Weekly Photo Fun 7/7

No custom painting nor spectacular scenery, I just started to glue the cork roadbed on my tiny N scale layout.
I'm almost ashamed to post the picture lol.
But at least it's model railroad related.
CorkRoadbed.jpg
 
Biased turkey said:
No custom painting nor spectacular scenery, I just started to glue the cork roadbed on my tiny N scale layout.
I'm almost ashamed to post the picture lol.
But at least it's model railroad related.
Click to expand...
Biased turkey, NO NEED to be ashamed:winki: , progress pics like yours are MORE THEN WELCOMED IN THIS THREAD!:bravo:

we LIKE to see ALL stages of completion here:thumb: , and early shots like YOURS just makes us want to see the NEXT STEP you take:winki::mrgreen: . looks like your off to a GREAT START!:thumb::thumb::thumb:
:deano: -Deano
 
Biased turkey...of course you know, now you HAVE to keep posting pics so we can all see your progress!:mrgreen::winker: GREAT START!!!

Great shots everybody!:thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb::thumb:
 
This is very frusturating to me. When we have photo contests, it can be like pulling teeth to get entries and votes. Yet here, in this thread, week after week, SPECTACULAR shots are in abundance and there is never a shortage of positive comments/votes.:cry:
 
TrainNut said:
This is very frusturating to me. When we have photo contests, it can be like pulling teeth to get entries and votes. Yet here, in this thread, week after week, SPECTACULAR shots are in abundance and there is never a shortage of positive comments/votes.:cry:
Click to expand...

To be very frank, I suspect more than a few folks pass on the monthly contests, yet participate in the weekly exhibitions, simply because the monthly themes are often either quirky, the subject too vague, or the premise downright silly. I know I've taken one look at some of the recent contest ideas and, as a more serious modeler, just kept on going. I understand that you can't run the same rigid contest month in and month out but...

Certainly, some look upon tongue-in-cheek contest subjects as fun but there is likewise an element that does not. I think many of those who post the "spectacular" shots weekly have taken plently of urban, rural, mountain or countryside photos but aren't willing to expend the time necessary to set up for a proper photoshoot on their layout just for the sake of something silly. Yes, some unquestionably will. However, on most hobby forums it's not typically something that motivates your best model photographers. For what it's worth, if you want to see high quality images in the contests, I'd suggest you try alternating a serious, classical theme with a more lighthearted one from month to month.

As to getting folks to vote in these contests, although I could be wrong, I think that if the contests generated numerous impressive photos, folks would be more inclined to take the time to vote on them.

CNJ999
 
CNJ999 said:
To be very frank, I suspect more than a few folks pass on the monthly contests, yet participate in the weekly exhibitions, simply because the monthly themes are often either quirky, the subject too vague, or the premise downright silly. I know I've taken one look at some of the recent contest ideas and, as a more serious modeler, just kept on going. I understand that you can't run the same rigid contest month in and month out but...

Certainly, some look upon tongue-in-cheek contest subjects as fun but there is likewise an element that does not. I think many of those who post the "spectacular" shots weekly have taken plently of urban, rural, mountain or countryside photos but aren't willing to expend the time necessary to set up for a proper photoshoot on their layout just for the sake of something silly. Yes, some unquestionably will. However, on most hobby forums it's not typically something that motivates your best model photographers. For what it's worth, if you want to see high quality images in the contests, I'd suggest you try alternating a serious, classical theme with a more lighthearted one from month to month.

As to getting folks to vote in these contests, although I could be wrong, I think that if the contests generated numerous impressive photos, folks would be more inclined to take the time to vote on them.

CNJ999
Click to expand...
Thanks for your input, I'm always looking for suggestions on what to do for these contests. To be sure, I've been running them now for about three years, and several times I've asked for suggestions, but the responses always seem dismal so I stopped asking. But, I have to disagree with you on two points, the first being that the purpose of the contest is much different than the weekly "photo fun". The idea behind them are to allow people to express themselves and to actually create or find a picture that meets the criteria of that contest. The second point is that I've tried to vary the subject of the contest and to make it as easy as possible for someone to enter. Some months there are basically no restrictions on the picture subject, and even then, there are anywhere from 15 to 30 participants. Just as an example I went back and looked at the past 12 contests, just to be sure I'm not being too restrictive. Here they are:
  • April 06, Structures, any kind any scale, even full
  • May 06, No restrictions, just RR related
  • Jun/July 06, #1 Anything from the prototype world
  • Jun/July 06, #2 Anything from the scale world
  • Aug 06, Working locomotives, any kind, any scale including full
  • Sept/Oct 06, Mini scenes from a layout
  • Nov/Dec 06 Winter scenes. anything RR related
  • Jan 07, Consists, any kind, any scale including full
  • Feb 07, Your paint jobs on locos or rolling stock
  • Mar 07, Trains plus one other mode of transportation, any scale including full
  • April/May 07, Name your own contest, anything RR related, any scale including full
  • Jun/July 07, Anything unusual, any scale including full.
Note that April 06, Jun/July 06 and April/May 07 are wide open, anything railroad related can be entered in any of them. Aug 06 and Jan 07 is looking for trains, no need to "set up" anything there either. Most any of the the shots you find in the weekly photo fun threads could work in these contests. The only thing we ask consistently is that the photo be taken by the person that submits it. It can be new or old, and from what I see, in many cases, there are no other restrictions.

Yeah, there are a few contest that might not be for everyone, but there are many, like these, that are wide open. I have tried to keep them so that just about anyone can enter most of them, but then I've been told by some that we need to make them more challenging. I'm sure when we do, we get fewer participants that month, but it will provide a different kind of challenge to some, and that's what these contests are all about.

I'm glad you spoke up, I need input like this, but remember that the contests server a different purpose than the photo fun threads. And as you can also see, no matter what we try, things never seem to change. We won't give up, we'll keep changing the subjects, making it really easy one time and more difficult another. But we'll find that some people will enter and others won't, some people will vote and others won't and we'll probably not know why.
 
TrainNut said:
This is very frusturating to me. When we have photo contests, it can be like pulling teeth to get entries and votes. Yet here, in this thread, week after week, SPECTACULAR shots are in abundance and there is never a shortage of positive comments/votes.:cry:
Click to expand...


First,I thought of this idea and talked it over with Deano.We both agreed we should give it a try.
Here is my thoughts behind the weekly photo fun.I wanted our members to be more active in sharing pictures like you see on other forums under names such as Weekend Photo Fun or Sunday Photo Fun.I also thought it would be a avenue for those that wanted to share pictures but,did not what to start a new topic.As you can see its was a success thanks to our members willing to share pictures week after week..:thumb::thumb::thumb:
So,again I want to thank ALL members that has made our WPF a great success.:thumb::thumb:
Now the WPF should not be seen as competition with our monthly photo contest.Both are design for the enjoyment of our members.I urge all members to engage in both the WPF and the Monthly Photo Contest.
 
brakie said:
First,I thought of this idea and talked it over with Deano.We both agreed we should give it a try.
Here is my thoughts behind the weekly photo fun.I wanted our members to be more active in sharing pictures like you see on other forums under names such as Weekend Photo Fun or Sunday Photo Fun.I also thought it would be a avenue for those that wanted to share pictures but,did not what to start a new topic.As you can see its was a success thanks to our members willing to share pictures week after week..:thumb::thumb::thumb:
So,again I want to thank ALL members that has made our WPF a great success.:thumb::thumb:
Now the WPF should not be seen as competition with our monthly photo contest.Both are design for the enjoyment of our members.I urge all members to engage in both the WPF and the Monthly Photo Contest.
Click to expand...
I have commented before that I am so pleased that the weekly photo fun threads run so well and without one person setting them up and monitoring them. Someone always steps in and does the job, and yes, there are always plenty of great photos. It's a total delight and I think many look forward to it. As I said, the photo contests serve a different purpose and the two were never meant to compete against each other. I thank you and Deano forgetting this started.:thumb: :thumb:

There was a time that the photo contests consistently drew fewer than 10 entries. It was exciting the first time we had over 30 entries. Getting more than 50 people to vote has always been a struggle, but one month we almost had 100.:cool: I am also of the opinion that some people don't think their photos are worthy of a competition, no matter how good the rest of us think they are. There were many times I submitted something that I knew didn't have a chance, but I submitted them anyway, just because it was another opportunity to do something different in the hobby. Doing something "silly" or unusual now and then is good for the soul and makes people have to think, and possibly have to even do a bit of work.:rolleyes: But, if we can't get a bunch of entires in a "anything RR related" contest, I can't see how we can make it any simpler than that.:confused: :confused: We will keep trying and we do welcome any and all suggestions.:wave: :wave: :wave: :wave:
 
Don't get me wrong... I love the WPF because at least we get to see lots of great pictures. I feel kinda bad right now 'cause now I've gone and put a negative spin on this weeks fun. Please don't stop posting 'cause of my comment! In the WPF, I especially like how some members will go through and make sure they give a positive comment to each and every picture. That's just neat. I just don't get why one is so succesful and the other is not. I guess when it comes down to it, it seems most don't like to judge or be judged.
So, while all comments have been useful and appreciated, please accept this next picture as a peace offering and let's try and get this back on topic.
Let's just say that it's a loooooooooooong way down to the river!
DCP_5733.JPG
 
passes byOH Man! don't look down don't look down...OH Man! don't look up don't look up ..Cool pic Trainman

Here's a grab shot of the Conductor and Brakeman of 97 ready to inspect 94 as it rolls by
eastmeetswest.jpg

Keep the pics comin folks this week aint over yet!
 
I don't contribute nearly as much to these weekly photo fun threads as much as i should, considering i have thousands of pictures.

here is a recent one

Conrail U23B #2735 and GP38 #7868 pull their tank train to Port Reading, NJ.

u23b7507005jpgeditedwu5.jpg


AS far as those photo contests go, I'm hoping one will pop up soon where we have to detail locomotive kits or show before and afters of spots on the layout. I'm getting some new American GK E60CP electrics that i'm gonna be working on.
 
MY Thoughts...

Mark:wav: , GREAT PICS!!!:thumb::thumb::thumb: I ALWAYS look forward to the OUTSTANDING SHOTS you bring EVERY WEEK to these threads:bravo: (THANK YOU!:smilie: ).

TrainNut, FANTASTIC SHOT!!!:thumb::thumb::thumb: i just love those mudhens:winki: , i don't have one:frowns: .....but how about a Challenger:mrgreen: (see below).

g_e_c, AWESOME LOOKING CONRAIL'S!:thumb::thumb::thumb:

******************************************************
MY THOUGHTS,
First, i would like to THANK Larry:winki::mrgreen: , these Photo Fun threads were HIS idea:winki: , and a GREAT ONE AT THAT:thumb: , THANKS LARRY!:mrgreen:

CONTEST PICS,
i am a little miffed at the lack of participation in these, and the voting also:confused: . i DO NOT think its because of the "subjects", i think Don has done an OUTSTANDING JOB on the contests:bravo: . he DOES try to make EACH ONE so ANYONE can enter:winki: . i have been here about 14 months now, and i think i have not participated in about three of them because outside life just made it so i had to much going on:frowns: , it WAS NOT because of the subjects:winki: .

now that we are in the middle of summer, i have noticed less participation in the contests, AND this thread series:frowns: , though i am chalking it up to family time, outdoors stuff, and vacations:winki: , i hope to see MUCH MORE PARTICIPATION IN BOTH SOON:winki::smilie: .

PHOTO FUN THREADS,
a couple things, RULES:
1-you can post ANY train related pics PROTOTYPE OR MODEL, as long as YOU have taken the picture:winki: .

2- ALL STAGES of modeling completion ARE WELCOME!!!:thumb: progress shots ARE GREAT!!!:winki::thumb:

3- ALL STAGES of modeling craftsmanship IS WELCOME:thumb: , hey, not all of us are "master modelers":winki: , but still we put 110% into our work, and want to show it off:mrgreen: .

4- constructive, kind and helpful criticism is fine:winki: , degrading or derogatory remarks WILL NOT be tolerated.

5- On Fridays ANYONE can start a NEW "WEEKLY PHOTO FUN THREAD", thats right, its the "WEEKLY" photo fun thread, why just limit it to the weekend...WE DON'T:winki: .

6- ONLY ONE weekly Photo Fun thread can be running per week:winki: .

A LITTLE TICKED OFF...
i have 3 VERY CLOSE FRIENDS i talked to this week, each told me the same story, "i think people are getting tired of seeing shots of my layout"...hmm, i TOTALLY DISAGREE:winki: , i find it hard to believe ANYONE on here is tired of looking at ANY modelers photos:winki: . if thats the case, i am willing to bet my layout is the smallest of ALL of yours, perhaps its time i stop posting pics to this thread:eeki: . Mark, i am sorry to pull you in this, but YOUR pics are one of the main LIFE SOURCES on this thread:thumb: , you ALWAYS are posting GREAT SHOTS:bravo: , I THANK YOU for continuing to do so:smilie: . imagine if Mark stopped posting pics to this thread:eeki: , it wouldn't be the same would it:winki: . this is how i feel about my 3 VERY GOOD FRIENDS pics, and ALL OF YOU ON THIS FORUM:winki: , its just not the same without YOUR contributions:frowns: . **WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS MATTER?:confused:

CONCLUSION,
My FAVORITE part of MODEL RAILROADER Magazine is the "Trackside Photo's":thumb: , thats only 2-3 pages a month:frowns: ....HERE, ITS EVERY WEEK!!!:thumb: how can you beat that!:mrgreen: I PERSONALLY WANT TO THANK EVERYONE THAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE PHOTO CONTESTS, AND THESE PHOTO FUN THREADS, THANK YOU!!!:bravo: i don't care if its one pic a week, or many, THANK YOU!:thumb::mrgreen:
:deano: -Deano
chal.JPG
 
Now look what I did, I stirred up the rats nest...
So, it's to be a Challenger challenge is it? I'll see your HO Challenger #3964 and match it with an N scale Challenger #3802.
DCP_5138_low_res.jpg
 
UP SD40-2 said:
CONTEST PICS,
i am a little miffed at the lack of participation in these, and the voting also:confused: . i DO NOT think its because of the "subjects", i think Don has done an OUTSTANDING JOB on the contests:bravo: . he DOES try to make EACH ONE so ANYONE can enter:winki: . i have been here about 14 months now, and i think i have not participated in about three of them because outside life just made it so i had to much going on:frowns: , it WAS NOT because of the subjects:winki: .

now that we are in the middle of summer, i have noticed less participation in the contests, AND this thread series:frowns: , though i am chalking it up to family time, outdoors stuff, and vacations:winki: , i hope to see MUCH MORE PARTICIPATION IN BOTH SOON:winki::smilie: .
Click to expand...

I think the big problem is ( for me atleast) is the lack of materials. alot of challenges and contests sometimes have themes or other things that i don't have readily available. In this contest we have now, it was pretty easy, because i have some equipment that wasn't ordinary to begin with, atleast not together on any layout i've seen. Sometimes though, like this kitbuild challenge, i might have spare kits, but i have nowhere to put it after its built, so i can't really take it out of its box just yet.

Then again, i think people just need to be more creative. (speaking of which, thats a "handy" locomotive you have in this month's contestsign1). People just need to brainstorm alittle longer, in my opinion, and most of all, they need confidence!


A LITTLE TICKED OFF...
i have 3 VERY CLOSE FRIENDS i talked to this week, each told me the same story, "i think people are getting tired of seeing shots of my layout"...hmm, i TOTALLY DISAGREE:winki: , i find it hard to believe ANYONE on here is tired of looking at ANY modelers photos:winki: . if thats the case, i am willing to bet my layout is the smallest of ALL of yours, perhaps its time i stop posting pics to this thread:eeki: . Mark, i am sorry to pull you in this, but YOUR pics are one of the main LIFE SOURCES on this thread:thumb: , you ALWAYS are posting GREAT SHOTS:bravo: , I THANK YOU for continuing to do so:smilie: . imagine if Mark stopped posting pics to this thread:eeki: , it wouldn't be the same would it:winki: . this is how i feel about my 3 VERY GOOD FRIENDS pics, and ALL OF YOU ON THIS FORUM:winki: , its just not the same without YOUR contributions:frowns: . **WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS MATTER?:confused:
Click to expand...

I think that its more that the modelers are tired of their shots. They may have an amazing layout, but you can only get so many shots. even then, Its always the same locomotives with the same color schemes with the same rolling stock on alot of the same scenes.

after a while, I'm betting they start questioning themselves. I know i do. Its even worse with me, because i have no light anymore, so all my models look like its on a rainy daysign1! but in all seriousness, I think i've come up with just about any angle that will work to take pictures of my trains, and after a while, even new locomotives and cars don't drive off the personal monotony. I have a feeling this overflows into the way modeler's percieve what others think.

announce1ITS NOT TRUE!

When I look at the images of the trains and models that all of you gauge members post, its only more inspiration and motivation for me to improove my models.

That leads me though to the other reason i think alot of modelers feel this way: The Lack of Feedback.

Some modelers go crazy trying to set up shots, they work real hard on models or what ever awesome thing they want to photograph, but when it gets posted on the internet, few respond. It maybe its because the thread it was in did not attract attention, or maybe so many other pictures are posted that the members of the forum are distracted, but in the end, the reaction that was hoped for does not arise.

Even on my layout thread, i post in there all the time, and i think its almost an entire page of only me posting on that threadfor the last week, despite all the crazy new stuff and pictures i posted. If it weren't for the fact that around 20-30 people veiw my thread daily as long as its on the front page, I could see why a modeler would think no one was interested.

announce1AGAIN NOT TRUE, AND IT DOESN'T MATTER!

Its your photos. If you enjoy them post them. Its your hobby, do what you enjoy doing. I garuntee there are people admiring them, even if it is not directly visible. This is after all, the internet :rolleyes:wall1. Thousands of people are going in and out of these threads all the time. there are plenty of silent admirers like myself who browse these threads observing and learning from the different facets of all of your work.

So please, don't stop the good work!
 
TrainNut, DON'T worry about it:winki: , those that know me know darn well that on ANY subject i feel strongly about i am going to put MY 2 cents in on it anyways:winki::toug::119: . NICE Challenger!!!:thumb::thumb::thumb: your layout is looking SLAP AWESOME TOO!!:thumb::mrgreen: i checked out the recent pics you posted to the gallery, GREAT STUFF!!!:thumb::mrgreen: .

g_e_c, FANTASTIC FEEDBACK!:bravo: you deserve a medal:thumb: , VERY GOOD points, and replies, THANK YOU! :bravo: .
i REALLY LIKE your Challenger in the Greyhound paint scheme too!!!:thumb::thumb::thumb:

:deano: -Deano
 
BTW g_e_c, while smoke deflectors were VERY COMMON on UP's F-E-F's, on their Challengers they were as rare as the Greyhound paint scheme yours is sporting, thats what makes your Challenger so nice:thumb: .
:deano: -Deano
 
UP SD40-2 said:
...your layout is looking SLAP AWESOME TOO!!:thumb::mrgreen: i checked out the recent pics you posted to the gallery, GREAT STUFF!!!:thumb::mrgreen: . -Deano
Click to expand...
Those pictures are already out of date as I went and covered most all of the brown plaster with grass tonight. Once it gets to this point, things move along pretty quick.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom