Speaking out against quirky figures

[IrishPeter]

The degree of realism one pursues is very much in the YMMV category. Personally, I do not like anything too cartoonish, but a bit quirky will get through.

In some respects my philosophy with 1:20 is not a lot different to that with 1:76. Selective compression is needed to fit the space available, trains are shortened somewhat to match, and the general idea is to convey the spirit of the prototype rather than get into a p***ing contest over the number of bricks or rivets. That way it looks "real" - or at least plausible - but stays fun.

I think one does have to set some rules. The major consideration for me is that I like to operate a railway, rather than exhibit fine scale models. Provided things look basically right, I am not too fussy about detail - basically things are a bit Triang era ''OO" when it comes to detail. A bit like Weland Wagner's (in)famous 1950s production of Parsifal I like to leave the imagination with a little work to do.

Cheers,
Peter in AZ

[kandnwlr]

The degree of realism one pursues is very much in the YMMV category.  Personally, I do not like anything too cartoonish, but a bit quirky will get through.  

In some respects my philosophy with 1:20 is not a lot different to that with 1:76.  Selective compression is needed to fit the space available, trains are shortened somewhat to match, and the general idea is to convey the spirit of the prototype rather than get into a p***ing contest over the number of bricks or rivets.  That way it looks "real" - or at least plausible - but stays fun.

I think one does have to set some rules.  The major consideration for me is that I like to operate a railway, rather than exhibit fine scale models.  Provided things look basically right, I am not too fussy about detail - basically things are a bit Triang era ''OO" when it comes to detail.  A bit like Weland Wagner's (in)famous 1950s production of Parsifal I like to leave the imagination with a little work to do.

Cheers,
Peter in AZ

Just wondering if there´s any scenery at all on your line (see Wieland Wagner ....) But I believe in operating a railway too, but ´teewn the Wars, rather than 1951, though I´ve yet to develop a Wagnerian pyschological schema for the whole thing ...

[IrishPeter]

When it comes to scenery I let what was already there do the work. Most of the garden to this house is a low ridge covered with pine trees, so trying to manipulate that too much was out of the question. The lower half of the railway runs along a ledge half-built and half "found" along the lower edge of the ridge. The upper, and less scenic half of the railway is a straightforward dash along the garden path.

I leave psychology to the birds, though I am developing a neurosis about the derailment abilities of certain types of pine needle.

Peter in AZ

[kandnwlr]

When it comes to scenery I let what was already there do the work.  Most of the garden to this house is a low ridge covered with pine trees, so trying to manipulate that too much was out of the question.  The lower half of the railway runs along a ledge half-built and half "found" along the lower edge of the ridge.  The upper, and less scenic half of the railway is a straightforward dash along the garden path.

I leave psychology to the birds, though I am developing a neurosis about the derailment abilities of certain types of pine needle.  ;)

Peter in AZ

That´s not neurosis, but panpsychism, where the belief is that inanimate objects have a life of their own. Mostly found in early stages of childhood, and what garden railwayman isn´t still there? But it´s now mainstream and offers a solution to the otherwise intractible mind-body problem. Don´t knock it. It works for the K&NWLR, as last night a hammer blow to one part of the line caused something else to fall off on the other side of the cellar. It´s going to be difficult to fill out the insurance form though, as they don´t have a box to tick for "panpsychism".

[Big Jim]

[/quote]where the belief is that inanimate objects have a life of their own

You mean that they don't

I drive a 1960's Landrover and a 1980's Jag and believe me they do have a life of their own.

[kandnwlr]

And don´t get me started on keeping Regner vertical boiler locos lit. If that´s not proof, I don´t know what is.