Just a suggestion for admin. 

After looking through the posts and pictures and admiring the work of members layouts, an idea crossed my mind in thinking perhaps it would be a good idea if the forum could have a 'sticky' of members layout plans. This thread would be for posting a design only and no chat as this is currently done in a members thread!

I feel it would be a great 'quick' reference tool and catalogue for helping people who were designing new layouts. The added bonus to this unlike catalogues that are already on sale which pretty much replicate plans, is that people will be inspired from members existing designs to go on adding more diversity from the originals and helping to produce NGF's own exiting unique catalouge.   

I have really enjoyed reading members threads on layout planning, I would assume that many other people do also, especially if they are searching for material when they about to embark on building their own layout.

As we all know its in that initial part of designing which is at the critical time while the idea is fresh in the mind, too much reading and research can confuse or blur the concept!

I like your idea but if you want to browse certain posts you would have to trundle through certain posts first, most members have there layouts in there signature.

Quote from: Geoff on August 07, 2013, 10:20:11 AM
I like your idea but if you want to browse certain posts you would have to trundle through certain posts first, most members have there layouts in there signature.

Sorry but isn't that the point that Mr Sprue is making. You could just go to 'FORUM LAYOUT PLANS' say and there would be a list, maybe divided into small, medium and large with the layout name to then cross reference on Layout Planning or Layout lConstruction or something like that.

Usually get wrong end of stick but think great idea. Knowing me there is already one on here and I haven't found it yet.

I'll shut up now

weave

Quote from: weave on August 07, 2013, 01:18:15 PM
Sorry but isn't that the point that Mr Sprue is making. You could just go to 'FORUM LAYOUT PLANS' say and there would be a list, maybe divided into small, medium and large with the layout name to then cross reference on Layout Planning or Layout lConstruction or something like that.

Usually get wrong end of stick but think great idea. Knowing me there is already one on here and I haven't found it yet.

I'll shut up now

weave

Hello Weave, yes you have understood my point correctly!

Quote from: Geoff on August 07, 2013, 10:20:11 AM
I like your idea but if you want to browse certain posts you would have to trundle through certain posts first, most members have there layouts in there signature.

Hello Geoff, regarding members signature to their layouts, I would have thought this automatically happens when they post the design in their username does it not?

Perhaps you could allow the person posting the plan to add a 1 line description of the setting with couple of pros and cons - so that as well as seeing the layout we can learn a bit from the experience of the person who has built it?

e.g.

<image of layout plan>

Size: 4m x 1m
Setting: 1947 Bath Spa (GWR Mainline)
Pros: Easy to reach everywhere, prototypical layout, 16" min radius
Cons: Not much operational interest, physically big

Good idea Rabs also a wiring diagram would be beneficial. 

You have reminded me of an idea another member said to me a few months ago.

How about I make a new folder in the Media section where all members are able to upload their layout plans?  I can then put a thread on the forum (stickied) so that we can all view the thread.

Thoughts welcome. 

Speaking as someone still struggling with layout design, I would certainly find this an interesting and usefull feature.

Ray

Quote from: Tank on August 12, 2013, 10:44:00 AM
You have reminded me of an idea another member said to me a few months ago.

How about I make a new folder in the Media section where all members are able to upload their layout plans?  I can then put a thread on the forum (stickied) so that we can all view the thread.

Thoughts welcome. 

Hi Chris 

They have something similar on a Narrow gauge forum that I am a member of 

The thread is called "Serial Doodlers" where members can upload drawings, plans, etc 
And I must say it is very popular 

dave 

Thanks Davieb.

Right, here is the link to the folder.  Feel free to upload your plans.  I'll also make a Sticky in the Layout Planning board.

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=563

great stuff!

I also think that some core information would be useful, like size of board.
notes of good and bad points would aslso be a great idea.
I'm assuming the idea is that we post stuff that has already been built,rather than future builds.
I'll get mine up shortly.

Donald

I agree that layouts which have been completed (whether in their full glory or consigned to the big attic in the sky in unfinished ignominy) would be much more useful than plans for future layouts.  For me the most value will be to learn from the experiences of others about what works and what doesn't - which you can't do for a layout which hasn't been built yet.

Quote from: Tank on August 12, 2013, 10:44:00 AM
You have reminded me of an idea another member said to me a few months ago.

How about I make a new folder in the Media section where all members are able to upload their layout plans?  I can then put a thread on the forum (stickied) so that we can all view the thread.

Thoughts welcome. 

Hi Chris that's a great idea. 

Quote from: Tank on August 12, 2013, 08:05:46 PM
Thanks Davieb.

Right, here is the link to the folder.  Feel free to upload your plans.  I'll also make a Sticky in the Layout Planning board.

http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=563

Is this album open for actual layouts only or could all kinds of layout "ideas" be uploaded?

As initially suggested just for layout plans MacRat.