Railroads have inspired the imaginations of modelers as they create their model railroads, transporting them to a time when the rail industry was at its peak. It’s why modelers dedicate their time to creating miniature replicas in their homes and jump at any opportunity to ride the rails. With many model trains these two pastimes cannot be combined, but before you book a cross-country rail excursion, take a moment to explore the world of live steam modeling. In southeastern Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Light Engineering Society (MLES) runs their 1½" scale trains at their Railroad Park located in the town of Jackson (about 30 minutes from Milwaukee). What is Live Steam? The trains at the MLES Railroad Park are 1½" scale on a 7½" gauge track. The classification of live steam applies to rideable trains which range in scale from 1:24 scale (2½" gauge) to 1:4 scale and larger. Large scale locomotives are modeled after both steam and diesel prototypes. The steam locomotives are powered by steam much like their full size counterparts with coal, oil fire or propane. Propane is the most popular method to power these trains, as coal can be hard to find. The diesel locomotives are powered by either gasoline internal combustion engines, like a lawnmower, or electric DC motors with an onboard battery. If you ask Ken Rodig, MLES Club secretary since 1987, “The best perk of modeling live steam trains is actually riding and operating the locomotives as if you were running a full size train.” Riding the Rails A Close Look at Live Steam By Angela Podewils What’s Inside www.trainfest.com October 2012 Volume 2 • Issue 4 see Riding Rails Continued on page 8 How To: The Three R's of Modeling PG 4 Bachmann: In it For the Long Haul PG 10 Expanded Kid's Activity Area PG 2 New at Trainfest: Choo Choo Bob PG 14 Trainfest November 2012 10 th - 11 th SPREAD THE NEWS! Check out the back cover of this issue of Trainfest EXPRESS for the new 2012 Trainfest poster. Print it out and share the poster with your friends and community. It's time to start getting ready for Trainfest!
Transcript
Railroads have inspired the imaginations of modelers as they create their model railroads, transporting them to a time when the rail industry was at its peak. It’s why modelers dedicate their time to creating miniature replicas in their homes and jump at any opportunity to ride the rails.
With many model trains these two pastimes cannot be combined, but before you book a cross-country rail excursion, take a moment to explore the world of live steam modeling.
In southeastern Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Light Engineering Society (MLES) runs their 1½" scale trains at their Railroad Park located in the town of Jackson (about 30 minutes from Milwaukee).
What is Live Steam?The trains at the MLES Railroad Park are 1½" scale on a 7½" gauge track. The classification of live steam applies to rideable trains which range in scale from 1:24 scale (2½" gauge) to 1:4 scale and larger.
Large scale locomotives are modeled after both steam and diesel prototypes. The steam locomotives are powered by steam much like their full size counterparts with coal, oil fire or propane. Propane is the most popular method to power these trains, as coal can be hard to find. The diesel locomotives are powered by either gasoline internal combustion engines, like a lawnmower, or electric DC motors with an onboard battery.
If you ask Ken Rodig, MLES Club secretary since 1987, “The best perk of modeling live steam trains is actually riding and operating the locomotives as if you were running a full size train.”
Riding the Rails A Close Look at Live SteamBy Angela Podewils
What’s Inside
www.trainfest.com
October 2012Volume 2 • Issue 4
see Riding Rails Continued on page 8
How To:The Three R's of Modeling
PG 4
Bachmann:In it For the Long Haul
PG 10
Expanded Kid's Activity Area
PG 2
New at Trainfest:Choo Choo Bob
PG 14
TrainfestNovember
2012
10th - 11th
SPREAD THE NEWS!
Check out the back cover of this issue of Trainfest EXPRESS for the new 2012 Trainfest poster. Print it out and share the poster with your friends and community. It's time to start getting ready for Trainfest!
InflatableThomas
Stage Carpet
Walthers
Moo Crew
BadgerlandS Guagers
NCELionel Modular
Train Tables
Mirror Table
All activities listed here are free with admission to Trainfest. Children need to be accompanied by an adult. Kids’ admission coupons online at trainfest.com.
Trainfest Kid’s Activity Zone…for kids to just have fun!
Trainfest Kid’s Activity Zone…for kids to just have fun!
Thomas the Tank Engine® Inflatable Kids love bounce houses! Jump with Thomas 9a-3:30p Sat., 9a-5:30p Sun. See attendant for rules (e.g. no shoes, no rough play, etc.) Complements of Trainfest
New!
Choo Choo Bob and the Holy Smokestacks Revue From the popular TV show, Choo Choo Bob, comes a 9-piece band performing hits from their ‘Choo Choo Dude’ and ‘Traniac’ CDs at the half of every hour from 9:30a-3:30p daily. Sponsored by Walthers Model Trains
New!
Radio DisneySunday from 12:30-2p Join the Road Crew for music, dancing, games & prizes. Sponsored by Renewal by Andersen
Returning Favorite!
LEGO® Play AreaUse your imagination! Build and play in the LEGO activity area. Presented by the American Institute of Architects
Returning Favorite!
Trainfest’s “4 at 4” Station StopIntroduced last year for our 40th anniversary, it was such a hit, it’s back! 4 trains given away at 4:00! Visit any 10 of the Station Stop locations, get your card stamped, and drop it in the drum by 3:30p on Saturday at the Trainfest
We’ll draw four lucky winners at 4:00p for a brand new Bachmann train set. See complete rules posted at the show.
Dog Bone Shaped Race TrackKids love racing trains on this dog bone shaped track. Presented by Midwest Division of the Train Collectors Association
Returning Favorite!
Just for KidsTrain Demos A great place for kids (and parents too) to learn how to set-up a train set
beginners! Once hourly 10a-2p Sat., 10a-12p & 2p-3p Sun. Sponsored by Trainfest and World’s Greatest Hobby
New!
Kids Creative Activity AreaKids can make a craft, get a Trainfest tattoo, have their face painted, and color with crayons. Choose one or all, daily 9a-5p or until supplies run out. Complements of Trainfest
INITIAL
ACTIVITY ZONE PLAN
Finalized Floor Plan
Coming in November 2012
Wooden Train TablesCourtesy of Choo Choo Bob, kids can take a break to play with trains. Sponsored by Walthers Model Trains
New!
Story TimeListen to fun train stories read by Choo Choo Bob’s Engineer Emily or Kalmbach’s Engineer Angela. Once per hour 9:45a-3:45p daily. Sponsored by Walthers Model Trains and Kalmbach Publishing
Joe Russ Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA Superintendent
Mercury Communications Advertising Agency
Trainfest is possible due to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and board members. If you would like to volunteer for America’s largest operating model railroad show, contact us via email: [email protected]. Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division, Inc., NMRA
Trainfest Committee
DID YOU KNOW?
In this issue, you will see interesting tidbits about Trainfest and model railroading.Have an interesting fact to share? Send it to us at: [email protected] the
Caboose Summer heat has disappeared and frost and freeze warnings have taken its place. I am not sure if I am happy about this or not. The white stuff has already fallen in Wisconsin and yet I am still working on the huge Trainfest jigsaw puzzle known as the floor plan. (As soon as it’s done, it’ll be posted on the website.)
I am very happy to report that the special Friday Product Showcase tickets are selling very well. In addition to getting special admission to the Manufacturer’s Area on Friday and a catered supper, tickets are also good for getting into Trainfest both Saturday and Sunday. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, see page 5 for details.
We’ve got lots of new things this year including new exhibits. One I am anxious to see is a special layout to be constructed at the show by “RR in a Box” from Pennsylvania and then there is a standard gauge modular layout all the way from Arkansas that has piqued my interest. Many favorites are returning too like Rapant’s Lionel layout, with its many operating accessories and real live goldfish swimming in a pond.
The Manufacturer Area promises quite a few new happenings as well. Electric Train Systems from Europe’s Czech
Republic will be exhibiting at Trainfest for the very first time!
The youth activity area is expanding this year. Lots going on here! We’re even having a huge inflatable Thomas the Tank Engine for young train fans to play in while mom and dad rest their feet. Plus, make sure to visit the new “A Beginner’s Guide to Assembling a New Train Set.” It’s going to be great for new hobbyists.
Watch for the Trainfest EXPRESS November issue, it’ll be loaded with details.
Trainfest is only a month away – Mark your calendars.
In the spirit of Model Railroading,
Clear Signals Always,
JohnJohn H. Tews, MMR Executive Director – Trainfest
Trainfest EXPRESS is sent free via email as a PDF or can be viewed on the Trainfest website in an interactive, online paging-style format. You can also print out the pages or articles you desire.
Model railroaders have always been recycling and repurposing items for the sake of their layouts. In many ways modelers were “green” before it was cool.
When it comes to getting the detail of a piece of your layout just right, for many modelers anything in the house is fair game. With a little creativity, patience and time, everyday objects can be transformed into realistic features in a layout.
A lifelong rail fan and collector, Peter Hocking was intrigued by the small details of model railroading when he began modeling about four years ago. He first began modeling by assisting a friend in building a layout. Peter is a member of the Niagara Frontier Region of the NMRA.
Peter’s message to new modelers is simply, “Don’t be afraid to try anything, especially scenery. Many modelers may be intimidated by scenery, but just try it and you’ll likely be amazed by the results.”
Model railroad layout details which intrigue many are often found in the scenery. Peter has shared his technique to create spruce trees with Trainfest EXPRESS. These realistic trees are created using tools and materials that are easily found in any model railroading workshop or home.
This process takes only a few minutes per tree, making it an easy and quick way to create a forest scene.
DID YOU KNOW? One layout in particular, epitomizes the model train hobby’s concept of reclaiming and repurposing, while intriguing kids on so many different levels. It is the LEGO® layout created by the Pewaukee Road Lego Train Club. Begun by repurposing a Lego set from their then teenage sons, the layout today uses thousands of LEGO bricks to create the entire scenic backdrop of the layout. The Three Rs of Modeling:
Repurpose, Reuse, ResourcefulHow-to: Repurposing everyday objects to create spruce trees for your layout
see The Three Rs of Modeling Continued on page 6
4
Limited number of tickets available. Must be 18 to attend. *Details at trainfest.com
FRIDAY PRODUCT SHOWCASE
For Serious Model Train HobbyistsExclusive entry to Trainfest prior to public opening.
Courtesy of manufacturers, average minimum value $25
$40ONLY
Tickets available at participating hobby shops*
Trainfest – Friday Product Showcase
INCLUDES
Saturday& Sunday
ADMISSION TO TRAINFEST
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division of the National Model Railroad Association
Step 1: Cut the twine into short sections depending on the desired width of the tree. (For trees like Peter’s pictured here, the width of the twine sections are approximately 1”.)
Bonus Tip: This method can be adapted to any scale, just fit your measurements to match the scale of your layout.
Step 2: Cut a piece of wire to length; the wire should be twice as long as the desired tree height.
Step 3: Fold the wire in half.
Steps 5 and 6: Pull apart the twine into the individual fibers. Lay the fibers between the wires.
Step 7: Holding the open end of the wire with a pliers, turn on the drill to twist the wire and twine.
Repurposing Everyday Objects to Create Spruce Trees for Your Layout
Tools• Electric Drill • Pliers • Scissors
Step 4: Insert the folded end of the wire into the drill.
Materials:• Steel Wire • Bailing Twine
• Spray paint • Hair Spray
THE THREE RS OF MODELING Continued from page 4
• Ground cover (for texture) • Styrofoam
Step 8: Trim the tree to your desired shape.
Bonus Tip: Less trimming is needed if you lay your fibers long to short starting with the longer ones at the drill.
Step 9: Stick the trees into Styrofoam and spray paint the trees a natural color.
Step 10: Spray the trees with hair-spray and sprinkle with ground cover to add texture. 7
Reusing everyday objects in layoutsLook around. Some of the most mundane items you are seeing can be transformed into works of art in model railroads. When at Trainfest®, look closely at those layouts and you may see some of these items living their second life as part of the layout.
In past issues of Trainfest EXPRESS and from layouts we have observed at the show, below is a list of everyday objects that have been turned into model railroad features and scenic embellishments.
• Toothpaste caps • Food cans • Chair foam • Kitty litter • Coffee stir sticks • Toothpicks • Potting soil • Rocks and twigs • Styrofoam • Prescription drug bottles • 35mm film containers • Broken mirrors • Nuts and nails • Cotton balls and swabs
An Editor’s Note: We wonder what new additions to this list Trainfest 2012 will bring?
A MLES member winds his way through the natural scenery of the railroad park.
Building the TrainsLive steam modeling comes with a unique set of challenges, from the cost to the skills and tools needed to get started. But for MLES members, the hard work is rewarded when they take a train full of visitors on a ride through the Railroad Park.
The expense of building live steam trains can be quite steep. According to Ken, the cost of getting started in this hobby depends on how a modeler goes about gathering his fleet. Ready-to-run trains are available for purchase. However, a ready-to-run electric diesel locomotive can cost $3,000-$9,000.
Kits, on the other hand, are a budget friendly option for modelers. There are a few kits available with already machined parts that can be assembled with simple hand tools. These kits are less expensive than ready-to-run trains and do not require access to a machine shop.
Many live steam modelers are machinists and tool and die makers. With their experience in these trades, the modelers are able to mitigate costs by doing much of the work themselves.
Unlike smaller scales, where a locomotive or car can be put together over a few days, the time to build live steam trains is much longer. It can take several weeks to put together a car, and years to build a locomotive. “This type of modeling requires a great deal of ‘stick-to-itiveness,’” says Ken.
History of MLESThe Milwaukee Light Engineering Society began in 1969 when a group of live steam modelers began meeting at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE). The Club was formed with the mission to preserve history in live models. Originally the group built not only live steam trains, but all kinds of live steam models including nautical and stationary. Over time, the rail interest grew stronger and the other interests fell away.
Since the Club founding, membership has grown and changed. Many members have found each other and the MLES through the International Brotherhood of Live Steamers. The full experience of running a live steam model train on a winding lifelike railroad is the dream of many live steam modelers, for the members of MLES the dream is a reality.
RIDING RAILSContinued from cover
Many members of MLES came together because many were already building or had live steam trains and desired more land to ride the rails.
Initially the group ran their trains on a one acre lot owned by a fellow member. However, the members had a vision for something greater. “Live steam trains need a great deal of space,” says Ken. “A simple loop of track in the yard doesn’t hold the same excitement as meandering through a Railroad Park.”
Additionally, the constant maintenance needed to keep up the trains and track can be costly, and as a group they raise funds together to keep their trains running.
The Railroad ParkIn 1970, the Club had raised funds to purchase the seven acres of land which would become their railroad park. The park has progressed slowly over decades as the Club plans, gets permits, and builds their layout.
The scenery and geographic location provide a natural setting for the Railroad Park in southeastern Wisconsin. There are several structures in the railroad park including three major bridges, depots, and a grain seed mill. The structures and trains of this layout are approximately 1:8 scale.
While some depots have a more historic touch, the scenery and structures are predominately modern. Due to the commitment and time required to build a live steam train, members build whatever trains inspire them. Some steam locomotives include early steam engines such as 4-4-0 American, Pacific, and Mikado. Diesel locomotives range from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation locomotives. Club members maintain that when it comes to trains, anything goes in terms of time periods.
There are several routes which can be taken on a ride around the MLES Railroad Park. The entirety of the track can be traveled as one large loop. Yet, as the individual members travel along the tracks, they create their own variations as well.
Construction ChallengesTaking on a live steam railroad has produced a unique set of challenges for MLES members. Since the time members raised funds to purchase the Railroad Park land, members continue to raise funds through dues, fundraisers, and donations. All efforts are focused on continuing the building and maintaining of their railroad. The Club is a 501(c)(3) historical preservation organization.
MLES opens the Railroad Park to the public on select days. “Visitors love to ride the trains,” says Ken. “Live steam is not always readily available and visitors love to come and find it relaxing to ride through the wooded and green areas of the Railroad Park.”
Because the Club is building a model railroad on seven acres of land, they must have government approval of their plans and get permits for their buildings before construction can begin. This process of approval and permits has contributed to the alteration of the railroad from the original plan.
Due to water running through their property, MLES has consulted with the DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources) and county government regarding
Ken Rodig
Model trains have always held Ken’s interest, starting with his father’s Lionel® set around the family’s Christmas tree. While he also models in other scales (he had an HO scale home layout and is in the process of building a G scale) Ken was hooked on live steam trains after running a friend’s live steam locomotive. Ken has been a member of MLES since 1984, and the Club’s secretary since 1987.
Ken's Tips for New Modelers
For success when getting started in the hobby, experience various scales by coming to Trainfest or connecting with other modelers to view and see how they operate their layouts. It is also important to see the space needed for different scales as this will help you decide what scale best suits you.
This is especially important for modelers considering live steam. Ken recommends that modelers interested in live steam trains should get involved with a club.
9see Riding Rails Continued on page 12
Calling All Volunteers! Looking to get more involved with Trainfest?
A huge part of making Trainfest® America’s Largest Operating Model Railroad Show is due to the hard work and dedication of its volunteers. In 2012, Trainfest is especially looking for Family Activity Area volunteers. Meet and inspire the next generation of model railroaders and be a part of making Trainfest happen.
If you are interested in volunteering, contact us via email: [email protected].
Bachmann. In it for the long haulFounded in 1833, Bachmann® is one of the oldest companies in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While today the name Bachmann means model railroading; this was not always the case. Early products produced by the company included hair ornaments and umbrella handles made from horn, ivory, and tortoise shell.
In 1912 the company shifted its focus to a new material, celluloid, and began specializing in injection molding.
Gaining expertise in injection molding launched Bachmann’s entry into the model railroading industry with its Plasticville® U.S.A. line of easy to build kits. From this line of accessories and buildings for electric trains, Bachmann began to grow along with the model railroading hobby throughout the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Today, Bachmann offers multiple product lines for model railroaders of every age and experience level.
MissionThe main pillar in everything Bachmann does is to create quality products with fine craftsmanship at a good value. Recently Bachmann has worked to improve their manufacturing processes to achieve finer details and even more realistic depictions.
Bachmann continues to further their expertise in injection molding to create realistic details on their products right down to the rivets on rolling stock! This precision applies to all scales including micro printing and achieving working couplers in N-Scale.
According to David Melville, Midwest Regional Sales Manager, “Bachmann continues to work toward making their products more realistic, more user-friendly, and more accessible to encourage more people to enjoy the hobby of model railroading.”
Product LinesBachmann offers a wide range of products to cater to their equally wide range of audiences, from experienced modelers to young train fans. Products are available in HO, O, On30 (that is O-scale railroads on a narrow gauge track), N, and Large Scale.
The original model railroading line produced by Bachmann, Plasticville are kits and pre-assembled buildings for HO, N, and O scale railroads. To complement their history in
see Bachmann Continued on page 15
Larry FisherHeritage Art Editions will be presenting an original acrylic painting and limited art print edition by artist Larry Fisher at Trainfest 2012.
The painting is titled "LUXURY TRAVEL ON THE NORTH SHORE" and the scene depicts 1957 on a warm, beautiful, summer's day in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
A limited number of signed and numbered prints will be available for sale at Trainfest 2012.
A rough pencil drawing of the artist's concept
Preliminary artist color rendition
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setback limits of the buildings. In one case, a bridge rising 15-16ft. off the surface of the water required the approval of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Building the ParkWhile the mainline of the railroad follows a similar path to the original 1970 plan, forty years of time, money, and manpower have somewhat altered the original plan. Many of the buildings have been rearranged. For example, the main depot had been placed across the river from the parking lot. For convenience sake the building was moved to be more accessible to visitors.
Seen as an added benefit, as Club membership has changed, new members bring fresh ideas and solutions. Projects continue to be accomplished as money and time allow, with much of the work occurring during members’ free time on weekends.
Once funds have been obtained and permits granted, the Club begins to purchase materials and schedule work days for members to come together and build new structures using the same type of craftsmanship and skill needed to create a large dollhouse. The railroad park becomes a sort of “construction site” on these days with welding, woodworking, and building taking place everywhere. (In years past, the Railroad Park buildings were primarily constructed in individual members’ workshops.)
As a general rule, the Club does not build pieces that are bigger than what five to six members can carry as the construction is done by hand with no cranes or other machinery.
Laying track is one of the weekend projects from time-to-time. When called for, track is laid down and maintained much like that of a full size railroad. Ties are typically 2x4s and the rails are purchased from vendors. Ken sees building and maintaining the railroad to be “not quite as heavy but very much like a full-sized railroad.”
What it Takes to Model Live SteamModel railroading brings the opportunity to develop new skills. Through Ken’s experiences as a model railroader, he has seen no limits to learning in this hobby. Through working with MLES, Ken has encountered situations to gain skills in moving dirt, operating drill presses and machine shop tools, welding, woodworking, and electrical work. Beyond the mechanics of building a live steam railroad, a high level of craftsmanship and artistry are required to create a detailed prototypical railroad. “The hobby truly is both art and skill combined,” says Ken.
When it comes to electronics, advancing technology has improved the experience for live steam modelers. Previously, running multiple trains at once had been extremely difficult. Now with a DCC decoder any interference has been eliminated.
Just as advanced technology has aided sound features in smaller scales, sound has improved for live steam models as well. In the past, rides through the Railroad Park were accompanied only with the sounds of the motor running, now MLES is able to bring true prototypical sound to the experience.
“While it is fun to build the trains, it is even better to run them through our Railroad Park,” says Ken.
“Operating the trains and the camaraderie of the Club really make the days, weeks, and years spent working on the trains worth it.”
RIDING RAILROADSContinued from page 8
12
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Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern
Division, Inc. of the National Model Railroad
Association (NMRA).
WHAT IS NMRA?The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) was established in 1935 in Milwaukee, WI to bring model railroaders together and develop standards for the model railroading industry. Today the NMRA is a worldwide non-profit educational association. Headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the NMRA promotes the hobby of model railroading through fostering fellowship among modelers and providing resources to hobbyists everywhere. This global organization is divided into 17 geographic regions. The regions are broken down into divisions which provide local support and camaraderie to modelers along with the resources of this worldwide community of model railroaders.
WHAT IS WISCONSIN SOUTHEASTERN DIVISION, INC.? The Wisconsin Southeastern Division of the NMRA serves seven counties in southeastern Wisconsin – Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha. Dedicated to its educational mission to promote the hobby of model railroading, the Wisconsin Southeastern Division creates opportunities for modelers (new and not-so-new to the hobby) to come together and share new ideas and information. Wisconsin Southeastern Division also offers a youth group for younger modelers and train enthusiasts to get started in the hobby.
WHY TRAINFEST?One way the Wisconsin Southeastern Division pursues its educational mission is through its annual event, Trainfest®.
At Trainfest, hobbyists, hobby dealers, manufacturers and train fans of all ages, come together for two days to celebrate everything trains. Trainfest has become a hub for bringing together new and experienced modelers to grow the hobby through the sharing of ideas and by passing on the passion for modeling to the next generation.
If you are interested in learning more about the Wisconsin Southeastern Division or becoming a member, visit www.wisedivision.org.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the NMRA and do not live in Southeastern Wisconsin, please visit www.nmra.org for information about your local NMRA Division.
If you want to learn more about Trainfest or wish to attend, visit www.trainfest.com.
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Each year America’s Largest Operating Model Railroad Show, Trainfest®, fills the Expo Center at State Fair Park to share the passion of the model railroading hobby and educate folks on how to get involved.
Lots of young families are coming to Trainfest with their young promising new modelers in tow. But what does it take to turn these young fans into model railroaders?
Bob Medcraft, a train enthusiast from Minnesota may have an answer. He opened his store in 2005, Choo Choo Bob’s Train Store, offering a unique setup geared toward engaging children. Bob’s store sells a range of products from wooden to electric trains. With train tables, story time and a birthday party room, Choo Choo Bob’s has become a destination for young train fans in the Twin Cities.
Building on his store’s success, Bob drew on his Hollywood background of working on movies and music videos to create the Choo Choo Bob Show, a multi-media entertainment experience. The show, hosted by Sam Heyn as Choo Choo Bob, is an entertaining educational program for parents and children. The show features trains big and small, friends and fun, music, trips to “real-life” railroads, and adventures taken by the cast of characters in and around their hometown of Bobville. One of the regular
stops for the characters is Tinyland, a miniature world that comes to life within Choo Choo Bob’s own model railroad layout.
The show is filmed and produced in Minneapolis and currently airs on broadcast stations in the Midwest.
As the popularity of the Choo Choo Bob Store and Show began to grow in the Twin Cities, Bob expanded his idea even further to include a traveling band that performs live shows and concerts.
With sponsorship support from Walthers®, Trainfest is pleased to announce Choo Choo Bob and the Holy Smokestacks Revue will be performing live concerts during both days of Trainfest at the top of each hour between 9a-3p. Choo Choo Bob and his cast of characters will perform songs from their popular CDs Choo Choo Dude and Traniac. Plus the characters will host story times and be available for “meet and greets” throughout the duration of Trainfest.
For more details on the Choo Choo Bob appearance and all of the other exciting family-friendly activities Trainfest has to offer, check out www.trainfest.com.
New At Trainfest 2012Choo Choo Bob and the Holy Smokestacks Revue are coming to Trainfest
14
railroad scenery, Bachmann’s Scene Scapes™ line brings modelers trees and landscaping features for all scales.
The Williams™ by Bachmann line offers reproductions of iconic postwar era trains in O-Scale. The Traditional Line O gauge trains, as well as the Golden Memories series, are built to meet the detail standards of experienced modelers, with a quality to last for generations.
Bachmann's Spectrum® line of HO N On30 and 1:22.5 Large Scale locomotives and rolling stock is aimed at hobbyists looking for high-quality products at affordable prices. In addition to fine detail at every scale, many Spectrum locomotives are DCC-ready, DCC-equipped, or DCC sound-equipped.
Bachmann reaches young modelers through their Thomas & Friends™ product line. The world of Thomas the Tank Engine™ comes alive through their HO and Large Scale train sets and rolling stock.
DCC SoundWith technology improvements to DCC sound, hobbyists are looking for ways to get these features into their trains. DCC sound can be rather expensive. Bachmann introduces basic sound at a lower price to initiate trial with sound with their line of DCC Sound Value-equipped locomotives; offering high quality at a good price point.
Another option for modelers to bring sound to their railroad is the Plug-and-Play full Tsunami™ sound line. These
products enable customers to obtain a high-end product without sound and then install sound quickly and easily at a later date. (Currently it is a complex process to put sound in a high end model. The plug and play turns hours into minutes.) With the “Plug and Play Sound System,” the sound module is simply plugged in and the shell of the locomotive is put back on. Simplicity at its best!
DCC sound is just one more way Bachmann continues to look and develop new and easier ways to add features and detail to their customer’s railroads.
Why Trainfest Every year Bachmann attends over twenty train shows. Trainfest is usually the last stop of the year before the holidays. As David Melville enthusiastically stated, “We are always excited to attend Trainfest. For Bachmann, the show is a lot of fun and it’s exciting to see visitors range from experienced hobbyists to young rail fans.”
Editors Note: Bachmann has been a great friend to Trainfest for many years from donating train sets for promotions of the event to this year co-sponsoring the New Kids Clinic area at Trainfest.
BACHMANNContinued from page 10
DID YOU KNOW?
During World War II, the company manufactured products to support the war effort including sunglasses for U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Force personnel, along with protective eye devices and submarine battery caps.
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Saturday & SundayNov. 10 - 11, 20129:00am to 5:30pm
• DEMOS AND “HOW-TO” CLINICS • LEARN TIPS AND TECHNIQUES • MEET 100 MANUFACTURERS & HOBBY DEALERS • SEE 10 HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
• ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND MUCH MORE (*KIDS 4-12 FREE W/ COUPON, 3 & UNDER ALWAYS FREE)
Visit Trainfest.com for Online Coupons and Details
WI Expo Centerat State Fair Park8200 W Greenfi eld Ave.Milwaukee (West Allis), WIMilwaukee (West Allis), WI
• MEET 100 MANUFACTURERS & HOBBY DEALERS
COUPONSCOUPONSONLINE*COUPONSADMISSION
Sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern Division of the National Model Railroad Association
