World's Greatest Hobby Show in Portland 2012 Report

Loren Mar 23, 2012

  1. Loren

    Loren TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have finally posted pictures of the show that SOZME and CZM attended in Portland, Oregon in February.
    I think it was the best show I've attended and a lot of fun was had by all members who participated.


    From my point of view.........I've tried to capture more of the interaction of the members and show attendees than showing running trains. After all, it is really all about sharing the hobby with as many folks as possible and making them aware of a great scale that many are unaware of.

    So often, folks ask quite innocently, "what scale is this?" That is when the fun begins......telling them about 1/220 and the looks of amazement and positive comments makes the whole experience that much more fun for all. There are always a few 'old geezers' who model in some of those larger scales who give us the look as though we are nuts, and maybe we are, but we certainly aren't apologizing to anyone for our peculiar taste in scales. Matter of fact, I think Z is the greatest challenge and most rewarding when you have such small tolerances to work with and limited supplies and products to make our layouts.

    Folks who attend shows merrily as observers have no idea of what goes on behind the scenes, of the long hours of construction, the techniques of achieving our little miniature worlds and certainly the challenge of doing so.

    I may not have captured everyone in the two clubs who were present and maybe misspelled some names, but this report and link to the photos I have posted is an effort to share with all, the great time we had in Portland. Not to minimize the many fine folks in other Z groups across the country, but I must say that those who occupy the ranks of CZM and ZOSME are some of the finest, and a great pleasure to meet with and enjoy the hobby together with.

    Enjoy. https://picasaweb.google.com/112763165831633455344/WGH2012Portland?authkey=Gv1sRgCP6z1djGz6DbGA

    Loren
     
  2. John Bartolotto

    John Bartolotto TrainBoard Supporter

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    Loren,

    Great photos, thanks! Any announcements on new Z products at the show?

    John
     
  3. shamoo737

    shamoo737 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Loren, love the pictures.
     
  4. Loren

    Loren TrainBoard Supporter

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    Hi John,

    No announcement from where we stood. Joe was for once not at a show in a business capacity. We went to show Z and just have a great time.

    I do know that there are some good things coming from MTL, but not privy to the details, and likely will find out at the Z convention. That is why you need to go!!!!
     
  5. plugsy

    plugsy TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks for sharing Loren, loved the comments too!!

    Mike..
     
  6. JoeS

    JoeS TrainBoard Member

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    Great pictures for sure. I really like that driftwood layout.
     
  7. Loren

    Loren TrainBoard Supporter

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    Ok guys, get out the tomatoes and rotten squash and what ever else you remember from your youth......I did a bad faux pas when I posted. Faux pas......is that French for 'screw up'? What ever language it is, I failed to mention that Jim Glass, and Tom Gilchrist were official representatives from the NWPZS group. So in reality, there were three of the finest West coast groups present in Portland at the WGH train show.

    That leaves the BAZ and ZoCal groups down California way. Hey, that's not too bad having 60% of the Best coast's groups at one show.
    Can you imagine what would happen if we got all five groups together at one time? We might be such heavy hitters that we'd slide into the Pacific. :eek:)

    Jim threatened me with 3 lashes with a wet noodle, but I reminded him I that I like Romin noodles, so I'd just scrape them off and have lunch on me.

    You know, I'm tired of calling our Z scale groups just that....groups. We are clubs whether anyone likes to call it that or not. There are very specific rules to joining and the only one I can recite for sure without a doubt, is.....#1 Thou shalt love Z scale with all thine heart, soul and mite. Sounds fair to me.
    .
     
  8. OntarioTodd

    OntarioTodd TrainBoard Member

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    Great photos Loren. I hope to attend a big U.S show some day!
     
  9. ddechamp71

    ddechamp71 TrainBoard Member

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    >Faux pas......is that French for 'screw up'?.

    Yes, both ideas are close to each other. "Faux pas" could be translated by "error", or "mistake"...

    Dom



     

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