Is it worth it? Update 1/18

Photo is worth a thousand words. Thanks

Can't argue there!

-Greg

ABSOLUTELY!

He looks like me in 1951, staring at the operating Lionel layout in the hardware store!

I admire and am thankful for all people who put on public displays of our hobby. They work hard, receive no monetary return and produce the only real exposure or experience many will have to our hobby.  I have a feeling the smiling children warms the heart of most adults passing by and at least for a fleeting moment the trains make them reflect on a time in their childhood where they had true imagination and dreams. A healthy childs smile is priceless and the one above is most likely lost in an imaginary world we are desperately trying to recapture. 

It's all worth it except maybe the taking down part.

The expression on this boy's face is precious, it says it all.

You better BETCHA!!!!

Looks like you have created another future model railroader.

Art

Ah Yeah... it sure is!... its even better when its up all year round.

Wonderful photos guys.

Best thread in a while!  The faces say it all.

We always enjoy the kids who visit our (significantly) smaller modular club layout.

I like to "stir the pot" a bit.  When a locomotive is right in front of the kids, I open the coupler and release the rest of the train via DCS.  The look of surprise, and slight panic, on the kids face is priceless.  Usually a Dad then points to me, and the remote, and explains, "the engineer is doing that!", and then assures the kids it's OK as I back up the loco to re-connect.

We also have a bump and go trolley on the layout run by a pushbutton remote control.  With the remote in my pocket, I invite kids to say, "Go Trolley, Go!".  They do, then I hit the remote and the trolley does an out and back run.

Of course, I often forget the camera.

Thanks for sharing Peter!

Ed

I still have that same Look today sixty years later...Thanks peter for posting it and all your work.

you bet Doc

That's a great one Peter!

Great photo.

Our visitors thank me and I thank them right back for this modular display. I am quick to point out that my "baby" is 29 years old. The joy on a child's face is indescribable. Having the opportunity to share this experience makes it all worth it.

Gilly

Thank you all so much for the great comments and pics......

By the way, this picture has another special significance for me.....Certified Testing Labs is my uncle's company. I worked for him in the late 60s, early 70s while in high school and college....he still operates it today at age 82. It was a brick building tucked in the industrial area near the Westchester Square EL station in the northeast Bronx......and is still in the same locale today!

Peter

Hello Peter • Excellent story & photos on this thread.......

Great thread Peter!

Hello Peter, I always feel if I can make someone smile young or old, trains or no trains it's worth it !!!!!!!

Great photo Peter. Thanks for sharing.

The time and expense of buying and then exhibiting trains may be high...the expression on a child's face in seeing it is priceless!

Great thread and pics. I started setting up a module with TTOS. The kids absolutely go crazy over trains. It is definitely worth it.

Bob

Excellent topic:  my motto, "have trains, will module."

One of many excited faces at the TTOS SP layout this past weekend at the Great Train Expo.

Steve

One of the best features of our modular shows is the reactions of the kids. 

The excitement on my two year old's face every time I run the trains is worth all the effort and energy I put into it. We visited our local railroad club's open house this past weekend. We had a blast watching the trains run. 

EVERY  SINGLE  TIME.

What is really funny is you can put a simple tunnel up over the tracks and when they watch that train disappear then shoot out of the other end... the screams of laughter...

When my son was two he had the venders just watching him and howling, he would dance this "jig" and let out a yell... One lady was just in tears laughing.

Here's why Giily@N&W and I missed TrainStock........kids Day in the Garden at the Great Big Greenhouse.

Peter

A few more.......

I was all smiles all day at the fabulous turnout......

Until it was time to pack up, ending our 7 week run......

Peter

Nice run Peter, lots of hard work to put on seven weeks of shows. Great job.

Yep. Good job you guys!

Thats what keeps me involved in modular railroading.

Well, that and running trains with like minded friends on giant layouts.

if you want to get involved and live in the Md, Dc, or Northern Virginia area, click on the link below and check out the National Capitlal Trackers.

What a show! People standing shoulder to shoulder to see the layout. Multiple trains running on the same loop. You guys were bigger than Clifford the Big Red Dog! 

Wonderful to see the crowds, especially the children, so engaged in watching the action.  And those new, jade green, E units looked right at home on the layout.

Since I've never done anything like what you're doing, how many hours does it take to tear down the layout; pack it away; and, etc.--door-to-door, so to speak?

Again, wonderful sharing of the hobby on your part and others.

One thing I miss about AGHR, there were always kids visiting over and over. I think if you bend AGHR Matts arm a bit he could find many photos at the club with kids with Giant Grins. They can very easily put a warm spot.. on the old cool pumper.

Answer to your question Peter.  

Does a bear poop in the woods(now using Charman I hear). (family site) You bet your bibbie it does!

Great photo. 

Seven weeks!! That's dedication.