Two GRVS members participated in the N-TRAK layout organized by the Des Moines, IA N-TRAK club (DesMoiNTRAK ). The layout worked well and both groups are hoping we can find additional opportunities to run together. The show had five layouts: T-TRAK, One-TRAK, N-TRAK, an HO modular layout, and a Z-Bend Track layout.
The convention organizers arranged for the exhibitors to attend clinics or visit layouts on the tour without registering for the convention. The exhibitors could also participate in some of the extra fare items by paying the appropriate fee. a generous arrangement appreciated by the exhibitors.
There were several significant N-scale dealers present.
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Kirkwood Community College Center for Continuing Education, Cedar Rapids, IA |
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This was the 2010 NMRA Mid-Continent Regional Convention held in Cedar Rapids, IA. The region includes all or part of the following states: map Arkansas, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. |
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NTRAK - Des Moines Ntrak lift gate. |
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NTRAK - layout partial overview. Note that the layout did not include skirts due to concern over fireproofing. |
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Z-Bend Track layout. |
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One track layout from Des Moines Ntrak. The OneTrak layout made the Atlas Forum's "Sunday Night Photo Fun" as UPinCR was at the NMRA show. Check out pictures and scroll down to the entry from UPinCR entry about 2/3 of the way down the page. |
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T-TRAK layout. |
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HO modular layout from Hollister, MO. |
"Great DMNT layouts in Cedar Rapids. The public spectators were very enthusiastic about the NTRAK layout and Larry's oNeTrak layout. I think there are a fair number of "lone wolf" modelers in the CR area and maybe a couple of clubs, and probably not much going on with modules either. Folks asked lots of questions, were impressed with the modular concept, and seemed to be seeking opportunities to contact other modelers in the area. All in all, an enthusiastic "market" for our first venture into the Cedar Rapids area.
"In addition to our N Scale layouts, a group from the Branson MO area brought a nicely done HO modular layout (lots of running track for an effective, active display-running layout as well as a large and fun carnival scene which caught lots of eyes) and a couple from St. Louis and Indianapolis (?) brought what they described as a Z-Bend modular layout. Something like 4 - 2x4 ft modules built to roughly Bend-Trak standards (double mainlines approx. 4 inches from both the "front" and "back" of the modules with 180-degree turn back curves on the end modules making an elongated oval spanning the entire layout. Nicely done scenery and beautiful, tiny trains in constant motion. In addition, this couple operated a tiny Z oval layout in a wooden box about 6 inches deep and slightly smaller than a piece of paper with complete scenery and sky blue paper inside all 4 sides for a skyboard.
"This couple had another display that really caught my eye: a small oval of T Scale track and one Japanese prototype commuter car. Man, talk about tiny! Remember, T Scale is 1:450 (half Z scale)! Picture in your mind a 3/16-in square, 2-in long piece of balsa wood circling an oval of Unitrack-style track with rails 3 mm apart! The commuter coach ran very rough so she had it going FAST. I asked and she said her car was from the original design (equivalent to a beta test). I have seen information on T Scale websites that the second, upgraded design runs considerably more smoothly. I had never seen T Scale 'up close and personal' before. There are several websites out there if you are interested in really tiny operating trains."