I was at work today, and the lady that owns the store was commenting that it was time to change out the window display as she is ready to change things up a little bit. I was comenting that November was National Model Railroad Month, and that if she would like I could set up a display in the window.
She liked the sound of that idea and agreed to it on the spot. Its not going to be to fancy mainly because the display space is only 9 inches wide or so, but is roughly 10 feet long. So my plan is to put down a grass matt cut to fit, a long lenght of EZ-Track, some of my built structures that have been boxed up for ages. And a steam train featuring my Bachmann UP 4-8-4. (Yes Nit pickers, I know its an ATSF boiler with an SP Tender. Complain to someone who cares.) So Saturday, me and the lady plan on staying after hours to put this up, and I will take pictures, and share with everyone when its done.
James,
Good initiative there and I’m sure you’ll interest someone in finding out more about the hobby. You might consdier adding some local (a local club) or national (http://www.greatesthobby.com/ or the NMRA) contact info to the display for those who want to know more.
I wish I had time to do something myself. I am preparing to take two prelims for my doctorate in history – and I am really hoping to have something to give thanks about over break. So not this year, unfortunately.
But it does get me to thinking. I am involved with a non-profit that purchased the old downtown post office here. We’ve converted it into a community center, but the post office keeps service windows open in it after moving most of its functions to a new complex on the edge of town. Lots of people go through the lobby every day. The local historical society might be interested in sponsoring display space and I could make arrangements that allow it to be used for National Model Railroad Month every year.
[:-^]
I plan on having the World’s Greatest Hobby Brocure on hand for give aways. However, as for local clubs, thats pretty much nix. There is one in Casper, however from what I have heard, it is suffering from organizational problems, and political infighting. So I am stuck doing my own thing.
But since its a high traffic location, its definatly going to be big exposure for the hobby.
Big exposure is good! Do your best, even as the lone wolf!
Don’t know how you feel about the NMRA…But if so inclined, give them / us a good word too.
I’m a lot like you without a club or even a lot of modelers close at hand. I love your idea and think it is great that you are forging ahead! Wish I could do something here in the northwoods…Maybe I can! We’ll have to do some serious thinking!
Hi, I think you have an excellent idea. I have done something similar with ez track for a temporary display. Maybe you could get some fine ballast and re-ballast the ez-trak and blend it into the grass. The also you could get some different color balast and form gravel roads around your structures… Let us know how it turns out and good luck…
Thanks guys, I will definatly take pictures and post them.
As for dressing up some of the details, as much as I would like to, There just simply isn’t time. Matter of fact Im kind of embarassed with some of the buildings Im going to use, because while they looked good when I built them. Time, has had their toll, and my modeling skills have progressed to the point I just need to redo them for me to be satisfied with them. Which is not possible because of such a tight deadline. Mail Order would take two weeks for the parts I need to arrive.
As for putting in the good word for the NMRA, I feel the WGH Brochure does a good job at stearing people where they need to go. And I will be on hand to answer any questions most of the time any way.