New Braunfels Model Train Layout Competition

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

Hi all,

Many of you don't know the outcome of this weekend's Model Train Layout Competition
in New Braunfels.

There were nine (9) layouts competing for prizes.  The prizes were awarded
based on voting by the paid attendees.

We had a large 6 x 5 layout with an S-curve (45 degree module, straight module,
reversed 45 degree module) on two sides.  We had little scenery since both
Scott and Steve were out of town.  The only scenery we had were the carnival,
the trolleys, and Ricky's train station and city scenes.

Despite the lack of scenery, we took third place.  Obviously, the attendees
were impressed with our trains more than the scenery on the other layouts.
It is really impressive to see Rick's 72 car PFE freight train taking up half of
a 40' x 40' layout.

The third place prize was $100.

Also, we ran a raffle at the show.  Lorraine, my wife, was at the raffle table most
of the weekend.  Even though there didn't seem to be a lot of visitors, she took in
$236 over the weekend.  The raffle item, a Lionel Safari set, was donated to the club
by Pal Scully (who won it at a previous raffle before he joined the club).
Our only expense for the raffle item was for some replacement tracks, since
some fell out of the box and were missing.  We therefore netted $227 from the
raffle.  There will probably be some expense in shipping the set to the winner.

Russell DaMetz towed the trailer to and from New Braunfels, in exchange for his
2009 membership dues.

Therefore, this event netted the club $327 and got us a returning member.
I think it was well worth going to New Braunfels for this event.  The organizers
are already talking about running this event again next year, possibly with more space
and additional layouts.


Ira