not entirely sure they deserved TWO sets of full marks (it's almost as if the judges opened the plaudit floodgates).
But still worthy winners.
Skyline2uk
The crocheted trees weren't realistic enough... The realistically flat model of Holland wasn't hilly enough... :doh:
I'm thoroughly enjoying the second series. My wife, who has no interest in model railways is now very much into it and trying to decide who will win. Ok, it mostly isn't serious modelling but it is entertaining. Team Grantham are awesome modellers and great at animation.
Whilst very few exhibition layouts feature animation it has to be said that those that do always attract a crowd. It is possible we could see more animation on new layouts being built now following this show. I think this would be a good thing.
The thunder and lightning were added to Little Aller Junction before the TV show. I think of this as an interactive item. I also have a number of other sound effects; my favourite being the skylark . At TINGS a fellow exhibitor said that it was the layout that got the most smiles which was nice. I've been surprised to find that children will just not press button marked do not press so I might change that to maybe "press if you are brave". Little Aller Junction will be at the Great Electric Train Show next weekend. This will almost certainly be the penultimate show for this layout; it will be dismantled next year so the components can be reused on another project.
Potential SPOILER ALERT!.............
I've just been on the Warley Show website to look at tickets and I fear that their homepage gives away the winner! :thumbsdown:
Unless I'm wrong and there are multiple layouts from the show there, but I thought just the winner got to exhibit at Warley? Would be a huge mistake in my opinion if that's the case! :confused2:
I was lucky enough to be in the UK at the same time as Warley last year, and there were definitely at least 2 of the layouts from the show there.
For those of us outside the UK, @Bealman (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=255) especially, this is now available here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8axo8zJA54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8axo8zJA54)
cheers
Graham
Thanks a lot Graham for the link.
I just watched the first episode.
S. Flint was clearly biased in favour of Corby right from the start. A tailor's dummy would be more telegenic.
He has to go.
I think Stern Steve does a great job.
I don't mind Kathy or Stern Steve but the two silly presenters and the piano music are dreadful :-X.
I noticed that two of the teams used foam underlay under their track which makes a lot of sense give the time constraints.
I'm enjoying the second series but wonder how sustainable the concept is, could they do another series or are there only so many layouts with effects that viewers would like to see? I think the format needs changing a bit with layouts in different scales and sizes. Why don't they try challenging the contestants to build a layout for young children or a very compact layout to fit on a bookshelf for instance? I think a bit about the techniques used to build the layouts might help too.
Maybe I should contact the organisers.
:NGaugersRule:
Quote from: joe cassidy on October 07, 2019, 01:12:20 PM
S. Flint was clearly biased in favour of Corby right from the start. A tailor's dummy would be more telegenic.
Come off it - Steve is one of the nicest people out there! I haven't seen this series yet, but it sounds like careful editing or an act Steve has been asked to perform...
next week's show is Saturday, 1945- set the video to stun!
Quote from: red_death on October 07, 2019, 02:04:34 PM
Quote from: joe cassidy on October 07, 2019, 01:12:20 PM
S. Flint was clearly biased in favour of Corby right from the start. A tailor's dummy would be more telegenic.
Come off it - Steve is one of the nicest people out there! I haven't seen this series yet, but it sounds like careful editing or an act Steve has been asked to perform...
I get the impression Steve has a few 'scripted' soundbites to add to the tension. Some of them definitely sound like he's acting rather than giving his own advice.
Quote from: silly moo on October 07, 2019, 01:46:58 PM
or are there only so many layouts with effects that viewers would like to see?
To be fair I'd have said the same about cakes a few years ago but the Great British Bake Off still seems to be doing ok.
I would love to see ...
1. gagged talking heads so no :poop: puns
2. scratch build challenge replaced with a section where items are explained , ie building card kits, don't really think a pair of flip-flops and a bottle of oil [?] would appear very often
3. more time spent asking contestants how / why they are doing what they are, the way they are.
4. CAN THEY PLEASE JUST SAY "THE WINNERS ARE XXX" WITHOUT THE DRAGGING OUT.
no wonder they need a longer time slot for this series.
Quote from: zwilnik on October 07, 2019, 02:12:32 PM
Quote from: red_death on October 07, 2019, 02:04:34 PM
Quote from: joe cassidy on October 07, 2019, 01:12:20 PM
S. Flint was clearly biased in favour of Corby right from the start. A tailor's dummy would be more telegenic.
Come off it - Steve is one of the nicest people out there! I haven't seen this series yet, but it sounds like careful editing or an act Steve has been asked to perform...
I get the impression Steve has a few 'scripted' soundbites to add to the tension. Some of them definitely sound like he's acting rather than giving his own advice.
As with all TV shows, they will have plenty of film and just use the small sections they want to create the impression they want. Agreed that Steve would never make a professional actor but, perhaps because he isn't an actor, I think he makes a great judge,
Quote from: class37025 on October 07, 2019, 02:43:55 PM
I would love to see ...
1. gagged talking heads so no :poop: puns
2. scratch build challenge replaced with a section where items are explained , ie building card kits, don't really think a pair of flip-flops and a bottle of oil [?] would appear very often
3. more time spent asking contestants how / why they are doing what they are, the way they are.
4. CAN THEY PLEASE JUST SAY "THE WINNERS ARE XXX" WITHOUT THE DRAGGING OUT.
no wonder they need a longer time slot for this series.
Terrestrial TV is about attracting as large an audience as possible. Whilst I agree your suggestions are what those really interested in model railways would want, it just wouldn't be entertaining to the public at large. In fact I don't think I would watch it because I already have my views on how to build things, what materials to use why I do things the way I do. The scratchbuild challenge is something that I hate and love at the same time. Yes it is an annoyingly ridiculous list of materials but some of the contestants do some great work with what they are given and that is impressive. It kind of goes back to the roots of model railways where trying to make something out of whatever you could find was the only way of making most scenic items. It can be useful to think that way even today although I always revert to plasticard and balsa wood for anything I need.
Does anyone have a link for the viewing figures? In the thread of the previous series I seem to rmember someone posting regular links to updated viewing figures?
Thanks
Kirky
Quote from: Chris Morris on October 07, 2019, 02:55:25 PM
Quote from: class37025 on October 07, 2019, 02:43:55 PM
I would love to see ...
1. gagged talking heads so no :poop: puns
2. scratch build challenge replaced with a section where items are explained , ie building card kits, don't really think a pair of flip-flops and a bottle of oil [?] would appear very often
3. more time spent asking contestants how / why they are doing what they are, the way they are.
4. CAN THEY PLEASE JUST SAY "THE WINNERS ARE XXX" WITHOUT THE DRAGGING OUT.
no wonder they need a longer time slot for this series.
Terrestrial TV is about attracting as large an audience as possible. Whilst I agree your suggestions are what those really interested in model railways would want, it just wouldn't be entertaining to the public at large. In fact I don't think I would watch it because I already have my views on how to build things, what materials to use why I do things the way I do. The scratchbuild challenge is something that I hate and love at the same time. Yes it is an annoyingly ridiculous list of materials but some of the contestants do some great work with what they are given and that is impressive. It kind of goes back to the roots of model railways where trying to make something out of whatever you could find was the only way of making most scenic items. It can be useful to think that way even today although I always revert to plasticard and balsa wood for anything I need.
trouble is, are we going to create the impression that a 'proper' layout needs exploding things, lots of volcanoes and smoke, and alien tripods ?
oh, and a load of old tat.
might make good tv, but will it attract new people to the cause ?
Quote from: class37025 on October 07, 2019, 05:09:07 PM
Quote from: Chris Morris on October 07, 2019, 02:55:25 PM
Quote from: class37025 on October 07, 2019, 02:43:55 PM
I would love to see ...
1. gagged talking heads so no :poop: puns
2. scratch build challenge replaced with a section where items are explained , ie building card kits, don't really think a pair of flip-flops and a bottle of oil [?] would appear very often
3. more time spent asking contestants how / why they are doing what they are, the way they are.
4. CAN THEY PLEASE JUST SAY "THE WINNERS ARE XXX" WITHOUT THE DRAGGING OUT.
no wonder they need a longer time slot for this series.
Terrestrial TV is about attracting as large an audience as possible. Whilst I agree your suggestions are what those really interested in model railways would want, it just wouldn't be entertaining to the public at large. In fact I don't think I would watch it because I already have my views on how to build things, what materials to use why I do things the way I do. The scratchbuild challenge is something that I hate and love at the same time. Yes it is an annoyingly ridiculous list of materials but some of the contestants do some great work with what they are given and that is impressive. It kind of goes back to the roots of model railways where trying to make something out of whatever you could find was the only way of making most scenic items. It can be useful to think that way even today although I always revert to plasticard and balsa wood for anything I need.
trouble is, are we going to create the impression that a 'proper' layout needs exploding things, lots of volcanoes and smoke, and alien tripods ?
oh, and a load of old tat.
might make good tv, but will it attract new people to the cause ?
Imagine what a 8/9 year old child wants. He or she wants action such as exploding trains, volcanoes, spaceships, earthquakes, burning houses, etc etc.
And 8/9 year old children just might become the modellers of the future.
Similarly Mums and Dads being badgered to build such layouts for their children may well "get the bug" and be inspired to build something more realistic for themselves.
Just a thought.
Quote from: port perran on October 07, 2019, 05:45:28 PM
Imagine what a 8/9 year old child wants. He or she wants action such as exploding trains, volcanoes, spaceships, earthquakes, burning houses, etc etc.
And 8/9 year old children just might become the modellers of the future.
Similarly Mums and Dads being badgered to build such layouts for their children may well "get the bug" and be inspired to build something more realistic for themselves.
Just a thought.
exactly this. At some point we all started in the hobby playing with toy trains, we just forgot once the full scale enthusiasm set in.
Quote from: zwilnik on October 07, 2019, 06:04:58 PM
Quote from: port perran on October 07, 2019, 05:45:28 PM
Imagine what a 8/9 year old child wants. He or she wants action such as exploding trains, volcanoes, spaceships, earthquakes, burning houses, etc etc.
And 8/9 year old children just might become the modellers of the future.
Similarly Mums and Dads being badgered to build such layouts for their children may well "get the bug" and be inspired to build something more realistic for themselves.
Just a thought.
exactly this. At some point we all started in the hobby playing with toy trains, we just forgot once the full scale enthusiasm set in.
Some of us still like exploding wagons when we aren't making thunderstorms.
Go to 1:10 on the video.
Thanks, Graham - just caught this. Too busy emptying kitchen cupboards before the whole lot gets ripped out.
Will have a look soon. :beers:
George
Thanks to the link provided by Graham (thanks again, mate), I finally got to see Episode 1 last night.
I see what people mean about volcanoes and Metcalfe houses falling down holes. :uneasy:
I really don't think it's much different than last year's offerings, and certainly no great improvement. I do agree that one presenter instead of two would probably put an end to the stupid trying to out-pun each other business.
The editing is slick - so much so that it's brutal in parts and becomes a bit obvious.
While I wouldn't say it's as bad as, say, Love Island Australia, like all reality shows, it's of the same ilk.
Still, I'll be watching the rest of the series, and that's what it's all about, I suppose....
whilst I found the link, I have not had time to watch it yet. planning on doing that next week sitting in a hotel room with the alternative being Cambodian tv.
Might be a good idea to save it, then ;)
Well, I watched Episode 2 on my tablet in bed last night. I must be bored with the format....
I fell asleep before the end, and this morning have no idea which team won :uneasy:
just went on my5 to catch up on last night's episode ...
and it seems there wasn't one, at least last week's episode 5 was the latest one listed.
Quote from: class37025 on October 12, 2019, 12:53:39 PM
just went on my5 to catch up on last night's episode ...
and it seems there wasn't one, at least last week's episode 5 was the latest one listed.
Last week Ep.4 was aired on Friday night, Ep.5 was aired on Saturday night. Saturday night is the new norm.
:beers:
many thanks, so that explains why I had two episodes to watch last weekend.
GMRC is up for a TV award...
Vote Here
https://www.nationaltvawards.com/vote (https://www.nationaltvawards.com/vote)
(it's about half way through the 25 categories)
My feelings about this show have not changed since the last series. I think it's a great showcase to demonstrate the technical excellence and skill that some of us model railway enthusiasts have.
I have been absolutely blown away by team Grantham's build quality and thinking, they are truly a very skilled team. I would imagine that their proper layouts would be very good.
The show does this hobby no harm and also demonstrates what an inclusive hobby it is! :goggleeyes:
couldn't find the category for most annoying talking heads :veryangry:
Was a hard choice once I saw all the nominations - The Great British Sowing Bee nearly got my vote. :D
Quote from: RailGooner on October 18, 2019, 12:36:56 PM
Was a hard choice once I saw all the nominations - The Great British Sowing Bee nearly got my vote. :D
What do bees sow? :confused2: ;)
Apes???
Watched episode 4 2019 last night.
Why so long?
Because I'd totally forgotten about the show, that's why.
I shall probably struggle through episode 5 tonight, but I really cannot see this lightweight rubbish going another season.
Sorry, own opinion and happy to be shot down.
Quote from: Bealman on November 29, 2019, 09:35:23 AM
Watched episode 4 2019 last night.
Why so long?
Because I'd totally forgotten about the show, that's why.
I shall probably struggle through episode 5 tonight, but I really cannot see this lightweight rubbish going another season.
Sorry, own opinion and happy to be shot down.
Teams are already being invited for next years series..
it's one of the most popular shows on Channel 5.. Which does say a lot about channel 5
It's a Tv entertainment show that just happens to revolve around model railways.. It's not a P4 modelling show..
I saw 3 of the teams layouts at Warley last weekend, with Mizzy Gizzy.
Railmen of Kent, We Count Rivets and the lovely Loco Ladies. The layouts were very good, and the chaps, and chappesses, interesting to talk to.
The ladies had been shunted into a corner, but this was apparently because they were a last minute addition to the show. It's a shame the Grantham team wasn't there, as in my view, they were clearly the best modellers despite losing to the Kentish lads.
I found the program to be entertaining but the two main presenters very annoying!
Maybe they should let the judges present the show?
Or maybe ask Sir Rod Stewart....
I found the programme excruciating at times, and the two presenters and the music annoying, I thought the items supplied in the scratchbuilding challenge were silly but it has raised the profile of our hobby and generated a lot of interest.
It has no doubt increased sales of model railway products which will benefit everyone involved in model railways. Even though the layouts were almost exclusively 00 some of those people who were encouraged to have a go themselves will probably opt for N. The more the merrier.
:NGaugersRule:
Quote from: Gizzy on November 29, 2019, 01:10:28 PM
I found the program to be entertaining but the two main presenters very annoying!
I think that's part of the design template for this type of show -
MasterChef and
Bake Off refer...
I enjoyed the show and am glad to hear that it's been recommissioned.
Conversely I really like the presenters - they don't trivialise it too much, but equally they make it fun and accessible.
Quote from: red_death on November 29, 2019, 05:46:36 PM
Conversely I really like the presenters - they don't trivialise it too much, but equally they make it fun and accessible.
Is it just me or is there a remarkable likeness between one of the presenters (the one with beard) and the other Revolution Trains bloke - our very own @Ben A (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=94) ??
Quote from: red_death on November 29, 2019, 05:46:36 PM
Conversely I really like the presenters - they don't trivialise it too much, but equally they make it fun and accessible.
I agree, whilst to some they may appear this way, they are trying to make the show attractive to non rail enthusiasts, which they do.
It is, after all, an 'entertainment' programme and it does do that. Although I have to say that some of the one liners they come out with are worse than mine. ;)
a close run thing, but yes, worse than yours ....
just :smiley-laughing:
Ha de ha. :P
Still haven't gotten around to watching episode 5.
I realise it's not serious modelling, but to me it's boring. I find the whole thing tiresome and to some extent predictable.
I sort of enjoyed the first season, but the format has worn thin very quickly, almost to the point of having to force myself to watch it.
The solution of course is not to watch it, which is probably what will happen.
Whilst I know who won (no spoilers here), I couldn't bring myself to watch the rest of the final.
Again, without spoiling, events unfolded in such a way that pushed my cringe-o meter beyond braking point.
That all being said, I agree with the result and having met the team in question now (and got a selfie with a team member, god I regressed to a teen!), they were a lovely bunch.
Skyline2uk