Preparing Layout for Open House

My layout will be on the layout tour in early June, 2006 for the NMRA Lone Star Region convention in San Antonio. I have started getting ready so the preparation could be done at a leisurely pace. I am finding more and more to do. In fact, I may panic!

Normally, I run my layout once a day for about 45 minutes. Since I retired, I have too much to do!

I have to make sure all the 225 turnouts on the layout work. Tuning them up is one thing, but 3 or 4 are goners or will take major repair or replacement. 450 cars on the layout. I sort of get them close for weight and operation. Now, I want everyone just right. Weigh them all, proper trucks and coupler heights, weathering, or just get it off of there and postpone all that. Engines have to be the best, but I want particular lashups, too. I need to get those engines selected and running together. No more changing around at a whim.

I am sure others have done this. Several years ago, Bob Batson, of the Texas Central Railroad , told me there was nothing like having an open house to help you get a lot done! I think Bob was right!

 

Wow... believe it or not. June is not that far away in terms of being on a tour, relative to work the owner feels need be done. My layout is fairly small compared to what you describe. I am on the "slate" for a layout tour for our local NMRA division in early '07.

Being the classic lonewolf modeler, I originally said, NO. However, I have decided to get over it and loosen up a little when it comes to my modeling. The committment of hosting a tour stop does get one motivated. I have been mentally and actively planning more stuff in the last 4 weeks since accepting the offer than I have in a year. I was very apprehensive about it, but glad I agreed.

Good luck with all you feel you need to do. I bet dollars to donuts it comes off just fine.

 

That's a very tim. consuming task. You have plenty of time to finish the cleanup.


Have fun.....


Stay cool and run steam....