March Railwire Group Project

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, I have decided that we're going to try something new for March.

Instead of calling it a "challenge", I'm going to call it a project, and instead of picking an individual car, I'm going to pick a car type.

Now your challenge is to find a prototype photo of a car of that type, then find a model that's close to the car, and replicate the prototype photo with your model.

It's not limited to weathering. Carve, combine and distress to your heart's content, just do your best to make the model look as much like the prototype as you can. Now some things are tough to do in various scales. Scale couplers are tough in N, so photo your car so they're not obvious. Wheel flanges bother you? Shoot from the top of the car and hide those trucks...

The car type for this month will be a flat car. There are TONS of appropriate models out there. You can do anything from a modern 89' TOFC car to an old backwoods logging car.

But here's the catch. In order for your entry to count, you need to write up a description of your techniques. No more driveby photo submissions. You don't have to write up a novel about what you did, but something more than "I replaced the brakewheel with the appropriate etched part, then weathered with chalks". Say what part from which manufacturer, and why you chose it.

At the end of the month, post up your prototype photo, a photo (or more if you're particularly proud of your model) and your write up.

So, not quite iron chef, but I think a lot more in keeping with the original thought behind this thing... good luck guys!!!

[Iain]

OOOH!  I have the perfect car in mind!

[wm3798]

Edzo,
What if my reference photo is from a copyrighted publication?  I can't very well post that now, can I?
I can list the publication, publisher, author and page number, though.  You'll have to go to the Library to verify my work...
Bwah hahahaha

Dr. Evil

[Ian MacMillan]

Nice, I've got a perfect 60'er in mind!

[uspscsx]

Ed: Are loads allowed?


Matt

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yes, loads shall be allowed.

[Ian MacMillan]

heh heh heh.....load....

[bsoplinger]

What if my reference photo is from a copyrighted publication?  I can't very well post that now, can I?
I can list the publication, publisher, author and page number, though.  You'll have to go to the Library to verify my work...

Quite seriously, what if the photo is in a book or for that matter on the web where free use isn't allowed? There are plenty of photos in books I like with flats but there is a deafening dearth of LVRR flatcar photos out there on the web. Rather slim on CNJ too and most PRR are of types of flats not made in N scale.

I could see posting a copyrighted picture for the duration of judging *if* it couldn't be downloaded but basically if its on a computer screen its downloadable. That might not fall under fail use but I wouldn't feel badly about it, but to just post a pic that anyone could grab, that seems way over the line.

I will admit, I do like the idea of the 'pick you own photo' if this issue could be resolved.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Ok, I think using publically available images makes the most sense.

But if you accidently post an image that's not in the public domain, I'm not going to be filing any lawsuits.

And I don't think anyone else will if you post a photo, attibute it to the correct source, and don't go posting it around anywhere else.

Of course, if you're queasy about the subject, just use something available online.

[The Donkey]

More than likely won't be in this challenge, since I don't have any flat car
I'm interested in at this time!  :-\ (& also need to get caught up on
what I put aside for the Feb. challenge! 
It's a good idea though Ed-curious as to what other types of cars will
come up in future months to come! :
But also still like the "old" concept-it pushed me to another level, &
I'm happy with my results! I'm of the opinion that these challenges
"raise the bar", & I'm more than willing to attempt to meet them! 


Mitch (I remembered to sign my name only once this time  )

[central.vermont]

I might have to try this one hmmmmmmmm...........................

[wm3798]

What about something like this, and include a bibliographical foot note.  Granted, you're not going to get the full detail of the car in the photo, but color and weathering and major aspects should be fairly obvious.

I know photos of the car(s) I want to do are only available in a book, and I'm not going to do a scan for this purpose, or any other.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have number of CD's to burn now!

Lee

[Centauri]

Ed, Is this open to Western Australians and Sn3.5 scale??

John

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Sorry, only Eastern Australians...

Of course!!!

I'd LOVE to see some of that!

[Iain]

I need a new white Alps cartridge!

Trying to do one of the former DODX flats down on Radio Island.