The GATS show is coming to SoCal on February 10-11 in Anaheim. Here is a link to the flyer with a coupon. I'll be displaying two small layouts there; a freelance interurban and a mountain layout. Both of the layouts are very small, only 36" diameter. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say hi. I really liked the editorial not so long ago in Model Railroader that said if we want the hobby to grow, we have to make it approachable for the newbies. This is a blimp shot of the mountain layout. It's built on a 36" diameter piece of plywood and uses super light construction methods. The whole thing weighs just 21 pounds. The only plaster on the whole thing are the Woodland Scenics tunnel portals. There are 2" tall rubber legs on the bottom, so it can sit on a table top or, my favorite, it balances perfectly on top of a plastic trash can in the garage. When it's not being used, the power pack is modular, and there is a hook on the back and an eye bolt on the wall, so it can hang out of the way in the garage. I've sold these layouts at the last few GATS shows, mostly to grandparents who want a nice portable layout for the grand kids. I spent about two months building them. There'll be another GATS show here in Novemeber, and I hope to have two or three more for the Christmas rush. [ 02 February 2001: Message edited by: ten87 ]
I like that. I could get in to building something small like that- of course, I'd probally go a little nuts and my small would end up taking half the room.
That is a great little layout. It is nice to see the smaller ones too at a show. I get tired of the standard big rectangle layout that is usually shown at a show. How can we get new people into the hobby if they think you need to have a large layout to be part of the hobby. Art
I'm currently working on a small switching layout to display at shows. It's loosely based on the now abandoned Milwaukee branch line to Cascade, Iowa. The trackplan is a slight variation on the infamous "Timesaver" plan. I'll post photos and/or a plan in a little bit.
Very Cool Ed!! I wish I was going to that show!!! [ 02 February 2001: Message edited by: Craig Martyn ]
Yeah, I like that! If you can make it to Galesburg Railroad Days this coming June, you'll see that not all Large layouts are big rectangles. The N-Trak layout(s) will have both outside and inside curves, just as they did last year. The plan is to set up as three or four independent clubs and have junctions that lead to the other clubs sections. I hope it all come together that way, it will ROCK! But, the small layouts are cool too!
