One N Scale Layout on NMRA Convention Layout Tours

[rochsub]

There are over 50 layouts on various layout tours at the 2012 NMRA Convention in Grand Rapids, MI.  One one is N scale.  Says something about the NMRA.

Daryl

[mcjaco]

Or it says there's only one N scale layout in the area that wanted to participate.

My Dad just got back last night from the convention and said the NMRA is up in arms because this chapter wanted self guided tours along with the bus tours.  After doing a day of self guided tours, and then a bus tour, he'll never do a bus tour again.  He told the NMRA guys that.  50 "blue hairs" packed in a bus,  yelling, walking slow, and most layouts can't handle 50 guys at one time.

That's coming from a my 70 year old Dad, who walks slow, and can't hear!

[lock4244]

Layout tour must be sponsored by Athearn's July N scale releases 

[kc9jts]

It could also be related to the number of N-scale layouts that could accomodate a large group.  I live in Omaha for instance and can only think of one decent size (read: most of the basement) N scale layout that could even potentially accomodate 50 people.  I have a N-scale layout myself, but I don't think having 50 people at once in a spare bedroom in an apartment would have worked well to look at a 3X5 layout.  And I am not against showing off the half-scenicked Plywood Central; but just nowhere near that many people.  The few other N-scale layouts I know of (locally) are either in the armchair stage in someone's head (kind of hard to tour) or smaller like mine.  I know this was Grand Rapids and not where I live, but just some more insight into a lack of N-scale layouts on a tour.

NBT
Omaha

[NS-CRE]

If the NMRA ever comes to the Charlotte/Greensboro/Raleigh area of North Carolina, there's the potential for a whole lot of large N scale layouts and some smaller ones to be on tour and to host operating sessions.  We've even been able to fill an entire weekend of OpSig sessions exclusively on N scale railroads.  There are at least five large N scale railroads within a two hour's drive of where I'm at in NC, and a number of medium to smaller layouts as well that are excellent.

Those of us in this area who are operating in N scale have been wondering for several years whether there is such a concentration of operating N layout anywhere else in the US. 

By the way, NC Rail Run is happening October 5-7 this year.  Details at www.carolinasouthern.org.

[mionerr]

Those of us in this area who are operating in N scale have been wondering for several years whether there is such a concentration of operating N layout anywhere else in the US. 

The Portland, OR to Seattle, WA corridor.

[w neal]

There are over 50 layouts on various layout tours at the 2012 NMRA Convention in Grand Rapids, MI.  One one is N scale.  Says something about the NMRA.

Daryl

Actually Daryl, to the best of my knowledge, there were only 3. Mine, M. Cowles' Port Autority Terminal, and Ken Chick's Danforth Hadley & Northern. I'm not so sure the staff here at G.R. actually sought out layouts for the tours. Rather, I think the layout's owners approached convention staff.

[Flagler]

We have 9 N scale layouts in Atlanta next year

[Catt]

For some reason most of the N scalers here don't want to share their work.I know I would never put my layout on tour,it's not worth the trouble.

By the way incase your wondering "here" is Grand Rapids.

We couldn't even get the NTRAKers to cooperate with each other.

[seusscaboose]

We have 9 N scale layouts in Atlanta next year

Looking forward to that one....

i need a local tour guide

[w neal]

I found that being on the tour was very rewarding in many ways. It was great to be able to communicate with fellow N Scalers & Wisconsin modelers. I think I managed to make a couple good friends. I would certainly do it again.

I was very glad that they offered self - guided tours. I think all chapters should do this. It allowed more freedom to all. It allowed one N - scaler and myself more time to talk and compare notes.

I can say nothing more on the bus tours as these channels are monitored. Trust me, I am glad this convention offered BOTH methods.

[skytop35]

It was kind of odd not seeing an N-Trak layout at the National Train Show. I don't think I have ever been to a train show or convention without one before.