Any MiNi Mod-U-Trak Photos from the NMRA show?

[Dave Schneider]

I was hoping to make up for my disappointment regarding the complete lack of N scale Milwaukee Road announcements at the NMRA convention by salivating over photos of the MiNi Mod-U-Trak layout, but nothing yet. Come on guys....I really, really need a fix!!! All in favor raise their hand.

Best wishes, Dave

P.S. If you guys are too shy or modest  : it would also be cool to see photos from the "Depots by John" group that was trying to build the town Zachow, WI in N. 

[lashedup]

Here are a few from some of our guys. Skibbe might have more shots. We had some massive construction and building going on the three weeks leading into the show. All-new curves and several new modules were in the new setup- things have gotten a bit larger than before. I should also point out that not a single module pictured is "done" yet and most still have a LOT of work left on them.

You can find the full gallery of photos that Mike took HERE.

So here are a few photos...

Keith Kohlman's CNW lakefront depot - still a major work in progress, but coming along...





Not sure who's units these were sitting at the depot...




Nate Pierce's Wisconsin Dells module. Bill Denton contributed on the rock work...








Various scenes from Bill Denton's various New Lisbon modules:








Two of our new 54" curves under construction:






Keith Kohlman's Sturtevant modules:






Franksville modules under construction:




We'll have to take some more photos of all the new stuff at some point. I'll also resurrect my build thread (promise) since progress has been made...

- jamie

[Dave Schneider]

Thanks Jamie!!

Great work everyone.

Your Franksville module looks like it is coming along nicely, and the Dells looks great as well. The CNW Depot is also looking good. That is really an ambitious piece of work.

Those new curves are looking great....I was following a thread about them as I recall, but it ended mysteriously after the author made some pointed remarks about the progress of others....hmmm, who was that?

Thanks again,
Dave

[mcjaco]

^ That was me.   ;D

The whole group really steps up and helps each other (as seen by Bill's rock work on Nate's Dells module), when it comes down to crunch time.  Gentle prodding keeps us moving individually.    

Mike through guantlet down about a month ago that I get my Oakwood depot done before NTS.  And I did.  At 11:30 PM the night before!  All in good fun!  

For some reason the picture won't post....oh well.

[Ian MacMillan]

Man those modules bring me back to my summers as a teen. I used to spend June-Aug railfanning Tomah, Camp Douglas, New Lisbon and the Dells.

[GaryHinshaw]

Those 54" curves look really sweet (as does everything else)!

[wm3798]

Good looking stuff.  You guys represent the scale well.

[asarge]

Congratulations you guys!! Named Best in show at the NTS.  Quite impressive!

[skytop35]

Congratulations you guys!! Named Best in show at the NTS.  Quite impressive!

Actually we weren't named Best Of Show, that went to a fine HO traction layout with MUCH detail and great little scenes. We were awarded the 2010 Craftsman Trophy given to the best model displaying originality and craftsmanship. Keith Kohlmann from our group also took 3rd place for individual modules for his depiction of Sturtevant, Wi. Congrats to all for participating in the National Train Show.

[altohorn25]

Here's the photo I took of Matt's Oakwood depot (click on it to enlarge).

The Dells are coming along nicely thanks to A LOT of help from Bill, Jamie, Marshall, and Mike.  

Nate

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[sirenwerks]

So when are you guys gonna set up at a show out East?

[Sokramiketes]

I'll add more later, but here's a few.

Here's an overview of the layout.  Our IA division couldn't get down to help on modules, so they asked what else they could do to help out.  I'd been tossing around the idea of displays to hold proto photos (rather than tacking them on the fascia of the layout... tacky! no pun intended) but commercial trade show displays are expensive.  Jim and Tom whipped up some great triangular displays!  One anchored each corner of the layout, and being triangular, the outside facing face of each had the Modutrak logo, and the two interior faces had proto and model photos, some information, the article from NSR, etc.  They are wrapped in receptive black fabric, and break down into 2'x3' panels for easy transport.  The whole thing is held together with a couple bungee cords.  Simply fantastic, kudos to those guys for coming through!




Keith Kohlmann's in progress C&NW Milwaukee, WI, Lakefront Depot modules were a big draw, even under construction.  These are going to be supurb:

[Sokramiketes]

As Bill mentioned above, Keith Kohlmann won third place for his Sturtevant module.  He was the only one that filled out the NMRA paperwork from our group.


And here's Sam Kohlmann's Highway 20 underpass which goes right next to Sturtevant in proper geographic order.  We actually had Caledonia - Tower A68 - Franksville - Highway 20 - Sturtevant all in proper order and orientation at this show for the first time.  Slowly but surely the Chicago - Twin Cities mainline is coming to life!


Marshall Skibbe has been working on the Franks Pure Foods kraut factory in Franksville.  The lettering on the roof is a portion of a navigation aid for airplanes.  The compass portion is off the module.  This module is a transition that moves the track from front to rear of the module.

[Sokramiketes]

And last for tonight, this is the Kansasville, WI module being worked on by Bill Pistello and Bill Reid.  Bill Reid scratchbuilt the building, and they made quick progress over a two week period to get the module plenty presentable for the show.  The Reid's have an urge to rip out mainline on the home layout to replace with Cd55, but we'll try to talk them down from anything that drastic! 

[dougnelson]

Here are some additional photos of the Mini Mod-u-trak layout.  Seeing this was my highlight of the NMRA show.  I also got to meet Keith Kolhman, Bill Denton, and Mike Skibbe.  This is really one of the finest modeling efforts by a club that I have seen.  Lets hope that N scale moves more in this direction.

I love the simple midwest setting faithfully modeled.  When you add the great locomotives and rolling stock the results are spectacular.