2012 Show Reports

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

Celebrate Fairfax 2012 Show Report

We had 23 hours of running time in a three day period during the festival and we ran trains!

This show ran smoothly! A show of this length requires planning and dedication from the Trackmaster, assistants, and the members.

We had 30 Trackers participate in the show from planning through takedown. Trackmaster Joe Helsing laid the foundation with initial planning, coordination, and staffing for the show. A special thanks to assistant Trackmasters Steve Kehn and Chris Herndon for their efforts in setup/takedown, maintenance, troubleshooting, managing the show, and towing the trailer. This is the first time that we used the powerhouse at Celebrate Fairfax and it worked out well.

A Tracker sign-up sheet was used to determine when members were showing up during the festival. This allowed for adjusting run times to meet the ebb and flow. We also used a revised running signup sheet and managed signup to be equitable, so all had plenty of run time. We also made sure that those running conventional engines were easily accommodated.

Dave Bonner provided donuts and coffee, a vital task; he came through with flying colors. A special thanks to Jenna Krause for providing the train-themed cookies! The Trackers received an award from Celebrate Fairfax for 18 years of service to the show. The plaque was prominently displayed on our layout.

This was the first show ever where the club used QR barcodes. These barcodes were placed in various spots around the layout on the Plexiglas. Persons with a smart phone could scan the QR barcode and be taken either to the NCT website or the NCT Facebook page. The response was phenomenal! A special thanks to Chris Herndon and Justin Krause for making this happen!

When not running trains, members could walk outside and enjoy the festival. As always we were located within the Government Center Atrium, a beautiful location. At night on Friday and Saturday we had a great vantage point to watch the fireworks.

Tasks were assigned for setup, running, and take down. In a show of this length and complexity it is a necessity. This included the unloading and reloading of the trailer by qualified persons (Steve Kehn and Rick Eudy) to put items in their assigned places and to minimize any potential damage during transportation.

Thanks to all that provided modules: Scott Bennyhoff, Matthew Kehn, Glenn MacKinnon, Jim McDermott, Kenny & Sandra Warren, and Ed Beaver.

Special thanks to Rich Colton for his three-module smoking geysers (really cool!) and Chris Herndon for providing his yard. Nice to see a few Tracker “old geezers” Dan Danielson, Mike Fistere, and Keith Webb.

Thanks to my son Elias for his help and company. Thanks to all that participated!

What a lot of fun!

George Tsakiris

Acting Trackmaster