AMHERST BELT LINES
	HO Modular Railroad

Post Show 1998 Edition

Well, we set another record both as a the Amherst Railway Society and as the Amherst Belt Lines. The Society can boast another year of record attendance while the layout was the biggest yet! There were so many people in the Better Living Center during the show that a haze formed from all the dust being kicked up by scuffling feet!

We owe a debt of gratitude to many ABEL crew-members; but, since I'm writing this in July, I'll just throw out a general thanks so I don't slight someone important.

The module coordinators met on February 21 to discuss the show. We felt that setup went better than ever especially considering the size of the layout. However, we also felt it could go even smoother and quicker if we had an ordered list of required tasks and names assigned to oversee their completion. Basically, a setup script. Any suggestions? Any volunteers?

Most tasks that would be on the 'script' went pretty well. The major tasks are module leveling and aligning, inserting the rails over the module gaps, installing and testing the DYNATROL, and putting up the skirting. Leveling the layout requires teamwork. We need two teams, minimum, to level this behemoth! Each team needs one person handling the level, two 'on their knees' with adjustable wrenches, (yes, all of the levelers are supposed to be the same size), and another passing clamps down. This is not an easy task in the Better Living Center with the hard, uneven, cement slab floor!

We really need to get a handle on what type and how many cars each module can handle. Preferably, we'd like it broken down to locations. (Once we have this data, we can multiply by three to determine the number of cars the layout needs.) We also need switchable modules labeled so we know where to spot the cars. We'll also need to make up waybills ahead of time. It'd be nice if each module had a set of waybills which would be delivered to the show with the module. All this is to make the layout operatable (is that a word?) by those who like that sort of thing. I leave the details of the waybills for another edition.

While there wasn't much module wiring, if any, done at this year's show, we still feel it's important that all new modules arrive at the show by 8pm on Thursday. Older, proven, unchanged, guaranteed to work modules can arrive as late as 9:30. Coordination is the key to a successful setup. If the new modules are on site on time, their wiring can be checked and, when approved, they can be positioned. If all modules are positioned by the time we are evicted for the night, we stand a good chance of having some operating time Friday evening. And wiring isn't everything. Other problems we find in setup is improperly positioned mainline tracks, the infamous homasote ski slopes, legs that just won't adjust, the list goes on.

ABEL still has some unbuilt rolling stock. Is anyone interested in building, KD equipping, weathering, possibly renumbering, these cars? If not, we'll probably look into trading them for used but built cars.

In a past issue, I requested members to send me their e-mail addresses. I'd like to ask that again. The cost of stamps is going up (again) and I'd like to stop folding, labeling, stamping, and snail mailing these. I know, you'll miss our beautiful banner at the top of the page; but, hey, that's life! You can send it to tlaroche@erols.com. Some of you, Steve, that are certain I already have your address, don't have to send it again.

If you have any (polite) suggestions or if there's something you'd like us to cover in Modular Mumblings, please drop us a note.

Until next time, remember:

Tom LaRoche