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O Scale National Convention, July 2004 July 21st through July 24th, 2004, the Crescent Model Railroaders participated in the O Scale National Convention held in Crystal City, Virginia. The convention was sponsored by the Capital Area O Scalers. The theme was "Linking Quarter Inch Scale Modelers" which reflects the growing "interchange" of all facets of O Scale including O Scale, Proto48 and Hi-Rail. |
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Tony Lash's layout, one of many of the displays that were open for viewing. More layout photos can be seen by clicking on the links at the bottom of this page. |
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The convention had plenty of activities to keep the attendees busy. The trading hall featured a wide selection ranging from one of a kind brass items to plastic freight cars. Clinics covering all aspects of the hobby were presented throughout the event. The layout tours featured some truly world class displays. There was even a tour of Washington's Union Station that gave participants the opportunity to explore the cab of an Acela. Of course there were contests, door prizes, a banquet, and a couple of great modular layouts at the convention itself. The Central Ohio 0 Scale Engineers set up an impressive display adjacent to ours. The layout featured two mainlines and operated smoothly throughout the event. With the exception of dealer displays, the Central Ohio 0 Scale Engineers and Crescent displays were the only two operating layouts at the convention site. |
Use the links at the bottom of this page to see views from inside the cab of this engine.
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Setup on Wednesday went smoothly without too many surprises. Of course having plenty of hands helped immensely. Throughout the show the Crescent layout enjoyed support from just about every member of our group including some that had moved from the area but were in town for the event.
The layout performed
well with only a few minor gremlins; you always have to have at least a couple.
We ran DCS and TMCC as well as conventional motive power. Everything from
steamers pulling wood-sided refers to modern diesels pulling roadrailers and
double stacks made appearances on the layout.
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We were also fortunate to have John Z. running with us
for the first time. Not only did John help by staffing the layout for
much of the show, but he also added a new feature to our display, a
turntable. The turntable added a whole new operational aspect to the
layout and proved to be popular with both the public and the Crescent
members. We are looking forward to having John's participation in future
events and will be looking for ways to better integrate the turntable
into layout operations. Though manning the layout was the group's primary concern we did have some opportunities to enjoy some of the convention events. Crescent members along with several members of the Royal Blue and Crescent, from which the Crescent Model Railroaders was formed, managed to take go in some of the tours as well as get together for a little social time. |
Teardown on Saturday, which came too soon, went very quickly. Everything including more than a few new purchases was packed away in time for members to attend the banquet.
The convention was a great success. There were lots of things to see and do, opportunities to learn new information about the hobby, and plenty of good company. The event also helped promote the hobby by bringing in the general public and by generating a story in the Washington Times which included a photo of one of the Crescent's junior members. The organizers are commended for a job well done.
The thumbnails below will take you to more convention pictures. There are pictures from four layouts that were open for tours as well as a couple of views from the cab of the Acela. The layout photos are just a sample of the layouts featured. Be sure to scroll down on the linked pages as there are multiple pictures on each page.
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