Following on from N-Gauge-US's excellent post on another thread (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=31626.msg363247#msg363247), perhaps this would be a good way to make discussions about the NGS Journal more productive and useful.
Even if the Editor doesn't participate in this forum anymore, we can at least let him know that there's a list of article suggestions he might want to investigate.
To get the ball rolling, I'd like to see an article about a layout that works as fan fiction, such as "Cant Cove". I'd like to know what it is that makes layouts like this so engaging, so I can do the same thing without feeling the need to rip everything up after six months because I've become bored with whatever I was building!
I'd also like to read something about re-livery projects. Even basic BR blue resprays have their challenges, like getting the yellow warning panels nice and crisp. I'd like to know how to use different types of masking tape and masking fluid, and how to do things like use a pin vice to drill the tiny holes needed to add super-detailing parts.
Cheers, NeMo
Yup, a nice range of "how to" articles (start with basic ones, and build on them is my preference) would be good to have. I know we have had a few in the past, but ... Related to that, a build article that goes into detail (both text & photos - maybe have more photos available on the NGS website ?) rather than skim over stuff ? A multi-part one, quite likely.
That gets back to the grass roots problem here.
"How to" articles would be great, but it doesn't matter wether it's electronic media or print....
Somebody has to write 'em.
I'd love to see a Network SouthEast N Gauge special (yes I can hear the groans! :D ) as it's the 30th anniversary this year. :thumbsup: I'm sure the Editor will have it covered, as he's a fan as well. It would be great collate all of the different N gauge models in that livery.
Thanks for doing this NeMo :)
I would also love some how to articles! There are some really amazing scratch and kit built projects that have been done by forum members that are well worthy of publishing. I would love to see @Dorsetmike (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2855) 's M7 push-pull conversion featured, as making the M7 workable is something many modelers could benefit from. @thebrighton (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=943) 's work is widely known in the kit and scratch building scene and an article about his LBSCR single or a quick general "how I build a kit" from him would be great, if he has the time.
I think it would be great to see some sound decoder installs like John from YouChoos does featured as it might help some people overcome their fears to see it on paper. Similarly, @Caz (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=202) and @portland-docks (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=792) both have done some more complex conversions and have added smoke machines to ther tunnels to great effect, which would make for a good how-to article.
As far as things I would (selfishly) like to see, first would be a discussion of modeling pre-grouping (especially the LBSCR) in n-gauge, including some of the kit and rtr options. I also think a column/feature profiling a different railway/company/region/period each issue would be a neat way to inform and to touch on the interests of every n Gauger at some point. I would also love to see an article about modeling heritage railways, as I see that becoming more and more popular as the average modeler's exposure to steam is more and more only through heritage railways (sadly many of us don't remember seeing any non-preserved steam locomotives).
Sorry for the long rambling list. I have lots of other ideas but these are the ones I thought worth mentioning. If I tagged you in this post and suggested an article about one of your projects, I hope you know that it is out of deep respect for you and your work and not out of an attempt to 'guilt' or pressure you into writing something you don't want to or don't have time for. If you ARE interested in publishing it but don't have time to write it, post something here about it and I'm certain one of us will be willing to write an article about your project, as long as you supply the details and photographs of course!
A big thank you again to NeMo for getting this thread started :)
-Philip
Quote from: NeMo on February 10, 2016, 09:27:28 AM
I'd also like to read something about re-livery projects. Even basic BR blue resprays have their challenges, like getting the yellow warning panels nice and crisp. I'd like to know how to use different types of masking tape and masking fluid, and how to do things like use a pin vice to drill the tiny holes needed to add super-detailing parts.
Me too...with basic tips such as which paint works over which other paint, and how to make sure it sticks! This includes weathering; mine seems to scratch off very easily.
Also;
Using Tomix/Kato/Greenmax chassis under DMUs and EMUs (my current concern!)
How to fettle locos to get them to run smoothly (my 08 is my biggest issue here)
Backscene painting
Also; realistic catenary; maybe that's me!
Cheers Jon :)
I'd like to see the odd "this is my first layout and how I built it" article, I'm sure not every reader is an accomplished modeller with a layout or two on the exhibition circuit. I'd be happy to have a crack at writing something if the journal can contemplate viewing the odd piece of horrible code 80 settrack.
The other thing that crossed my mind is an article on the N gauge scene in Japan, where N gauge rules supreme; might be an interesting different perspective.
Quote from: N-Gauge-US on February 10, 2016, 10:46:22 AM
@thebrighton (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=943) 's work is widely known in the kit and scratch building scene and an article about his LBSCR single or a quick general "how I build a kit" from him would be great, if he has the time.
When you join the NGS IIRC you can buy past copies of the Journal on CD. I've numerous articles in there along these lines. I could do more but they start getting a bit repetitive.
Gareth
It occurs to me that the focus of articles in all railway magazines is nearly always technical - they focus on the layouts and the rolling stock, rather than news or personalities. I remember being shocked when Model Rail had pictures of the people who had built the layouts; Railway Modeller never did....
So I wonder if people could write the odd short article of a less technical nature, maybe a bit humorous:
How I discovered N gauge?
What my wife/husband thinks of it all?
How I learned about modelling......
Ways of smuggling purchases into the house....
...kind of thing..... :D
Cheers Jon :)
Quote from: thebrighton on February 10, 2016, 02:37:01 PM
Quote from: N-Gauge-US on February 10, 2016, 10:46:22 AM
@thebrighton (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=943) 's work is widely known in the kit and scratch building scene and an article about his LBSCR single or a quick general "how I build a kit" from him would be great, if he has the time.
When you join the NGS IIRC you can buy past copies of the Journal on CD. I've numerous articles in there along these lines. I could do more but they start getting a bit repetitive.
Gareth
Thanks very much, Gareth! I didn't know you'd done those. I will definitely have to find them:)
I've noted that many subscribers to the different fora are trying to decide which dcc system to buy, so l'd like to see in-depth reviews of the different DCC control systems which are available: perhaps for each system more than one reviewer coul comment, pointing out any downsides. This could be offered as one per edition building into one of the useful 'guides'. The review could be run past the manufacturer to correct anything incorrect.
Roger
Perhaps a few more articles about the "real railway" - there don't seem to many of those.
Best regards,
Joe
I've just sent Graham a very rough draft (copy paste from Forum) on making buildings with a plotter cutter, see if that's of any interest to him before I do any serious work thereon.
Also suggested I could do an M7 push pull hack, also a rehash of the forum posts.
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 07:19:50 PM
I've just sent Graham a very rough draft (copy paste from Forum) on making buildings with a plotter cutter, see if that's of any interest to him before I do any serious work thereon.
Also suggested I could do an M7 push pull hack, also a rehash of the forum posts.
Thank you, Mike! I hope to see both of those in print :)
Whenever I see requests for articles I always try to think of ones I'd like to see :hmmm:. Then I think on and I realise that the articles I like to read are about things I already do! So, what should I do? Quite simple really. Get off my backside and write something!
Quote from: PostModN66 on February 10, 2016, 03:25:43 PM
I remember being shocked when Model Rail had pictures of the people who had build the layouts; railway modeller never did....
Cheers Jon :)
Hi Jon,
Ha- I suggested that at an editorial meeting when Ben Jones was still the editor, and they took it on board!
My thinking was that personalising the hobby would make it more human and, as it shows most layout owners are regular, well adjusted people, begin the process of de-stigmatising it.
I don't know if it's had an effect or not, but I have noticed that in general our hobby is not mocked as much as it used to be. Mind you, I think Rod Stewart and Roger Daltrey should probably take a lot of the credit for that, plus the general perception that the railways are a success with passenger numbers soaring and exciting new civil engineering projects like HS2 and Crossrail on the horizon.
cheers
Ben A.
I fully support railsquid's and PostModN66's suggestions! It would be great.
Here are a few more ideas:
- How to model water and sea (with the beach of course)
- Ideas of layouts: not layouts already done or under construction, but a plan with an artistic view and the history of this potential layout, based on imagination or real places (such a thing exists in Voie Libre which is a French magazine on narrow gauge railways, I believe an English version is available on-line)
- Testimonials of NGS members who work for a railway company
Quote from: Ben A on February 10, 2016, 08:48:42 PM
I have noticed that in general our hobby is not mocked as much as it used to be.
Really ? Try reading the comments to the news on Hornby's share price in the wider press / internet news ... Granted, that is likely not reflective of the wider perceptions, but seeing the mockery being put out as "wit" (they're half-right ;)) is depressing.
There are some of us here who practice "through running", with permission of course. :)
Perhaps some articles about our respective layouts, in whatever state of construction, explaining why we enjoy participating. If each of us wrote, it would show the different approaches and satisfaction we get out of modeling.
I uploaded a first draft of the text of my article on the plotter cutter to my Drop box and sent the link to GH, he responded with a request that I use Wetransfer - which I've never heard of, I replied that it was uploaded to drop box all I wanted was a yay or nay did he want it, if so what edits would he like to see.
He replied that the link did not work, funny, cos it works for me, does it work for any of you?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh7j6i4uh6p7cfy/PLOTTER%20CUTTER.doc?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh7j6i4uh6p7cfy/PLOTTER%20CUTTER.doc?dl=0)
The images are not included, you can probably guess where they go from the gaps and some of the captions.
I already pay for drop box space, seems Wetransfer has a free 30 day trial for up to 2GB, with the journal requiring 300DPI images a long article with a lot of high quality images could get a bit big.
Sounds to me like he only wants submissions on his terms, if he's desperate for content I would expect him to ask for the drop box link to be re-sent if it's failed. Be interesting to see how many link failures we get here.
How about an article on all the different N Gauge versions of the famous locomotive 'Flying Scotsman'
There is the minitrix versions, grafar versions and the latest Dapol version.
I bet there are a few kits knocking about and other stuff we all might not be aware of???
It seems now that the real Flying Scotsman is back on rails, how about an article on the N Gauge versions????
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
I uploaded a first draft of the text of my article on the plotter cutter to my Drop box and sent the link to GH, he responded with a request that I use Wetransfer - which I've never heard of, I replied that it was uploaded to drop box all I wanted was a yay or nay did he want it, if so what edits would he like to see.
He replied that the link did not work, funny, cos it works for me, does it work for any of you?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh7j6i4uh6p7cfy/PLOTTER%20CUTTER.doc?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh7j6i4uh6p7cfy/PLOTTER%20CUTTER.doc?dl=0)
I can access the page and download the file to my computer (Mac OS X in case it's relevant).
It does look like the Dropbox website is attempting to display the document on the webpage as well, but failing, which may be causing confusion.
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
The images are not included, you can probably guess where they go from the gaps and some of the captions.
The file (despite being small) took a while to open on my computer, I actually thought the software had crashed for a moment; it looks like you've included the images "hotlinked" directly from the NGF site, so the word processor is attempting to download each one which is taking time and making it feel unresponsive (for me at least). While I can see what's going on, it's possible this makes the file seem "broken".
It might be an idea to submit the initial draft as a PDF file, if possible (not sure what software you're using; LibreOffice provides that as a simple export option), that will be self-contained and easier to transfer/open.
Just a couple of thoughts.
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
He replied that the link did not work, funny, cos it works for me, does it work for any of you?
Works OK for me.
Had similar to railsquid - opens ok on dropbox itself, but downloading the file it takes forever to open within Word. I could see this might look broken to some.
Win 7, Firefox if that's any help (doubt it's too relavant).
HTH,
Alan
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
I uploaded a first draft of the text of my article on the plotter cutter to my Drop box and sent the link to GH, he responded with a request that I use Wetransfer - which I've never heard of, I replied that it was uploaded to drop box all I wanted was a yay or nay did he want it, if so what edits would he like to see.
He replied that the link did not work, funny, cos it works for me, does it work for any of you?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh7j6i4uh6p7cfy/PLOTTER%20CUTTER.doc?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/nh7j6i4uh6p7cfy/PLOTTER%20CUTTER.doc?dl=0)
The images are not included, you can probably guess where they go from the gaps and some of the captions.
I already pay for drop box space, seems Wetransfer has a free 30 day trial for up to 2GB, with the journal requiring 300DPI images a long article with a lot of high quality images could get a bit big.
Sounds to me like he only wants submissions on his terms, if he's desperate for content I would expect him to ask for the drop box link to be re-sent if it's failed. Be interesting to see how many link failures we get here.
Tried link with iPad.
Could not open as 'invalid address'
Chris
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
...He replied that the link did not work, funny, cos it works for me, does it work for any of you?...
Works for me.
Worked second time for me on my iPad Dorsetmike. Slow to open though for a 22kb file.
Quote from: Pete33 on February 11, 2016, 01:15:42 PM
Quote from: Dorsetmike on February 10, 2016, 10:57:14 PM
He replied that the link did not work, funny, cos it works for me, does it work for any of you?
Works fine for me, Mike. It sounds like another example of Hedges being bloody-minded and awkward. No wonder increasingly fewer numbers want to submit articles to him.
It's hardly surprising that Graham doesn't post on here any more when you get completely crass nonsense like this posted. Why the personal attack, this is completely out of order.
Jerry
Quote from: Pete33 on February 11, 2016, 01:15:42 PM
Works fine for me, Mike. It sounds like another example of Hedges being bloody-minded and awkward. No wonder increasingly fewer numbers want to submit articles to him.
And yet other people have reported it was either slow for them or didn't appear to work...
Is it really that unreasonable (or bloody-minded and awkward) for an editor (particularly a volunteer) to ask for submissions in a format that suits them best? It isn't as if it is being asked for in a particularly obscure or expensive format!
It might just be me, but it makes me chuckle that some NGS members just want to see N Gauge modelling in the Journal, whilst others want prototype information and in-depth reviews of DCC equipment. Just goes to show that you can't please everyone all the time!
I've sent Graham a Drop Box link in the past without him having any problems accessing it. I sent a link to a public folder, rather than to a specific document though. Otherwise, as he says in his notes on article submission, you could always copy the text into an email.
Happy modelling.
Steven B.
The moderating team have now received yet another reported post regarding the editor of the journal.
If members continue having a go at Grahame, then We will have no choice but to lock this thread.
Please take this as a last warning.
Thank you - John.
I just tried the link Mike gave and it opened in Dropbox but did come up with a requester to run "Flash" which quite a few of the various browsers are now disabling by default due to its security concerns.
Whenever I've submitted articles in the past Word type docs and pdf's have been perfectly acceptable but if accepted they usually want high grade images sent as well.
I wonder if some kind soul could write a short article on the parts and what they do of a typical motor? I see mention of armatures, brushes, pick ups, gears, worms and I have no idea what they are or what they do. ???
I would be happy to write something but am reluctant to expose my mediocre modelling ability and vague prototype knowledge to criticism especially after being spectacularly shot down on another forum to which I no longer contribute.
Is this a common feeling among members, that they perceive an expert membership who won't be interested in beginners experiences?
I like the newer look journal :thumbsup: from me.
C.
Quote from: ChrisWV10 on February 12, 2016, 06:52:58 PM
I wonder if some kind soul could write a short article on the parts and what they do of a typical motor? I see mention of armatures, brushes, pick ups, gears, worms and I have no idea what they are or what they do. ???
I would be happy to write something but am reluctant to expose my mediocre modelling ability and vague prototype knowledge to criticism especially after being spectacularly shot down on another forum to which I no longer contribute.
Is this a common feeling among members, that they perceive an expert membership who won't be interested in beginners experiences?
I like the newer look journal :thumbsup: from me.
C.
I am sorry about your experience. It sounds like a bad one. I truly hope you haven't had anything of the sort happen to you on here. Some members are quick to offer their knowledge here but usually I find it is for the purpose of education, not simply to correct you.
I can't speak for what would be interesting to the whole NGS membership but it seems that many of the articles people have requested on here might be termed 'basic' information and so there certainly seems to be some interest in articles geared towards the less experienced modeller. If there is something you would like to write about, I'm sure if you posted your thoughts on here, other members (myself included) would do their best to aid you with whatever information you needed!
And I certainly wouldn't mind seeing an article discussing the different available motors that come in rtr locos and the pros and cons they have, as well as some detail about how they operate.
Whilst I am not an NGS subscriber so cannot make any comment about how I perceive the NGS.
However 'Experts' started out as beginners. So it is shameful that they shot you down in flames :telloff: On this forum there is no such thing as a silly question, we promote a convivial atmosphere :) where we all help each other out so I agree with @N-Gauge-US (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=4712) that if you posted your thoughts on here, we will help.
No no it wasn't here! I've found everyone to be very friendly and amicable. Lots of friendly banter on threads and genuine concern for other members when their circumstances take a downward turn. :beers:
C. :NGF:
I would enjoy some more about the various PC tools that are available, plotter/cutters, 3D printers, scanner/cutters and more about the use of DCC for things other than locos. Points control, turntable control, and finally intergrating the PC into full control of a layout...
A lot of what's in there sometimes seem so "yesterday", and no I'm no "yoof" just an old retired codger trying to drag himself into the 21st Century and get the best from what is now available to us to enjoy our layouts..
Quote from: Greybags on March 26, 2016, 10:43:14 AM
I would enjoy some more about the various PC tools that are available, plotter/cutters, 3D printers, scanner/cutters and more about the use of DCC for things other than locos. Points control, turntable control, and finally intergrating the PC into full control of a layout...
A lot of what's in there sometimes seem so "yesterday", and no I'm no "yoof" just an old retired codger trying to drag himself into the 21st Century and get the best from what is not available to us to enjoy our layouts..
DCC beyond driving loco's is all a bit of a dark art to me as well no doubt I could work it out so would agree a few introduction articles would be interesting to get the ideas flowing.
Quote from: Greybags on March 26, 2016, 10:43:14 AM
I would enjoy some more about the various PC tools that are available, plotter/cutters, 3D printers, scanner/cutters and more about the use of DCC for things other than locos. Points control, turntable control, and finally intergrating the PC into full control of a layout...
Articles like these *can* be good but they're difficult to write well.
The problem is that non-professionals frequently fall into the trap of extolling the virtues of whatever product they own without experience of many/any of the others. For example, they mistake ease of use with familiarity. Just because they've learned all the kinks and quirks of a program doesn't mean it's a well-designed piece of software.
To give an analogy: my kitchen seems very well laid out to me because I know where everything is from years of living in this house. To you my kitchen might seem like chaos because it's different. This is, fundamentally, the heart of the Mac vs. PC debate; they're both good, they both have different strengths and weaknesses, but because home users rather than pros tend to be able to afford just one or the other, they muddle up their expertise with one platform (which they have) with expertise of home computers generally (which they don't have).
Professional writers for computer/tech magazines and websites will be sent software for free, so have the ability to try out different word processors, photo editing software, and so on. Home users buy something once, and because software can be relatively expensive, they'll stick with it, upgrading periodically because the manufacturer deliberately makes good value deals to keep users sticking with that product.
Personally though I find DCC very dull*, and wouldn't want to see too many articles of this sort in the NGS Journal. I'm much more enthusiastic about the articles about actual modelling, the articles that teach me how to do things with bits of plasticard or brass!
Cheers, NeMo
*In part because I have trouble enough getting DC working properly with my hopeless track laying skills, and partly because I feel it's a dead-end technology. The future, surely, is rechargeable battery powered locos controlled by radio or even wireless networking. No need to keep the track clean because power's on board and signalling comes via the aether!
Quote from: NeMo on March 26, 2016, 11:29:52 AM
Quote from: Greybags on March 26, 2016, 10:43:14 AM
I would enjoy some more about the various PC tools that are available, plotter/cutters, 3D printers, scanner/cutters and more about the use of DCC for things other than locos. Points control, turntable control, and finally intergrating the PC into full control of a layout...
This is, fundamentally, the heart of the Mac vs. PC debate; they're both good, they both have different strengths and weaknesses..
Home users buy something once, and because software can be relatively expensive,
It is these very reasons why articles about the differences are so important, so as to provide people with information so as they can make a more informed choice, and then when they do buy something it is with more confidence it will do what they want.
I enjoy making models from card or plastic, but eyesight can sometimes make seeing N gauge difficult and stiff fingers can make cutting difficult and painful, so the option to be able to scan something like a Scalescenes model, set the cut lines on a pc and then have a machine cut it out for me seems like a brilliant solution, especially as I have seen this done.
So more info on what else could help us would be wonderful.
Likewise, despite having a lot of fun with the electronics side of the hobby, that's more something that's useful to read about online where it's immediately up to date. For the printed magazine I'd like to see more articles about actual modelling too. Digging up my old NGS Journals in a couple of years time to read about some computer software or control system that doesn't exist any more (or just isn't compatible with my system) seems a waste of paper.
I do look at things like the Silhouette Cameo and wonder whether these could be a good tool for scratch-building. Imagine laying out all the walls on a computer, and having a cutter do the work for you, including perfectly sized holes for windows and doors!
(Right now doing this with scalpel and plasticard, and it's not my favourite job at all...)
An article on using one of these computerised cutters for building models would be great.
Cheers, NeMo
Quote from: Greybags on March 26, 2016, 12:11:48 PM
I enjoy making models from card or plastic, but eyesight can sometimes make seeing N gauge difficult and stiff fingers can make cutting difficult and painful, so the option to be able to scan something like a Scalescenes model, set the cut lines on a pc and then have a machine cut it out for me seems like a brilliant solution, especially as I have seen this done.
Quote from: NeMo on March 26, 2016, 12:19:49 PM
I do look at things like the Silhouette Cameo and wonder whether these could be a good tool for scratch-building. Imagine laying out all the walls on a computer, and having a cutter do the work for you, including perfectly sized holes for windows and doors!
(Right now doing this with scalpel and plasticard, and it's not my favourite job at all...)
An article on using one of these computerised cutters for building models would be great.
Cheers, NeMo
Good idea.
There was a 3 page article in Railway Modeller in October 2014 pp786-788 by Mike Fleming about making full colour printed passenger stock this way, and there is a lengthy detailed and effective tutorial here:- http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/80563-introduction-to-using-inkscape-to-produce-cutting-files/ (http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/80563-introduction-to-using-inkscape-to-produce-cutting-files/)
Although I agree there is scope for an article I think one which sets out where we are now with links to various resources would be more useful than a tutorial geared to N in the Journal. The RM article is an incentive to investigate further and provides guidance without being a full blow by blow account.
I think that Dorsetmike has already covered the subject on this Forum in a few topics.
I enjoy reading about other peoples layouts and they often provide inspiration. Not so keen on "expert how to" articles purely because I do not have the time, and sometimes the skills or interest, to undertake such tasks. I barely have the time to build the basic layout so seeing others helps. Happy for a balanced Journal with a good mix so we all get what works for us.
Apparently there is a plea for quality copy again in the new NGS journal (haven't gotten mine yet, just repeating what I was told), so I thought it might be a good time to stir this thread up. If you got an article halfway written last year, now might be the time to finish it!