View a PDF: Trackmaster Show Report NTD May 2012
National Train Day Show – Saturday 12th May 2012– Chantilly Regional Library – Trackmasters Report
With Spring in the air again, a National Capital Trackers show in the month of May got off to a great start
at the Chantilly Regional Library in Chantilly Virginia. This show represents an expansion for the National
Capital Trackers in the spring months in a unique venue and alignment with the celebration of National
Train Day (NTD). Setup started around 4pm on Friday afternoon with the Trackmaster and other members
getting things underway. Soon John was joined by Rich and later by fellow trackers Gil, Frank H, Justin,
Joe, Frank C. Members Jake & John E joined in later on the set-up activities. Set-up went smoothly and
trains were running by 6:15pm with completion of the 20’x28′ layout by around 7:45pm with most modules
being populated with buildings, scenery, trains, and other displays. Frank H debuted his elevated track
loop on his modules and one of the club corners without any issues. The new club geezer gate was used in
the layout without any assembly, installation or operational hitches. The Krash 1 trailer’s power module
was installed in just a matter of minutes. The power module was functioning despite the lack of smoke
emanating from the power module’s stacks! Saturday morning brought a few last minute setup activities,
however, the layout was ready for a 10am opening. Rich had a new module that debuted at the show as
well and both Frank’s and Rich’s modules drew attention and comments from the crowd throughout the
day. Also, making a reappearance at the show was Frank’s mechanized Chocolate Factory with a battery
push-button operated conveyor belt system that dispensed Reese’s Pieces to waiting chocolate craving
young model train enthusiasts, curious parents, interested bystanders and members. According to Frank,
this year’s mechanized chocolate factory was re-engineered and improved from last year’s version. The
Haletown Fish Transport System was running throughout most of the day included in various member train
with no reported causalities. With the ample space inside the layout for staging and the sign-up sheet for
train running times, train switch over among members were executed smoothly and fairly quickly. There
were a few hitches with some members engines, but the specific cause could not be determined. The
Tracker’s new large banner was displayed inside the Library for additional awareness to library patrons.
Throughout the day, there were a small number of people continuously viewing the layout with occasional
short periods of members only. An estimated 100 people viewed the layout during the show, which is
great for a second annual event. Layout take-down started around 4:30pm and was completed around
6:30pm with Rick E helping to load Krash 1. A brief post event discussion with participating show
members indicated that this event was fun and enjoyable.
Thanks to all who participated and attended. John M., Trackmaster