Re: October AMRE Show

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

As David pointed out, the size given to us for our layout is in the event coordination document.

It is farily easy to translate that into the number of modules we can fit in the area.

Each straight module takes 4'.  A pair of 90 degree corners takes about 9-1/2' (it is easier to
use 10' for estimating purposes).  A corner consisting of two 45 degree corners takes another 4'.

AMRE is giving us 52' x 25'.  (We have asked to increase this size to 52' x 35').  52' would
give us approximately 10 modules (10 x 4' + 10' for the corners) using the 90 degree corners.
25' gives us about 3 modules (3 x 4' + 10').  We might be able to extend this to 4 modules
(we usually find out at the show how tight their measurement really is).  With the 45 degree
corners this would give us a 9 x 2 (or 3) layout.  Anytime we can fit the 45 degree corners
(i.e. we have at least enough room for the full siding) we use them.

If they increase the size to 52' x 35', we could build a 9 x 4 layout using the 45 degree corners.
Or possibly, a 9 x 3 using an s-curve on each side.

To build an L-shaped layout, we have to subtract 2 modules from two adjacent sides.
Since we only have four 90 degree corners, we have to use the 45 degree corners for an
L-shaped layout.  If we have 52' x 25', we could build an L-shaped layout which is
9 modules on the long side, 7 modules on the opposite side (divided any way we want),
2 (or maybe 3) modules on one connecting side, and 0 (or 1) module on the other connecting side.  This
is a little narrow.  If we have 52' x 35', the short sides become 4 and 2 modules,
which are a lot more reasonable.

It is very difficult to plan a layout when people don't let us know far inadvance whether or not
they will attend and bring scenery and/or mainline modules.  For example, right now, I don't
know whether or not Steve intends to attend and bring his transfer table and turntable modules.
That would be a key element in designing the layout.  Scott has indicated that he won't attend,
so I know we will be short on scenery modules.

As David said previously, please sign up on the event coordination document as soon as possible.
We need to know both who will attend (and bring modules) and who won't attend.  We need this
information as far in advance as possible so we know what modules can be included in the design
of the layout and whether or not we have enough people to participate in the show.  Right now we
only have three people signed up for the show.  I realize the show is a month away, but we really
need to know whether or not we have enough people to set up, tear down, and man the layout
during the weekend.  We also need someone to volunteer to tow the trailer to and from
Live Oak.  (The same person doesn't have to tow the trailer both ways - we can have two
different people towing the trailer.)

So please look at your schedules, decide if you think you can attend the show, and let us know
on the event coordination document.  If your situation changes as we get closer to show time,
you can always change your participation data.

Thanks.


Ira