Mill Bay
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Long Suffering Bosun
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Post by Mill Bay on Nov 9, 2008 22:30:42 GMT -8
I was at the show for a couple of hours today, but I agree with Neil that it was way below the level of past years in terms of vendors and operating layouts.
Speaking of cabooses, I happened to buy some books from an author that I've been collecting for years, who lives in the Kootenays and has acquired enough cabooses for every member of the family to have their own. I've always thought that would be a neat way to live, but I assume acquiring cabooses is a lot harder these days.
I'm currently trying to bring to fruition a model railroad that has been fighting for its survival for years, now... right now I'm to the point where I just want to get the track done right, finally, and start running trains, with scenery later.
I'm also one of those people who wants to get into the actual operations side of things as well, as far as having a railroad that can move cars from one location to another simulating real freight traffic. I'm not really too concerned about accurately duplicating every piston rod and stay-bolt like some finescale modellers are, especially since that's very hard at 1:160 scale, but I would like to achieve an appearance that looks reasonably real and does not just look like injection molded plastic.
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Post by Dane on Nov 9, 2008 22:39:51 GMT -8
Just to comment from my perspective. There was less sales this year - we are not a sales meet, that's why Western Rails exists in the Spring, but that said there's really no way for people to know that. If we had enough exhibitors and layouts come forward so that we had no room for vendors we would not house them are there would be no commercial aspect to the show. That was even more true last year, as Neil mentioned, we had more layouts at Trains 2008 than at Trains 2008. The inside scoop on that is fairly simple, we had one cancel five days ago (that's Wednesday!! ) which really hurt us, and the two from Trains 2007 don't exist anymore. That's the reason we had bare plywood this year, these things are evolutions and every year it gets better - every layout started there and I agree it's not always pretty but from the meet (registered) portion of the activities those offer a lot of insight for newer 'hard core' train guys trying to learn about wiring, digital command, etc. Every year for the past eight we have been in conflict with a bug show in Washington, but we have jigged our schedule back a week next year so we should have some layouts that regularly visit Chilliwack, but will be new to use coming. In addition to the canceled and the two now non-existent layouts we also had to content with 10 tables worth of vendors getting the flu and CN Police forgetting they were coming on Saturday morning. The good times never end as a show organizer ;D Overall though I would classify the show as a success, and I hope you all enjoyed it. We are aiming for the Neil-esque crowd of looking rather than buying so we will work diligently again to try and find new layouts, and also to support clubs/layouts as they evolve (two of those layouts were less than 12 months old). Our public numbers were up by about 400 which is very important, as we only made $7 in 2007 which meant we made no charitable contribution and couldn't re-reimburse a lot of travel expenses - that won't be the case this year thankfully (Compare to our usual net at about $5000 even after travel costs). Registration continues its downwards trend, however National Model RR Association membership in BC is on the upswing so hopefully we can start bucking that trend because if the meet ever collapses the public show will disappear. Happy Railroading.
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Post by Dane on Nov 9, 2008 22:44:17 GMT -8
PS - The Granville Island Museum will continue to exist, just not in Vancouver. I cannot remember where it's going. That place was always funny - it was sort of the private BC Ferries of model trains; profit before hobby. They didn't speak to any clubs, associations, shows, stores or anything and that hurt them a lot I gather.
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Dispensing gallons of useless information daily...
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Nov 10, 2008 6:34:10 GMT -8
...never having a dedicated room, meaning the railroad had to fit in the workshop, rec room, or go around furnaces and wash tubs. ... I once had the good fortune (though to the man's misfortune) of seeing an incredible layout in a purpose bought used office trailer (the misfortune was the tree that fell on the trailer). The trailer was the guy's way of giving himself enough room (16' x 32' office trailer) and to appease his wife who was tired of him taking over room after room for his trains. ;D It was also about 1/4 the price a purpose built addition would have cost him. I know people who took their train sets up to the cottage. They have a little ledge that runs around the top of the main room which is an open concept living/dining/kitchen. You can see it clearly but it doesn't get in the way. There are two tracks and they run the trains in opposite direction. One is passenger and one is a freight train. On the freight train are some flatbed cars and they put seasonal things on them. A small battery powered Christmas tree, those flameless candles, pine cones kids find in the woods etc. Great idea and definitely something I've considered setting up in my office. Pierre Burton went one further. He had a caboose moved to his property and I can't remember if it was a guest house or his office. Now I think that would be a really cool guest room or bunkie for the kids. www.redcaboosemotel.com/
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Post by Northern Exploration on Nov 10, 2008 7:26:28 GMT -8
Great idea and definitely something I've considered setting up in my office.
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Neil
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Post by Neil on Nov 13, 2008 13:15:08 GMT -8
Question for anyone who has constructed model railroad scenery.
It was suggested to me by someone at Central Hobbies that I use 'plaster cloth', which they had, but which I was told could be gotten more cheaply at a medical supplies store. I've not been able to locate any, except at one store where it was prohibitively costly. Anybody have any experience with this, or with any other material that could be used over a chicken wire frame and can be readily purchased?
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Post by Dane on Nov 13, 2008 13:33:44 GMT -8
Cheese clothe is very cheap and works well. At a lot of food supply type stores. It's essentially what Woodlands Scenic is selling anyways. Their ballast is also just crushed Walnut.
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Neil
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Posts: 7,172
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Post by Neil on Nov 13, 2008 14:10:22 GMT -8
And what material is put on the cheesecloth?
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Post by Dane on Nov 13, 2008 14:57:34 GMT -8
Plaster or hydrocal
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Post by Northern Exploration on Nov 13, 2008 17:21:36 GMT -8
Cheesecloth is pretty flexible. You can also use landscape cloth, the open weave kind and while out of season, you can get it in long rolls. That over chicken wire worked good. We used plaster of paris or just plain Polifill on top. You just want to make a lot of thin layers rather than make it too thick so it cracks. You can also use paper mache over chicken wire if you want something that is lighter in weight. This is the cheapest because you thin out the plaster to a thin gruel mixture. But if your cat climbs on it you may get punctures .
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Post by Dane on Mar 1, 2009 22:16:48 GMT -8
www.wcra.org/westernrails.html15 Mar 09 - Cameron Centre 9523 Cameron Street, Burnaby, BC. Accessible via transit (SkyTrain to Lougheed, walk through the mall to the other side and cross the street). Generally there are a lot of maritime related goodies at this one. It's a sales show, affectionately known as the "junk show."
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Post by Dane on Mar 1, 2009 22:18:08 GMT -8
And in Nanaimo.....
25th Annual Vancouver Island Spring Model Railroad Show
Sunday, April 5, 2009 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Beban Park Rec Center 2300 Bowen Road Nanaimo, B.C.
Operating Layouts, Swap & Shop Tables, Retail Sales Model Contests (Popular Vote)
Entrance Fares:
* Family - $ 10.00 * Adult - $ 5.00 * Senior - $ 4.00 * Child (6-12) - $ 1.00 * NMRA Member - $ 3.00
This one is usually smaller but with all the retirees in the area there are some fantastic items to be found. Robert Turner is also a frequent guest!
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Post by Dane on Mar 30, 2009 19:51:07 GMT -8
25th Annual Vancouver Island Spring Model Railroad Show
Sunday, April 5, 2009 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM Beban Park Rec Center 2300 Bowen Road Nanaimo, B.C.
Operating Layouts, Swap & Shop Tables, Retail Sales Model Contests (Popular Vote)
Entrance Fares:
* Family - $ 10.00 * Adult - $ 5.00 * Senior - $ 4.00 * Child (6-12) - $ 1.00 * NMRA Member - $ 3.00
This one is usually smaller but with all the retirees in the area there are some fantastic items to be found. Robert Turner is also a frequent guest!
I will be there.
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Mill Bay
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Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Sept 10, 2009 11:04:43 GMT -8
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Nick
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Chief Engineer - Queen of Richmond
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Post by Nick on Sept 10, 2009 11:35:46 GMT -8
OK, Mill Bay, I have to ask. Why is there a CN locomotive hauling a CP train? Leased equipment, perhaps?
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Mill Bay
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Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Sept 10, 2009 11:48:26 GMT -8
OK, Mill Bay, I have to ask. Why is there a CN locomotive hauling a CP train? Leased equipment, perhaps? I work with what I have at the moment. And, actually, none of that fits my concept for the railroad which is to be a fictional 'what if' branch of the PGE. Besides that, it's kinda low end rolling stock too... could use some extra detailing and more accurate paint schemes.
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Post by lmtengs on Sept 10, 2009 14:03:44 GMT -8
Is that N or HO scale?? Looks much like 'N' to me.... using that pen in the bottom picture to determine size...
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D'Elete BC in NJ
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Post by D'Elete BC in NJ on Sept 11, 2009 3:31:43 GMT -8
Is that N or HO scale?? Looks much like 'N' to me.... using that pen in the bottom picture to determine size... And here's the giveaway photo... Kinda like "Where's Waldo"; look carefully for the clue... ;D
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Post by Taxman on Sept 11, 2009 7:34:08 GMT -8
Looking good, what is your layout's... um... layout? Are you running point to point or loop?
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FNS
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The Empire Builder train of yesteryear in HO scale
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Post by FNS on Sept 11, 2009 7:59:35 GMT -8
That's a really nice N-Scale layout you have there. Model railroading is fun. Expensive, though. But, what the heck! You've inspired me to share a few pics of my layout. This is in HO-Scale. Great Northern and BNSF. My GN FT A/B locos pulling a stock car train, complete with a caboose at the end. I have the entire Walthers HO issue of the GN 1950s Empire Builder set. As you can see, I have taken every car apart for detailing and interior painting. Custom lighting installation is added. These are then put back together and put on the track when desired.
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Post by Taxman on Sept 11, 2009 17:22:27 GMT -8
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Mill Bay
Voyager
Long Suffering Bosun
Posts: 2,886
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Post by Mill Bay on Sept 12, 2009 9:36:15 GMT -8
Looking good, what is your layout's... um... layout? Are you running point to point or loop? It's got loops in it, but as I actually get it running more reliably and start doing operations on it, I'm going to operate it as a stub-end branch (basically point-to-point). I just realized though, that I have no means of turning, or reversing direction at all. Not really a problem with diesel operation, but with steam locomotives, I might see some interesting operations. And yes, it is N scale. Obviously with no scenery as well, so far, but it is a lot cleaner looking now, as I put away most of the construction stuff seeing as most of the major track work is now done, except for finding and eliminating areas of poor electrical contact so the trains will run without being so fussy. Interesting shots of the HO GN equipment. I've never been a fun of BNSF though... I think it's often called the 'Great Pumpkin' for a reason. I also have an HO steam set which I plan to try and convert to digital control so I can run it on the local club layout.
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Post by Dane on Oct 4, 2009 21:19:37 GMT -8
Time for my shameless plug of the Trains 2009 event which I assist in organizing annually... TRAINS 2009 - BC'S PREMIER MODEL RAILROADING EXHIBITION13-16 November 2009 Trains 2009 is the annual meet of the National Model Railroad Association's Pacific Northwest's 7th Division (that means BC). There are two components to the activities, a meet which individuals register for, and a public show. The Meet is held from 13-16 November, with different activities on each day. Basic registration is $20 and includes: - Clinics on various topics from tree building, painting, to computer use on model railroads - unlimited access to both days of the public train show, and an "early bird" opening at 9am (both days again) - participation in an operating session at a layout located somewhere in Metro Vancouver. More activities are offered at an additional fee (to cover real expenses): - A prototype tour of the Southern Railway of BC shops in New Westminster - A guided tour of five layouts in Vancouver's West End - A banquet featuring a speaker from the Port Alberni steam railway operations with a buffet style dinner. Registration is available online at www.trains2009.caThe meet events are a lot of fun, and a great way to network with other rail fans and model railroaders in Vancouver, and from abroad. The public show will feature many operating layouts, a number of vendors, exhibitors, and great displays. This year we're pleased to welcome Railway Prototype Modelers who take realism and accuracy to a whole new level. The public show runs 10am-4pm Saturday/Sunday November 14th/15th. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for youth, and $20 for families. Discounts are available by signing up for information online at our website or by bringing in the Newspaper ad which will be published in Now Group papers the first week of November. To learn more, please check us out online at www.trains2009.ca, drop me a PM, or e mail info@trains2009. Happy Railroading, Dane Attachments:filename (117.45 KB)
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Post by Taxman on Oct 6, 2009 21:13:36 GMT -8
You should attend this, it is great fun. I have gone the last couple of years and gotten great ideas for the Carmanah Valley Railroad.
On a side note, Dane could you PM me who is coming from the APR to speak? I know a number of them from when I grew up in Alberni (although only a few know me).
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Post by Dane on Oct 6, 2009 22:37:05 GMT -8
It's Ken Rutherford. To be honest not sure what his role is, but it sounds like he should be really good. The banquet is my favourite part of the event!
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