Oh, OK. That was another issue. I guess I was thinking about the incident at the Aerospace museum sight out at Dulles Airport. The convention folks had to cancel that bus trip because the place was shut down. I went by myself a day before so was not impacted. I did not even try to make the trip to the museum down town.
Actually, the only problem with the Smithsonian is that it is so big, and there was only so much time. If one had a time warp, it could have all been seen. Russ is correct- we sponsored the busses that were turned away at the museum annex due to the Enola Gay protest. As the protestors decided to sprinkle white powder all over in the middle of the Anthrax panic, the museum officials decided to evacuate and close the museum. We all didn't get to see it, after paying thousands to sponsor the bus. Worse, there were many of our convention people inside when the evac took place, some of whom had just purchased tickets to the Imax films, and no time for refunds. We arranged with the museum a post- convention refund for all who asked. stil.... In San Diego, the shuttle will run a circuit from the show to the Model Train Museum to the zoo to the show. All you need to have to ride is your convention badge. Best- George Johnsen Convention Volunteer
I will be there Friday and Saturday, and possibly Sunday. I *was* bringing a layout and some rolling stock to sell, but they've already sold (woo-hoo! ) so I won't need the table (anyone need a table?) Looking forward to meeting some of the people I've read posts from on here!
Parking isn't really an issue, especially if you can get down there at a resonable hour on saturday. Traffic on the freeway can kinda bite but it's not bad. I was just down there a fw weeks ago for the ComicCon and a Padres game (grat staduim by the way). Even with all of this going on we found parking at a little lot across from the big Santa Fe train station. Even got to see the Sant Fe local roll through that night.
Convention news: Russ Kaufman has just finished the kit he wioll be offering at his Make and Take clinic, and it can be completed in an hour! All you need to bring is a good attitude, a willingness to learn and a tiny amount of US currency for the kit. It will be a great way to learn about the 'best way' to assemble laser cut wood structures. Russ is a good teacher, and wants to let everyone know the techiques taught will apply to ALL laser cut wood kits. Sign ups will be available at the registration desk. Also- Throught the good graces of Intermountain, Atlas, and Digitrax as well as a group of indivuduals from the local area (names will be noted in the convention coverage and on site so that proper thanks can be given), our "loaner fleet" of DCC locomotives has grown to over 60 and is still growing. Anyone who wants to will be able to borrow power to try DCC, or bring your own! See you there- George Johnsen Convention Volunteer
Further Convention Reminders: The San Diego Society of N will be open for "backstage tours" all day on Saturday, and you can ride the free shuttle with your convention badge to operate, photograph and enjoy this world class layout featuring code 40 handlaid track and spectacular scenery and buildings. Enjoy! George Johnsen Convention Volunteer
