Subject:
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Creating a GBC for a train layout
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.org.us.laflrc
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Date:
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Tue, 3 Jan 2006 21:16:23 GMT
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Viewed:
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1370 times
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We were talking about this off line, and I'd like to continue this discussion on-line.
We're trying to figure out how to make a GBC that looks like it should be part of a
train layout.
John wrote:
> Well, I guess I'll add my thoughts.
>
> 1. I agree with Brian D. in that high-quality modules should be able to run
> unattended for a couple of hours without failing. In my mind, a dropped or
> missed ball does NOT count against this so long as it doesn't cause the
> module to break.
Right.
> 2. As for making the modules look like they work in a factory or city
> setting, I think a minimum would be for a "control room" for the module with
> a minifig or two "controlling" the module. I think my pneumatic digger
> would have qualified as would most of the modules at this link, though some
> of them were a little sparse on decorations.
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=149883 (not sure whose
> gallery this is, but it is of our modules in the last IndyLUG layout) Most
> of us don't have the required number of windows, doors, fence pieces, etc.
> to make it fit perfectly into a layout. I like Dave K.'s idea of painting
> the soccer balls grey and making them look like rock chunks, but I'm not
> sure that is the best solution to make them fit into some sort of theme.
> All we have right now is "soccer ball factory", I don't know if there is
> something better. I think an industrial zone/ factory setting is perfect.
> It allows us to have more mechanicals parts showing without them looking
> totally out of place.
The problem is actually getting paint that will stay on for any length of time. I
have many balls where the real spots are worn off. Then, is the act of painting
them. That won't be easy.
> 5. Above grade-- This sounds like it would be FANTASTIC, but pretty tough.
> But I do think that neatly routing wires would be a MUST. How many of us
> have the necessary bricks to "brickscape" our modules to either raise the
> grade or hide all the ugly components?
I'm thinking you can build a hill in your module, if you want. That's up to you... :)
> 6. Like we talked about yesterday, I would still like to see a GBC train
> traveling through the main train layout and moving off onto a siding to
> unload/load. Whether it be a single all-in-one loading/unloading module or
> individual stations that maintain the ball supply to a larger GBC.
Yes. This would be the plan. Imagine a big train layout with a GBC train running
through it. There would be a few automated stations where the train(s) would stop,
unload, load, and move on. At the station would be a predefined set of GBC modules.
Out past the end of the train layout, there could be a "normal" mix & match GBC,
where others can contribute modules. The GBC train could shuttle balls to that, and
back.
> 7. Also it has been discussed having some sort of force-feedback joystick
> controlling a GBC crane module of some sort so passers-by can control the
> action to some extent. When not being controlled, it would revert to
> autonomous control. I like this idea (I'm taking partial credit for it
> since Steve, Kerby, and I dreamed it up on our way back from Ft. Wayne).
I like this (and want to do it), but it's the kind of thing that may end up in the
"GBC" section, not the "Train" section.
> 8. Bryan, I don't think you'd have to be worried about having Steve (or
> somebody else) setting your module aside because it wasn't pretty enough.
> If we do this, I think it would be a relatively few people involved
> and I would guess lots of pictures/ layouts/ helpful
> suggestions would be flying to and fro.
Yes, the "Train GBC" area would require a great deal of advanced planning, while the
other area will work as it has in the past. (modules are added when they arrive)
Steve
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: Creating a GBC for a train layout
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| (...) Agreed. (...) Yes. I've got this on most of my modules, but would develop it a lot more for a train layout. At ChiBots I even had one minifig who had fallen off of the top level, and was being held over the roiling ball stream below only by (...) (18 years ago, 4-Jan-06, to lugnet.org.us.laflrc)
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