Another MODEL RAIL Radio podcast

Well, I made it on to another MODEL RAIL RADIO podcast! I wish I had more time in my day to be a part of these fantastic podcasts - they are a lot of fun.

The basic breakdown is somewhat simple. You contact the SKYPE call host (Usually Tom Barbalet) and he adds you to the meet up. You are able to participate in the chat portion of the show from that point. That's usually a lively spot full of content and links to check out.
Then, if you have something to add to the podcast, you can request to be added to the call. The format of the calls are rather loose and free flowing, so the information moves quickly and there are usually multiple sections and conversations that take place during the show. There are marathon sessions for the show as well - some ending up to be around 5 hours!


iTunes link to the show - http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/model-rail-radio/id335536272#

If you're interested in hearing my ramblings, they hit at around the 25 minute and 56 minute marks. I talk about my Old Town section a bit as well as planning and pieces. 


I was also on show #44 :)   Around the 2hr 49 minute mark.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/model-rail-radio-44-layout/id335536272?i=97351107 


Being on the show is always comfortable. Newcomers are usually greeted in the chat and made to feel welcome. On my first venture into the show space, I said hello and was immediately welcomed and brought into the conversation.

There are other model railroading podcasts out there, but the style and flow of MODEL RAIL RADIO is perfect for me and my commute. The free form style and numerous guests ensure that each show is PACKED with information.

Check out their website as well - 
http://www.modelrailradio.com/

And there is also an active space on FACEBOOK - 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/367613092344/



This podcast is a must for model rail fans.



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Setagaya

Very interesting - I checked the layout plan for the Setagaya layout and it looks exactly like what I want for my future layout!

 

It has the "Historic Area", transitions and "Big City Area". It even has an awesome subway section below. Just goes to show - you may think you have a new and exciting idea...and you probably did. But, it doesn't mean that someone else hasn't had that same idea already. :) Everyone's take on an idea is different, however, so it's always interesting to see what comes out of an idea when seen through a new vision. 

I love the Setagaya layout. It can be found here:  http://japanese-trains.com/setagaya/

The  website makes me a little crazy, but the layout is fantastic. The layout is based on the Setagaya tram line in Japan. The rich details, multi-levels and someone simple track work makes this the ideal benchmark layout for me. 

Looking at the layout above, I have to smile. It's EXACTLY what I want to do down to the positions and spacing of the sections. It's uncanny. So, not I have something to get both inspiration and knowledge from. 

Sadly, it looks like this layout was dismantled back in 2006. 

Check out some of the section images. 

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Japanese Layouts

Some cool layouts from Japan.

Great amount of detail in these layouts.It looks like this is footage from a few of the International Train Festivals they have going - the 11th and 12th, I believe. cool hearing some of the conversations as well, though I have no idea what is being said, of course. :)

Old Town Action Plan

Hello again to all those playing at home. :)
I have a tighter action plan for Old Town worked out. Of course, this may change within the hour, but it's nice to have SOMETHING down.
The board is working out well. My original thought about needing more structures is on hold. I think there may be enough to get the visual density I want to achieve down as it stands now, so I'm going to hold off on additions for now. But...you know...I already have them picked out and my birthday IS coming up...so...yeah...I'll end up buying more. :)


http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160555 Brewery Buildings
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10108828 Tomytec Buildings
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10104758 Tomytec stores

And, eventually, I want to expand a bit to include a fishing port....

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10070960 

But, for now, the breakdown is someone clear and simple. Some of the areas of note are:

01. The temple area is now raised - set on a styrofoam base. The wall area of the base will have this stone wall look. 

03. I really love the "Town Square" feel of this image and would like to translate it into my layout.

07. & 08. The feeling of this image is something else I'd like to capture. People strolling, shopping and taking photos. Small streets and pathways that keep things close and "small town" feeling.

And I've been snagging lots of photos so I can try to match weathering and how the buildings are laid out. I want to make sure I have several elevations as well. This will help to break up the overall landscape. In shot 12., the raised foundation style will help to get that split in elevation.

Exciting stuff!

Comments and suggestions welcome!

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Soyokaze Stories: A Visitor

Old Town station

Old Town parking

From the notebook of Ken Kutaragi

"I'm glad I took the train instead of driving. The experience was fantastic and the small station by the temple was endearing. The tram ride took me through some of the most beautiful countryside I've seen and it seems that it took about the same time it would have taken on the Nittsu bus from downtown, but it was far less crowded and confined feeling.

I plan to revisit the restaurant Kogane no and hope to see Mrs. Teshigawara when I'm there. (Though, I must admit that it's her daughter I'd really like to see!) The food was amazing and the view of the Temple at sunset is something out of dreams.

Staying for the night may have been the best decision I've made all week. The fresh air and the sake have made me homesick. I wonder if it's raining in Saitama right now. "

Translation: Kate Marx-Cooper

Boats

Mr. Shimabukuro got his last three boats delivered as the sun started to fall. Mrs. Teshigawara was nice enough to let him store the boats on the side of her restaurant until he works out the additional storage needed.  Shimabukuro will open his boat rental space late this winter.

:)

Old Town - Revised

The model train hobby seems to be mostly about planning and revisions to said plans - about 80% by my rough calculations. :)

Old Town is being re-thought again. The original plan was to have the Old Town section laid out on KATO road plates. However, after taking a look at some locations in Japan, the organized and wide space the plates offered didn't match the vision I had or the real locations I scouted. So, another revision was needed to match my minds eye.

I snagged a plywood sheet from Home Depot and had it cut down to fit on my current dresser location. This was the best option right now - the space was already being used for the setup and - since we've signed a year lease recently - we're going to be here for at least a year and the magical, future space of my combined layout isn't happening any time soon.

This new area will allow for me to build out everything from scratch. I'll have smaller street areas, walkways, lots of foliage areas, a raised section for the temple area made from 1" styrene sheet and will have the look I really wanted for the Old Town section. I think this new revision will also mean re-doing the parking lot. I may just hack it in half and manage it that way.

All in all, I'm excited about this new direction. I'm trying not to let my excitement about it drive me too fast, however. I think that keeping a slow pace and thinking things through will give me the best results. There are a few break out spots in my life coming up where I'll have a block of time to work on the project, so I'll ramp up to those spots as they come up.

If you have comments or suggestions, please feel free to toss them out there! I'd appreciate anything that might help out in this process.

Cheers

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