TheRailwire

General Discussion => N and Z Scales => Topic started by: John on November 05, 2007, 05:28:16 PM

Title: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: John on November 05, 2007, 05:28:16 PM
Registration for the 2008 National N Scale Convention, The Derby City
Express, is now OPEN!

The convention will be held in Louisville, Ky, June 25-29, 2008. The
show is presented by the Kentuckiana Society of N Scalers (KSONS) and
The N Scale Collector Society (NSC), in Association with the 2008
National N Scale Partnership and World's Greatest Hobby On Tour.

Here are just a few of the great features of the 2008 Derby City Express:

Major Downtown Convention Hall with 146,000 contiguous unobstructed
square feet!!

1200 Room Convention Hotel, The Galt House. 4 star luxury, near
everything, only $99 per night

Huge NTRAK Layout - 50,000 square feet has been dedicated to the
layout. This will be a world's record!

Layouts in All Scales - 25,000 square feet for HO, O, Z, G, riding
trains, etc.

Major Manufacturers and Vendors - everyone who's anyone will be there.

World's Greatest Hobby on Tour will coordinate the vendor show.

Nationally Renowned Clinicians - including a day of non-scale-specific
clinics.

Layout, Rail Fan and Prototype Tours - bring your camera, be inspired.

Live Steam Excursions - former L&N Pacific #152 with L&N varnish.

Family Activities: Churchill Downs, Belle of Louisville Steam Boat,
The Bats AAA Baseball, Bourbon Tours, Wineries, My Old Kentucky Dinner
Train, Kentucky Kingdom Amusement Park, Entertainment District, Museum
District, Art Galleries, Waterfront Park, Huge Malls, Great
Restaurants, and Much, Much More!

For registration and more information, go to our website at
http://www.2008-National-N-Scale-Convention.com/

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on November 05, 2007, 05:36:33 PM
If any of y'all try to open that website, let me know if it works for you. I am now on DSL and after 5 minutes and 100 MB, it still was not  navigable for me.  >:( :'(
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Matthew Roberts on November 05, 2007, 06:17:04 PM
And I'll actually be able to go! Will be just ~100 miles from Louisville anyway at that time, in Bowling Green, so why not go? :)

Last time I was that close was being in D.C. the week right before the Chantilly '04 show... :(
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: keystonecrossings on November 05, 2007, 08:37:35 PM
The domain name redirects to Paul Downs' web site on another domain's server. Not the best serving solution for an event of this magnitude. The URL should maintain the domain name throughout the user's experience, in my humble opinion.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Bob Bufkin on November 05, 2007, 08:44:02 PM
If any of y'all try to open that website, let me know if it works for you. I am now on DSL and after 5 minutes and 100 MB, it still was not  navigable for me.  >:( :'(
I use DSL and it only took about 5 seconds for the whole thing to pop up.  I must live closer to a DSL hub.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Puddington on November 05, 2007, 10:04:30 PM
On a semi-related note, I STRONGLY recommend if you're going to stay at the Galt House make sure you insist on the "new" side of the building - I stayed there this spring and I was stuck on the old side - I really loved the paper thin walls; no internet connection in the room; the classic 1970 wood grain laminate paneling; the lavander toliet and the "classic" (read 25 year old) broadloom.... and it's 1/2 mile from the lobby......( well, a ten minute walk).........But on a positive note Louisville is one rockin city after dark !
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: wm3798 on November 06, 2007, 03:15:31 PM
But after dark is when you sit in your room drinking beer looking at slide shows!
Didn't you get the memo?

Lee
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on November 06, 2007, 06:05:16 PM
I will be there, and if her parents will let her, so will Lauren.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on November 07, 2007, 08:18:55 AM
Here's a shocking turn of events.

I was talking with my dad last night about this, and my wife overheard. She said "I want to go to Louisville!"

So maybe I'll be going!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: sparky on November 07, 2007, 09:30:42 AM
My wife's parents just moved to Louisville, so chances are I'll be going.  My wife can stay with her parents, and I can stay downtown so I can enjoy myself!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on November 14, 2007, 11:21:13 PM
I'm going! Don't know if I'm going as a dealer or just a train guy. The idea of carting all my stuff across the country is kind of scary, not to mention expensive.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: SAH on November 15, 2007, 09:12:47 PM
This will likely be my MRR trip for next year I think.  The Galt House is a great location.  A very walkable downtown.  Lots of historic stuff if you're into that kind of thing.  We visited many times during the Cincinnati days.  I understand it's even better now.  Sounds like fun.

Steve
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on November 15, 2007, 09:31:51 PM
I hope to make it as well. Louisville is an easy 2 day's drive from here.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on November 17, 2007, 10:33:44 PM
I hope to make it as well. Louisville is an easy 2 day's drive from here.

I wanna party with you.  ;D
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: John on November 18, 2007, 07:19:01 AM
I hope to make it as well. Louisville is an easy 2 day's drive from here.

I wanna party with you.  ;D

Chuck .. you are now in charge of TheRailwire hospitality suite :)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: kiwi_al on November 29, 2007, 02:24:26 AM
I'm thinking of attending the weekend, won't be able to stay long as I'll have to hot foot it back to New Zealand ;D
Any prizes for most distance travelled to get there ? ;) ;D
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: sirenwerks on December 13, 2007, 08:56:44 PM
Quote
Any prizes for most distance travelled to get there ?

Frequent flyer miles.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on December 14, 2007, 10:22:07 PM
I'm thinking of attending the weekend, won't be able to stay long as I'll have to hot foot it back to New Zealand ;D
Any prizes for most distance travelled to get there ? ;) ;D

Kiwi_Al:

If you travel all the way here from New Zealand not only will there be prizes for you, but many tall, pale and cold beverages as well. It would be great if you can make it. Fun times!!!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: kiwi_al on December 16, 2007, 05:09:38 AM
Hmmmm sounds good to me - those tall bevvies huh Chuck! ;D ;D

I'll be talking to my boss soon so I can arrange the time off (just changed jobs)
Lookin forward to it ;)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on December 17, 2007, 10:02:30 AM
Lauren can't come.  Ah, well.  I still plan on attending.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Pomperaugrr on December 22, 2007, 04:29:45 PM
Quote
Lauren can't come.  Ah, well.  I still plan on attending.

Maybe you should see a doctor...    ;) :P :D
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Big4Man on December 28, 2007, 07:20:59 AM
Are there any NSC members in here? I am going to join (just for this convention), and would gladly put your name in for their "Bounty" prize. It's worth five bucks to the sposoring memeber and can be used on the Convention registration fees and a few other things. Email me off list......

Dan


 
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on January 11, 2008, 03:58:18 PM
Well, I made my hotel reservations yesterday and mailed off my registration form this morning, so I'm looking forward to meeting at least some of y'all in Loo-uh-vul. I'll be getting there Wednesday and leaving Sunday. Bringing my "better half" along, too.  So, no wild partying, Chulvis.  ;)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on January 16, 2008, 09:13:43 PM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: John on January 16, 2008, 09:49:26 PM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.

I just cancelled mine ..
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on January 16, 2008, 10:55:39 PM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.

I just cancelled mine ..
Sweet
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on January 17, 2008, 10:30:02 AM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.

I just cancelled mine ..
Sweet



After that remark, I cancelled mine, too.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on January 25, 2008, 11:33:08 PM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.

I just cancelled mine ..

Don't cancel!!! When else are you going to have a chance to actually meet Iain and give him some noogies at the same time?

For god's sake man, we could have a Iain Noogie Contest, The Iain Wedgie Marathon and The Iain Pink Belly Festival all in less than a week.

Don't miss out on this.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on January 25, 2008, 11:50:56 PM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.

I just cancelled mine ..

Don't cancel!!! When else are you going to have a chance to actually meet Iain and give him some noogies at the same time?

For god's sake man, we could have a Iain Noogie Contest, The Iain Wedgie Marathon and The Iain Pink Belly Festival all in less than a week.

Don't miss out on this.

Yeah, and you won't be invited to the pig pickin'/oyster roast in my room.  Y'all don't want to miss out on the Mill Creek style fun!  (I say in my room because I don't think I could do it in a parking garage)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on February 03, 2008, 10:55:42 PM
So, when are you all going to be there?
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: mionerr on February 14, 2008, 02:12:46 PM
I booked the hotel and convention right after the new year. I signed up for layout tours, dinner and breakfast. First time I've been to the dinner. I'm driving up Wednesday morning and head for home Sunday afternoon.
I visited friends in Denver the middle of January and they we're saying the remaining rooms were in the single digits. Might be some folks looking for alternate accomodations, unless the room block size is increased.
Now for a real dumb question: Is Louisville in the Central or Eastern time zone?

Roger
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Norm P on February 14, 2008, 05:49:48 PM
Eastern
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: bobcat on March 02, 2008, 11:27:35 AM
I have now made my hotel reservations.  Now I'm almost broke again.

I just cancelled mine ..

Don't cancel!!! When else are you going to have a chance to actually meet Iain and give him some noogies at the same time?

For god's sake man, we could have a Iain Noogie Contest, The Iain Wedgie Marathon and The Iain Pink Belly Festival all in less than a week.

Don't miss out on this.

That would make the trip worthwhile. ;D
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: mmyers on March 02, 2008, 02:35:23 PM
I tried reserving a room last night and got " no rooms available".
Fortunately, I was just checking and already have one reserved. Looks like they will need another block of rooms.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on March 02, 2008, 03:19:59 PM
Was a mite surprised to find that N Scale Collector had already billed my CC for all the convention fees last month, over 4 months in advance.  It's a two day drive from here, will probably overnight in Birmingham up and back.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 02, 2008, 09:23:26 PM
I am signed up. Got my plane tickets and hotel room. This is going to be great. Looks like I'll be able to meet a lot of Railwire members.

We should have a special Railwire Meet and Greet. I'll offer my hotel room so we can all be in one place at the same time and say hello to one another. How cool would that be?

I will be arriving on Thursday.

Who's in?

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on March 02, 2008, 09:34:45 PM
I am signed up. Got my plane tickets and hotel room. This is going to be great. Looks like I'll be able to meet a lot of Railwire members.

We should have a special Railwire Meet and Greet. I'll offer my hotel room so we can all be in one place at the same time and say hello to one another. How cool would that be?

I will be arriving on Thursday.

Who's in?



I'll  be driving in Wednesday and leaving Sunday, taking the lunch train Thursday morning.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on March 02, 2008, 11:04:23 PM
I'll be there Thursday afternoon sometime.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 02, 2008, 11:17:19 PM
I'll be there Thursday afternoon sometime.

I'll have my Noogie Gloves on.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: mmyers on March 02, 2008, 11:18:31 PM
I'm shooting for Tuesday afternoon arrival. Layout set up starts 8am on Wednesday.
Anybody doing room sales?
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: scootbird on March 03, 2008, 10:13:28 AM
Quote
We should have a special Railwire Meet and Greet. I'll offer my hotel room so we can all be in one place at the same time and say hello to one another. How cool would that be?

Chuck that would be a neat thing to do,  Unfortunately this year is a busy one for me as I will be getting ready for a number of horse shows.  Too bad.  :'(

Mike
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 03, 2008, 10:46:09 PM
Quote
We should have a special Railwire Meet and Greet. I'll offer my hotel room so we can all be in one place at the same time and say hello to one another. How cool would that be?

Chuck that would be a neat thing to do,  Unfortunately this year is a busy one for me as I will be getting ready for a number of horse shows.  Too bad.  :'(

Mike

Next year will be in Portland. No excuses!!!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: scootbird on March 03, 2008, 11:39:34 PM
Quote
Next year will be in Portland. No excuses!!!

I'm there baby!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: POVC on March 04, 2008, 10:50:05 PM
I am signed up. Got my plane tickets and hotel room. This is going to be great. Looks like I'll be able to meet a lot of Railwire members.

We should have a special Railwire Meet and Greet. I'll offer my hotel room so we can all be in one place at the same time and say hello to one another. How cool would that be?

I will be arriving on Thursday.

Who's in?



I'm going.  Arrival planned for Wednesday AM to help with Ntrak layout set-up.  Let me know when and where.

Tim Nixon
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: seusscaboose on March 06, 2008, 07:01:54 AM
i too will be attending, arriving wednesday AM, helping w/ Bantrak and the like..., looking forward to bailing out Ed and John and Chuck iin the wee hours after a spirited round of noogie wars (fueled with an international flavor) that gets "out of control".....


Eric
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 10, 2008, 10:53:30 PM
Here's a shocking turn of events.

I was talking with my dad last night about this, and my wife overheard. She said "I want to go to Louisville!"

So maybe I'll be going!
My wife's parents just moved to Louisville, so chances are I'll be going.  My wife can stay with her parents, and I can stay downtown so I can enjoy myself!

So, are you guys going? This is going to rock!!!

All: I will continue to keep tabs on this and plan a meet and greet in my room and publish it here.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Ed Kapuscinski on March 11, 2008, 12:51:36 AM
Nah, I can't go. I'm already on the hook for too much travel this year.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 11, 2008, 09:02:52 PM
Nah, I can't go. I'm already on the hook for too much travel this year.

Chump.
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg178/geep35/hahaha.gif)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: John on March 11, 2008, 09:04:15 PM
Nah, I can't go. I'm already on the hook for too much travel this year.

Where's Ed Video - Part Deux
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 11, 2008, 09:35:11 PM
Nah, I can't go. I'm already on the hook for too much travel this year.

Where's Ed Video - Part Deux

Indeed!

John, are you going to make it this year?

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: John on March 11, 2008, 09:39:32 PM

John, are you going to make it this year?



Most likely not .. I may try to get down there for the weekend ..
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 11, 2008, 09:52:12 PM

John, are you going to make it this year?



Most likely not .. I may try to get down there for the weekend ..

Make it. 45 seconds in Chantilly was not enough!!!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: SAH on March 11, 2008, 10:19:22 PM
All: I will continue to keep tabs on this and plan a meet and greet in my room and publish it here.

I finally registered over the weekend.  We'll more than likely arrive Thurs afternoon.  My wife will be along for the ride.  She likes to explore cityscapes on foot (I do too for that matter) so if there are any other Railwire wives or significant others planning to attend who want to see things from a street level perspective, she might be able to arrange an informal outing.  Back when she was doing neighborhood walking tours for the Cincinnati Historical Society she knew some like minded folks at the Louisville HS.  They had some good walking tours of the cast iron warehouse district.  Something to think about relative to the usual convention fare.  We haven't been to Louisville in years so it will be like a new city I suspect.

Steve
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: k greenhorn on March 12, 2008, 05:25:02 PM
I am on DSL also, and was on the web site in a few seconds.
keng.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on March 12, 2008, 11:50:57 PM
I'll be spending the night before I go in Fayetteville at my Grandparent's (by going to Fayetteville I'll be cutting off two hours).  Then Thursday I'll leave at around 6:00 AM.  I'll stop in Sanford for breakfast and some photos of the last surviving NS steamer.

If all goes right I should get to Louisville at around 4:00 to 4:30 that afternoon.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on March 16, 2008, 01:17:44 PM
I'll be spending the night before I go in Fayetteville at my Grandparent's (by going to Fayetteville I'll be cutting off two hours).  Then Thursday I'll leave at around 6:00 AM.  I'll stop in Sanford for breakfast and some photos of the last surviving NS steamer.

If all goes right I should get to Louisville at around 4:00 to 4:30 that afternoon.

Can you pick me up at the airport and drive me to the hotel? :P
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on March 16, 2008, 02:28:59 PM
I'll be spending the night before I go in Fayetteville at my Grandparent's (by going to Fayetteville I'll be cutting off two hours).  Then Thursday I'll leave at around 6:00 AM.  I'll stop in Sanford for breakfast and some photos of the last surviving NS steamer.

If all goes right I should get to Louisville at around 4:00 to 4:30 that afternoon.

Can you pick me up at the airport and drive me to the hotel? :P
Sure, if it isn't raining.  If it is, you'll have to ride a cab.  My stuff is not going in the back of the truck if it is raining.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: pnolan48 on April 04, 2008, 12:23:53 PM
I'll be there Tuesday evening. At the Galt hotel. Unfortunately, I'll be leaving Thursday morning. This is me. 6'-3" tall.

(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/708/AlaskaBook_img_16.jpg)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on May 28, 2008, 01:08:27 PM
Well, I'll be getting in Wednesday afternoon sometime. Plan to stop Tuesday night in Birmingham, as it is halfway. It is 366 miles from there to Louisville, all interstate, so about 6 hours. Leaving after the manufacturer's breakfast to drive as far as Birmingham Sunday.

Will be at the reception Wednesday night. Will I meet any of y'all there?
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: TrainCat2 on May 28, 2008, 02:52:41 PM
I'll be arriving on Tuesday afternoon and flying out on Fri eve. That weekend is our fiscal EOM/EOQ and I have to closeout the ERP for the bean counters.

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: AlkemScaleModels on May 29, 2008, 03:40:03 PM
I'll be arriving on Tuesday afternoon and flying out on Fri eve. That weekend is our fiscal EOM/EOQ and I have to closeout the ERP for the bean counters.



Don't forget the TPS reports.



Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: TrainCat2 on May 30, 2008, 10:29:14 PM
 ;D

I use the TP for the reports!!   :-X
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: mmyers on May 31, 2008, 04:48:33 PM
I'll be arriving on Tuesday. Staying through tear down on Sunday.

See you there,
Martin Myers
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: randgust on June 05, 2008, 09:54:12 PM
I'm sending out Everett Railroad Whitcomb 65-tonner #56, and the new SP 70-tonner resin kit 'demo unit' with John Sing, who will be exhibiting and running them at the convention.  If you want to see these operate and see them for yourself, I'll have those two there.  I can't make it myself, but John's offered to do this and it took me all of about 30 seconds to accept that deal!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on June 11, 2008, 08:36:05 PM
My wife and I will be arriving sometime Wednesday afternoon, the 25th, driving up from Birmingham. It has been decades since I've driving some of these roads, so I can't tell exactly how long it will take to go the 366 miles. I'd like to meet most any of y'all that are also planning on attending.

Have 17 cars I've decided to sell, mostly PRR shadow Keystone MTL's, but a few others as well. Will also bring a couple of models for the contests.

Send me a PM if you're interested in getting together.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: mmyers on June 15, 2008, 10:55:28 AM
Quote
Only 10 days to go.

 

Hi Folks:

 

This email is intended for those readers who will be attending the 2008
National N Scale Convention "Derby City Express" in Louisville KY from June
25-29, 2008, and who will be running trains on the Red Line Route.

 

I am the Digital Master for the large NTRAK layout at Derby City Express
(DCE).  Based on the current configuration of the layout and the number of
modules that will be in the layout the Red Line Route (RLR) will be
approximately 115 scale miles in length.  (I hope they have some
Port-a-Potties stationed around the layout.)  The Red Line Route will be
Digitrax DCC.

 

If you plan to bring locomotives and trains to run on the RLR please read
the following:

 

Programming Address & Consisting Locomotives

Because of the large number of operators who may be running on the layout at
the same time and the limitation of 120 addresses in the DCC Command
Station, consisting is limited to either Basic Consisting or Advanced
(Decoder Assisted) Consisting.  If you are running a single locomotive or a
consist of locomotives (4 maximum allowed per train) then your address will
be the 4-digit address that is your registration number for the convention.

 

You can either program your locomotives to this address before you come to
the Convention or you can get them programmed at one of the Programming
Stations in the layout center core before you operate on the RLR.

 

If you have locomotives that are consisted together using Advanced (Decoder
Assisted) Consisting you may leave them consisted to their current 2-digit
address.  You will need to bring them to a Programming Station before
running on the RLR to make sure this 2-digit address is not already in use
by another operator.  If there is a conflict we can re-program the advanced
consist to a free 2-digit address.

 

There will be no analog locomotives allowed on the RLR.  For a complete set
of operating rules for the Red Line Route please click on the following link
to go to the DCE web site at
http://web.mac.com/pauljdowns/2008_N_Scale_Convention/NTRAK.html

 

Sound Decoders

If you are bringing locomotive(s) with programmable sound decoders please be
sure to download all the sound files to the decoder before you come to the
Convention.  The Programming Stations will NOT have the capability to
download sound files to sound decoders.

 

DCC Design

A lot of effort has gone into the design of the DCC system for the Red Line
Route, including a detailed Design Specification.  If you are interested in
the background of what we are doing to make the RLR a success you may access
the specification at www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/DCE_DCC_Spec_Final.pdf

 

Throttles

Acceptable throttles for use at DCE are the DT100, DT300, DT400 either wired
or radio (radio preferred), and the UT4 or UT4R.  The DT200, UT1, UT2 and
Buddy throttles are prohibited.  If you own one of these Digitrax throttles
please bring your throttle to DCE with you.  Only a very few loaner
throttles will be available.

 

Summary operating instructions and other information about these throttles
are available as follows:

 

DT100/300/400:  <http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/DTThrottleSummary.pdf>
www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/DTThrottleSummary.pdf

UT4: www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/UTThrottleSummary.pdf

 

Volunteers

Setting up the NTRAK layout at DCE will be a huge undertaking.  If you would
like to help the Digital Team at DCE with setting up the DCC system and/or
taking a shift manning one of the Program Stations during operations please
contact me at jwallis@nc.rr.com   The set up teams will work at different
times from the start of setup on Wednesday, June 25 through the start of
layout operations on Friday at noon.

 

If you have any questions please contact me at jwallis@nc.rr.com

 

 

See you in Louisville.

 

 

 

John Wallis

Digital Master

Derby City Express
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: pauldowns on June 23, 2008, 09:33:19 AM
Posted - 06/23/2008 :  01:18:38           

Share your photos of the Derby City Express!

I have set up an account where anyone attending the convention with a digital camera and computer/internet access can share photographs with the rest of us.

You can view, download, and upload photographs at this address:
http://gallery.mac.com/pauljdowns/100126

Please include a title and your name. Limit all photographs to those taken at the Derby City Express and related events.

If you experience any difficulty please let me know. This is the first time I've used .Mac for this and I'm not sure how it will behave on other computers, but if you just click on the Upload or Download buttons, the directions are pretty simple to follow.

Paul J. Downs
Louisville KY
Production Co-Chair of the 2008 National N Scale Convention, The Derby City Express,
June 26-29, 2008
Convention Information
http://www.2008-National-N-Scale-Convention.com/

Visit my L&N in N Scale site at http://tinyurl.com/38ykrv
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: atsf_arizona on June 24, 2008, 11:31:41 PM
I'm here at the Galt House now, just checked in. I'm typing this from the 3rd floor lobby bar area via Wi-Fi.

By the way, I have two samples of Randy Gustafson's critters (his resin kits, built
up by the Randgust himself) with me for sharing and display:

- the Whitcomb 65-tonner, you'll be able to see it at the Model Contest room

- the GE 70-tonner (painted up in Southern Pacific), which will be running on the N Trak layout, and available for viewing most anytime you see me

I'll also have a few of my stuff around too.

I'll be on the Layout Tour on Wed AM. Photos to follow sometime late Wed evening. :-)

Hope to see many of you soon.

(http://home.comcast.net/~j.sing/john_sing_picture.jpg)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: atsf_arizona on June 26, 2008, 03:05:29 AM
Added some National N Scale Convention photos from today, Wed, June 25, 2008 to this web site:

http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/n_scale_convention_2008_wed_&page=all

:-)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: atsf_arizona on June 27, 2008, 02:00:17 AM
I've posted my Thursday photos from the 2008 NSC and National N Scale Convention.

For me, the day was action-packed full from morning to night.  Meeting great people.  Having my mind expanded every minute.   Bob Knight's (TrainCat) clinic on building brass kits blew up my mind (that's good) on what is possible.  Great contest entries.   NTrak layout is being built, 700 modules worth.  Room Sales superb for visiting and socializing.  Visited with Charles Hopkins and saw his latest custom loco painting.   The pictures above represent sample of all of these and more:

http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/national_n_scale_convention_2008_thur_june_26&page=all

And I have also uploaded these to Paul Down's collective web site of photos
of this convention, again, that URL where you can see photos from *many* attendees.
This is great because my photos only represent one small cross section of all
that is happening.  See that web site at:

http://gallery.mac.com/pauljdowns#100126

Enjoy!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Pray59 on June 27, 2008, 06:39:01 PM
Cool stuff John! Thanks for sharing!

-Robert Ray
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: atsf_arizona on June 28, 2008, 03:18:50 AM
Posted Friday pictures to:

http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/n_scale_convention_2008_friday&page=all

and to Paul Down's collective web site of photos
of this convention, again, that URL where you can see photos from *many* attendees.
See that web site at:

http://gallery.mac.com/pauljdowns#100126
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: atsf_arizona on June 29, 2008, 10:07:35 AM
Some more photos from today, Saturday, at:

http://www.pbase.com/atsf_arizona/n_scale_convention_2008_saturday&page=all

and to Paul Down's collective web site of photos
of this convention, again, that URL where you can see photos from *many* attendees.
See that web site at:

http://gallery.mac.com/pauljdowns#100126

:-)
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: 3rdrail on June 29, 2008, 09:19:40 PM
I'll be posting some photos when I finally get home tomorrow night. I am in Birmingham, AL, right now on the hotel's business center computer.  It was interesting, and surprising, who showed up as far as manufacturers, and who did not...more later.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: shark_jj on June 29, 2008, 10:07:41 PM
Just got home tonight from what was my first N Scale Convention.  I had an interesting time and thought I might share my observations.  We registered late so we weren't able to purchase any of the extra fare items which seriously restriced our ability to socialize with other modellers.  It is hard to walk up to someone in a train show, swap-a-rama, or room sale and say "Hi, I'm John, who are you".  Nonetheless we had a good time.

Highlights:

Met Bob Knight and the people from Tex-N-Rails that I ordered my pennsy signal bridges from.  Bob was informative, helpful, and pleasant to talk to.  When I asked the person from Tex-N-Rails why I hadn't received the signal bridges I ordered, he informed Bob and I that they didn't have enough for the orders so my order for 10 was the one they didn't fill.  Bob was quick to assure me he would get on top of that, and went to his room to get 2 that he had brought with him.  I fully intend to continue dealing with Bob, I just hope he spreads his wings to other retailers.   I also sat in on Bob's clinic, he got way more people than I believe he anticipated.  There were 80 to 100 in the room.  The clinic was intended to be interactive and after his lecture style presentation he invited everyone up and only about 20 people could get around him.  Unfortunately, I wasn't one of them, but I still learned some informative stuff in the lecture portion. 

There was quite a walk from the hotel to the convention centre and the clinics rooms.  I would say in the range of 5 city blocks, and signage was non-existent.  The Convention Committee could have done a better job in that regard.  Downtown Louisville is quite pleasant and the walk was nice the first time, and even the second time, but by the third, it was getting old. 

I had never attended room sales before and that was fascinating.  A lot of neat stuff at reasonable prices and I purchased a few things.  Some excellent custom painters and detailers who had great stuff, mostly modern, and my buddy who models modern purchased a few items. 

The Swap-a-Rama was also great, most of the stuff unsold from the room sales but some items that hadn't made it out or I hadn't seen.  Got a nice PCM E7A Dummy for $35 that will go nice with my Kato E8's. 

The N-Trak Layout was large and there were a number of excellent modules.  I'm not an N-Trak guy but I know nice work and some of it was quite well done.  Bernie Kempinski's modules stand out, the Mount Rainier group was excellent and a fellow whose name I didn't get who had a samll town spread over 3 modules with detailed interiors and lighting on the buildings which just had to be seen to be believed.

Took in Scott Teagues clinic and also spoke to him at the Train Show.  Really great guy, and excellent presentation.  Reminded me of Allen McClellands, "good enough" approach.  When you looked at the some of the details on his layout they weren't that good, but when you looked at the overall effect it was impressive.  If the purpose of a clinic is to get you thinking, his did. 

Saw some excellent models in the contest room, including John Sing's GP9B.  since I will be building some for my Pennsy layout I was interested and thought they looked great, John did a good job.  Looked at  a Whitcomb, the local steel mill here had a couple.  Don't know if it was Ian's but it was well done.  Overall, some very nice models.

The Train Show overall, Walther's new 10-6 sleepers look good, as does the Athearn FP45's and F45's.  I love those things and I think a GN "Big Sky Blue' will be running as a GM demonstrator in my Pennsy world.  I was hoping to buy scenic material from Scenic Express but they weren't there. my big disappointment. 

Stayed overnight at Marion on the way home.  Got in at 7, went down to the diamonds and got 11 trains in just a little over an hour.  Outstanding.

All in all, good trip.

PS:  Spoke to the Kato guy, he said September for the GG1's and suggested there was an announcement of a new loco coming at the NMRA Convention in Anaheim.  Don't know whether to believe him or not, and why announce it at NMRA with very few N Scaler's present as opposed to the N Scale Convention?
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: ljudice on June 29, 2008, 10:29:38 PM
Re: Kato - they will announce in Anaheim because that's where there is more press coverage...

Lou

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Iain on June 30, 2008, 03:42:37 PM

Saw some excellent models in the contest room, including John Sing's GP9B.  since I will be building some for my Pennsy layout I was interested and thought they looked great, John did a good job.  Looked at  a Whitcomb, the local steel mill here had a couple.  Don't know if it was Ian's but it was well done.  Overall, some very nice models.
The Whitcomb you saw was Randy's, mine did not make it out onto the layout as I had decoder issues with it.  TCS is sending a replacement, but I still didn't get to run it.

I made it partially around the loop, then lost another decoder when my locomotive hit a switch that was set wrong.  Luckily there was a siding close by so that I could switch locomotives.

I met John Sing, the Starmans brothers, Berni Kempinski, Bob Knight... an excellent way to meet people.

Photos to come after I sort them out.
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: atsf_arizona on June 30, 2008, 05:01:32 PM
I'll be arriving on Tuesday afternoon and flying out on Fri eve.

Bob Knight,

Thanks for being there, and thx for the great clinic.  You convinced all in attendance at your clinic that your
kits are very easy to assemble for us everyday modelers.   Your display of your completed kits was nothing
short of amazing.  They truly expand, for all of us, the horizon of what is possible.  Thx for making it possible for us all to be able to see:

(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1847/Thurs_rc_Room_Sales_-_Bob_Knight_incredible_brass_kits.jpg)

(http://www.trainboard.com/railimages/data/1847/Thurs_re_Room_Sales_-_Bob_Knight_incredible_brass_kits.jpg)

On behalf of all of us who were able to meet you in person for the first time - Thx!
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: TrainCat2 on June 30, 2008, 10:21:20 PM
Wow! Thanks John.

I feel that I was only a speck in what may be the best gathering of N-Scalers. As great as Chantilly was, no comparison! Paul Downs and his crew should really get all of the credit along with the attendees. Everyone created a memorable event. Thanks to all that did stop by to say hello (Yes, even you Iain  ;D).

Looks like I will have to learn about publishing my own web videos. So many people asked for a video of building a kit. It will star Ed, Tom and Lee. The Three Amigos/Stooges.

Hey Chuck, did you get that Xacto knife out yet ??

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: tom mann on June 30, 2008, 10:22:16 PM
Bob, did you tuck them in at night ;D
Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: Chulvis on June 30, 2008, 10:52:15 PM


Hey Chuck, did you get that Xacto knife out yet ??



Only unpacked a few hours ago!  Good to see you there, Bob.

Title: Re: 2008 National N Scale Convention
Post by: TrainCat2 on July 11, 2008, 12:04:50 AM
Met Bob Knight and the people from Tex-N-Rails that I ordered my pennsy signal bridges from.  Bob was informative, helpful, and pleasant to talk to.  When I asked the person from Tex-N-Rails why I hadn't received the signal bridges I ordered, he informed Bob and I that they didn't have enough for the orders so my order for 10 was the one they didn't fill.  Bob was quick to assure me he would get on top of that, and went to his room to get 2 that he had brought with him.  I fully intend to continue dealing with Bob, I just hope he spreads his wings to other retailers.
John,
Your signal bridges are on the way.