Notes on Designing, Building, and Operating Model Railroads
A hobby adventure
In this post-Thanksgiving lull, I’ll share some Naperville/Lisle RPM meet comments and photos from fellow Pre-Depression Era modeler Ray Breyer. The event was held in late October and has been an annual event in a Chicago suburb for a couple of decades. The photos and notes here are from Ray’s one-day experience.
As mentioned earlier, I participated in the RPM-East prototype modeler meet held in Greensburg, Pa at the end of March. It was another festive weekend of railroad history, ideas, models, and time shared with old and new friends. Nearly 500 models were on display and 37 presentations filled the schedule. About 165 attended this two day event. A couple of photo galleries are available for viewing. These offer a decent review of the models on display at the meet.
The New England/Northeast Railroad Prototype Modeler meet is up next on the calendar. This will be held in Colllinsville, CT on May 29 & 30. Make you plans to attend and soak in some good ideas.
What’s next?
That’s always a good question for me. In addition to the time at the prototype meet, I visited many of my family members in the metro-Pittsburgh region. I arrived back in far west Texas in time to be hit by spring allergies that are now loosening their grip. I need to survey a few hobby projects and dust off a couple of drafts for the blog to keep this fresh. There are always a few more ideas to share. Stay tuned!
– Eric
Here we are at RPM-East in Greensburg, PA. I’m posting this as a demo during my Introduction to Blogging presentation. There is a lively bunch of people here and the model room is filling up with some outstanding displays. Click on any image here to review a larger size.
Last night I operated on Ken Hanawalt’s Turtle Creek railroad until my legs had decided to call it a night. Several others RPM-East folks were operating on other area model railroads.
Friday is coming to a close but there is much more on tap for Saturday. I hope to post additional images soon.
As winter thaws, it becomes RPM season. Railroad Prototype Modeler meets are a great way to recharge the batteries after a tough winter. A solid presentation schedule and an extensive model display room are the two main components of these events. You will also meet some great people who share similar interests. I’ve enjoyed great conversations at RPM meets over the years that have pushed my model projects along. Many of these conversations have turned into wonderful friendships.
I’ll be attending RPM-East, which is coming up in just a couple of weeks. My presentation is about halfway ready.
Here’s a short list of upcoming RPM meets. Support the event that is close to your neighborhood.
If I missed your event. drop me a note in the comments below.
Summer is rapidly disappearing as the days shorten and the leaves begin to fall. A fabulous model railroad meet is taking shape that will inspire you to design, build, and/or operate your model railroad. The New Jersey Model Railroad Layout Design and Operations Event will take place November 2 & 3, 2013 at the Union County VoTech School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. So far, this meet includes:
It’s quite a bundle for a registration of $10 (until October 26th).
Yup, only Ten Dollars. Can you believe it?!?! This is one of the best hobby bargains around so make your plans to join in on the fun. More detail and a registration form can be found at the website.
Come on out and join the discussions on model railroad layout design and layout operations. Bring along some completed models or works in progress to display with other railroad prototype modelers. You will come home with new ideas for your layout and models. Don’t miss it!