Hooray for the first show!
Very exciting!
You guys have done a lot of fab work and I'm sure the modules will be a bit hit (metaphorically) with the crowds.
Especially since most people still think "Model Railroading" is an HO 4'x8'.
The quality and excitement of your group will pond-ripple throughout the midwest!
Just some thoughts:
1. While fascia and pink foam painting are nice, they're not necessary for first few shows, while RUNNING TRAINS and RUNNING MOUTHS are the greatest aspects of any show. (And people like to see modules in various states of "done"). Priority should be given to making sure track, wiring, and electronics work fab.
2. A second return loop is nice, but not at the expense of other modules. (Remember, our first show at the Hiller Aviation Museum that you came to was sketchy point to loop, as was our show 3 years later in Richmond when Wye Knott couldn't make it:
3. In terms of the actual module layout, I'd suggest:
As that configuration allows for a "pocket" for the group to have a table or two and keep your trains/supplies/backpacks on the "inside".
Until you guys get used to big shows, you want a place to "timeout" and work on trains/have lunch away from all questions and where your stuff won't wander off (like some of Steve's cars did last show when we weren't looking).
4. If you're throwing together a return loop, then spend the extra hour to throw in a passing siding (yellow line). Otherwise your trains will be bottlenecked on the long double-track module near the wye.
5. Practically, your layout can support about 2-3 trains running at once, with very, very few places for trains to stop / stage. I know everyone involved wants to run trains, but you're going to find out right quick that even a large layout like this doesn't allow everyone to run at once. Good thing many people want to talk!
6. In terms of ops we figured base-level procedure as:
A. STAY WITH YOUR TRAIN (very very difficult to talk with people and run trains at same time: recommend two-man "crews" of engineer and talker/conductor);
B. LOOK TWO PASSING SIDINGS AHEAD (unless you designate someone with a dispatcher role, train operator is responsible for looking ahead and negotiating with "oncoming" train)
7. Shows are long, with lots of talking.
Bring lots of drinks, comfortable shoes, drinks, patience, drinks/snacks and a positive attitude.
(And it's OK to sit down for 20 minutes and have lunch without answering crowd noise!)
Most of the first few shows is all about the group dynamic anyway: figuring out who's good at what, how long it takes to do x, y, & z, what will make the next show better, etc.
Even if the trains don't run right away, people will be excited about the layout.
You guys already have some kick-a$$ modules.
Wish I could be there to help out and watch the trains run!
Looking forward to the videos.
Cheers!
[Oh, almost forgot: KNEE PADS! INVEST NOW! and a sports towel: I always sweat buckets setting up & tearing down, no matter the sub-freezing weather inside the building. And KNEE PADS!!! and pants/underwear combo that won't result in chafing: you'll figure this out right quick first day!
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Most of all: have fun!
Hundreds and hundreds of people will be oohing and aahing at your work, no matter what state it's in.
Each one of those people are a Free-mo-N-ster (or N scaler) trying to get out of their HO 4'x8' straightjacket mentality!
Be the change
And have fun doing it!
