Phill Dyson
Western Thunderer
I would like to see layouts much higher , although I'm aware that it's not practical for children & wheelchair users....
Layout Presentation
- Thread starter 28ten
- Start date
Phill Dyson
Western Thunderer
...........they would need a lot bigger van or box trailer though & I don't see any real benefit TBH
makhis
Western Thunderer
The folding base units/supporting structure for Lenches Bridge/Ashwood Basin had shelving to accommodate stock boxes, tools etc. The height meant that the operators either had to stand or sit on bar stools for 2 days at shows, most uncomfortable. Spinners End is set at table top height so: 1. Operators can sit on normal chairs and 2, Viewers of all ages/abilities can view with ease.
Mike
Mike
S
Simon Dunkley
Guest
Because Mr. Cook is very busy...?
Actually, if you have a trailer, or access to a van, and make a simple ramp, then there are some interesting possibilities, such as a (say) 6' x 3' x 3'-4' high cupboard on wheels, where one side opens out, along with the ends, to present 18' of solid, subdued (hopefully) frontage, capable of supporting a layout, which in itself is partly/wholly carried/stored between shows on simple wooden runners, with space within the cupboard to store the stock, support tool set and lighting rig, etc. (Or, for a thinner, longer layout, how about two cupboards, but only 2' wide?)
This would not be my personal preferred way of doing this - wheeling a layout about means all the shocks from the ground come through to the layout (carrying it with "armstrong" power acts as a shock absorber) - but it does have distinct possibilities, if you have suitable transport.
If you can get your hands on a car which has been adapted for wheelchairs in the back (such as a small one, or an MPV image 4 shows that you can still get 4 people in with the layout) either by borrowing or purchasing, then this could work very well. Also useful for camping trips, lumping bits of furniture about, going on biking holidays and days out...
Jim S-W
Western Thunderer
I think any form of backscene would be very difficult on a layout the size of BNS, how high is the rotunda again?
This high
I cant remember the figure but the top will end up somewhere between 8 and 9 feet from the ground
Cheers
Jim
Neil
Western Thunderer
You might but it would need its own lorry and the operators would require stilts or periscopes.
I do remember somewhere, quite some time ago, reading of a layout where the backscene consisted of light blue muslin to above head height (I think stretched across a frame) where the strong lights at the front of the layout enabled the operators to work totally unseen in the same way that tinted car windows work. Seems to me an unsatisfactory experience from an operators point of view, but the writer was adamant it worked.
I do remember somewhere, quite some time ago, reading of a layout where the backscene consisted of light blue muslin to above head height (I think stretched across a frame) where the strong lights at the front of the layout enabled the operators to work totally unseen in the same way that tinted car windows work. Seems to me an unsatisfactory experience from an operators point of view, but the writer was adamant it worked.
Pugsley
Western Thunderer
I've seen an N gauge layout at the Bristol show that did something similar, only I seem to recall that it was black cloth they used. It was quite effective at hiding the operators from view, but it must have been a bit of a sod to operate.
I can't remember the name of the layout, but I think it was a Cumbrian coast prototype, possibly Barrow in Furness.
I can't remember the name of the layout, but I think it was a Cumbrian coast prototype, possibly Barrow in Furness.
Phill Dyson
Western Thunderer
I like that idea.......a light blue fabric backscene stretched in a sort of curve to the front of a layout above head height could be effective too
Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
Pugsley said:
Some operators need hiding
.Personally I like to operate layouts from the front so I can chat to (nearly) all and sundry... and consequently not pay attention to what I'm supposed to be doing
.
Eastsidepilot
Western Thunderer
I'd prefer operating from the front, certainly from a viewers point of view as well, although having been a demonstrater you can be talked to death
and not get anything done and I wonder if operaters would be stopped too often. Col.
Ressaldar
Western Thunderer
Hi Pugsley,
are you thinking of Grange over Sands, it has the 'working' roadway as well? I have seen it at the Merseyside MRS exhibition at Birkenhead and quite liked it.
cheers
Mike
Pugsley
Western Thunderer
Yes, that may well be it.
you can be talked to death
Based on my time on the road with 'Alexandra Yard' the answer to this is most definately...yes. I used to feel quite guilty about what was not happening on the layout.......so many questions
Simon
Flying Squad
Based on my time on the road with 'Alexandra Yard' the answer to this is most definately...yes. I used to feel quite guilty about what was not happening on the layout.......so many questions
Hey, I've got a great idea!
For your upcoming masterpiece all you need to do is wear a stripey top, put a beret on your head, string a few onions around your neck and when people ask questions just give them a Gallic shrug and carry on regardless.
Add a packet of "Disque Bleu" and Bob will be votre oncle - complete peace and concentration
Gaston
Jordan
Mid-Western Thunderer
Neil
Western Thunderer
Drape hater of Aberllefenni back again. You might remember that last year I said 'Will I be doing as I preach? Hopefully yes; though I don't really do exhibitions and exhibition layouts I do have a narrow gauge scheme in mind that will distance itself from the dreaded drapes.'
I've had enough time to work on 'Plan A' so here's a picture of the Calcuatta Steam Tramway's display mount.
It's a cunning blend of mdf and bedside cabinet topped off with an outrageous light fitting from the dog shop in Tywyn. I realise that it's not a practical solution for the bigger layout, but I wanted something which added to the layout rather than attempted to frame it in a neutral way.
I've had enough time to work on 'Plan A' so here's a picture of the Calcuatta Steam Tramway's display mount.
It's a cunning blend of mdf and bedside cabinet topped off with an outrageous light fitting from the dog shop in Tywyn. I realise that it's not a practical solution for the bigger layout, but I wanted something which added to the layout rather than attempted to frame it in a neutral way.
