Have you ever.....

[Big_Boy_4005]

....."done" a train show??? I don't mean attended one, or had a table to sell stuff at one. I mean set up a display at one. Show off your hobby to the general public. Are you a member of a club that has a portable layout, modules?

It has been a very long time since I've done any. The promoters around here disappeared many years ago, and the shows that had become tradition over the years, simply stopped.

There is a guy in the local NMRA that has picked up the ball, and organized a couple of shows, and I have signed on to do them both.

This is one reason I haven't been around as much the last couple of weeks. I have been working on getting the layout ready to go. The thing has been "moth balled" for over 10 years. It has actually stored well, but I was in the process of doing some modifications, so I am taking this time to fini***hat project, clean, and do a test set up.

When the shows are over, I will probably set the layout up in another room in my basement, just so I can run some trains while I work on the real layout.

My sad but true confession is, my kids are 10 and 12 years old, and I have never set up my trains for them to see and run. [:0][:I][:(] That ends in 2005!!!

I'll keep this topic running and post photos of the layout and it's progress. In the meantime, please share any stories of how YOU share your hobby with others.[8D]

[Fergmiester]

Sounds interesting Elliot, I wish you success. Though good luck with kids. Todays child is different then our generation as I still haven't located their download/internet ports. Though I may have a late bloomer on my hands and time will tell, I won't push as if he's interested he'll come around.

Fergie

[easyaces]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

Sounds interesting Elliot, I wish you success. Though good luck with kids. Todays child is different then our generation as I still haven't located their download/internet ports. Though I may have a late bloomer on my hands and time will tell, I won't push as if he's interested he'll come around.

Fergie

You're right with that Ferg! You can't pu***hem into anything they don't want to be! My Daughter was always the one that picked up on what dad was into, and she still is the one that pushes me to go build more HO scale stuff , scratch build and otherwise.

[Anonymous]

I've exhibited at a few shows, starting with my first 4x2 N-scale layout then eventually expanding to an 8x4 N-scale setup. I was hoping to take my 8x1 HO layout to a show last year but due to lack of communication the show didn't happen (festival organisers didn't contact LHS who had offered to organise it...). I also have plans for another 8x1, this time British N-scale, a small branch terminus on the Great Western Railway during the late 1940s - have been buying stock, buildings, etc in readiness, now need to plan out track layouts and build another board to use alongside the one I have spare from a past project. My design will probably have a 4x1 scenic section and a 4x1 staging area - might alter that slightly depending on how long sidings need to be. The one essential I have found is to make sure your staging area is well-defended for public shows - my new one will have backscenes and a partial roof protecting it from prying eyes and also little fingers. My work in amateur theatre has convinced me that the way forward is to treat the layout like a stage show - the public only see the end product and not the scenery being shifted or the actors dressing!

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Ferg, it will be a success if I can get it there, set it up, and keep a couple of trains running all weekend. My brain is so rusty, I have 5 weeks to get the cobwebs out. The layout is a one man show, no group or club behind it, just me and Big Girl. A true labor of love.[swg]

[Anonymous]

I don't know how far you are going to get into this ,but since you have school aged children you might want to check out the bring a train to school program,I believe it is connected to the worlds greatest hobby thing. I have helped a couple members in the local club with their modules and the kids really enjoyed it greatly. Best wishes on your venture.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railguyho

I don't know how far you are going to get into this ,but since you have school aged children you might want to check out the bring a train to school program,I believe it is connected to the worlds greatest hobby thing. I have helped a couple members in the local club with their modules and the kids really enjoyed it greatly. Best wishes on your venture.

In all honesty, I've been in this up to my neck for most of my life. My original post didn't really describe the scope of the project very well. Sufice to say it is very large. It is also a little unusual because I do 3 rail O. I'll have to take some photos tonight, and really explain this monster.[swg]

I hadn't heard of "take a train to school". I'll check it out.

[Anonymous]

Would love to see the pics, I think that no matter the scope either at train shows or getting involved in the school thing when we share our talent, Knowledge and love for this hobby we do our selves and the hobby a great service. I have been working within my club to allow children of under privledged families welfare disabled vets etc. the oppertunity to experience model railroading I have a great passion for my trains but sharring this with kids mainly who might not have the oppertunity otherwise far outweighs any other aspect of this hobby for me.

[Anonymous]

Big_Boy

Where is the show? Maybe a few of us could come and support you and the show.
Ken in Elgin, ILL

[Jetrock]

I haven't yet but plan on getting a booth at an upcoming train show and perhaps displaying one of my layout modules (figure it's an attention-getter.) I have worked many craft shows and otherwise done lots of that kind of retail, it's generally pretty fun but doesn't always make a lot of money.

I plan on bringing my wife along, both to help run the booth and as a way to prevent myself from spending more money at the other booths than I make selling off my stuff!

[PennsyHoosier]

I have not done it. But each show I attend I THINK about doing it "next time." I'm glad to see that you're ready to take the plunge! Best of luck!

I share the hobby by talking about it with colleagues at work and doing a little "running" when friends are over at the house. They all seem to like it. None, however, have gotten the bug...yet.

[lupo]

Hi Elliot, setting yourself a deadline: show in 5 weeks is the right thing to do
and do not forget the KISS principle !
You will love the audience feed back you will receive !
I never shared my MRR hobby with others, but one of the RC cars I build was in the shop window of my LHS (rip) for several months, It is really cool when people come up to you saying "Hey, I saw the car you build ! great job ! "

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kennyt47

Big_Boy

Where is the show? Maybe a few of us could come and support you and the show.
Ken in Elgin, ILL

Ken, it's great that you want to come up here and support these shows, though I have a feeling you may find them slightly disappointing given the distance you would be traveling. The Chicago area is so rich with modelers, and activities. If you were planning to be in town for other reasons, and wanted to stop by, of course I would highly recommend it. I just don't see this as being reason enough to warrent a special trip to the Twin Cities.

That being said, both shows are in the East metro area. The first one is in Forest Lake (about 20 miles north of St Paul) at the Northland Mall, Sat & Sun Jan 29 &30. The second one is in Oakdale, at Oakdale Center ( about 10 miles east of St Paul) Sat & Sun Feb 19 & 20.

As always, there is an open invitation to anyone visiting the Twin Cities to stop by and visit my home layout which is under construction. Of course those 2 weekends home visits will be a little tricky, but possible with advance notice.[;)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

As promised, photos and an explanation of this display layout.

The whole thing started almost 25 years ago, and has been evolving throughout it's existance. It started life as 4 unwieldy 4' x 8' tables, which were painted green and set up in an empty storefront, in a rather desolate strip mall. This installation lasted for months, but when it ended, the 4' x 8' table concept was quickly replaced, and the tables were reduced to 2' x 4'. It was at this time that I had the idea to add 2' triangular sections to allow for better corner configurations.

In the photo below you can see the 2 styles of table.



One of the more unusual features of this system is that the track is not permenantly mounted to the modules. This allows for the tables to be configured in any arrangement to fit any space. Over the years, I have created at least a dozen different designs with this system.

Early on, I had the idea to use velcro to fasten the track to the table surface, but it took almost 7 years to get to that point. Ultimately, each table was covered with green indoor / outdoor loop carpet. Wooden strips were cut, and velcro hook was applied. These pieces were hot glued to the bottom of each section of track, as seen below.



It is OK to run trains in circles, but after a while that gets dull. This lead to the use of relay logic automation. Working passing sidings, and diamond interlockings!!! There are advantages to that cheesy 3 rail track.

Here is a photo of me, circa 1987, with the layout set up at one of the last mall shows. In the lower left corner, is a cluster of relays configured into what I nicknamed "the brain".



Here is a close up of "the brain".



The brain was used to control 4 trains in an alternating configuration. Each of the 4 trains would take turns running around the loop.



Lupo's comment about KISS may be the order of the day for these shows, especially the first one. The nice thing about the second one is, it is about as close to my house as it could possibly be, so a quick trip home is not out of the question.

[BRAKIE]

Yes,I have both sold and displayed a small layout at Train Shows.In fact my N scale industrial switching layout was built for a operational display at Train Shows..You see I plan to lay that old myth that one can not switch cars in N scale to rest locally.That is my goal and that I shall do...[:D][tup]

[Big_Boy_4005]

Well guys, this is it. The first show is this coming weekend. Time to tear down the test layout, and load the truck so we can get up to the mall for an early set up Friday. I'm glad I started early, there was a lot of re-learning involved, as well as things that needed to be repaired.

Here is the test layout set up. It featured a single loop of track with a passing siding. Using relay logic, the trains take turns going around the loop. 3 rail track makes tricks like this fairly easy to do.









The actual display layout at the first show will be larger, and include this alternating loop, and a double figure 8 with relays controlling the quad diamonds.

Of course I will take photos of the actual display. I may even be able to do a short video, as I have recently found a way to have it hosted.

[Anonymous]

Looking good Elliot, can't wait to se the pics. Good luck for the show, with all your preps it shall be very successful.

Happy MRRing

Luc

[BRVRR]

I wish you luck Elliot. Good of you to get involved again. Wish I was closer to the Twin-Cities! I have a sister-in-law there, maybe I can convince them to drop by. Looking forward to the pictures from the show, video too, if you can work it out.
Keep up the good work.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Thanks Luc and Allan. Today's project is to get up the gumption to go out in the cold garage, move a bunch of junk to clear a path, and unload the truck which is filled with materials for the permanent layout. Monday is for tear down, Tuesday loading, Wednesday for all of the last minute stuff, as Thursday I have other things to do.

Thank God I have Big Girl to help keep me organized. [swg]

[Anonymous]

Very Impressive,I really like the velco idea I wish you all the luck in the world ,No dought it will be a great success for you ,and a real pleasure for those who see it live. The guys I help out from time to time with their o scale modules have the newer track with the plastic formed roadbed made by lionel i must say I like your cheesy track looks better than all that plastic. thanks for the pics can't wait for the video.Terry