Good Evening:
Last year you may recall that I solicited help from this forum to collect some gently used train pieces to create a very nice set to give away for free to kids attending a train days event at my local library. I described all before and after the event here: https://ogrforum.com/t...-a-little-assistance
From that posting, and from subsequent member queries, I received quite a bit of interest in contributing something to the cause. I even have well over 100 train magazines that a forum member donated. Kids seem to love those.
I received such a nice response from many that I did not need to post a similar request for the 2014 Damascus Train Days (scheduled for Nov-1-14 at the Damascus [MD] Public Library). As a matter of fact I collected enough donated items last year, had repairs/mods done for free by a generous member, did some horse trading too, and was able to create two sets for this year's event! One is a passenger set and the other is a freight set. They both come with enough track for an oval and a modern transformer. These are much better than starter sets, so they will potentially have a long life. Although technically 'used', it is hard to tell.
I plan to post some pictures in a few days and of course will follow up here with information about the kids that won the sets. For those that may not know, my local library has a themed train day whereby children come to the library to see some train related items (books, memorabilia), be read some train stories by volunteers, and look at some train layouts. The organizer (Anita Fry) does a great job. Her husband is a member of this forum and his layout is really nice. I, on the other hand, just toss some track on a table. I am not a good modeler! At the event I have a free drawing for kids 18 and under. The parent fills out the slip - just a name and phone number of the PARENT. They turn in to me, at the end of the day I draw a name. Last year's winner was very excited. Perhaps if I see him or his sister this year I can ask how the set he won has survived.
Last year I was asked by several adults in attendance at the event where they could get a train set, how much one cost, etc. This year I am coming 'prepared' with some current catalogs and a few unopened sets in various gauges so folks can see what they look like (thanks to The Moose Caboose in Sykesville, MD and Catoctin Mountain Trains and Hobbies in Thurmont, MD). Honestly, I think most people have no idea how small a train set is when it is not in use, so subconsciously they are thinking "where am I going to store that?" I hope seeing a set in a box lets them see what it is, lets them understand how little space it takes up when not in use, and of course how much (or how little) it costs to get a decent starter set.
In closing, I must thank everyone that donated items. Many asked not to be named, and so this year I am not going to post names. But you all know who you are and you all know that what you did was basically rooted in the same reason I decided to do this - it would bring a smile to the child that wins the set - and knowing that will bring a smile to you as well!
If anyone has any questions, post them here or ping me by e-mail (which is in my profile).
Thank you.
