PlaymoFriends
General => Community Events => Topic started by: skypurr on June 01, 2011, 18:01:52
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I've been meaning to post the dates for this year's exhibition but have had such a busy time lately I hadn't got around to it :-[
The dates are set for Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st July and Monday 1st August.
I have had a few ideas for displays, including Hogwarts and hopefully Hogsmead (Walter has given me an old engine to use for the Hogwarts Express - I just need a spare chimney and a couple of pieces of old track) and I also hope to do an open air Pop Concert (with James' help), a small Wildlife Park (there is such a one fairly near here) and a large school display. I can also use some of last years displays as I have extras to add to them, but if anyone would like to come along and bring a display they would be very welcome. So far Walter from WaltsTrains is coming with his Christmas display.
At present I am in the process of sorting things out and making a list of extras I will need, so I'll post further details of the exhibition - and anything I may need help with, later.
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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Wonderful wonderful news Elaine!!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:
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I need to check the dates, Elaine, but if they are OK I'll come, maybe using a train basis with town etc within it.
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That would be great Gordon.
Were you thinking of something similar to what you had a Knaresborough?
At present I'm trying to arrange accomodation: the local (very large) caravan site have offered free accomodation if they have any empty caravans at that time, which is great in one way, but because they won't know until the third week in July it is not a lot of use really! Another option is a through a neighbour who has a friend with a holiday cottage that they just let out to friends; she is going to see if I could have that for the weekend so I'm waiting to hear from her.
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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Elaine
I am in the area the week leading up to your event. This is a big family holiday for my wife's family. There will be my kids and nieces and a nephew.
I would be happy to pop in and help in some way - probably the Thursday or Friday - if that would help.
We will have our luggage so I cannot bring anything. I'll send a PM to include phone numbers.
Mark
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That would be great Gordon.
Were you thinking of something similar to what you had a Knaresborough?
The layout from Knaresborough would be one possiblity but I have others in mind. I usually run my layout end-to-end rather than in a circle or oval as that represents real railway practice. It also gives room for some shunting and moving of locos from one end of the train to the other for a return journey. I'm also looking at a "dog bone" layout which would, with care, allow two trains running at once. However, I'll let you see possible layouts beforehand.
As regards buildings, most of the town at Knaresborough was from Mark, I only provided the fire station and the burning building. However, I have quite a range of Steck which can act as station buildings and village/town buildings, plus scenery.
An influencing factor is the cat and whether we can get him in the cattery. If we can, then there will be me and Diane. If we can't, I may be let out by myself.
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Any help will be gratefully accepted Mark = glad to see you back BTW :wave:
Gordon, I have enough buildings etc. to make up the main street, a train running along one side could work well. Your fire display would go well in the layout too.
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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I've been told that I can come by myself! :)
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And I've been told that if we leave early enough in the morning we can come to visit for a day! :woohoo:
Verity
:)
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Gordon, I have enough buildings etc. to make up the main street, a train running along one side could work well. Your fire display would go well in the layout too.
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
"End-to-end" cold involve running round two sides of a table or even three - it just means not in a circle or oval or other layout which is "endless". I have another idea for a layout which would be "endless" and a bit different, but size of the display area is a factor in any of them. If you want, I can let you see plans of some ideas and the amount of space needed.
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Gordon and Elaine
I look forward to the exhibition in Kirkbean and any new ideas you might be trying.
I am hoping to do another exhibition in Knaresborough next February and have a couple of ideas for displays. I would like to do a long coastal display along a wall (32 ft long - the equivalent of the pirates and knights' displays combined.) If Gordon is able to come I would like this to have a long railway along it, raised above fields a village etc.
Mark
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Gordon and Elaine
I look forward to the exhibition in Kirkbean and any new ideas you might be trying.
I am hoping to do another exhibition in Knaresborough next February and have a couple of ideas for displays. I would like to do a long coastal display along a wall (32 ft long - the equivalent of the pirates and knights' displays combined.) If Gordon is able to come I would like this to have a long railway along it, raised above fields a village etc.
Mark
Sounds just the job, Mark, for the Seaport & Beachtown Coastal Railway! In fact, I've just bought two LGB bridges for carrying the line over small river estuaries as it winds along the coast.
Look forward to seeing you at Kirkbean
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Gordon and Elaine
If Gordon is able to come I would like this to have a long railway along it, raised above fields a village etc.
Mark
Something like this:
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/th_DSCF0041.jpg) (http://s704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/?action=view¤t=DSCF0041.mp4)
Click on the photo to go through to the video.
It's based, loosely, on the Sandsend Viaduct on the old Middlesbrough to Whitby line. It could be a straight run (I've only put the curve in for more space, but it does look good I think) and could be widened out to include a run-around for reversing the train to the other end.
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Elaine, if you can give me some idea of space, e.g. x feet by y feet, I can think of some ideas. I've tried one which is shown in the video below. (Click on the photo to go through to the video and ignore the derailment at the end!).
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/th_DSCF2121.jpg) (http://s704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/?action=view¤t=DSCF2121.mp4)
I've used a straight line approach because of the space I had, but the line could easily be a right angle or even a U-shape with a run along one side and the back of a table and then down the other side. There would be space in the centre for the town.
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That last one looks very good, gordon!
How did the derailment happened at the end of the video?
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I'm still waiting to hear about the boards we are getting Gordon, so don't know actual measurements yet, but I'm sure that such a layout could be accomodated; it looks very good. I thought the two trains were going to collide when they passed each other at the end loop though. :0
I love your viaduct, but how much do you feed Fluff? Those boxes would last my two cats for weeks! :lol:
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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That last one looks very good, gordon!
How did the derailment happened at the end of the video?
Thanks, HC. I'm pleased with the result and, outside, it is possible to add lots of curves and straights (and a viaduct maybe) between the two return loops.
The derailment is a bit of a mystery and seemed to be a problem with that first coach as it had happened a number of times before. Eventually I took that coach off. If you listen carefully as the train comes up and round the top loop, you can hear the clack clack clack of a wheel off the track and running over the sleepers. I suspect an uneven bit of track somewhere was the cause, plus an over sensitive coach.
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I'm still waiting to hear about the boards we are getting Gordon, so don't know actual measurements yet, but I'm sure that such a layout could be accomodated; it looks very good. I thought the two trains were going to collide when they passed each other at the end loop though. :0
I love your viaduct, but how much do you feed Fluff? Those boxes would last my two cats for weeks! :lol:
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Glad you like the layout, Elaine. I will experiment further with the alternative ways of laying it out and try to work the two bridges in as well, although without the cat food boxes!
On test runs, the trains did collide a number of times as it's difficult handling a camera and two RC controllers. Then I had the bright idea of using the same chip in both trains so one controller controlled both.
Fluff eats 3 or 4 pouches a day, well maybe not "eats" as he always leaves a little reserve of about 12 pieces "just in case" (rather like Winnie the Pooh and honey). Sometimes the wastage rate is bit higher as certain ones, e.g. Senior beef, are not top favourite. I'd just stocked up with another four boxes as Sainsbury's had them on offer at two for £5, plus we had a coupon for 400 extra Nectar points if we spent £10 on pet food. As Felix standard fish pouches and Senior ones are his favourites we stock up big time when there are offers on. These modern ideas ideas of cat food with vegetables in or steamed food etc. just don't go down with him and he just walks away. In this he's rather more polite than our previous cat, Boots, who if he didn't like what was put down for him went through an exaggerated pantomime of pretending to bury it!
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Hope no one was seriously injured in the derailment. Are you sure this was not two Amtrak trains? They have an amazing way of derailing in the US......regularly. Peace, Pgal :wave:
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Just like topics around here lately. :toot:
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Gordon
I'll be interested to see what you come up with for Kirkbean. I'll watch developments with interest.
I think I'll hold back on thoughts for Knaresborough until after then. I'll then start a new thread.
Mark
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Right ho, Mark. There will be some ideas on track layouts appearing in the Trains forum during the coming weeks/months as well.
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Gorden do not make it months, we are there in five and a half weeks
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Gorden do not make it months, we are there in five and a half weeks
Don't worry, Walter, those layouts are long-term ones; my ideas for Kirkbean are already pretty well developed.
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Gorden do not make it months, we are there in five and a half weeks
I do wish you hadn't said that, I'm panicking now! :0 :omg:
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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Here's what I have gathered up for my classic Africa/safari display so far:
(http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/8416/wheels001.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/828/wheels001.jpg/)
I haven't got the original safari lodge, so I have started to build one up from spares, but unfortunately i don't have any of the angled foundation brackets or shuttered doors/windows :-\
(http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/1338/wheels003.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/wheels003.jpg/)
Damo :)
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An interesting selection, Damo. It looks as if the Flying Doctor should have gone to SpecSavers and will the giraffes really fit into those beds? ;D
Seriously though, I think you've got more than enough to produce a good display item, especially with more to come.
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That looks good Damo,
I can see what animals I have to add to it if you like.
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An interesting selection, Damo. It looks as if the Flying Doctor should have gone to SpecSavers and will the giraffes really fit into those beds? ;D
Seriously though, I think you've got more than enough to produce a good display item, especially with more to come.
:lol: Thanks, Gordon. I'm still not sure how I'm going to set it out yet. I could do with more trees really, but those particular ones are quite hard to come by.
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That looks good Damo,
I can see what animals I have to add to it if you like.
Thanks, Elaine - I want to keep the display as old as possible, so old animals would be good. The giraffes and zebras in the pic are all color ones ;D
Damo :)
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Thanks, Elaine - I want to keep the display as old as possible, so old animals would be good. The giraffes and zebras in the pic are all color ones ;D
only a collector.....
I love the idea to put in an extra challenge Damo...with that goal in mind I am following your endeavors and end result much closer. None of the visitors will notice though I am afraid.
Good luck!
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only a collector.....
I love the idea to put in an extra challenge Damo...with that goal in mind I am following your endeavors and end result much closer. None of the visitors will notice though I am afraid.
Good luck!
:lol: That's what my mum said! - "no-ones going to say hey that Klickie is from a different era to that one!" when I said I felt awkward about putting a Zulu warrior special in there!
Damo :)
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Hi Damo
I see you like to set yourself a challenge with the idea of using just the older sets. You could work with what you've got if the display size is right. If Elaine gives you a lot of space then you might need to fill it out.
Are you looking to add a watering hole for the animals to congregate around? This could be something you put together ahead of the event - a piece of blue painted card that could be stuck down on the base when you get there. (I was really impressed with Sir Gareth's prebuilt dislay in February.)
In terms of mixing periods two questions you might ask yourself-
1. Am I happy with the display? and/or
2. Would a seven or eight year old go "Wow!"?
Good luck
Mark
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I'm happy to work with whatever space you feel you need Damo.
I presume transporting your display will be another deciding factor in what you can do.
As regards animals I probably have a mixture of old and new - I'll let you know what when I can get to them.
This week has been my p
The next few weeks are to be devoted to the exhibition however :cheerlead: :yippee: :yippee: :cheerlead:
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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That last one looks very good, gordon!
How did the derailment happened at the end of the video?
Thanks, HC. The derailment was because the track wasn't on the level. The truck started to come off as the train left the garage where these is a dip.
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Hi Elaine,
I've tried out a revised version of the layout with two right angled turns in it so it could run round three sides of a display board. Here's a link to a video (just click on the picture and you'll go through to the video:
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/th_DSCF0172.jpg) (http://s704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/?action=view¤t=DSCF0172.mp4)
The bad news is that with two trains, even using the same chip in each, they wouldn't synchronise and kept colliding! After some thought, I came up with the layout shown in the photo below, a mix of a circular layout and end-to-end, which may work quite well. However, in any layout the area available will be crucial. The one below takes up 12ft by 9ft.
(http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww48/playmofire/Playmobil/Playmobil%20trains/Kirkbean%20and%20Knaresborough/DSCF0184.jpg)
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I'll have to work out the space available Gordon. The boards we are getting are like Mark had; 8 feet x 4 feet.
There should be enough room for a large display as the hall itself is 70 feet x 27 feet, it's just a case of working out how to do the boards. If necessary I could always get some smaller width (or length) boards to make up the extra space needed. At the moment I am too tired to work out the combinations of the boards so I'll try and work that out tomorrow night (it's presentation of awards at school tomorrow afternoon so I'll be out during the day).
I am impressed with the layout BTW!
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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The info about the size of the boards is very useful, Elaine, as things can be adapted to fit a 2:1 format quite easily just by adjusting the number of lengths of track.
Hope the presentation goes well and that you got a good night's sleep last night.
Glad you like the layout, I'll experiment further with some ideas.
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Only one week to go to the exhibition :0 so thought I'd post an update on what's happening.
Today, I feel as though things are coming together (perhaps it's because I've finished baking for the produce market and can now concentrate on all things Playmobil ;D )
The boards for the tables have arrived, with the exception of a few extra that I bought today, which will be picked up early next week.
We are off to the hall tomorrow to start painting.
I still have lots to do with my own displays, but with the time I should have now, things should hopefully progress rapidly.
My ds order for last minute items arrived today too, quite exciting, just a couple of things missing that I will have to try to sort out.
I've posted about it here: http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=8541.0
I'm hoping the two local papers will run an article on the exhibition next week, meanwhile I received an email today from our local BBC radio wanting to interview me again :0
Gordon, Walter and Damo arrive here on Friday so I want to try to get all the displays I'm doing myself more or less ready by then - sounds OK in theory!
I'll post more as the week goes on - time permitting!
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
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Only a few days to go now, I'm so excited! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:
I'm still gathering bits for my Africa display, with a couple of things hopefully arriving from ebay this week. Also going through my Klickie boxes to find as many, what shall I say, folks who could pass as Africans! :P :lol:
I've relaxed the period rules now, so anything that can pass as African from any Playmobil era is now being included ;)
Steve's faffing around getting the wheels of the car refurbished especially for the trip, not that they're going to stay looking nice of Scottish weather is anything to go by ::)
Damo :)
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Steve's faffing around getting the wheels of the car refurbished especially for the trip, not that they're going to stay looking nice of Scottish weather is anything to go by ::)
Damo :)
The weather here's been glorious this week - typical, I'm stuck inside :lol:
I've got a few tribespeople you can use Damo, also found some ostriches and antelopes today, that I'd forgotten I had.
Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)