2018 National Narrow Gauge Convention - Bloomington, MN

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 05:05:35 PM

There are no switch machines, just push/pull knobs. These are also used for movable uncoupling magnets, so you don't need to reach over/under the upper deck to uncouple.

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 05:14:57 PM

There were some interesting structures.

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 05:15:38 PM

The most stunning structures being the ore docks.

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 05:16:16 PM

And this long trestle, that I couldn't fit in one picture.

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 05:20:59 PM

The railroad is built for operation. Custom car cards, maps of switching areas, etc. help "move the freight". There are 1040 ore cars alone on the railroad.

NEMMRRC · September 28, 2018, 06:12:54 PM

Super cool layouts, Dr. Jeff. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Jaime

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 07:22:56 PM

You're welcome, Jaime. One thing that interested me on this layout was the minimal scenery. He's basically just used cardboard strips, butcher paper, newspaper, glue, paint and ground foam to outline the scenery. No open grid/Plywood Pacific (like my railroad). I think this is a great way to get the topography started and get it to look better than just plywood/pink foam. Later he can go back and tear it out if he doesn't like it with not much time/expense involved.

Jeff

Zephyrus52246 · September 28, 2018, 07:23:36 PM

Those are all my pics from the convention. It was a great trip, kudos to Mike and his cohorts for putting it on.

Jeff

tom.boyd.125 · September 28, 2018, 10:45:47 PM

To Jaime and Dr. Jeff ... a big THANK YOU for sharing all the photos both of you took at this NNGC 2018.
Tommy

Janbouli · September 29, 2018, 03:24:33 AM

Thanks for sharing .

NEMMRRC · September 29, 2018, 06:45:02 PM

Layout Tours

George Fischer - HO Great Northern Railway Cascade Division

Jaime
Narrow Gauge Convention photos

NEMMRRC · September 29, 2018, 06:58:31 PM

Layout Tours

Mike Engler "THE Runner" - HO HOn30 Renner City & Western

Pictured below is mike all happy with his Twin Mills diorama.
This diorama won Mike Best of Show at the 2009 National Narrow Gauge Convention in Colorado Springs.
I made some photos of the diorama and posted them online and that is how I met Mike. The rest is history.
Mike has been a wonderful friend and mentor to me.
Folks like Mike make model railroading such a rewarding hobby.

Jaime
Narrow Gauge Convention photos

NEMMRRC · September 29, 2018, 07:22:53 PM

Layout Tours

Art VanDeWater - HO HOn3 Winona & Southwestern Ry Co

Art is yet one more of the Minnesota mafia.
I first met Art at the Craftsman Structure Shows in Mansfiedld, MA back in 2007 or 2008 or so. I've been running into Art at every major train show I've attended ever since.
It was such a pleasure to visit Art's wonderful layout.

Jaime
Narrow Gauge Convention photos