Help Wanted..... Litterally

[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]

[dave9999]

Elliot,
If you were not 1500 miles from my home, I would be glad to join in. Dave

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Dave, it's too bad that commute is such a killer.[swg] I expect to see a number of similar posts. I wish all you guys lived closer[:(] If you ever make it up this way you are welcome to visit. Sask did this past summer.

Roadtrp and Hawks live close enough, if they are interested, and I know there are more in the area. Maybe some of them will come out of the woodwork.

[Anonymous]

Well I am not in the Twin Cities but I do get there now and than and I wouldn't mind helping out with whatever I could. I do head down from Duluth just to get away.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by pebdm

Well I am not in the Twin Cities but I do get there now and than and I wouldn't mind helping out with whatever I could. I do head down from Duluth just to get away.

That would b great Paul. Jot my number down and give me a call next time you come down to the Cities. Email works too.[;)]

[PennsyHoosier]

I was in the Twin Cities twice in October. I'll have to look you up next time I'm up there (who knows when...)

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PennsyHoosier

I was in the Twin Cities twice in October. I'll have to look you up next time I'm up there (who knows when...)

Yeah, I wish you would have said something. Now you know to look me up.[;)]

[Anonymous]

Elliot,
I just read you plea for help and will consider giving you a hand but (ah, you knew that was coming) I am working on finishing my basement so I can get started working on my layout. Actually, the first rooms to be finished will be quilt room and office. Got to keep the wife happy. Once that is done then I'll be starting on the train room. Every once in a while I do get the urge to take a break, especially on a Sunday and usually after working on it for a Friday and Saturday. I have every other Friday off and three days in a row of working on a basement gets old so I'll give you a call when that urge hits. As you can see I'm down the road in Farmington and I did get to see EnterTRAINment on one of my visits to the Twin Cities before moving here.

Good Luck,

[Anonymous]

Elliot, I must say, I'm really quite close to you. I'm in West Michigan, and, geographicly, I'm pretty close to you. Unfortunantly, there's that big ole' Lake Michigan in the way. Yes, I know about the new Lake Express from Muskegon to Milwuakee, but it's to darned expensive! So for all practical reasons, I would help, but I can't.

[PennsyHoosier]

4884Bigboy, I know what you mean about the express across the Big Lake. I needed to cross this summer to get to Minneapolis. My options were: 1) go down through Chicago (NITEMARE); 2) go up through the UP (takes forever); 3) take the express across the lake (EXPENSIVE!). I drove through the UP. It took forever. But I did get to do a little railfanning. [^]

[Hawks05]

i would help but the whole driving up to the cities and my parents would not let me go. otherwise i probably would.

speak of the devil we have a train going through now. it sounds really bad to. like reving a car up or something, usually doesn't sound like that. my bad, its the combo of a helicopter and train coming through and going over.

anyways you know i'd help if i could.

[railman]

I went to Entertrainment...several times. It was great while it lasted!

[NZRMac]

I wish I could help too, but commuting from here is a wee bit expensive!!
A friend of mine is collecting 3rail O I'll tell him next time I see him, Not that either of us will be in the U.S anytime soon..

Ken