RPM-East a success!

An O scale model on display at RPM-East.
An O scale model on display at RPM-East.

Wow, the month of March just blew right by in a blur of travel and activity. I returned to western Pennsylvania to visit with family and friends for the Easter holiday. I also attended the RPM-East prototype modeler meet in Greensburg, PA. I’ve been attending since 2001 and always enjoy the event. My weeks before the event were filled as I balanced work and family tasks with preparations for my presentation, Prototype Inspired Layout Design for Limited Spaces. Much of the talk focused on similar themes that I’ve been posting here on the blog. The feedback was strong and I had extended conversations with a few people to help them with their layout planning. I gave a second presentation on Modeling Railroads of a pre-Depression Era that opened a few eyes to the different look of rail equipment and city scapes of the first few decades in the 20th Century.

It was wonderful visiting my old stomping grounds and renewing many friendships at the RPM-East event. I’ve posted a gallery of images I captured in the model display room. About 400 models were on display. The image above is a fine O scale effort that Larry Kline displayed. Overall, about 150 hobbyists attended. There were 40 presentations, several vendors, and eight home layouts to view.

I’m back in El Paso and can’t wait to get back to work on the railroad. I have another track tip up my sleeve as well as a layout update that will be shared here very soon.

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Upcoming Prototype Modeler Events

RPM-East proto meet logo

It’s been a busy start to a new year as a new job has kept me busy and has slowed progress on the layout project. I’m also helping to spread the word for an upcoming prototype modeler meet. RPM-East will be held March 22 & 23, 2013 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. I’ve been attending RPM-East events since the first one in 2001. These are wonderful events packed with many interesting prototype and model presentations. The setting is informal and it’s easy to get into a discussion with others. I think I’ve learned just as much in the model display room as I have in the presentations!

Speaking of models, there will be a few hundred on display. I captured many of the 2011 display models as digital images and I’m looking forward to seeing more in just a few weeks.

If you have the time and some extra hobby funds, I encourage you to spend a few days in Greensburg, PA at RPM-East. It’s a great way to recharge your model railroad inspiration. I’ll be coming in from Texas to soak it all in and give a presentation. If you go, flag me down and say hello.

If you can’t get to RPM-East, there are a number of these events held around the country. The Western Prototype Modeler meet is April 13. The New England and Northeast meet is May 31 and June 1. The Northeastern Fallen Flags meet will be held in late September.