Open house? Pros & cons

Security is always a concern. Railfans at a convention are probably a low-risk population - but a bunch of total strangers will get into my home when pigs fly. YMMV.

I dabble a bit in HO and it is very common for 6-7 layouts to be available at "Open Houses" twice a year, spring and fall. A nice thing about belonging to the NMRA is that the local Division sponsors such Open Houses. I try to make every one. You get to see layouts in various stages, everything from early stages to complete highly detailed works of art. Modern era to early 1900's. I enjoy getting differant ideas, you get a feel for what you like and what you don't and then can incorporate these ideas into your layout plans. 

Opening your house to visitors may give them such ideas.

Is my modest effort worthy? Yes, I admire anyone who makes their home/layout available to share.

Any safety concerns? Nothing I can think of.

How good is acceptable for a tour? Mentioned above, I've seen it all. 

You can offer, let them make the decision. Perhaps they have no interest. Don't be offended. Hi Railers tend to be more "collectable" related rather than operations related. I think most would enjoy visiting someones layout.

Put a pot of coffee on with a few cookies and share some train stories, makes for an enjoyable evening.

David

Blugill1

Mine was designed for public viewing. I enjoy it our town has it as an annual affair, Three homes are on the tour and one railroad club. and the dinner train. Keeps me inspired to expand and improve.

Clem

Last year, I went on several layout tours at the TCA Convention in Sacramento.  Three of the collections/layouts were well into 6 and 7 figures moneywise.  All I can tell you is that a couple hundred people off 3 busses toured the homes...and the hosts were gracious and glad to share their trains with all us strangers.  Noone seemed paranoid about breakage/theft...they were just proud to show off their stuff, and shared ideas with the other trainheads.  You don't have to have a mega collection or grandiose layout to make train people happy.  Put out a tub of soda/water, chips, etc., and us train guys will think of you as BABE RUTH!!! What better way to enjoy your trains???