From: "skipmersereau" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >my take on the LDSIG (Layout Design SIG) to which I subscribe, is that all the layouts really end up looking alike....in their plans. This isn't a criticism but a realization that there are only so many ways you can adapt all the thousands of miles of track and scenery on a prototype into a 2 or 2.5 foot depth model right-of-way.
"S"kip......... You just hit upon one of my favorite observations about the LDSIG folks with their set of "rules" (sincere trackplan, staging yards, etc.). There is a very high degree of similarity between all the layouts that follow these rules. Along the wall is obviously the most popular by a large margin. Well, y'get more track into the room space that way. Mostly, they are pretty flat. Even the double-decker layouts are essentially two flat surfaces connected by a helix both of which run along the walls. Three dimensionality is more or less missing. Everthing is 20" deep at the most. Gotta keep everything within an arm's length is one of the rules, y'know. And ya gotta follow the rules or else the other LDSIG guys will point out your inadequacies. And there are lots and lots and lots of switches all over the place. The more switches the better. After all, the challenge of the game is to figure out how to get all those freight cars onto the right siding. The heck with running through the countryside and enjoying the scenery. That is a different game. Having the loco in one town and the caboose in the adjacent town is good -- not unrealistic. Especially good if there are 14 sidings between towns which is about equal to one train length. Gotta follow the rules.... Now of course, there are exceptions. And I don't mean to criticize the way someone else enjoys the hobby. That is their right to do so. But I do agree with Skip that most all of the layouts that follow the LDSIG guidelines sure do look alike in most respects. But if that is the layout of your dreams, nothing wrong with it. Go for it! Cheers...Ed L. Change your membership, change your message settings, use our CALENDAR, view shared files or photos, view the list archives, GO TO http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/S-Scale/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
