Dripping Springs Cub Scouts

[Bostet@aol.com]

Carl from Dripping called me as HOT Pres as he had talked with Steve about 
TTAT doing a train thing at a pack meeting.  I said yes but was and did use 
our 4x8.  Scott loaned me come cars and engine and gave me tips on his 
experience with his Pack of seventy kids last week.  Adrian went with 
me...Scott was willing to go also, but two were enough.  


Re scouts and layout:

Learned some stuff in talking to kids...that's my strong suit.  Adrian could 
have and I'm sure Scott did a better job.  Scott had an outline, now 
destroyed, and I have my notes.  I will talk with Scott about reconstructing 
an outline for 6-12 yr. olds so the next guy might have it easier.

Layout ran good.  Didn't use our legs.  It was set on lower tables so these 
young lids could pull their chairs up close.  

We need to use connectors for our accessories and Adrian and I are going to 
hit radio shack.  This will make setup at little faster and a whole lot 
easier.  Adrian is helping me rebuild and scenic my module so I'll use the 
same plugs there.  The O guys in Temple did this and it worked well.  Dare I 
mention standardization.

We need to make several improvements in the 4x8 and carry the same ideas over 
to the modules.  The kids loved running the trains.  I was scared know 
what...that the train on the outside loop would go off the track onto the 
floor.  Adrian ran his new Lionel UP that has a governor on it.  That was 
great.  Speed is a problem.  Some type of guard rail or speed governor is 
needed.

Took my IC pass set...those cars are to long.  Ran OK but just didn't look 
right and the kids want to touch everything.  We need a couple of used 
starter set engines or some power that no one cares about any more.  Plus 
some old 027 plastic cars.  Nothing fancy other than a couple of action cars 
like Scott has.  Kids don't care about the fancy stuff, they want to operate 
and touch. We need to use things that we won't be worrying about.

Also need several action buttons on layout for kids to activate...horn, 
crossing gate, etc.  We need this on the modules also.  Adrian did some 
checking on the GATS web site.  The layout PICS shown were either heavy in 
modeling and scenery...like the ho and n types or were kids action oriented.  
Adrian can provide details hear.

I know we don't have money now, but we should add some of these items to our 
wish/to do list.  I'd like to see some of these changes made b/4 the 
Jamboree.  Any club accessories and rolling stock should be boxed and kept 
with layout.  With these simple improvements anyone with a pickup or van can 
move this thing around and set up will be a breeze.  Having two people makes 
setup easy and fast and adds security and control for the young kids.

Overall this was a very positive experience for me.


Bob Stettner