I will be in Detroit during convention time. I was looking forward to attending, and I set aside funds for it.
Then I started to realize how expensive it is. NMRA should realize its members are hobbyists. The convention is not being attended by corporate managers on an expense accounts. For example, I would like attend the banquet with my wife. Sounds like they have an interesting program for it. However, $75.00 per person for a dinner that's pork, fish, or vegaterian is absurd.
The money I set aside will be used for my layout instead.
It makes me sad because I'd like to meet other members and exchange ideas and other thoughts.
I would suggest the NMRA survey members before the next convention to see if they would prefer an affordable convention.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
I'll be there supporting the Operations Road Show's layout hands-on timetable & train order clinic sessions on Tuesday in Saline, and the Rails on Wheels layout at the National Train Show.
Since I'll be working away from the Convention hotel most of the time, I haven't decided yet whether I'd be able to attend enough of the Convention proper to justify registering. I'd really like to attend the Digitrax user's forum Thursday night (which is about the only thing that would fit into my schedule), but that alone isn't worth the price of registration to me. If I can arrange the time to participate in the OpSIG op sessions on Monday and Tuesday, that probably would tip the balance.
One of the things that's being seriously considered to make the National Conventions more affordable overall is making them shorter in coming years to reduce lodging and facilities costs. While that was brought up in the planning meetings, the calendar on the NMRA web site doesn't reflect that yet.
-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.http://www.pmhistsoc.org
Like Fritz I'll be at both the Operations Road Show layout in Saline and the Rails on Wheels layout at the NTS at various times. I will not be at the Convention because of the obligations and it's cost for what I could attend.
I used to enjoy the conventions back when I could afford them. I thought that the layout tours were the best part. Just about all of them provided something useful for my own modeling. Usually the clinics that I wanted to attend were scheduled at the same time but I found the ones I did attend were worthwhile.
Doug
I'm excited. Nothing like close to home to make it easy. Even though work is hetic I am taking a day off to take my son there.
I am not a member and noticed the sponsored trips etc. the Great Lakes steel trip will be amazing. I am jealous of those who get to go!
I will be attending. I can justify this trip as it is dual purpose for me. My wife and I grew up in Michigan, so we will be spending half the time visiting friends and family. (We moved to Minnesota 3 years ago.) We also have our first child (a daughter) on the way, so there will be a couple of baby showers to attend. (Let there be lots of Thomas. You've got to start them young you know.)
I will be taking the trip behind the PM 1225 Berkshire on Sunday and going on layout tours Monday and Tuesday. Friday is reserved for the National Train Show.
Fritz, I'm sure I'll see you at the Operations Road Show setup at the National Train Show. I saw you in the segment on "The Train Show" from last year and would love to try TT/TO operations.
Actually, the Operations Road Show layout will be part of the Convention, but won't be at the National Train Show.
Rails on Wheels has two layouts: our "traditional" display layout, and the Wabash-themed Operations Road Show layout. The display layout will be at the National Train Show, while the Operations Road Show layout will remain at its home base near Ann Arbor.
We will still offer Operations Road Show layout TT&TO clinics, but on Tuesday as a tour. We'll bus people out to the layout, and en route, one of our guides will give the introductory talk, so that when attendees arrive, they can begin the operating session. We're offering two sessions, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. We're limited to 12 people per session.
The details weren't ready in time for the Registration Packet, so are described on the Convention web site at http://www.gle2007.org and on the Operations Road Show web site at http://www.railsonwheels.com/ors.
At other Conventions in previous years, we'd bring the Operations Road Show layout to the OpSIG room at the Convention hotel and offer two or three sessions per day for several days on a walk-up basis. This year, though, most of the members of the Ops Road Show team have other responsibilities as members of the Convention Committee that prevent us from doing that.
The Operations Road Show layout is also on the Ann Arbor Super Tour on Wednesday for viewing, only, though.
At this point, there are no plans to take the Operations Road Show layout to the National Conventions in Hartford or Anaheim, due to the distances involved.