Is it just me? But lately I am now finding the NGF facebook group more appealing. Why? I'm sick and tired of the Russian roulette with the odd posts and topics either getting deleted or merged!
I can accept that not all contributions are perfect to the forum (mine too!), but diversity is what makes good reading. However regrettably its now reached the point where I find my enthusiasm is dwindling to be involved with posting any more content.
Apologies if this offends, but I speak as I feel and will be taking a back seat from now on if nothing changes!
Yours sincerely
Dave
I don't allow political posts on here and never have. This is a model railway forum. I allow general talk, jokes etc, but the rules have been the same for over ten years. If you want to put items about soldiers drowning, ships sinking, Putin showing his anatomy on here then it will be removed.
at least i can post photos on the facebook site.
I will admit to never even looking at the Facebook page but do certainly share your frustration with the forum but not with the way posts are merged but by the constant bombardment of threads and topics by individuals who clearly see themselves as superior knowledge on EVERY TOPIC and obviously have ideas of grandeur in becoming a mod.
I have had private conversations with other members and even mods regarding this and without incriminating anyone we were all in agreement that this in itself was having a detrimental effect on the enjoyment of the forum.
The lack of content being submitted by some highly skilled N gaugers has also concerned me of late.
Like you Dave, this may be deemed offensive but I can honestly say this is certainly a different forum to what I joined. Sadly!!
I'd be grateful if you PM'd me with more detail. Strictly confidential of course. Thanks!
Quote from: Tank on April 19, 2022, 08:43:42 PM
I don't allow political posts on here and never have. This is a model railway forum. I allow general talk, jokes etc, but the rules have been the same for over ten years. If you want to put items about soldiers drowning, ships sinking, Putin showing his anatomy on here then it will be removed.
Chris I accept the rules on political content, but this go's further!
Ok, if you let me know which threads, and I'll happily look into it for you tomorrow. I'll see if there was good reason for what you're saying. :thumbsup:
Nothing further received from anyone at 10:40pm. Anyone with any issue, as I always say, please PM me. All will be confidential.
Quote from: Mr Sprue on April 19, 2022, 08:08:10 PM
... odd posts and topics either getting deleted or merged!
I've never noticed. ???
I must be in La La Land. :laugh3:
It is, of course, always disappointing to hear that members are annoyed about the forum. However, we try to strike a reasonable balance of moderation, and to be honest, I don't think our track record for the last 10 years is too bad.
From experience I know that being a mod is often a difficult and thankless task. The NGF is a nice place to spend a while and that is down to good members and good moderation. So far as I can see the mods seem to be getting it about right. I say thank you to the mods for the work they do.
I like to contribute where I can. I hope I am not one of those who comes under the classification of "the constant bombardment of threads and topics by individuals who clearly see themselves as superior knowledge on EVERY TOPIC and obviously have ideas of grandeur in becoming a mod."
It's hard to come up with specifics - especially when threads have been deleted/locked a while back. I can recall an outcry when a thread was locked. It had passed me by until then and, having found it, I had trouble understanding why it had been locked. The justification as I recall was that "it had run it's course." I believe it was subsequently unlocked but I really can't remember where it was or what it was about.
What I do find difficult is posting photos. Facebook is very simple but I find FB to be very much "of the moment" wheras I can (reasonably) easily do a search on the forum for a long forgotten tutorial and refresh my fading memory.
At the end of the day, being a moderator is a thankless task and, although I may raise an occasional eyebrow, I am grateful to them. After all, without them I wouldn't be able to type this now.
As Graham B said I also find it difficult to post pictures on the main Forum though I have done a few times and many members have shown me over the years ,I just forget what order to do things . ,I find its so easy on the Facebook page .
I have only heard of one case of a thread being locked or banned and I THANK Tank and the mods for all their hard work .I love some of the threads and even some of Danyboys jokes and just delete anything that doesn't interest me such as anything D C C .We get to see some very nice layouts and pick up some good tips.
LONG LIVE THE N GAUGE FORUM .
Bob Tidbury
I'm very happy with our Forum and am especially grateful to @Tank (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2) , the moderators and technical people, all of whom, as far as I'm aware, act in an entirely voluntary capacity so that we can enjoy reading and writing about little trains.
I've never had any problems with anything I have contributed being deleted or merged. I'm especially grateful for all the positive and encouraging comments I have received since I joined our Forum almost five years ago. Without a doubt, our Forum has been a massive influence on my enjoyment of our hobby and I'm having more fun with model railways than ever (well, almost ever!).
I make every effort only to post where I can, hopefully, contribute something helpful and encouraging, or to express my gratitude. I was a bit doubtful about a recent post which involved my starting a new thread in a specialist area of our Forum and I asked a moderator for advice. I received a quick, friendly and especially encouraging reply for which I am grateful.
I'm very glad our Forum has the range of topics it has, although there are some areas I never look at - the 'Angry/Unhappy' threads being a good example. But, if fellow Forum members find these useful, I think it is a really good thing to have them.
Strangely enough, for a Luddite like me, I can post photographs. I'm not sure I'm doing it the best way, but I can do it. Maybe we could have a video tutorial on this at some point - I'd be glad to contribute to any costs involved.
One final point, financial contributions to our Forum are entirely voluntary and I think this is a wonderful arrangement.
With my profound thanks to everyone who contributes to my enjoyment of our Forum.
All best wishes
John
Thanks so much for your kind words everyone. I hate reading negative posts, but more importantly, I listen and want to improve the forum. I'm yet to hear back from those above with any actual threads/posts/members, so I can look into it.
I don't really understand the hardship with the photo's. There is a quick and easy way, with 4 clicks to get an image in a post. Or, a slightly longer way if you want to store them in an album of your own. Facebook doesn't do this through the Groups (unless you're sharing from your personal profile.
Anyway, here is the page with the tutorial - https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=33436.0 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=33436.0)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/48/2-170217231212.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=48768)
Quote from: Tank on April 20, 2022, 09:36:18 AM
Thanks so much for your kind words everyone. I hate reading negative posts, but more importantly, I listen and want to improve the forum. I'm yet to hear back from those above with any actual threads/posts/members, so I can look into it.
I don't really understand the hardship with the photo's. There is a quick and easy way, with 4 clicks to get an image in a post. Or, a slightly longer way if you want to store them in an album of your own. Facebook doesn't do this through the Groups (unless you're sharing from your personal profile.
Anyway, here is the page with the tutorial - https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=33436.0 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=33436.0)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/48/2-170217231212.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=48768)
To be honest, Mines even simpler...
1) Upload to Imagur
2) Select the "linked BB code" option
3) paste into post.
Job done.
Graham
the only thread i recall being deleted entirely was the "ebay madness" thread. I asked a moderator why--and got answered. His decision--fair enough.
Quote from: Tank on April 20, 2022, 09:36:18 AM
Thanks so much for your kind words everyone. I hate reading negative posts, but more importantly, I listen and want to improve the forum. I'm yet to hear back from those above with any actual threads/posts/members, so I can look into it.
I don't really understand the hardship with the photo's. There is a quick and easy way, with 4 clicks to get an image in a post. Or, a slightly longer way if you want to store them in an album of your own. Facebook doesn't do this through the Groups (unless you're sharing from your personal profile.
Anyway, here is the page with the tutorial - https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=33436.0 (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=33436.0)
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/48/2-170217231212.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=48768)
why cant i just copy paste photos ?--so easy--i can do this with every other forum i am on.
I don't use Faceache, so I can't comment on whether it is easier to use or not, but I am perfectly happy with this 'ere Forum and the way it is run. Of course, sometimes decisions are made regarding moving or locking threads which I don't necessarily agree with or see the point of, but it's not my decision to make and I'm happy to let the mods do their stuff as they see fit. I've been a member for over 8 years, and there have been times when the Forum has 'gone slack' and there has been a shortage of posts that I wanted to read. That's fair enough - the subjects of the day are constantly changing; sometimes there is less of interest, but it always picks up again when there is a new layout to read about, or model introduced. Oh yes, and photos... They're a bit of a faff to load but once you get the hang of it it's quite easy!
Cheers,
Chris
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 10:09:14 AM
the only thread i recall being deleted entirely was the "ebay madness" thread. I asked a moderator why--and got answered. His decision--fair enough.
Has it been deleted? Gosh, I must have missed it :laugh3:
I honestly can't fathom why people have so much trouble uploading photos to the forum and adding them to posts, it is very easy, far easier than other forums I am on and just as easy as Facebook. It also means I can store the photos here rather than elsewhere.
As for Facebook versus the forum there is no comparison. If I want to refer back to something here it is relatively easy to find whereas there's a fair chance if you saw something of interest on Facebook this morning you wouldn't be able to track it down in the afternoon even if it was on the forums Facebook page as Facebook is very selective about what it lets you see.
A post here is for life, a post on Facebook is lost to the ether in hours.
I also see far more questionable posts on the Facebook page than here as that is the nature of social media.
Quote from: thebrighton on April 20, 2022, 11:11:37 AM
I honestly can't fathom why people have so much trouble uploading photos to the forum and adding them to posts, it is very easy...
Yup, works fine for me, using the method as documented above. I'd say 95% of the photos I upload go to my personal gallery rather than Random Photos so that I can find and re-embed them again when needed. If it's just something to help out someone else on one occasion then it goes in Random photos.
Quote from: exmouthcraig on April 19, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
the constant bombardment of threads and topics by individuals who clearly see themselves as superior knowledge on EVERY TOPIC and obviously have ideas of grandeur in becoming a mod.
Eh? ???
Could some kind soul enlighten me what grandeur there is in being a Mod? I don't get discount anywhere :no: ;) I see no queue of volunteers to become a Mod such that @Tank (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2) has his choice rather than be stuck with the likes of me. We are only human and, if a post is moved, it's generally because it's a better fit elsewhere within the forum
in our opinion only. If you have a beef and want it moved back then just PM one of us and we'll look at doing so.
Quote from: Newportnobby on April 20, 2022, 12:01:05 PM
Could some kind soul enlighten me what grandeur there is in being a Mod?
You get to ride a Lambretta fitted with an excess of of mirrors, whilst wearing a green parka with a target sewn on the back :smiley-laughing:
In my opinion the rank and file of the forum should be allowed to have some say in the appointment of the moderators.
Quote from: joe cassidy on April 20, 2022, 12:50:58 PM
In my opinion the rank and file of the forum should be allowed to have some say in the appointment of the moderators.
I have to disagree. Somebody has invested a huge amount of time over many years to get the forum where it is today. I'm sure there has been a financial cost as well. Moderating a forum can be difficult at times and can also be time consuming. The forum creator and owner must, in my view, have moderators who have largely similar views to his own. When mods start to disagree a forum goes belly up very quickly indeed. G Scale Central was one such forum. I know because I was there.
There is absolutely nothing stopping anyone who doesn't like the way this forum is run setting up their own forum. So if you are not happy, I say start your own rather than moan.
Please note I am not and do not have any relationship with the owner or any more of this forum. Just a happy and grateful user.
Quote from: chrism on April 20, 2022, 12:44:35 PM
Quote from: Newportnobby on April 20, 2022, 12:01:05 PM
Could some kind soul enlighten me what grandeur there is in being a Mod?
You get to ride a Lambretta fitted with an excess of of mirrors, whilst wearing a green parka with a target sewn on the back :smiley-laughing:
Riding said Lambretta to a model railway show would be heaven, not sure about the target though.....
Would prefer the GP200 in the old John Player (cigarette) livery of black with gold lining please.Bit expensive are scooters mind, bit like model railways!
Andy
Adding a photo takes a click or two more than other Forums but isn't too bad. I dislike some of the forum structure. The A-Z listing within the "Knowledge Bank" section annoys me in particular. What counts as "knowledge"?
Should a hint about laying Peco track go under "P" or "T"?
Likewise, if I'm detailing a Graham Farish OBA wagon should it go under "D", "G", "F", "O" or "W"?
Surely much of the content in "N Gauge Tutorials" could go in the "Knowledge Bank" section? Rather than A, B C listings a better layout might be "Track", "locos", "Rolling stock" - less chance of threads ending up in a wrong location and needing moderator effort to re-locate it.
Then there's the never ending saga of the "Kato Unitrack - Hints and Tips " thread where most Kato track related questions end up getting asked, only to be lost within the thread as it develops.
I also wonder about donations to the forum funds - are accounts ever produced to assure us that money donated is not just ending up feeding Tank's NSE habit? (not that I'm suggesting in the slightest that anything like this is happening!)
Steven B.
I read both the Forum and Facebook page regularly, FB generally on my Phone when I just have a few mins to glance through things and the Forum when I'm settled down at the Laptop for a good read through threads. Both have their place (in my opinion) and their own merits. It ain't broke, please don't fix it!
ive just tried adding a photo following the post earlier in this thread.
dunno where it is.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 05:21:03 PM
ive just tried adding a photo following the post earlier in this thread.
dunno where it is.
found it--its in my photos.
Now--how do i get it into here ?
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/847-200422171946.jpeg)
@Bigmac (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=847) if you followed the recipe in that earlier post then the BB code for the photo should have been added to the text of the post you were writing when you went to "Add image to post...". You don't have to do anything else, just save the post and the photo will be included in it.
I've found the only time you don't get the BB code inserted is if you try and add a photo that's too large or not acceptable in some other way. If that happens then the pop-up window where you selected the photo and gallery etc. stays open (but unfortunately doesn't expand to actually show an error).
"Add image to post and upload to gallery" works 100% for me as long as the photo file is acceptable. I very rarely use any of the other ways of adding photos directly to my gallery.
If you do want to re-use a photo that's already uploaded, just click on it to get to the page with gives you BB Code link underneath, copy that and paste into your post. If I'm using that method to re-use a photo I open another browser window to find the photo and the BB code.
Quote from: Moria on April 20, 2022, 10:03:19 AM
Quote from: Tank on April 20, 2022, 09:36:18 AM
I don't really understand the hardship with the photo's. There is a quick and easy way, with 4 clicks to get an image in a post.
To be honest, Mines even simpler...
1) Upload to Imagur
2) Select the "linked BB code" option
3) paste into post.
Job done.
I use a similar method, but with Flickr or Ipernity instead of Imagur. No doubt other photo sharing web sites are also available.
Quote from: ntpntpntp on April 20, 2022, 05:49:07 PM
@Bigmac (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=847) if you followed the recipe in that earlier post then the BB code for the photo should have been added to the text of the post you were writing when you went to "Add image to post...". You don't have to do anything else, just save the post and the photo will be included in it.
I've found the only time you don't get the BB code inserted is if you try and add a photo that's too large or not acceptable in some other way. If that happens then the pop-up window where you selected the photo and gallery etc. stays open (but unfortunately doesn't expand to actually show an error).
"Add image to post and upload to gallery" works 100% for me as long as the photo file is acceptable. I very rarely use any of the other ways of adding photos directly to my gallery.
If you do want to re-use a photo that's already uploaded, just click on it to get to the page with gives you BB Code link underneath, copy that and paste into your post. If I'm using that method to re-use a photo I open another browser window to find the photo and the BB code.
i have no idea what a bb code is.
Are you being intentionally obtuse? There was literally a step by step guide. Follow it, in 4 clicks, and your picture will appear. It's pretty unlikely the forum works differently for you than every other member.
I agree with some comments, there are far too many sub-forums, the A-Z are pointless, and huge catch all threads on stuff like Kato I think are useless. Yet many posts on Kato just get directed to "post in the Kato thread", so it becomes a pointless echo chamber. But that's fine, clearly it's of use to some, so no issue.
We've done merging of threads, and it's much better of late. There was a particular mod prone to doing it. It's basically the worst idea ever. There are incredibly few circumstances where merging threads is ever a good idea.
There are a few members who seem to pop up everywhere, either as an 'authority' on literally everything, or adding utterly pointless comments, presumably to get their post count up. That's fine. I roll my eyes inwardly and move on. To those asking "I hope that's not me?!" If you have the self awareness to consider that then you're safe ;)
It's concerning the eBay Madness thread was deleted because a mod didn't like it. It had got pointless, purely becoming 'look at this thing listed for more than I personally value it at', but even so, not sure why one person can unilaterally decide that deleting it is the answer.
I can live with the foibles of the forum because I like it. If people start messing about with content then that is a sure fire way to disengage the membership, and then it dies. Indeed I recall the previously referenced thread which was locked because "it had run its course", and that's really dangerous; again it becomes a unilateral decision that active discussion is no longer needed. But at the time the decision was reversed. I find some mods far better than others. In general light touch = good. Everything in moderation. Including moderation.
Quote from: njee20 on April 20, 2022, 08:01:24 PM
Are you being intentionally obtuse? There was literally a step by step guide. Follow it, in 4 clicks, and your picture will appear. It's pretty unlikely the forum works differently for you than every other member.
I agree with some comments, there are far too many sub-forums, the A-Z are pointless, and huge catch all threads on stuff like Kato I think are useless. Yet many posts on Kato just get directed to "post in the Kato thread", so it becomes a pointless echo chamber. But that's fine, clearly it's of use to some, so no issue.
We've done merging of threads, and it's much better of late. There was a particular mod prone to doing it. It's basically the worst idea ever. There are incredibly few circumstances where merging threads is ever a good idea.
There are a few members who seem to pop up everywhere, either as an 'authority' on literally everything, or adding utterly pointless comments, presumably to get their post count up. That's fine. I roll my eyes inwardly and move on. To those asking "I hope that's not me?!" If you have the self awareness to consider that then you're safe ;)
It's concerning the eBay Madness thread was deleted because a mod didn't like it. It had got pointless, purely becoming 'look at this thing listed for more than I personally value it at', but even so, not sure why one person can unilaterally decide that deleting it is the answer.
I can live with the foibles of the forum because I like it. If people start messing about with content then that is a sure fire way to disengage the membership, and then it dies. Indeed I recall the previously referenced thread which was locked because "it had run its course", and that's really dangerous; again it becomes a unilateral decision that active discussion is no longer needed. But at the time the decision was reversed. I find some mods far better than others. In general light touch = good. Everything in moderation. Including moderation.
are you being intentionally offensive ( yet again ) ?
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 05:25:52 PM
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 05:21:03 PM
ive just tried adding a photo following the post earlier in this thread.
dunno where it is.
found it--its in my photos.
Now--how do i get it into here ?
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/847-200422171946.jpeg)
seems ive done it..at last.
Well done!
:claphappy:
Quote from: emjaybee on April 20, 2022, 08:49:33 PM
Well done!
:claphappy:
thank you..but its an awkward time consuming process. Give me copy / paste anytime.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 09:19:58 PM
thank you..but its an awkward time consuming process. Give me copy / paste anytime.
It really isn't, you're just not used to it. I'm glad that you can now do it. As I've said before, the next big update for SMF (our forum platform) allows many more features, and I hope to update the Gallery to make it more like other platforms. I can't make the forum exactly how I'd like it as I don't have the millions of pounds that social networks invest in their platforms, so I have to rely on other clever people to make the modifications.
The next big task for the forum is to invest money on upgrading the old 'modifications', so that I can use a more recent version of PHP. This will have a huge knock on effect on me spending hundreds of pounds of members donations on NSE models, apparently. ::) Honestly, some people. :no:
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 09:19:58 PM
Quote from: emjaybee on April 20, 2022, 08:49:33 PM
Well done!
:claphappy:
thank you..but its an awkward time consuming process. Give me copy / paste anytime.
It's easy really, it's like anything, do it a few times and you'll be rolling.
@Bigmac (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=847) is that a pic of your layout?
Now you're getting the hang of posting pics, how about a thread about your layout?
Quote from: emjaybee on April 20, 2022, 10:43:52 PM
@Bigmac (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=847) is that a pic of your layout?
Now you're getting the hang of posting pics, how about a thread about your layout?
that pic was of my attempt at a stanier class 4 mogul--still work in progress. The layout is now gone. I had sold my house before xmas--and decided to sell the layout i had bought ready to play.
However a change of plans means the house sale is off...the railway room is now back to being the dining room, and a new layout is under way in a smaller bedroom.
Love all the dirty banana vans in the background!
Quote from: Bigmac on April 21, 2022, 08:15:12 AM
Quote from: emjaybee on April 20, 2022, 10:43:52 PM
@Bigmac (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=847) is that a pic of your layout?
Now you're getting the hang of posting pics, how about a thread about your layout?
that pic was of my attempt at a stanier class 4 mogul--still work in progress. The layout is now gone. I had sold my house before xmas--and decided to sell the layout i had bought ready to play.
However a change of plans means the house sale is off...the railway room is now back to being the dining room, and a new layout is under way in a smaller bedroom.
i will start a new thread about the new layout. Ive tried uploading a few pix--in my gallery but cant seem to post here yet--i'll get there eventually.
On the subject of pictures in posts, I've got myself familiar with the process and can now upload pics. My problem is I don't understand how some posts, mainly those with photos from shows, but I'm sure there are others, contain more than two. How is that done, as I'm sure it says there is a limit of two per post. What am I missing?
Dave
Quote from: Southerngooner on April 21, 2022, 09:06:16 AM
On the subject of pictures in posts, I've got myself familiar with the process and can now upload pics. My problem is I don't understand how some posts, mainly those with photos from shows, but I'm sure there are others, contain more than two. How is that done, as I'm sure it says there is a limit of two per post. What am I missing?
All you do is go into each photo uploaded into the gallery and copy the BB code and paste it into your post.
Using @Bigmac (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=847) 's photos he just uploaded as an example:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422084433.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422083420.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/847-210422083255.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/847-210422082950.jpeg)
oh--great: i'm in trouble now. Just wait till er indoors sees that mess.
referring to those photos--
the room is an irregular shape 9'9" x 7'.
2 off 9mm ply boards were cut to 7' x 2'6", with the waste being cut into strips of various widths. The offcuts were used to make stiffeners under the boards and an integral front fascia panel. There is almost no wastage--and no sawn timber has been used. All pieces screwed and glued with PVA.
the end board with the engine shed etc sits on battens fixed to 3 walls; the board under the window sits on battens on 2 walls and is bolted to the first board. The idea is the second board can be lifted off and stacked on top of the first board to enable the bed underneath to be used if needed. there are minimal wire connections between the boards--all connected with jack plugs.
As you can see--i'm a flat earth member, no intentional gradients on the layout--only where the second board has sagged slightly!
The Forum has structure, it has everything held in areas which we can all (normally) find them, because they are filed in topics. While Facebook is a free for all.
It should also be noted that if you look at Facebook via a phone App and through a PC Windows App, you are NOT viewing things in the same way.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 08:21:49 PM
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 05:25:52 PM
Quote from: Bigmac on April 20, 2022, 05:21:03 PM
ive just tried adding a photo following the post earlier in this thread.
dunno where it is.
found it--its in my photos.
Now--how do i get it into here ?
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/847-200422171946.jpeg)
seems ive done it..at last.
different photo---stanier class 4 mogul: 8f body on crab chassis. Cylinder angle lowered. Motor removed awaiting new driving axle.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/121/847-210422080643-1219912475.jpeg)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422112753-1220201327.jpeg)
IMHO we are lucky to have a Forum which allows in-line pictures.
Another forum which I use doesn't allow any pictures, so we have to upload them to a hosting site and then post the link in the Forum for potentially interested viewers to click on and enter the picture-hosting site.
Often the resulting picture is disappointing or irrelevant so the diversion to the picture-hosting site was a pointless waste of time.
:NGF: :greatpicturessign:
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422084433.jpeg)
I like the engine shed, got a closer pic of that, is it a kit ?
Craig
Just a thought, could the link to the tutorial for uploading photos be added to the gallery dropdown menu?
These things are fine when you're using them all the time but I have trouble remembering what I had for tea yesterday.
Quote from: Dalek on April 21, 2022, 02:35:38 PM
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422084433.jpeg)
I like the engine shed, got a closer pic of that, is it a kit ?
Craig
no--not a kit. I had it custom made a couple of years ago.
There's a few interesting bits on that layout, I'd love to see more pics of it, separate thread, obviously.
Quote from: emjaybee on April 21, 2022, 04:12:26 PM
There's a few interesting bits on that layout, I'd love to see more pics of it, separate thread, obviously.
yes--i intend to create a new thread about it--is there anything in particular you find interesting ?
The coaling plants look interesting. Tricky to make out some of the structures in the few current photos, but looks an interesting layout to see more of.
Quote from: emjaybee on April 21, 2022, 04:32:28 PM
The coaling plants look interesting. Tricky to make out some of the structures in the few current photos, but looks an interesting layout to see more of.
the coal tower was developed for me as a kit from DAPR. He was so pleased with my weathered result he used the pics on his website. I added a bit more detail--mainly the wagon hoist. The other thing is a farish ash plant. Sorry about the pics--i blame my phone.
heres another pic of them--on my previous layout
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422165112-122022321.jpeg)
Lovely photo's of your layout, but definitely :offtopicsign:
Feel free to make your own layout thread if you haven't already. :thumbsup:
The problem I have with FB is that once you've moved off a post it's a beggar to ger back to it for replies, additional thoughts etc. This is not just the NGF bit but anything on the platform.
I couldn't agree more with GAD. I find Facebook chaotic at the very least, way too much info and no easy way of finding anything. I've used it for twleve years now and it's got worse for me. It tries to be everything to everyone and falls down on that in my view.
The Forum, by contrast, is clear and easy to use. I know there are debates about how and where posts are stored, but on the whole it's very good and much better than some other fora.....
Dave
The solution is simple.
This is your first stop for things N gauge. :thumbsup:
Right on George!
Quote from: Bealman on April 22, 2022, 10:39:37 AM
The solution is simple.
This is your first stop for things N gauge. :thumbsup:
Absolutely
What's Facebook?
FYI my wife joined Facebook for the first time last week. She already hates it with a vengeance.
Bob
Facebook is far more transient, but there's far more content posted.
Is it the place for a detailed tutorial? No. But it's great for reaching lots of people, selling stuff, sharing videos and pictures. Horses for courses.
If you want the information to be available in perpetuity then a forum is better, but that doesn't make Facebook bad.
I am a neanderthal, don't do faceache, twitfeatures etc....
I want to speak to someone I phone, e-mail, PM or what's that other thing :hmmm:
oh yes, WRITE A LETTER :-[
so the forum suits me, I can [as long as I don't mess it up] ignore the 'I know it all' posters, and I have even learned, ok my grandson showed me :-[, how to bookmark what I want to follow.
that does me, after all, I'm not that bright, I got a 6 month old rescue husky, and look how that turned out :*(
Quote from: Redcap244 on April 22, 2022, 04:19:37 PM
rescue husky,
That is nice, didn't know they used Huskies.
Still, they should be able to carry a reasonable sized barrel of Brandy under their chins.
Come in handy for those cold early morning walkies (training exercises).
Quote from: exmouthcraig on April 19, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
I will admit to never even looking at the Facebook page but do certainly share your frustration with the forum but not with the way posts are merged but by the constant bombardment of threads and topics by individuals who clearly see themselves as superior knowledge on EVERY TOPIC and obviously have ideas of grandeur in becoming a mod.
I have had private conversations with other members and even mods regarding this and without incriminating anyone we were all in agreement that this in itself was having a detrimental effect on the enjoyment of the forum.
I agree, there are a number of high post count folks, who post on many many many threads, but don't (in my personal opinion, others may disagree as it's obviously subjective) actually add much of constructive value. I try to think when I post if it's actually adding anything, giving something constructive back - e.g. helping someone fix their model. I'm sure some of my posts don't....but I try to think that before clicking 'submit'; I suspect a lot of others don't.
Anyone with with ideas of grandeur need only look at some of the constructional threads from folks like @Stevie DC (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=213) , @thebrighton (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=943) and youself and really then should be suitably humbled, preferably (IMHO in some cases, particularly those dullards who always try to have the final comment) into silence.
I do have to say there are a number of topics I have thought of replying to, but just can't honestly be bothered, as I know the same replies from the same high post count individuals will come. For me to post with factual demonstrable evidence of my assertion to sink their replies before they come, is simply too much effort.
I would say here that I'm not criticising those high post counters here who can't model or display their modelling due to age, infirm, illness or disability. That of course is totally understandable.
Quote from: exmouthcraig on April 19, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
The lack of content being submitted by some highly skilled N gaugers has also concerned me of late.
Creating models takes time, never mind documenting it, taking photos, uploading them and then formulating a post - so posting at a high rate if you're actually doing something just isn't possible. Indeed those who post less tend to be the ones producing the highest quality models - one only needs cite (unashamedly) @thebrighton (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=943) again here - humbling quality modelling that must take huge time and just isn't going to see daily or even weekly posts.
Of course, too, such modellers have zero compulsion to post anything - their enjoyment clearly comes from the modelling; not necessarily sharing it, so whatever they choose to share is a privilege for the audience in many ways, that they've taken that time to bother.
Indeed, one wonders who's out there producing high quality stuff, that nobody never sees.
People will drift away. Others will drift in. Life, circumstances and suchlike dictate that.
Quote from: exmouthcraig on April 19, 2022, 08:47:22 PM
Like you Dave, this may be deemed offensive but I can honestly say this is certainly a different forum to what I joined. Sadly!!
The discussion point I'd make here is this:
For those of us who have been a forum member for a long time, what can we really expect? I've been here since near the start, and on Yahoo lists [since deceased] for years prior. It just
can't remain all that fresh as a result - I doubt a forum can really continue to be a fountain of knowledge, and new interesting things to see that it would have been at the start. We all gain knowledge such that the 57th "help me repair my split gears" or debate on "cost of models", or even some modelling threads of stuff we just now know how to do [and my still be infinitely valuable to others] get pretty old fast. That's not a criticism of the forum or even the posts per-se; it's just the natural result of the passage of time, with experience gained in the hobby over that time. As a result one needs to be a little careful that it's partly our perceptions that change, not just the forum.
Overall it's still a good place to be - I probably get less out of it than I put in in time replying to help folks where I can, but that I don't mind, as it's made up for with some of the high quality posts, that keep me coming back. I do also enjoy helping folk fix things, correctly and efficiently, as there's nothing less enjoyable than a broken model. And the occasional thinking about stuff thread...I guess like this.
Is it a different forum to that I joined? Honestly, who knows - quite possibly. In the implied bad way? Debatable, but probably not, or not by enough IMHO that could be separated tangibly from that which comes from time as above.
The only one thing that came in I would genuinely criticise is the A-Z - it's a good idea in theory, but pragmatically it suffers from the problem of needing to have the exact correct keyword in your mind to find the right letter of posts that relate to your topic of interest. I think a more natural grouping are the existing categories, and while that inevitably results in repeat postings (e.g. 57th split gear post), it feels more naturally structured.
Facebook:
Frankly - it's useless as a resource. It's cheap snappy thrills for quick (and often badly ill-informed) responses, as well as an inevitable cesspit for off the cuff replies that just aren't often necessary. I think if you want quality - there is more here, as while there can be wrangles and sturdy debates, it's nothing like some of the drivel seen on Facebook, both in terms of completely wrong information, coupled with many more totally unnecessary personal attacks, and the unending dullards who have to have the final say even when they have nothing to say, or have to satisfy their own egos. There are decent posts on it, but my impression is there's a lot more of the above than there is here. But.....each to their own, and if some can get more value from Facebook as a platform for NGF, then fair play to them - I consider here as the real NGF, and Facebook as an add on.
Finding threads of any age (even recent ones) is the obvious complaint - but please do remember the mechanics of precisely why this is - Facebook is designed to use its "algorithms" to feed you what
it thinks you want....not what
you think you want. No matter what you view on Facebook, one should always at least remember this about what you are fed. Here, by contrast, you see everything as chronologically posted, as you choose to view it.
Moreover, you simply couldn't really post something this long (for example) on Facebook - well....you could, but it just doesn't pragmatically actually happen, so threads actually end up formulated and structured very differently (I suspect many would say more poorly, but that's obviously subjective), shorter, with shorter responses, which probably also helps dilute the response quality. On the flip side, if you post "what part do I need to fix [X]" you'll very likely get a faster, maybe almost instant reply - how important to you that is being also somewhat subjective. I'd personally rate quality of response, varied opinion, and ability to come back to it in future, higher than speed.
I don't actually think that one platform can satisfy everything anyway - the other obvious platform that we don't exploit hugely here, but is highly worth looking at is Youtube. The platform has its faults, and even if the content is not specifically N Gauge, there is a vast amount of excellent quality inspirational and educational content there worth watching - including:
-Everard Junction,
-New Junction
-McKinley Railway
-Chandwell
-Elvenhome
-Dean Park
-Oscar Paisley
-Perth South
-The Growler
-Chadwick model Railway
-Neil Oldie
to name a few individuals, never mind actual professional content such as World of Railways or Hornby Magazine*. Highly worth looking into all of the channels above for anyone who hasn't. Many are produced to such high quality that they probably trump old school TV now by a long long way, and with literally hundreds, if not thousands of hours of content, one need never watch TV again! [well ..... until your other half gets sick of being forced to watch Dean Park episode 127.......... :angel: ]
Combining NGF, RMWeb, Youtube there's never been so much good modelling content out there to peruse IMHO.
Regardless of opinions though - the mods need a thanks - both here and probably even moreso on Facebook - the task is not insignificant I'm sure, and generally goes on with little knowledge and awareness from most - the time employed should not be underestimated I'm sure, from folks like @Tank (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=profile;u=2) in particular, with families and other commitments. I do actually wonder where their own personal reward from it all lies - I can't help think it would become a hell of a chore - I hope they still get satisfaction from the forum they deserve!
Cheers,
Alan
*Is anyone here a 'Key Model World' subscriber? If so, is the premium content there worth it? Genuinely interested to know.
Quote from: Dr Al on April 25, 2022, 01:27:02 AM
*Is anyone here a 'Key Model World' subscriber? If so, is the premium content there worth it? Genuinely interested to know.
Alan,
I want to add your name to the people who give me inspiration (I read a lot on the forum but I don't post very often).
Your workbench thead is always one of the first things I look at.
Re your question about Key model world: I was looking for inspiration and googled 'N gauge layout' to see if something interesting would come up.
It did:
https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/vale-oxbury-n-gauge-layout (https://www.keymodelworld.com/article/vale-oxbury-n-gauge-layout)
What a wonderful layout that is!!
Jan
There will always be compulsive posters, regardless of the forum, it's an addiction sadly.
They are like "White Noise" in a broadcasting medium.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 19, 2022, 08:46:47 PM
at least i can post photos on the facebook site.
Others above, eg at the top of page 5 , have touched on the issues with FB. Notably how difficult it can be to find a post later eg to monitor feedback. This main forum is certainly the better place to explore guidance on issues, eg the Unifrog points, changing UM and other locos to NEM pockets and Easi shunt. I have found such threads very helpful, eg I choose not to use Unifrog, rewiring them so they are self isolating like Electrofrog is beyond me. And in my personal opinion they look worse with more plastic. So I have laid in a modest stock of Code 55 Electrofrog. My choice I know - others feel differently. I have successfully converted a few of my UM locos to Easi shunt, also some pre NEM Farish, steam and diesel. Thank you to those who have shared their experiences.
But like Bigmac I do wish attaching photos to a post was as easy here as it is on FB, whether on my PC or my phone. Click on an icon which invites you to specify the relevant directory on PC/phone, select your picture(s) and add. I have never found it obvious or easy here. The link here seems complicated and I have to steel myself up to battle with the process. Therefore I tend not to bother.
Quote from: Portpatrick on April 25, 2022, 04:12:13 PM
But like Bigmac I do wish attaching photos to a post was as easy here as it is on FB, whether on my PC or my phone. Click on an icon which invites you to specify the relevant directory on PC/phone, select your picture(s) and add. I have never found it obvious or easy here. The link here seems complicated and I have to steel myself up to battle with the process. Therefore I tend not to bother.
(http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/48/2-170217231212.jpeg) (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=48768)
I don't understand this problem with posting photographs on the forum.
Ok it isn't quite as easy as posting on Facebook but it certainly isn't difficult either on pc, phone or tablet.
Thank you Tank for posting the tutorial
Interestingly, partly for fun, when I had typed my post I tried the "Add image..." link and followed it through, choosing a picture, filled in the compulsory fields and clicked add to post. I did not see anything appear on the post I had been preparing. But the "picture selection box" then showed a new blank post. I concluded adding a picture had to be the first stage of the process and gave up. Admittedly I was expecting to see the picture rather than a code. But I did not even see the code on what I was preparing. Having tried again it seems to have worked this time.
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/479-250422171537.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122146)
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-250422181901.jpeg) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122149)
ooh--tried the way tank demonstrated instead of using the BB code method--its worked!
so that copied a photo on my laptop files rather than the sit gallery
I don't really want to add another voice to the "posting pictures is hard" crowd as I've been a member of a forum with no image capabilities at all, you had to host them elsewhere, but it is a faff on mobile. Principally that you have to select a gallery, and then name the file, and it's 50:50 whether it'll be the right way up or not, and if not it's a right rigmarole. As such I post a lot more photos to Facebook. But Facebook was designed for sharing images and such content in the easiest way possible, the forum wasn't. Again, horses for courses. I like both, for different reasons.
Yes I agree with your final remark. The main Forum is the only way to gather deeper discussions esp on topics you want to go back to. Which at times I do. FB is good for an item of the moment, but can be a pain if you want to backtrack.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 25, 2022, 06:20:11 PM
ooh--tried the way tank demonstrated instead of using the BB code method--its worked!
so that copied a photo on my laptop files rather than the sit gallery
Well done.
As far as I can tell, the only advantage to putting your photo in the gallery then getting and posting the BB Code is that you can then have a photo within the post which is clickable to zoom in/out without physically leaving the post/thread.
For example, try clicking on this copy compared to clicking on yours;
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-250422181901.jpeg)
Personally, I prefer this way but agree that it's a bit more of a faff to get there. However, each to his/her/their own, as they say.
Quote from: chrism on April 25, 2022, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: Bigmac on April 25, 2022, 06:20:11 PM
ooh--tried the way tank demonstrated instead of using the BB code method--its worked!
so that copied a photo on my laptop files rather than the sit gallery
Well done.
As far as I can tell, the only advantage to putting your photo in the gallery then getting and posting the BB Code is that you can then have a photo within the post which is clickable to zoom in/out without physically leaving the post/thread.
For example, try clicking on this copy compared to clicking on yours;
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-250422181901.jpeg)
Personally, I prefer this way but agree that it's a bit more of a faff to get there. However, each to his/her/their own, as they say.
Noo--dont enlarge it too much--even i can see more faults.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 25, 2022, 07:00:28 PM
Quote from: chrism on April 25, 2022, 06:52:10 PM
Quote from: Bigmac on April 25, 2022, 06:20:11 PM
ooh--tried the way tank demonstrated instead of using the BB code method--its worked!
so that copied a photo on my laptop files rather than the sit gallery
Well done.
As far as I can tell, the only advantage to putting your photo in the gallery then getting and posting the BB Code is that you can then have a photo within the post which is clickable to zoom in/out without physically leaving the post/thread.
For example, try clicking on this copy compared to clicking on yours;
Personally, I prefer this way but agree that it's a bit more of a faff to get there. However, each to his/her/their own, as they say.
Noo--dont enlarge it too much--even i can see more faults.
Fear not, I have that t-shirt as well :smiley-laughing:
It doesn't enlarge the image any further than the size of the original image that was uploaded, anyway - just the same as when the embedded pic links to its page in the gallery and you click on that to zoom to full size there.
Quote from: Bigmac on April 25, 2022, 06:20:11 PM
ooh--tried the way tank demonstrated instead of using the BB code method--its worked!
Um... that method ("Add image to post and upload to gallery") adds the photo to the "Random Photos" gallery (if that's what you select) and inserts BB code into the post you're writing. I use the same method but prefer to add photos to my personal gallery instead of Random Photos, so that I have them categorised for re-use later on other posts. Other than choosing a different place for the uploaded photo when the pop-up shows, it's exactly the same.
:laughabovepost:
It's all GREEK to me!
:doh: ??? :dunce: ??? :doh:
as an aside--i discovered--to my surprise--that when i copy / pasted a video clip to my facebook page, other clips were also visible to all and sundry.
Quote from: njee20 on April 25, 2022, 06:22:00 PM
I don't really want to add another voice to the "posting pictures is hard" crowd as I've been a member of a forum with no image capabilities at all, you had to host them elsewhere, but it is a faff on mobile. Principally that you have to select a gallery, and then name the file, and it's 50:50 whether it'll be the right way up or not, and if not it's a right rigmarole. As such I post a lot more photos to Facebook. But Facebook was designed for sharing images and such content in the easiest way possible, the forum wasn't. Again, horses for courses. I like both, for different reasons.
Hi
The right way up or not depends on how the device you take the photo on is orientated. For example if the camera on my iPad is top left then the pictures are right way around on the forum. If the camera is bottom right then the photos are upside down.
Cheers
Paul
Yeah, but most software can work it out. That aside, my point was more that it's a ballache to get them to re-orientate though.
I am surprised that some folk appear to suffer
a mental block when posting pics here. IMHO, compared
to the complexities of planning, building, and wiring
a model railway layout, posting pics is a ..............
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/6273-250422222148.png) (https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=122156)
:bounce:
Quote from: Bigmac on April 21, 2022, 03:39:06 PM
Quote from: Dalek on April 21, 2022, 02:35:38 PM
(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/122/847-210422084433.jpeg)
I like the engine shed, got a closer pic of that, is it a kit ?
Craig
Looks really good, well it did when it was possible to see the picture, just a big blank box now.
Any chance of posting a few pics of it please ?
Craig
no--not a kit. I had it custom made a couple of years ago.