Hey Everybody- Thought I'd give a status report on where we are for this great meet in August. The Southern California N Scale Council is working on the Ntrak and N Scale side and the N Scale Collector is working on the accumulator side to but on a 'best of both worlds' show for anything N. We have invited a number of Ntrak clubs and other module formats including OneTrak, BendTrack, FreeMo-N, Nn3, and Ttrak to come and exhibit to show more than just a big Ntrak layout to the public and to the gathered folks. 22 N Scale manufacturers have signed up to date, and many are taking an active role in the convention. For Example, lead sponsors Micro Trains and Digitrax are providing a reception (if you haven't had dessert at one of these, you are missing something) and the DCC portion of the layout respectively, and Atlas is sponsoring the spine of the layout. Others are participating in various ways to make this a most memorable convention. All of the participating manufacturers will be featured on the website, in the program, and on the layout participant T shirt. It's a great time to spend up close and personal time with your favorite builder of things N Scale. For those of you who have questions about the where, why, and when of the convention, please take a quick look at the www.socaln.com site and click on the convention update button, and it will give you all the particulars. The program is REALLY getting good. The clinic schedule now includes 3 different long format make and take clinics, one in brass, one in wood, and one in electronics. These kinds of clinics are extra fare, but you get to keep what you build, and work with the masters while you are building it. It is an invaluable tool to expand your learning. Our convention leader has ridden the train that will be going to Tecate (yes, that's in Mexico) and it is a very pretty ride in some neat equipment. That one os booking up quickly, so if you want to go, let Dean know as soon as possible. The auction is shaping up to be a great event, and the software that controls it is much improved even over last yerar, so it will go quickly. Auctioneer training has commenced, so it will be guaranteed to be even more entertaining than last year. If you were there in Chantilly, you know what to expect. If you missed Chantilly, well, you are in for a treat. For those who like running for the public, the layout is a large one. While it won't be as big as Chantilly, due to the longer travel distances, there will be unlimited room to accomodate all who want to register to show up. The converntion is even offering a 'trailer assistance' package to make the high cost of transport go away. There is still time to get in on this one so go to the website and sign in please! The layout will be featured in an upcoming National Video release, so bring the good stuff! If you can't bring a module, bring a train. There are plenty of DC and DCC running spots. The Belmont Shore Lines Operating Session is filling up, but the club has added another operating shift. Please sign up for this one soon if you want to run on this world famous layout. The layout is fabulous, and Bar BQ on the lawn ain't half bad, either. All in all, this National N Convention will be a tremendous event. The committee hopes to see you there. Best- George Johnsen Convention Volunteer
And Everybody then answers back in unison, "Hey George." At least that is what happened every time George picked up a microphone last summer. Thanks for the update. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend the show this time but I highly recommend it to those who can. Make an effort to go if can at all swing it. A good time will be had by all.
