Some more of the multiple Daylights, and a Santa Fe Super Chief El Capitan thrown in for good measure
And a couple more. I did take some video, which will have to wait a bit, for editing, before posting. It won't be of the usual "follow a train around whole layout" style, it was averaging close to 1 hour 20 minutes to make an entire circuit! And not because of traffic jams on the tracks.
No chance of anyone ever becoming bored with watching a setup such as this! I just hope they wore comfortable hiking boots!
I have a question.... when the "civilian population" (or even the "regular modelers") are checking these Freemo-N layouts out... are you able to help them understand the "Yes, this thing is massive, but you really only have to do this one module..." I was thinking that seeing something this big running is really inspiring to get one to want to participate, but large layouts can be overwhelming, and helping them understand that "you only have to do 4 feet by 2 feet to get in on the action" might help with recruiting. So I was wondering to what extent that sort of talk was already happening... I'm probably not making any sense right now... long, tedious day, only half way through.
TD - that conversation goes on all the time. That and "how do you move them?" We go into Rule 0 (if it can't get to a show, it doesn't exist) and on from there.
Perhaps some folks don't understand the time factor and feel overwhelmed? Creating the individual modules did not exactly happen over night. This has been a-building for a few years. All a newcomer needs to do is one at a time.
That is one of the best things about the small 45s that we have. Shows that a module can be very simple, with minimal scenery, no fancy track work, and still contribute to the whole. As the photos illustrate, there is a large variety of detail and skill on display and everyone is welcome.
Yes, I have that conversation whenever someone looks interested. I usually tell them to start with the basics and then show them under the module...wood, foam, a few wires, track....see? Not so complicated! Finding fellow modellers to encourage you is a great catalyst.
We received the following note from Doug Auberg: "Hi all, I want to complement everyone who was involved with the FreeMoN layout at the Portland Train Show. We have received many positive comments about it in particular as being outstanding in quality and size. Doug Auburg Chairman NMRA 2015 Portland" "Thank You" to all of the Free-moN groups who made it happen! Bert Cripe PNW Free-moN group http://www.pnwfreemo-n.org/
TD, N-land Pacific encourages including works in progress for shows so when that question comes up some answers become more obvious and helps us explain. One challenge we have is people think we can stop and talk at any given time, but in order to keep the layout fluid we must keep our train moving and that includes the engineer. Most people understand when I invite them to walk with me, or another member who is not running a train can take some time to answer questions. We often have people who bring note pads and take pictures of every aspect of the modules to help them understand what it takes and we emphasis the importance of sticking to the standards for reliability sake.
This "N"Scale layout was HUGE. Went al over the place. Well done though. The Longview Kelso & Rainier MRRC had our portable railroad there too. As with the "N"Scale group we have standards for compatability and reliability Our railroad always runs flawlessly account of standards
I was not able to attend the show and wanted to as I grew up in Portland. The photos were great!!! Thanks.
