Once again OGR forum member cappilot was first to arrive. Ever notice how many times it is the person who comes the furthest distance gets there first? He re-did his steam locomotive drawing, and with the help of a few youngsters had all in order well before the first class at 8:05. Mike's whistle talk woke everyone up.
One class demonstrated what I thought was real initiative. They formed a "passenger train" as one of the members ran Amtrak. The train of passengers followed the engineer around the layout, as each then took a turn at the controls with real passengers behind them.
I never would have believed that almost 400 kids could take a turn with running trains with NO accidents! Yet, that is just what happened. Two two collisions that did occur during the three days were with trains that were under Tracker control.
Lion Chief technology is very intuitive for kids to learn. Turning down the voltage to 12-14 prevents runaways, and of course we only had one train on a track. When Trackers saw how much fun the kids were having, they took off their trains and we had three kid-run Lion Chief trains going simultaneouly.
Scenery was spartan for quick set-up and take down, but the students still Oohed and awed. Here's a closer look at some of the layout areas.
The day went smoothly and the last class visited at noon.
All was dismantled and trailer packed by 2:30. Trackers, tired and weary, lined up for a group photo.
School was letting out just as we were finishing. Many kids stopped to say good-by and thanks. One mother, picking up her son, said: "Are you the train guys? I have to give you a hug. I have never seen my son so excited. Trains are all he has talked about for three days, and he wants to be a railroad conductor!"
Was it worth it? You bet!
Thanks again to the principal, Mrs. Amber Kilcoyne, staff, and students of Medfield Elementary School, Baltimore, MD, for hosting a show that one member described as..."one of the most fun shows I've ever done."
