Introducing the Hi-Fi micro layout…
Hi-fi - High Fidelity. Hilton Fidelity...
Not a new term, but applied here to differentiate the typical micro layout in a box file from those that I enjoy creating, designing, sharing and promoting. In music 'HiFi'' is defined by the lack of noise and distortion and an accurate 'flat, neutral' frequency response. How would I define the 'HiFi' micro layout?
hi-fi
adjective
relating to the reproduction of a model railway with high fidelity, a degree of realism achieved not through accurate scaling of a prototype but the artful interpretation of reality in miniature.
As means of an illustration, today's post shares a selection of my own creations through the medium of video - perhaps the ultimate way to share a HiFi layout - where you can completely control how the model is viewed and presented. I would suggest that each of these meets the definition, but would welcome your thoughts and ideas.
What is the purpose of offering a new term in this way? I believe that micro layouts are too often associated with box files and setrack and whilst those model railways provide a great deal of enjoyment for their creators, they do not have the monopoly on small model railways. Rather the HiFi Cameo is the opportunity to take back some of this mantel and show the wider hobby what they could create and enjoy in a space, time and cost that may much better fit their home and means.
The HiFi cameo as a destination rather than a distraction.
Perhaps my second book itself is a manifesto for this approach, but without the label. For now, I intend to revisit this concept and describe the idea with more thoughts, but I wanted to gather some ideas and interest from you, my blog readers. Get in touch via the email form or leave a comment, I'd love to hear what you think. Until next time, more soon...
Whilst rather a twee term is this not what cameo layouts are, with an emphasis o good modelling and inspiration from other artistic disciplines?
ReplyDeleteA good point - I think I’m talking about micro rather than cameo, and so have adjusted the original post.
DeleteI’m not sure that the micro layout world needs another term associated with it to be honest. There’s enough confusion out there about the traditional micro layout definition as it is. Many modellers are unable to grasp the concept of the traditional four square feet micro layout limit, thinking that if they model in a scale larger than 4mm, they can take up a larger space and still be a micro layout. Perhaps as your N scale work is so prevalent in this genre, people will think that Hi Fi layouts are only N scale cameo layouts.
ReplyDeleteYou can produce a high fidelity model railway layout of any size using set track. I am reminded of the furore caused by AC Wood’s “Bredon” in September 1981 Railway Modeller. On the box file side of things, I still find Colin Peake’s “Box Street Metals” one of the most realistic micro layouts I have had the pleasure of seeing.
I think it all comes down to the classic double entendre. “It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you do with it”.
Your work is of the highest inspirational quality, and is Hi Fi indeed. I am trying to incorporate what I’ve learned from your layouts into my next American 0 scale project, and if I get close to the atmosphere and realism that you create I will have achieved something.
Thanks Ian, and I think it’s interesting to reflect you don’t see a problem with the catch all ‘micro’ whilst you recognise that other modellers struggle to see the benefits. I worry that society in general has lost its aspiration, as if sharing inspiring work and encouraging others to see the best they can achieve is non-inclusive. I hope the term ‘HiFi’ can perhaps begin to address that? I still look for work that inspires and encourages me through its artistic brilliance, whilst many are kind enough to look to me for the same.
DeleteYes, I do find myself wearing two hats here, so to speak. As the editor of The Micro Model Railway Dispatch I want to encourage people to discover the micro layout world, no matter what they build to start with. Then personally, I want to see that HiFi realistic work too, hoping, (as editor again), that it will inspire these new modellers to heights they hadn't considered. Does that make sense? As always, you provoke interesting thoughts and discussion. Thanks
DeleteTwo thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI think the word you're maybe reaching for is verisimilitude. Admittedly, it's not as catchy as hi-fi but it means 'the appearance of being true or real' as opposed to being a completely accurate rendition and is perhaps a more accurate description of what you're doing. I'm familiar with the word from writing fiction.
The second thought covers both why this style of layout appeals to you and why it appears to be too simple, even boring, to others.
Essentially it comes down to how you use the layout, or the nature of your play, versus the more traditional idea of 'playing with trains'.
Basically, I think operating for you is a meditative exercise (you've spoken often of mindfulness which I suspect is something of an alien concept to most of the long-bearded and grubby-jumpered denizens of the exhibition halls I've visited) undertaken for a relatively short period now and then, and hence the very simplicity of operating these layouts appeals. You don't want complicated shunting or a timetable, still less the social interaction of a three-hour operating session with your mates.
But equally, those who are drawn to mechanical complexity and who happily get lost in the train-world for hours on end would not find enough to engage them in Pont Dulas or Wrecsam Canolog.
Interesting. I was talking specifically about a category that of micro layouts rather than in general. Does that change your opinion? I’d also suggest that my thoughts are not about widespread conversion, just showing what is possible. There really aren’t many of us with time and money for big trainsets, I’d say my target audience are those on the fence who have had a railway in the past but don’t think they have time or money for one, and probably occasionally buy MRJ but feel that scar fidelity is beyond them?
DeleteFunny you should mention "Hi Fi", implying sound. I have just come across the Japanese concept of Ma, and attach some quotes:
ReplyDeleteMa might not necessarily refer to a physical negative space but may refer to emptiness or perception of a gap... it’s the space that allows other things to develop or to be.
Ma takes us away from this [busyness], it gives us the room, it gives us time to think, it frames an object and guides the eye. It puts some order in chaos and harmony to space and time.
Less is more. Where there is clutter, even valuable things lose their value. Where there is too much, nothing stands out.
It is not just space but also purposeful pauses , quiet time and room for our thoughts.
Noh theatre is considered a supreme artistic expression of Ma, combining all aspects in a single refined performance... Noh epitomizes the dynamic balance between object and space, action and inaction, sound and silence, movement and rest.
https://new.uniquejapan.com/ikebana/ma/
https://wawaza.com/blogs/when-less-is-more-japanese-concept-of-ma-minimalism-and-beyond/
https://artdesignasia.com/the-japanese-concept-of-ma/
Regarding the above comments, I am one of the heathen with a "Micro" O gauge layout bigger than 4ft sq, and yes I do occasionally buy MRJ but find it off-putting.
I think maybe you've not mentioned what you touched upon in your 'Framed' post and that's the storytelling. I think the story telling ability you've brought to your layouts, makes them different to other Micro layouts. Not saying that other Micros cant tell stories its just that you've built these with story telling at the forefront of your planning.
ReplyDeleteDave, that’s a great thought, thank you.
DeleteReading through the comments I'm beginning to suspect that the concept of what the post calls Hi Fi is more subtle, and needs to be defined by the perception of the onlooker. So what is it that makes your aproach Hi FI in the eyes of others?
ReplyDeleteAgain, reading through the comments ideas that strike e as important to it are:
- The use of a small scale but modelled to a higher standard than is commonplace.
- Modelling a well know genre but with greater fidelity, and a I use the word deliberately to the prototype rather than the cliched model based on another layout.
- Simplicity and space as defining factors above small size per se
-Not only constraining the viewers view of the stage, but also constraining their imagination of the world beyond the wings. I think Albion Yard was the first layout that made me conscious of that, though I suspect it is was inherent in Rice's 'bitsa' station approach.
- Embracing techniques from other hobbies.
Re-reading this list is I find myself wanting to write in the form of the Agile Manifesto, one of the most misunderstood management concepts out there. No one factor defines the concept, and it is is often deciding what to prioritise "Visual impact over operation""space over track" etc.
James - I like this... the idea of a 'manifesto' is one I've pondered for some time. It sometimes feels that this blog has become a bit of a haven for like minded individuals to comments and encourage my own modelling - but imagine a place where this could happen in real time - as good friend James mentioned in a comment on Chris's blog the other week, the idea of a Parisian 'salon' where not only are we discussing philosophy, but the art of railway modelling.
DeleteOn a serious note - this idea of a series of 'factors' which define a Hifi Micro is one I'd like to take forwards. Watch this space!