First Show 'n' Tell at Train Meet

A few thoughts/suggestions:

1) Exactly what kind of a "Train Meet" is it? 

2) If it is a "high-end" HO SCALE meet, then I personally not recommend that you take anything other than prototypically accurate O SCALE pieces. Many of the "Prototype Modelers" in HO SCALE, don't have much use for 3-Rail 027 "toy train" pieces.

3) Find out in advance what other "show & tell" events/subjects are being presented, so that you might develop something a bit different.

4) Just my opinion but, I sure wouldn't want anybody touching/handling any of my finely detailed, prototypically correct O SCALE pieces.

Before you bring things for "show and tell", I suggest attending a show to see what it is all about, and how they conduct their "show and tell". I don't think I've ever been to a show or meet where they had that sort of activity.

Many of the shows I've attended do have "display tables", which are often provided free to the exhibitor. 

Thank you for the input Hotwater and C.W. Burfle.

-I sent an email to one of the coordinators asking what people usually bring to show 'n' tell, and have not heard back yet.

-The meet is a small Santa Fe meet with speakers, old film footage, a few sale/display tables, etc. 

- There will be mainly HO people, but probably a few O gauge people (who could be into traditional or standard scale).  I do not know how committed to prototypical accuracy the majority of the attendees might be. I do know variety is at least accepted. 

-I can see the point about not having random people put their hands on your fine train specimens, (...more on that subject later).

-Display tables cost extra. Show 'n' tell comes with the admission package. It probably just stems from people wanting to share their treasures with likeminded enthusiasts.

-I may be over my head with show 'n' tell at the meet, but a person has to start somewhere. I thought I would come ready with something so I can participate, but be prepared to say "pass" if I decide that I have brought the wrong thing.

Quick story: One time I was at a fair that had a big train layout. It looked like something was on the track, so I did a quick flick to remove it. ... I know! I know! ...Stop cursing me! ... The train derailed. It was so awful! Nobody actually saw me do it, except my friend, but I never again want anything like that to happen! 

Santafay

For what it's worth, it sounds like a "Santa Fe Modelers Meet", and those folks, especially the "HO Modelers", are HEAVILY into prototypical accuracy items. Be forewarned.

Hotwater,

Thanks for the heads up on that. Just in case, I will go with the idea of observing and learning more than participating, (no show 'n' tell). Btw, I heard back from the event coordinator, and he said only a couple of people are planning to do show 'n' tell. I am glad I asked about my first meet. 

Frankly, I do not understand all the fuss about different ways to express an interest in trains. But maybe that is one of the things I will learn. The history is fascinating to me, and I know it takes great skill, effort and knowledge to do prototypical modeling, but in the end, I think the value is in the joy of the hobby. 

Santafay