Hi Everybody, It's time to start planning to attend the NMRA NTS in Indianapolis, Indiana. The train show will be held Friday, July 8, 2016 through Sunday, July 10, 2016 at The Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Exhibitors drop off ONLY of modules and equipment will be Wednesday, July 6, 2016 from noon until 6pm. Exhibitor set-up begins Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 8am and ends at 8:30pm. Hand carry items only will be allowed to move in Friday, July 8, 2016 from 7am until 9am. The train show hours are: Friday, July 8, 2016 9am until 6pm ... Saturday, July 9, 2016 10am until 6pm ...and Sunday, July 10, 2016 from 10am until 5pm. We're looking for Z scale modules to join us at the show! So far Ellen Shelton and Thom Welsch have committed to doing the show. While Ellen and Thom usually display their modules on top of tables, this year the NTS is requiring all modules to be on self-supporting legs. Our modules are set up for that at any height from table level to the ZBT standard 50" height. We'd love to have as many modules as possible at this show so put one in your car or pack up the trailer and join us! I need to have the application turned in as soon as possible to get us the space we'll need. You can email me at twnts2014@hotmail.com to let me know what you'd like to bring and I'll include it in the plan. We also welcome B.Y.O.Z. and anyone who just wants to help set up and/or run trains. We're looking forward to seeing as many people and modules as possible. Thom Welsch MidweZt HaulerZ Module Coordinator
This is amazing!!! 90 people have looked at this post and not one has replied or contacted me about displaying their Z scale modules at the show. I'm very disappointed! It's not surprising that the NMRA "doesn't like Z scale" if this is the kind of response we get. The MidweZt HaulerZ have displayed their modules at, at least, 4 NMRA National Train Shows. We even volunteered at other NTSs before we had any modules.
Thom, We're not the NMRA and I can assure you that TrainBoard loves Z Scale. Give it some time. Charlie
Thom, I'm sorry to read that you haven't gotten a better response. But I would take exception to the "NMRA doesn't like Z scale." How many times has the NMRA awarded Z scale the best module or best in show awards? I can think of at least 3 times since 2011. Mark
Mark, "NMRA doesn't like Z scale" is a quote from a lot of Z scale modelers. They think the NMRA is all old, HO-only members who don't take Z scale seriously. As you stated, they do like Z scale as evidenced by numerous awards at recent national train shows. I know they don't have anything against Z scale. I was just trying to impress upon other Z scalers who think badly of the NMRA that the NMRA can't like what they don't see. The MidweZt HaulerZ modules have been at 2 NTS in Ohio, 1 in Michigan and 1 in Georgia since 2005. I'm trying to convince some of the Z scalers on the coasts to find a way over their respective mountain ranges and experience the rest of the U.S. Charlie, I realize that this is not the NMRA and Trainboard loves Z scale. We have almost 2 months less to organize Z scale modules for 2016 since the 2015 NTS was in late August instead of early to mid July. I can't ask for space until I know how much space to ask for. Thanks for replying guyZ,
Thom be patient. I would like to say I'm going to be there, but I'm probably not the only one waiting to find out if they can have off or get vacation the week of 4th of July. For me 2016 Vacation request go in 1-4-2016 through 1-30-2016 Non Holiday weeks are usually first to request it, Gets it. Holliday weeks are done by drawing names from a hat after all request are in. (everyone always wants 4th of July week off) So bottom line is I will not even know if I can get off work to go till the beginning of February. David
I do not wish to be argumentative so here is the info from the application package from the NMRA about space allocation. "The initial space allocation will be made on (in) January. However, you may be notified of your modular layout/display acceptance prior to this date. The final space allocation will occur in March. To insure your inclusion in the Train Show, submit your application as soon as possible. There has been times when the available display space has been filled within two months after the previous year's show. Floor arrangement could change right up to the show date, however, the amount of space allocated to you will not change without prior notice." The application needs to include the overall space requested, a layout diagram with electrical drops and a list of names for badges to get into the show. I suspect that the overall space could be reduced but I know it can not be increased. The list of names can be changed up to 45 days before the first show date. That means that I need to know who wants to bring modules and the module(s) shape and size so that I can come up with a preliminary layout diagram and the list of names. The number, size, type and shape of the available modules will determine the overall space required. Space allocation is on a first-come, first-served basis so it's important to get the application in as soon as possible. I suspect the display space will go fairly quickly with the show being in the middle of the country. Indianapolis is a popular place for train shows. I hope this explains my position and my desire to have the information as soon as possible.
Hi Everybody, I've been working on the floorplan for the MidweZt HaulerZ modular layout for the 2016 NTS in Indy. So far, the MidweZt HaulerZ are the only people who have expressed interest and committed to bringing modules to this show. It sure would be nice if we could get more people to join us but that doesn't look like it's going to happen. I have all of the paperwork filled out and plan to mail it tomorrow, December 8, 2015. I want it to get there before the Holidays. Please get in touch with me here or at twnts2014@hotmail.com if you think you'd like to join us. Thom Welsch Module Coordinator MidweZt HaulerZ
Hi Everybody! I am happy to inform you that the MidweZt HaulerZ have had their modular layout accepted for the 2016 NMRA NTS in Indy. We will have a 14' X 18' area. We don't have a specific location yet but it's nice to know that we'll be there. We're looking forward to seeing everyone there. Thom Welsch
Hi Everybody!! Well....the car is packed with 2 new modules and the other 3 older modules and I'm ready to head to Indianapolis for the NMRA Convention and National Train Show this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We'll have a 14' X 18' area with 12 modules and an operating diorama. We'll be close to the middle of Hall "H" in area L-6010. We'll be next to a large modular layout of another scale. NTS was nice enough to clip a corner off of that layout for us. If you're planning to come to the show, you're welcome to bring train(s) to run on the layout or a small B.Y.O.Z. layout as table space has been severely limited....we got 1. I'm even taking chairs since they cut the quantity of those back too. We run straight DC. Well have 11 trains running at once, including the operating diorama. We're looking forward to seeing everyone there! Thom
