When did the N scale convention get taken over by collectors?

[wcfn100]

Yes, NSE does come out with special run cars, but does that make them a manufacturer?

Like NSC, the Trademark for NSE is owned by Micro-Trains.  If a trademark is granted for "National N Scale Convention", I would expect it to say Micro-trains is the owner.

I guess it's not really a big deal.  It's one of those things it doesn't seem like anyone should own.  If I wanted to get a group of Colorado N scalers together and host a national convention, I should be able to call it such, just as other conventions did prior, especially if it's in conjunction with the big national show.

I may have a skewed look being part of the St Paul convention.  MN is one of the best areas for model trains and modelers.  A national organization couldn't hold our jock when it came to putting on a convention based on local modelers.

Jason

[bbussey]

Was the St. Paul convention a week-long event with non-railroad attractions scheduled for the non-railroad family members who may have accompanied the modeler?  How many delegates attended?

[wcfn100]

Was the St. Paul convention a week-long event with non-railroad attractions scheduled for the non-railroad family members who may have accompanied the modeler?  How many delegates attended?

   IIRC, the N scale show was held the two days prior to the NMRA National Convention at the same location.  We set up Wed. and then on Fri. or Sat. they opened the big hall.

  I remember the layout tours, but don't remember what, if any other events were planned apart from what the big convention had planned.  But it would not have been an issue to plan 20 different things in the Twin Cities area (things that had been done previously for local shows).  And as a 25 year old, I certainly don't remember what non-railroad type events there may have been.

  I could certainly see if anyone still has the numbers on attendees if you're really interested.  I do remember talking pretty much open to close without much downtime.

Jason

[bbussey]

I was mildly curious if you happened to know, not that important.  It sounds as if your convention was piggybacked with (or a prequel to) the NMRA convention.  Keep in mind that the NSE conventions are stand-alone with a longer schedule, and it would seem that everything you want to see done already is being done.  Don't use last year's convention as a guide.  Instead, use the immediate prior years - Louisville, Sugarland, Hershey, Hartford, Portland - as better indicators of what a normal NSE venue is.  And Milwaukee will be a major event this year.

[wcfn100]

I feel used.


Jason

[mionerr]

The 1999 N Scale convention in St. Paul was concurrent with the NMRA Convention. When they both concluded, activities switched to the National Train Show. Remember that the National Train Show is separate from the NMRA convention. My wife and I honey mooned at the N Scale convention (her idea). Two of the organizers are friends of mine, especially Corky Whitock. There were 10 N scale layouts to tour, all impressive.
The N Scale Collector Organization changed its name to the N Scale Enthusiest probably to have a broader appeal. With George Johnson at the helm and Paul Graf involved that may happen. I think trademarking the National N Scale Convention was underhanded. They just did it. I suggested that a group wanting to host a convention call it the International N Scale Convention. There has also been the Un-Conventions.
I know that at the last N scale convention in Denver, The NSC folkscame in late and then nearly took over the convention to run it their way. The local N scalers said they'd never work with NSC again.
The Louisville convention worked out well for the most part. My only complaint was that the NSC folks booked all the tours way in advance. I was able to go on tours only during the times that there were other NSC events going on.
The NSE wants to represent all of N scale. They can do what they want, I'll just muddle along without them. I'm away from many N scalers anyway. There's one other in town and we might be getting a third. We are all into operations and NSE pretty much ignores thqt segment.

[wcfn100]

Two of the organizers are friends of mine, especially Corky Whitock.

My dad went to school with Corky.   With him in charge you didn't need much else.   

I think trademarking the National N Scale Convention was underhanded. They just did it.

Yeah. That. 

Here's my mug from '99.



As you can see "National N Scale Convention" was well in use long before NSE was involved.

Don't get me wrong, I don't a have problem with one organization trying to bring a quality N scale convention to the masses, that part is great.  But to basically say that you own it (when it was already established) doesn't sit right.

Jason

[JoeD]

I sent out invites to every N Scale club I could find and no one got back to me for the convention. I think Dean checked in the seattle area as well...  We even have local layouts and they were not interested in participating.  So, we Z Scalers had to step up )

Joe
MTL

There are plenty of n scale/ntrak groups that would have gone to Medford had there been an opportunity (I can think of at least three from Seattle who trek to Portland every year); I also believe there's a big N trak group in Portland for whom it would have been an easy drive.  But they aren't going to spend a day schleping down and another day schleping back if they aren't invited.

As to Milwaukee - I have heard a lot about the convention forthcoming - I'm hoping it's time well for a visit to the inlaws in Green Bay.

[Atlas Paul]

Joe,
Stop trying to wreck a good gripe but putting facts out there.

[seusscaboose]

I agree Paul...

It was just getting tasty 

See ya in Milwaukee.

[JoeD]

Sorry....

[Bob Bufkin]

I believe the convention they had years ago in Chantilly VA was the best I've ever been to.  Wish they would return to that facility.

[VonRyan]

I believe the convention they had years ago in Chantilly VA was the best I've ever been to.  Wish they would return to that facility.

+32,896

It was before my time, but it is the one I seem to hear the most stories about.

-Cody F.

[x600]

I sent out invites to every N Scale club I could find and no one got back to me for the convention. I think Dean checked in the seattle area as well...  We even have local layouts and they were not interested in participating.  So, we Z Scalers had to step up )

Joe
MTL

Joe, Dean did ask us, (Mt Rainier N-Scale) But we still had a bad taste from Portland, and couldn't get a yes vote, plus I was under the impression that there wasn't a lot of space available.

In My Humble Opinion, there are many N-Scalers that share the thought that NSE doesn't YET represent N-Scalers as a group.
That doesn't mean there isn't hope. They seem to trying, and I'm looking forward to the results.
A little less " Us " and a little more " them " and I might send in my $upport.
Of course I really wouldn't like being in an organization that would have a person like me as a member 

But, The main thing is if no one else is going to speak for N-Scalers, why not NSE?

N-Trak fizzed, NMRA is tolerant, but has all scales to attend to, and TRW is too busy making up cool headers 

Back under my rock now......

Greg O.
mrns.org


 

[DKS]

But, The main thing is if no one else is going to speak for N-Scalers, why not NSE?

Without getting into too many contentious details, I will simply say that I do not believe NSE is, or will ever be, a good choice for being the "voice" of N scale. And while it might be nice to have some entity formally represent the scale, I'm not sure it's really needed. I think what would serve the scale best is simply a group to organize gatherings (which would require some kind of creative name, since NSE has trademarked National N Scale Convention--one small example of why they're not right for the job). IMO, of course.