Help Wanted ..... Literally

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well gang, for over 11 months now you have been hearing me talk about my big plans for a layout in my basement. During that time, I have shared my progress (or perhaps the lack thereof) with you.

Tomorrow night, at the local NMRA meeting, I am going to open it up, and try to find a crew. I have printed business cards and the following flyer. I may even take the flyer and post it at the local hobby stores.

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A new model railroading project is beginning in the East Metro area of the Twin Cities. My name is Elliot Feinberg, and this is my story (short version).

I was born and raised here in the Twin Cities, and have lived here all my life, except for a 7 year period from 1980 through 1986, when I lived in Denver Colorado. I have always loved trains, and just completed my 30th year in the NMRA. I have owned and worked with model trains in all the major scales during my life. I have been a member of N, HO, and 2 rail O scale clubs, including the culb at Bandana Square. I have even been a member of the MTM and the St Croix Railroad club. I was also a member of the Metro group, for those who remember.

With all of that time spent in the Twin Cities train scene, there is a good chance that I have crossed paths at one time or another with most of the people in the Twin Cities Division.

One day about 20 years ago, I decided to focus my attention and efforts on my first love, Lionel 3 rail O. I still love all model and real trains. With that focus, I built a large collection, in a fairly short period of time.

Did you ever get out to the Mall of America when it first opened in 1992? If you did, you may have been one of over 100,000 visitors to enterTRAINment.

EnterTRAINment was a 2000 square foot train display, featuring the Lionel trains from my collection. I was the primary designer, and driving force behind that display, though many other people did help to build and operate it.

Unfortunately, enterTRAINment was forced to close after only 14 months of operation. In the final analysis, it was a poor choice of location within the mall, that spelled doom for the project. Contrary to popular belief, it was not the expenses that caused it's demise, but rather the lack of traffic in my location.

So, what happened to all of that stuff? Everything that could be salvaged, was!!! That means track, trains, buildings, trees, lighting, power supplies, controls, wires, etc, are all sitting in my basement, waiting to be reconfigured into a new layout.

EnterTRAINment was a public display, trains ran in circles because it was convenient. This new railroad is just that, A RAILROAD, designed for operation, just like many of the HO layouts found in basements around town. Most people are only familiar with with the non scale toy-like trains of 3 rail O. That was the focus at enterTRAINment. Times have changed, and that will NOT be the case with this new project.

Approximately 1750 square feet are dedicated to the railroad, but the layout will actually have more square footage than that, since there are 2 full levels and a third partial level for storage/staging. The design is based on the mainline operations of the railroads of the Twin Cities, but also includes major yards, and industries. When complete, there should be plenty of action to keep at least 10 people busy. This is a club sized railroad in a private home.

Why am I telling you all of this? It is very easy to dream beyond one's own ability to accomplish such lofty goals without help. Frankly, I need motivation. In the last year I have made some good progress, but as always, have stalled out. I have the skills, ideas, and most of the materials to make this dream a reality.

I am not looking for major commitments, just some extra hands who are interested in the project, and want to help with the construction, and ultimately come and operate when the layout reaches that stage. Right now, I have a very open schedule, and there is no need to lock into any particular day or time. Furthermore, I am perfectly willing to help anyone with their railroad, in exchange for their time spent helping me.

My project does not require that you have any particular experience. Beginners, experts and everyone in-between are equally welcome!!!

Interested??? Elliot Feinberg 651-998-1005 (days or evenings).

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Yes, that's my phone nimber, and yes you can call me, just not collect, please.[swg]

[eZAK]

Thanks for the offer Elliot,

If I lived closer I would take you up on that.
I do have a title for your letter though,

Help Me With My Dream

Good Luck!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Pat, I wish everyone lived closer. That's one drawback to our "cyber club" here. [:(]

That would be a good title for the flyer. I wish I could fit it on the page. I drew that logo that is in my signature using MS Paint, and put it at the top of the page, like a letterhead. I actually had to reduce the size of the text just to fit it all on a single page. So much for the short version.[swg]

By the way, you, and everyone else, are welcome to visit if you ever get up this way. SaskTinplater did this past summer.

[daan]

@Bigboy, I can't help with building, but, like a lot of others are willing to help solving whatever problem you might run into when building it. If I'm visiting the states in your area I'll drop by for certain, but that's future music..

[Anonymous]

If I lived in your area, I'd certainly be more than happy to help you out with your layout. Hopefully you'll get some good response from that. I imagine that you would. I'd like to come down and see you again sometime and I plan on seeing your completed layout in person in the future.

[nblum]

Good idea and good luck, Eliot.

My sister lives in the Twin Cities, so when I get out there next, perhaps I can see your layout and provide moral support for the project.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Daan, Sask and Neil. It's great to have a cheering section, even from afar. This "call to arms" seems to be worknig, as I have gotten a couple of resopnses from people that are "in range".

Of course, I'll gladly share my progress, as soon as I make some.[:I][(-D][swg]

[spankybird]

I wish I lived closer.

tom

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by spankybird

I wish I lived closer.

tom

Thanks Tom, and Spanky looks cool in his Elton John shades. That was cute.[8D]

[spankybird]

We should share this with othere so they know what we are talking about
The Cool Bird

[Big_Boy_4005]

So Tom, have you taught him Rocketman or Pinball Wizard?[swg] I mean, if you are going to get him the glasses, he might as well play the part. He already has the flashy feathers.[;)]

[Anonymous]

Elliot:

I'm saddened to learn that enterTrainment is closed. I have you on video tape and enjoyed your trains. You will get you motivation back. Thank about it
-you have already accomplished what most of us can only dream of.

Good luck,

Bill

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by billinpahrump

Elliot:

I'm saddened to learn that enterTrainment is closed. I have you on video tape and enjoyed your trains. You will get you motivation back. Thank about it
-you have already accomplished what most of us can only dream of.

Good luck,

Bill

Thanks Bill. Congrats on your first post, keep them coming.

Yes, it took me a while to get over that loss. Part of the difficulty comes from getting to that level, then having it all fall apart. What to do next, and still have it be fun. I've got the project, just gotta find the heart.