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Cakebox Challenge Chat


Phil Parker
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At BRM, we love building railway models. In this hobby, getting your hands dirty is a huge part of the fun. With that in mind, we thought it's time to run a model making competition. But one with a difference.

 

We aren't asking anyone to build a layout. For most people that would be far too great an undertaking. We wanted something that was open to all. Something that wouldn't involve too much space, or time or cost.

 

So, we invite you to take part on the first ever BRM cake box challenge.

 

The rules are simple enough. Entrants must build a diorama that can fit in a standard 8-inch square cardboard cake box – the sort available from shops that sell cookery items. You don't display the model in the box (unless you want to) it's simply a guide to the maximum size, a bit like the cages you find at airports to show how large your suitcase can be.

 

Your diorama can be any scale, any era, any prototype, in fact anything you like. The only condition is that it must include at least two railway related items. These could be anything you like, from locomotives to a tail lamp.

 

Judging will be based on photos you supply which will be posted on RMweb. We'll ask you to provide a description with a brief idea how you made your model. The models will then be voted on by visitors to the forum this time next year. That way, an imaginative and appealing scene will stand as much chance of winning as the finest scale model with every rivet in place.

 

We'll be doing our best to help you out with ideas and inspiration. On this months DVD I'll show that it would be possible to work in every scale from N to G. There is now an area on RMweb to discuss progress and swap ideas. We'll also be happy to take photos of your models at any of the BRM shows if you don't feel up to snapping them yourselves.

 

The BRM team will be building their own scenes during the year and writing them up in the magazine. You can see our results at shows and tell us how you can do better!

 

RMweb box.jpg

 

More details, and the first Cake Box build are in the November 2017 issue of BRM.

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Is there a maximum height? The 20 cm cake boxes from Lakeland are 15cm deep.

 

Phil is our resident cakebox expert (and their contents) so he's determined the restriction to be an 8" x 8" base and up to 6" high.

 

Hopefully we won't have Cameo-esque arguments about boxes for non-standard cakes; it's not scaleable either which means the 7mm+ modellers will just fit less in. ;)

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Phil is our resident cakebox expert (and their contents) so he's determined the restriction to be and 8" x 8" base and up to 6" high.

 

Hopefully we won't have Cameo-esque arguments about boxes for non-standard cakes; it's not scaleable either which means the 7mm+ modellers will just fit less in. ;)

Do we have to buy the magazine to get the full details, so we can have a Cameo-esque argument about that? ;)

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Phil is our resident cakebox expert (and their contents) so he's determined the restriction to be an 8" x 8" base and up to 6" high.

 

Hopefully we won't have Cameo-esque arguments about boxes for non-standard cakes; it's not scaleable either which means the 7mm+ modellers will just fit less in. ;)

 

I am looking forward to the final judging where we get to insert each entry through an 8" x 6" hole, carry-on luggage style, to ensure compliance. Should make a good video.

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To answer a few questions:

  • Cake boxes are 6 inches tall, Or 15cm. As long as the lid can go on, then it's legit.
  • Closing date TBC but we're looking at the end of November 2018. You have a year. Stop moaning that's not long enough.
  • It's one big class, we aren't going to get into all of the hassle of splitting things up.
  • Prize TBC but the pile (and it will be a pile) will grow during the year.
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Sorry but cake box, not layout box, there's only one thing that should be inside. Imagine the shock after the anticipation . . .

 

I'm finding the very concept traumatic ;)

 

Hold on I've got an idea . . .

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Sounds like a good concept! I have an idea...

 

My silly questioning of the rules consists of asking whether the 6" height is from the lowest scenic point (ie ground, stream bed, etc) or including any underground mechanisms? I'm presuming the latter if it needs to be transported in said cake tin?

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More importantly, do we have to eat the cake too?

 

I might have a stab at it, it sounds a bit more fun than the Cameo Contest, and the mag is easier to get hold of......

 

Cake disposal services will be offered at all Warners shows. See me for details. Except if your cake is chocolate and beetroot, in which case you are on your own you weirdo.

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Sounds like a good concept! I have an idea...

 

My silly questioning of the rules consists of asking whether the 6" height is from the lowest scenic point (ie ground, stream bed, etc) or including any underground mechanisms? I'm presuming the latter if it needs to be transported in said cake tin?

 

The whole model has to fit in the box with the lid on. We don't care if the base is at the bottom of the box or higher to accommodate batteries, mechanisms or anything else you care to put under there. The higher the base though, the less space you have above it though - it's a trade-off for the builder to work around. 

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Cake disposal services will be offered at all Warners shows. See me for details. Except if your cake is chocolate and beetroot, in which case you are on your own you weirdo.

Tempting......

 

How are you on salted caramel?

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Cake disposal services will be offered at all Warners shows. See me for details. Except if your cake is chocolate and beetroot, in which case you are on your own you weirdo.

So are you saying, Phil, that one wouldn't necessarily lose, and in fact, might win, if one simply submitted a cake box with one of your favourite cakes in it?

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