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Here are some pointers on planning from the Brickish Association and NBLTC.
Larry P was quite surprised by how the last NBLTC train display planning meeting
went, so I thought I'd share it.
Some clubs elect a 'Straw Boss' to draft the layout, apportion it to members,
and field the inevitable change requests.
When we do it, the whole club meets. We're only half a dozen, but you could
just pick people that are interested in the planning.
We spend a few hours arguing over the overall plan. At various points we have
to take a decision - it may come to a vote - on parts of it that we then don't
go back on. For example, size and shape of layout, number of loops, concealed
areas etc. It's up to anyone (though you could use a nominated chairman) to
pick up on these key issues and call for a decision.
Once that meeting is finished, then it goes to the 'Straw Boss'. He draws up
the track plan, specifying the track interfaces and limits of each contributor's
area. The first draft should be exactly what was agreed at the meeting.
Duties may include arranging for the table modules underneath everything, if
this doesn't match up exactly with who is contributing scenery. But in our
case, this responsibility usually falls to the guy with the most tables.
Changes are then channelled through the 'Straw Boss', and it's up to him to
field discussions between two parties over changes to their interface. Within
an area, the contributor can change what he wants, though it helps to keep the
boss informed of layout changes so the plan is current.
This has happened for our Classic Moonbase and Mos Lego layouts too - a chat
over what's going to happen, then one co-ordinator chosen to be the focal point
for everyone's contributions.
Something else to note about public displays; if you advertise a LEGO display,
you will get far, far more kids than adults. If you want to make a success of
it, you have to consider that audience. So, while you're building a huge tower
block, or a massive diesel engine with a great long train of container wagons,
remember that the building most noticed will be the one with Spider-Man swinging
off it, and the train most noticed will be the little blue tank engine.
It's also a good idea to insist that parents are accompanied by adults. Even
then, be prepared for things getting grabbed. And I mean mentally prepared. If
a teenager grabs something and tries to walk out with it, you can block their
way and act like a doorman. You can't get away with that with a six-year-old
who's trying to take something to show a parent. The majority of parents
bringing their children are going to be responsible and will help resolve any
problems. Just never panic. If you're worried about the risk of losing
something really rare, then don't bring it.
Another thing that I know works, is if something has gone missing, and you're
pretty sure of a kid being responsible, you can't just accuse them. You'll
usually find them too scared to admit it, even if they're otherwise a good kid.
Make a fuss that you've lost something, and ask them to help you look for it.
You may be surprised to see it turn up right where they're looking - and you're
not.
Jason J Railton
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Clubs/Events - Tips and Tricks
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| As you can imagine, I get A LOT of questions from fans in my role as Community Liaison. Many are recurring themes, where fans are looking for answers to the same question. One such recurring series of questions has to do with running events and (...) (20 years ago, 19-Mar-04, to lugnet.lego, lugnet.general, lugnet.events) !!
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