Join Our HO Scale Layout Open House and Experience the Magic of Model Railroading
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Open House Event
- NMRA Region of the Maple Leaf
- Boston Mountain Model Rail Association
- Raffle Winners
- Promotional Box from ANORR
- Operating Sessions and Work Sessions
- Building the Layout
- NMRX Clinic
- Layout Podcast Interview
- Community and Social Media Presence
Introduction
Hello everyone! This is Jo G from the Penwriting Industrial Division. I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude to all the attendees of our recent open house event on February 24th. It was an incredible experience to see friends, enthusiasts, and members of the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) come together to celebrate our shared passion for model railroading. In this article, I will share highlights from the event and also provide updates on some exciting developments related to our layout and the model railroading community. So, let's dive in!
Open House Event
The open house event held on February 24th was an absolute blast! We were thrilled to welcome attendees not only from our local community in Northwest Arkansas but also from as far as Oklahoma City, Cherryville Kansas, and St. Louis Missouri. It was heartwarming to see the enthusiasm and love for model railroading bring people together from different states.
NMRA Region of the Maple Leaf
During the event, we had the pleasure of hosting members from the NMRA Region of the Maple Leaf. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow model railroaders and connect on a deeper level. I am honored to have been chosen as the new area director for the Maple Leaf area, succeeding Ken Hurley. I would like to express my gratitude to Ken for his support and for passing the torch to me. I am excited to take on this role, and I look forward to serving the model railroading community in the best way possible.
Boston Mountain Model Rail Association
A special shout-out goes to the Boston Mountain Model Rail Association. Many of our members and co-workers from the railroad are part of this club, and their presence during the open house made the event even more enjoyable. We spent late nights together, sharing our love for the hobby and bonding over the intricacies of model railroading.
Raffle Winners
One of the highlights of the open house event was the raffle featuring three tangent cars from the Penwriting Industrial Division collection. I want to congratulate the lucky winners: Mark Order, Dylan Barber, and Ken Hurley. Your support and participation are greatly appreciated. Rest assured, this is not the end of our raffles; we plan to organize more throughout the year to keep the excitement alive.
Promotional Box from ANORR
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to ANORR for delivering a promotional box to the event. Many attendees were delighted to receive copies of their quarterly or monthly magazines. It's incredible to see the influx of new members and the growing interest in the model railroading community. If you haven't already, I encourage you to check out ANORR and explore the wealth of knowledge and inspiration available through their publications.
Operating Sessions and Work Sessions
As I mentioned during the event, my vision for the Penwriting Industrial Division layout extends beyond its current state. In the coming months, I aim to transform it into a fully operational layout, where we can organize operating sessions. If you are enthusiastic about helping out or simply want to learn more about model railroading, I invite you to join me for work sessions. We will schedule dates that suit everyone, so we can come together, share our expertise, and make this layout a masterpiece.
Building the Layout
I want to emphasize that the Penwriting Industrial Division layout is not a one-person project. I have received tremendous support and assistance from various individuals who share the same passion for this hobby. I believe in the power of collaboration and the joy of sharing. As we continue to work on the layout in the upcoming months, I am grateful for the help I have received and the friendships that have blossomed along the way.
NMRX Clinic
On March 23rd, we will be hosting an NMRX (National Model Railroad eXpo) clinic. This clinic will focus on discussing the "One Town" approach that I have implemented in the Penwriting Industrial Division layout. I invite all model railroaders and enthusiasts to join us for this informative session, where we will delve into the details of this unique approach and explore the possibilities it offers.
Layout Podcast Interview
I am pleased to share that I have been contacted by Ray Barnard for an interview on his layout podcast. This presents a wonderful opportunity to share our experiences, insights, and challenges with a wider audience. I will keep you all updated once the interview date is finalized. In the meantime, I encourage you to explore the world of model railroad podcasts. They are an excellent source of inspiration, knowledge, and connection within our community.
Community and Social Media Presence
Before wrapping up this article, I want to take a moment to appreciate the incredible community we have built. Model railroaders are a passionate and supportive group, and I am grateful to have connected with so many like-minded individuals through our YouTube channel and Facebook page. I encourage you to subscribe to our channel, engage in discussions, and share your thoughts and questions. Model railroading is a journey best experienced together, and I value each and every one of you.
Highlights:
- Open house event brought together model railroaders from different states
- Jo G appointed as the new area director for the NMRA Maple Leaf area
- Boston Mountain Model Rail Association members attended the event
- Raffle winners announced for the three tangent cars
- ANORR delivered a promotional box and membership cards to attendees
- Plans for future operating sessions and work sessions
- Gratitude for the support received in building the layout
- Upcoming NMRX clinic on the "One Town" approach
- Interview opportunity with Ray Barnard's layout podcast
- Appreciation for the model railroading community and social media presence
FAQ:
Q: Can I still participate in the raffles?
A: Absolutely! We have more raffles planned throughout the year, so stay tuned for updates and the chance to win exciting prizes.
Q: When is the next open house event?
A: We do not have a specific date for the next open house event yet. However, if you would like to visit the layout, feel free to contact us, and we can arrange a date that works for both parties.
Q: How can I get involved in the work sessions?
A: If you are interested in joining our work sessions, please reach out to us through our YouTube channel or Facebook page. We will coordinate and set up a date that suits everyone.
Q: Where can I find more information about the NMRX clinic?
A: Stay tuned for more details about the NMRX clinic, including the specific time and location. We will make announcements on our social media platforms and website.
Q: Are there any tips for beginners in model railroading?
A: Absolutely! We have a wealth of resources available on our YouTube channel and Facebook page, as well as other model railroad podcasts and websites. Feel free to explore and ask questions. We are here to help you embark on your model railroading journey.
