|
|
My Opinion
Large Scale Layouts
Feb 5, 2003
By Jon D. Miller
LSOL.com Reviews Editor |
Author
Bio
The Tidewater Big Train Operators, Inc. has since 1985 developed a reputation of presenting first class Large Scale displays for the public.
|
The Tidewater Big Train Operators, Inc. located in the Tidewater area of Southeastern Virginia has been in existence since 1985. During that time the club has developed a reputation of presenting first class Large Scale displays for the public. Layouts have been presented in a wide variety of venues over the past eighteen years. Venues have included large displays at such events as Greenberg Trains Shows, Norfolk Southern employees' family holiday parties, Norfolk's Holly Fest, Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, Virginia Beach Fire Department's Annual Christmas Train Show, Norfolk Botanical Garden's Holiday Lights Festival, and the Virginia Flower and Garden Show. These major events, along with smaller displays have served to both entertain and educate folks on all aspects of the Large Scale hobby while serving as a history lesson that captures the significance of railroads in America's everyday life.
Click for larger picture
From the very start, back in 1985, TBTO has taken a slightly different view when it comes to displaying trains at public events. Early on the decision was made to build our layouts on the floor rather than the seemingly more popular modular concept that so many model train clubs have embraced. The thought being that our displays would be focused on the general public, attempting to capture the look and feel of department store model train layouts of years past. We wanted to provide a variety of visual experiences that could be enjoyed by children without the need for an adult to hold the child in order for the layout to be viewed. Modular layouts are great, but in truth are geared more for the model railroader and adults. Children are at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to viewing and interacting with a modular layout.
Over the years the club has amassed sufficient equipment to put in a layout as simple as a one track loop up to layouts that are 70'x40' with as many as 15 lines in operation. All equipment is stored and transported in a club owned trailer that is placed at the display site. We have everything from power supplies, pre-made wiring harness, radio control equipment, track, turnouts, bridges, trestle sets, buildings, locomotives, rolling stock, tools, and equipment. In addition to club owned equipment, club members contribute to the layouts with engines, rolling stock, and buildings. Each layout we do is different from previous layouts. Over the years folks have come to expect a different "look" each time TBTO puts on a public display. The pictures shown here are of this year's Greenberg Train Show layout that was 50'x40' down somewhat from our normal 70'x40' display.
Click for larger picture
In the above picture the club trailer can be seen in the background. In the foreground is the children's section of the layout. Thomas the Tank has been a feature of this section since first introduced. At the very bottom of the picture the two mainline tracks that circle and enclose the entire layout are just in view.
Each year we build a feature section for the layout. This feature section is normally the centerpiece of the layout. One year, for example, the feature section was a mountain with 3 switchbacks. A small engine with mine cars in tow worked the switchbacks, gained the summit and disappeared into a tunnel entrance. The mountain contained a helix that took the train down to floor level where the train existed at the back side of the mountain, came around the base of the mountain and then again worked its way up the mountain. John and Faye Reid built this year's feature section.
The feature section, built on risers, was 16'x20' and occupied the center section of the layout. In addition to the feature section was the children's section and the circus. All of this enclosed in a double track mainline that variously featured a 60-car coal drag, mixed freights, and all manner of passenger consists.
Click for larger picture
The above picture shows the feature section of this year's layout. John and Faye showcased their Teddy Bear Puddle Jumper Railroad and the Short Stuff RR. In the foreground a Short Stuff RR consist is just about to pass a crossing at grade. The Teddy Bear Puddle Jumper RR encompassed such noteworthy features as St.Bruin Hosbeartal complete with an Ambearlance, ER, and Recovery Room. The Harley Davidson Shop had bears dressed in leathers with their bikes and biker bearbabes. Whimsy definitely has a place at TBTO public displays.
We also have members that are more prototypical operations oriented. The mainlines and a number of interior lines display the more conventional features and trains one would expect to see presented by serious railroad modelers.
Shown in the above view is the circus complex. Passing on the mainline in the foreground is the N&W coal drag working its way around the outer perimeter of the layout. The coal drag was headed up by a brace of 40-2 diesels.
Click for larger picture
The Old Dominion Dinket Factory is shown in the above photo. Old Dominion Dinket's are the world's best, and only dinkets being produced at this time. The factory is one of the TBTO's main sources of revenue providing significant car loadings on a daily basis.
Click for larger picture
The paper mill is another major source of on line revenue, in this case for the Short Stuff RR. Car loadings move on a daily basis to interchange points with the N&W and SCL.
As large-scale clubs and operators have found, large trains draw large crowds. TBTO easily outdraws spectators whenever there are other layouts in operation at a show. For our annual Fire Station Holiday Show we see standing room only crowds each night of the show. Folks will drive from the Richmond area, 80 miles away, to bring friends and family to attend the event.
Click for larger picture
This picture depicts folks watching trains roll in addition to taking in all the vignettes presented for their viewing pleasure. The smaller scale layouts never seem to draw and hold a crowd, as does the large-scale layout. During the Greenberg Show, chairs are placed on three sides of the layout. The chairs are occupied from show opening to closing. Children can be seen sprawled on the floor watching the trains while having a great time chatting among themselves.
Click for larger picture
Over the years we have found it takes about 12 hours to construct a 70'x40' layout. It takes 20 to 30 members to set up the layout in that amount of time. That's with about half the crew working while the other half is visiting! Members are broken down into teams, such as track, wiring, testing, buildings, etc. Tear down and repacking the trailer usually takes about an hour and a half. It comes down a lot faster than it goes up. For those clubs looking for an alternative to modules, that gives the opportunity to vary the look and features of each layout, then "on the floor" may be your answer.
Floor layouts also make it possible to use all available space encompassed by the outer main line. Multiple lines that fill in what is usually open space stacked with boxes, etc., so common with modules are eliminated. We feel that the open view across the layout, packed with action and multiple lines, presents a visually pleasing experience for folks that come to see trains running.
Have fun with your trains. Give on the floor public displays a try; we think you'll like it. Individuals or clubs that would like more information and "tricks of the trade" in establishing this type layout feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to share our 17 plus years of experience. Tidewater Big Train Operators, Inc. Photos by Teya "The Happy Hogger."
Top of Page
|
|
|
IMPORTANT LINKS
Get Your Official Diploma
Watch New Videos
New Products Online
|
|
