2015 Show Reports

 BELTSVILLE DAY FESTIVAL—May 17, 2015

The participants arrived onsite at 0800 and began setting up. The participating members included Bob Bitzer, Dave Bonner, Tony Duncanson, Bill Hakkarinen, Craig Schelle, Dave Sealing, Mike Smith, and Jeff Talaga. In addition, Casey Talaga (Jeff’s son),  were there to help bring items in from the vehicles.

We had no difficulties setting up and had trains running by 0940.

Things ran smoothly all day. The show opened at Noon and closed at 5 PM. Everybody had plenty of run time. There were a number of activities taking place around the Community Center so when people weren’t running, they had an opportunity to get outside and enjoy some different things. We had a constant trickle of people watching the trains but never more than about 10 people at the layout at any given time. It was a beautiful day which kept many people outside’

We started taking scenery down at 4PM and stopped the trains at 5 PM. We were loaded and leaving by 6 PM.

Below is the layout plan for the show. Next year we plan to increase the show by 2 modules since there is enough space to expand.

Thanks to the participants for a very successful day.

Dave Bonner participated also.

Dave Sealing will bring the MD trailer.

We had a successful National Train Day Show on May 16, 2015.

Read the Show Report (pdf): NTD Chantilly Report 5015

We participated in this WB&A hosted event along with the Virginia Train Collectors (VTC) on May 9, 2015.  Read Trackmaster Rick’s report:

Fredericksburg Show Trackmaster Report

National Capital Trackers modular Layout at the Armed Forces Retirement Home

Washington DC, April 9, 2015

Thanks to the National Capital Trackers for the privilege of serving as Trackmaster.

Thanks to Mike Fistere for their special efforts for set up and smooth operations.

Trackers involved:

Clem Clement, Mike Smith, Bear Bailey, Bill Creech, Allan Crotts, Mike Fistere,

Glen Mackinnon, Phil Barbara, Jim McDermott

Others attending:

Sandy Clement

Janet McFarland, Beverly Tomb and one other lady from the Washington Chapter, DAR.

Carol and Chuck McGinnis. Carol is past President, TCA.

AFRH personnel:

Nicole Chappell, POC

Laura Fogerty, Director of rec. services, AFRH and several members of the AFRH staff

Event statistics:

Advertised to open: 10:30 Am

First train run: 09:59 Am

Outside 2 tracks hot. Inside track shorted. (A few minutes of extra work did not find the short.)

2 track operating began at 10:40 Am. Inside track became parking track.

AFRH provided excellent lunch

Well over 100 happy residents visited the NCT layout area.

Advertised shutdown: 14:30 Pm

Actual shutdown 14:40 Pm.  Leader wanted more run time for his $50 dolla Blue Comet. During takedown, we determined that the fault was in one of our small collector tracks.

Attached flyer was everywhere in the facility plus placed on every table in the dining hall. This was a very effective flyer promoting our event.

AFRH comments: Wonderful Train operations: when are you coming back?

Comments:

Should we return /annually, semiannually?

Two days would be easier on us and perhaps get more residents to attend

Nat’s game let out as we were leaving causing a huge traffic jam in DC

Could we do the event over a weekend? (AFRH previously said no as the day staff is off duty on the weekend.)

Stories of our residents:

R “the last time you were here your trains were smaller.” A: They have grown up

R “do you have steamers? I love Steamers!” A: We sure do!

Several of the vets had most interesting stories to tell us.

It was a great pleasure to play trains with and for the enjoyment of our men and women vets who so honorably served our great nation!

Clem Clement

Trackmaster

WB&A Show Report   3 14 2015

The Trackers made their first appearance at the WB&A Show located in the Annapolis Armory on Saturday March 14, 2015.

Setup began on Friday at 2 pm and was completed by 5 PM with the exception of two modules. Unloading was very easily with the overhead door being only a few feet from the layout. We took advantage of the early setup and check the entire loop with a conventional engine being careful not to launch the engine while testing. Ed Beaver assisted with the Trackmaster duties and was deeping involved in layout setup.

The 22 x 18 layout featured John Harpers turntable together with Fred Koesters two modules, Allen Crotts two module with sidings, and the geezer gate. George Tsakiris offered to help with setup and provided a last minute replacement for Martin Boza’s module.

Addition scenery modules were provided John Harper and Ed Beaver for the wide rides corners.

Final setup was completed starting at 7:00 am on Saturday morning with operation begin open to WB&A members only at 8 AM and the public at 9:00 am.

The crowd of family members was especially heavy between 10am and Noon with the show closing at 2 PM.  The large number of young children surrounding our train layout seemed brought smiles to the WB&A members as well as the Trackers.

We had two special treats; John Buxton (WB&A member) brought his O Gauge Dorfan Train setup from the 1930’s and ran it on the layout for about 30 mins. It ran a Lionel speed with the little bobber caboose jumping the track. This attached a lot of attention from the more mature adults!

Latter in the show John Harper appeared at the layout with Clem in tow after taking a shopping tour around the Armory Hall. Yes, Clem had his old train set which he had restored on one side only. Around the track it went with lot so laughs and yes a few stores.   Clem then placed a wooden O Gauge engine on the track It ran to the amazement all. We even got one of the lights to work.

Clem was in Heaven!

A thanks to all who participated and to the WB&A membership including us in their show.

WB&A has Graciously given the Tracker a $200 honorarium for our efforts.

Thank YOU!

Dave Sealing

Trackmaster