RE: Tearing down the layout at The RailYard

["Ira Schneider" <ira_schneider@iname.com>]

Ron,

In my opinion, there is not enough committed participation to participate in the SAMRA show.

There are only three members who have indicated that they will participate in setup on Friday evening.
Jim Reesman says he can participate on Saturday morning, not Friday evening.  It is very hard
to set up with only three people, especially since two of the three are relatively new members
who haven't been to many set ups.

Someone, normally the setup Fat Controller, has to design the layout and decide what
modules are required.  You shouldn't just say "I would suggest taking only enough for a
basic layout."  SAMRA has allocated a 40' x 40' area for the club and they are expecting
us to build an L-shaped layout like last year to fill that area.  How annoyed are they going
to be if we show up and just build a small rectangular layout?  We also have nobody going
to the show who is bringing scenery modules.  The layout would consist of only the mainline
modules (and skyboards).

You need to ask yourself (or perhaps your contact at SAMRA) whether they will be
more annoyed with us setting up a small layout or cancelling out two weeks before the show.

I would suggest you consider cancelling the show.  We don't have enough people for setup,
they are paying us $150, which means the club will only gain $75 after paying the
towing fees, and it is a lot of work for us for minimum benefit.  (We would have to tear down
the layout, tow it to San Antonio, set it up, tear it down, tow it back to Cedar Park, and set up
again.

We are reaping tangible benefits from our runs at The RailYard - we are gaining new members.
There is little benefit, and a lot of work, to participate in this show, especially with minimum
participation.

That's my two cents on this issue.

Thanks for listening to my ranting.




Ira