G3: MRJ254 Cameo Layout Competition

[geoff_nicholls]

I've just received MRJ254, Wild Swan are launching a competition to produce a 'Cameo' layout. this is linked to the publication of Iain Rice's book "Creating Cameo Layouts" ,a summation of several decades of producing compact highly detailed layouts, usually of the 'Procenium Arch' type, with integrated lighting. Like micro layouts, but better.
The challenge is to produce a layout typically 1-2 metres in length for the scenic section with integrated or add-on fiddle yard. The prizes are vouchers for Wild Swan publications, the winning layout will be exhibited at Railex 2018 (May) the shortlisted layouts will feature in MRJ.
This seems to be a good opportunity for gauge 3 to break into MRJ or the wider exhibition circuit. I'll be entering Lea Siding ( or Aldeburgh Wharf, if I can reconfigure the lighting) In my opinion it is perfectly possible to produce a G3 layout in the space specified, and within the timescale. With a bit of thought you can fit a GWR/WR branch line into 5- or even 4 feet, with a GWR railmotor, railcar or bubblecar providing the passenger service. Going through the GRS and Williams Models catalogues will show that that is by no means the only option. If, like me, you hate the woodwork phase of layout building, there are plenty of light weight kit systems, I use the Grainge and Hodder modular system, the layout box for Lea Sidings weighs just under 10 kilos.
So, how about it?

 

[Mike W]

Great idea Geoff. As it is MRJ you might want to check that G3 is allowed under their rules, as they claim to cater for smaller scales only.

Mike

 

[geoff_nicholls]

good point Mike, apparently there's an online entry form, I'll check it out. In the meantime I was discussing the competition at the club with a member who is of the Green persuasion. Do we have a set of track and wheel standards for gauge 3 finescale broad gauge?

 

[BCN-Pete]

I'm in...

As a minimum it will get a layout built within a year without my usual 5 year faff...

 

[Simon]

I can confirm that G3 is most definitely "allowed" and there is no bar to its appearing in MRJ either.

That said, I think you'll be doing well to shoe horn anything G3 into a Cameo format - I'm having one hell of a job trying to concoct something in G1! Anything I come up with will of course be barred from entry to the actual competition

I will be putting a form up on the website shortly, Iain and I were discussing it all last night.

One change, the final "judging show" will be Railex 2019 as the original timescale was just too tight, all agreed with David Lane.

The closing date for entries will be Scaleforum this year.

We are looking forward to seeing all sorts of ideas!

Simon

 

[JimG]

One change, the final "judging show" will be Railex 2019 as the original timescale was just too tight, all agreed with David Lane.

Simon,

Thanks for that. I couldn't contemplate attempting anything in S scale in a year that would come up to the standards of the esteemed judges - two years is just about do-able.

Jim.

 

[BCN-Pete]

One change, the final "judging show" will be Railex 2019 as the original timescale was just too tight, all agreed with David Lane.

The closing date for entries will be Scaleforum this year.

Thanks for the heads up Simon - does that mean we have to register interest (intention to submit) by Scaleforum this year and the deadline shifted to May 2019?

 

[Simon]

Hi Pete

Yes, last entry by end of play Saturday 23rd September, final exhibition of winning and shortlisted entries Railex 2019, dates will be 25th and 26th I think.

I am just finalising the entry form with Iain now, which will go on to the website very shortly.

Best Wishes

Simon

 

[geoff_nicholls]

I think you'll be doing well to shoe horn anything G3 into a Cameo format

I've made a start with Lea Siding, 1200 x 400mm, posted elsewhere on WT. I need to increase the size to include a passenger service, but the limit is what can fit in my drivers' cars.
And I'm going to need the first twelve months learning to paint a backscene to give the illusion of miles of flat East Anglia.

 

[Yorkshire Dave]

Is it the Martini approach to the cameos - anytime, anyplace, anywhere?