How do we strengthen our model train community? Creating events like Train-A-Palooza is a great place to start!
This past weekend, the Detroit 3 Railers and myself hosted over 50 O-Gauge train enthusiasts for the fourth annual Train-A-Palooza. This year's event featured a tour of layouts. Seven D3R members graciously opened their doors so we could view their railroad empires. Here are several photos, by various attendees, covering the excitement of the event.
People attended from all over the country; Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, New York, and of course Michigan.
First stop was Clem Kreczkowski's layout which features one large continuous loop of track, stretching 3 scale miles.
Next was Dave and Don Lambert, who model modern NS in Altoona, PA and the Horseshoe curve.
The day concluded at my house where we had dinner and stayed up way too late.
Even the new Base 3 made an appearance on my layout!
Saturday morning began at @Charlie Stoia's layout. Charlie models Michigan's Upper Peninsula as well as the copper and iron ore mines of Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Next was Bob Shaw's massive layout which is packed with the most fun and whimsical scenes you'll ever find on a train layout.
Next was Joe Deludes under construction but MASSIVE layout. Two large loops and a ton of industrial action.
Last on the layout tour was the one and only Norm Charbonneau. Do I even need to introduce his breathtaking layout?
The day concluded at the Detroit 3 Railers club house for dinner, train swapping, and running trains on the clubs O-Gauge and standard gauge layouts.
And that's a wrap for Train-A-Palooza 2024. Thanks to everyone who made the trip for this event. See you at October York!
- Jason
