Who all's going? Anyone know what layouts will be featured on the tours? I already bought Amtrak tickets for my family to go--we're going to arrive in style! I also plan on doing some non-railfan stuff, like the Zoo, museums, etc. Going to be a nice vacation.
Hemi, I haven't kept up on convention info. I just googled it and found the URL: N Scale Convention 2009 - home I'd like to go and your idea of going on Amtrak is a bonus. I might take the family the same way.
I am looking forward to coming, so N Scale Kits will be there with kits on offer too. This will be good fun - even though the £ is so weak compared to last year, so things are looking a bit expensive £1 = $1.39 today. I look forward to meeting a whole lot of TrainBoard folks - and exploring the Pacific North West again too. Peter Peter Harris N Scale Kits N Scale Kits
Well, I would love to go. The Burlington Northern convention is the week after in Seattle so I could REALLY make a great 10 days of it but I probably cannot afford either much less both. Gonnna try to do a quick 2 or 3 day BN trip though if I can find a cheap flight. We'll see.
I am planning to go. Unfortunately not with Amtrak but with Lufthansa The details will still need to be worked out, but my wife has agreed to come along again (as she did to Louisville), so we will probably make it into a full 2 week summer vacation. I look forward to finally visit the area that I am modelling!! Cheers Dirk
Looks like I will probably be going. I need to be there to help Jim Hinds pitch the convention for the following year that will be held here in Houston/Sugar Land. We are brain storming to come up with a video to show all the folks there to get them fired up about coming here. I will probably fly. As I am not a member of N Scale Collector I guess I should join too.
Doug, I saw Dallas Love-Seattle fairs for $80 each way yesterday. 1 stop. American $258 non stop. I will be going to Seattle in May for golf.....
I certainly plan to make it to the convention since it is in the NW this year. I drove all the way to Louisville and back last year even with gas prices at an all-time high! If you have a couple of days or a week for rail-fanning through Eastern Oregon, there are many interesting places along the Union Pacific main line east of Portland (which parallels I-84 for many miles of the way, through the Columbia Gorge and the Blue Mountains to the Idaho border). The scenic loop back to Portland via Highway 26 would make an excellent choice for someone with a car, and wanting to enjoy some of the best scenery in the country. The Sumpter Valley Railway operates a tourist line (narrow gauge steam) that runs summer weekends in the scenic area west of Baker City about 20 miles. The Sumpter Valley Railway once reached as far west as Prairie City. In fact, the depot still stands in Depot Park (RV hookups, showers, etc.) and has been converted into a museum. Prairie City is a quaint little town with a western flavor and several unique shops. Lodging is available in Prairie City and John Day. It is a great place to mountain bike with maps of a number routes planned out of Prairie City. I am located about 60 miles west of the Sumpter Valley Railroad via Highway 7 and Highway 26 in Canyon City, which is west of Prairie City about 15 miles. I would be willing to open my layout to visitors if a time can be arranged prior to or after the convention. West of John Day is the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument. You can follow Highway 19 along the wild and scenic John Day River (Rafting, fishing, photography, etc.) back to the Columbia River; or you can follow Highway 26 over the Cascade Mountains through Government Pass, which gets you within just a few miles of Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood on the way back to Portland. There are too many things to mention them all...a couple of the local websites to browse for ideas. Grant County Oregon Chamber of Commerce Prairie City Oregon Events 2009 Check out my album for some pictures of the layout which were taken in early December for an open house on December 6, 2008. TrainBoard.com
Since Portland is only an hour away, I figured I would kick myself if I didn't go when I signed up earlier this month. Everything's is signed up and reserved so now all I need to do is save some $$! I plan to stay up there so I don't have to fight traffic everyday. Peter
I should be able to make as long as SW flies to Portland. I have a free ticket or two due to my current travel schedule at work.
We will be in Portland, and set up for the voting for the Fifth Annual N Scale Vehicle of the Year Awards. Last year in Louisville we had a record voter turnout, so be sure to stop by the table and vote! Carter
I'm registered! Yay!! Home layout tour, and the prototype tour as well, both mornings. See ya'll there!
We will be there. Can't miss it as it's only 60 miles up the road. Look us up. rich RSLaser Home Page
I grew up in Portland, lived there or in the area until 2001 when work took me back to the Midwest and now I am working on the East Coast for another 3 months. The wife and I would like to go to to the convention depending on my work and were I am at the time, she too would like to take AMTRACK as she has never taken a train as a means of travel and this sounds like it will be a lot of fun.
Tony, Southwest Airlines flies to Portland International Airport. I use that airline usually in my trips to Dallas and Oakland, and I just came back from Sacramento yesterday on Southwest Airlines.
I should be there for part of it, especially considering that I am an N scaler and I live in Portland. Adam
I'd like to attend. If I can get my health back on an even keel again, maybe, just maybe... Boxcab E50
I should probably be around for it too since I live 10 minutes from Portland and like N scale (even without a current operating layout).
I'm planning on attending, too! Portland is just up the road (well, about five hours up the road, but in the neighborhood, at least). Hope to see you all there! Pat
