Pictures of the Layouts at the National Train Show

Very Nice. Thanks for taking the time to post the pictures.

Bob

Very cool. Many thanks. I just got back from the San Mateo GATS (my first GATS), and I guess if you want to buy other people's junk, it's OK. The N and European layouts were ok OK. I'm going to have to get to a real show some time.

Ed

in article 20040717193554.262$ snipped-for-privacy@newsreader.com, Kennedy (no longer not on The Haggis!) at snipped-for-privacy@YOUKNOWHAT.tir.com wrote on 7/17/04 4:35 PM:

I was there as well. The N layout was alright...if you like derailments. The Euro layout was interesting...except that they ran the trains at about a scale

The other interesting thing I saw was the traction table...that is the first time I have seen the ORR turnout kits up close.

Other than that, there wasn't much there. I spent more time at the RV sale next door.

-John

On the Euro "high speed" layout: the track had something between the rails which I've not seen before: like a metal piece in the middle of each tie. Is that some power thingy? I no nothing about European model railroading.

Yeah, the N scale was OK, but had lots of operational problems. But when I see layouts of any type, I look for scenery ideas and techniques I've only read about. Nothing new to report.

I was hoping to see some unique or custom stuff for sale. Since the MP36PH locos are used by Caltrain and other railroads with their Bombadier passenger cars. I was hoping maybe someone had done a custom. Nope. As far as I could tell, mostly used junk, and new stuff I can get cheaper at the Train Shop in Santa Clara. I did get a nice denim shirt, though.

Ed

in article snipped-for-privacy@mb-m06.aol.com, Ditch at snipped-for-privacy@aol.compost wrote on 7/17/04 7:18 PM:

A 3rd rail, but not as obvious as the Lionel thing. The track is Marklin, I believe.

I saw the real one while cruising around after the show. I did see an HO Spectrum F-40 Cal Train for $90. Yikes.

The only thing I found was one dude selling the Athearn Genesis boxcars for around $15-17....but then his tank and hopper cars for $30. Whatever...I just bought a video while I was there.

The only real custom thing I saw was the PCC car #1055 that runs on the Muni F Line in the City. It was nice...I almost bought it but then I rememberd the guy there was the same guy that gave me a dirty look when I told him the pole came off the wire on the Southern CA traction layout thing at the Anaheim show.

-John

in article snipped-for-privacy@mb-m18.aol.com, Ditch at snipped-for-privacy@aol.compost wrote on 7/18/04 1:14 PM:

Thanks. That what I thought but they folks there were too busy talking to on another for me to ask.

I saw that one, too. Yikes, indeed. I decided that since there is no MP36, I'm going to build fake engine: an undecorated RTR F59PH: at least it is kind of swoopy looking. The CalTrain decals are cheap enough.