General Discussion (Model Railroader)

Thanks ...the above is a wealth of information...OK let's see,,,a gun in my right hand, point with the other and a sturn look...like I use to do getting past my teenager's first two storys about being late...All kidding aside, It shouldent be a be a big event, it was suggested that just a hand full would attend, perhaps mostly NMRA armchair modelers only. (A public thing would open too many problems) I'll post signs to go around the garage and I was already thinking of preventing any temptation, mostly just to make my layout room look neater. My wife will look after the guests, A coffee pot and some snacks, should do it. Will ask about the insurance bit....Thank's guys...John

Terry, sorry, I really didn't mean to scare you. I'm probably overly paranoid but 30 years in law enforcement will do that to you. It would be a good idea to contact the tour chairman and find out if they've had any problems in the past and what kind of staff they provide at each layout. If I was your security consultant (I can be had for the price of a pair of new Walthers F-units ), I'd make sure everyone who was "official" staff was wearing orange vests like those you see at construction sites. I'd neatly letter them by function so their role was apparent to the public. For example, the guys you want to explain things to little Johnny and his dad would have vests that say "Information". Same thing with operators. I'd pick two of the biggest guys and label them "Security". All they have to do is not talk to people, stand at either end of the layout, and look stern. They can practice looking stern in the mirror. Make sure the route into and out of you layout room is clearly marked and that any other way into the house is either locked or physically blocked by a chair or table. I don't want to start scaring you again but you are inviting a bunch of strangers into your home and you should take some prudent precautions.

jwar wrote:

Thanks ...the above is a wealth of information...OK let's see,,,a gun in my right hand, point with the other and a sturn look...like I use to do getting past my teenager's first two storys about being late...

John, you've got it down now, just take some time on the range before the tour to sharpen up your shooting skills. Seriously, I'm sure you'll do fine with just a small NMRA tour, especially with your wife there to ride herd on the boys.

I've hosted many open houses from visiting individuals and clubs to NMRA divsion meets and NMRA-MER regional conventions.  I can say that I have never had a problem and it's been a great experience to have. Over the years, at least 500 modelers or more have visited the old 'Piedmont Southern".

Insurance is no problem as long as it's an official NMRA function as they provide insurance for you.

The only regret I have had is not putting out a 'guest book' for many of my visitors to sign.

 

Dale Latham

 

I'm on the Houston Layout Tour for the general public

And now i'm worried

 

We tell people to be sure and have some gaurds/watchers there. Friends or club members. They should be prepared for someone to get out of line. If there are people there who arew wartching, who do not get distracted, things should be just fine. We do tell people not to assume a trouble free set of visitors.

ARTHILL wrote:

I'm on the Houston Layout Tour for the general public And now i'm worried   We tell people to be sure and have some gaurds/watchers there. Friends or club members. They should be prepared for someone to get out of line. If there are people there who arew wartching, who do not get distracted, things should be just fine. We do tell people not to assume a trouble free set of visitors.

 

I plan on my son helping me

San Jac MRR the host really has no staff to help you they just put out the flyers

and act as a co-ordinator for info

You can see the list of homes here

http://sanjac.leoslair.com/tour.htm