The train show experiences of the modular club that I belong to has
convinced us to try to offer both operation and running in circles. Our
modules have at least two and sometimes a third main.We use the South
(nearest the crowd) main for continuous running and the North and Third
mains for operation. DCC lets us run multiple trains at all times. We have
found the the continuous running - especially steam, colorful passenger, and
long trains attract crowds by their movement. Most of the crowd move away
after watching for awhile, but the serious observers see operations going on
and start asking questions. At least half our modules have operations
potential - grain elevators, tank farms, a brewery, etc. We utilize an
advance sign-up sheet so we can have a minimum crew avaliable at all times.
We don't utilize a fast clock at shows because there are so many variables -
especially the number of people available at any given time. The operating
session is controlled by a dispatcher communicating to the train operators
by radio. We also have 2 yardmasters to help keep the action flowing, one
for the 32' yard on the layout and one for the 24' island in the center of
the layout. With some preplanning we have found that we can be, at least,
most things to most people. We try to promote the hobby by reaching the
maximum number in whichever way appeals to them.
Greg Myers
----- Original Message -----
From: "Marshall Thayer" <zephyr9903@e...>
To: <BRHSlist@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, October 17, 2002 11:50 PM
Subject: Re: [BRHSlist] Real time or Fast clock
> >>> It all takes time. Newbies to rr and modellling are going to have
questions as your operating so using a fast clock just might put you on O.T.
<<<
>
> This is all just advanced planning, Leo -
>
> (Waaaay advanced - I haven't even torn out the partitions yet to make room
for construction) . . . but my idea is that the crew would be experienced
enough before a show to handled things pretty well. One person would be
designated to visit with the folks while everyone else kept the show on the
road.
>
> >>> Also will the audience really stick around for a full shift(even on a
fast clock)? <<<
>
> Of *course* they wouldn't hang around . . . but they don't hang around the
"round & round she goes" modular loops, either - but I *would* expect some
folks to check back by - as the time of day changed - as major trains rolled
through - as the crew shifted from switching the bottoms to switching the
bluffs, etc.
>
> I'm not sure the "traditional" trainshow appearance is a service to the
hobby, anyway - Assume you have a casually interested visitor. He hasn't
really read up on the hobby, hasn't visited a hobby shop yet, etc. - he just
goes to a show & looks at the layouts. With the "keep 'em running & show
'em off" attitude one often sees, what is there to tell this potential new
railroader that there's anything more to it than a much larger Christmas
tree loop with longer Lionel trains than most kids had . . .
>
> I think we'd have a chance to interest more future hobbyists if we took
more varied approaches to introducing them to it.
>
> Marshall Thayer
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
>
>
|