The Double O Gauge Association
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The DOGA box file challenge Ideas and plans
In it's simplest form this is a competition for diorama builders. It is an opportunity to try out all the techniques for building a layout without all the hastle of baseboards. Really we are looking at an extension of our scenic competition. It will allow all our members to join in a competition without much expense and the need to actually travel to the judging site - important for our members living abroad. Once completed the model can live on a bookshelf in it's dust proof box.
A simple diorama would be a level crossing with Wills gates and crossing keeper cottage. Perhaps the same company's halt could be used in a separate model. The track need not be laid direct to the base of the file but could be raised on a low embankment. If you want to include a signal, no problem as long as it "unplugs" from the model so the lid shuts. Trees could be treated in the same way but they must fit in the pox for traveling so some compromises will be required. Think ships in bottles and you get the idea.
All that is needed is a bit of imagination and a little time.
Now when I mentioned this, the idea of a real working layout in a file obviously comes to mind. If you allow for a separate fiddle yard then it is possible, just:
I've used SMP Y-points, Replica 10ft-van and Bachmann 9ft wagon. This is shuntable. Perhaps as a shunting puzzle with playing cards to be dealt out showing where each wagon should go. Another alternative would be to put the doors of engine sheds at the end of the sidings and build this as a tiny (Industrial ?) MPD.
Of course lots of designs are possible with a sliding sector plate forming one end of a loop as seems popular with the P4 modelers at present.
If you join two files together the results are a lot more promising:
Here I've copied the track plan from the successful O gauge layout "Alexandra Yard". Again you need a fiddle yard but this would be shuntable. Obviously you need a small loco such as a Dapol "Pug" to get a wagon and logo in the head shunt but this ought not be a problem. If anyone can make a working wagon turntable then this ought to make it really interesting.
If you keep adding files then the possibilities are endless but that isn't really in the spirit of the challenge. What we are looking for is imagination. I'm sure someone will work an express loco into the design somewhere (shed/works interior ?).
Good luck. I will be updating this page during the lifetime of the competition. Please e-mail me with any ideas, plans or photographs you have. We will also be discussing the subject regularly on the DOGA e-mail list available to members.
