S Scale Activities
Advance Section • Auction • Banquet • Clinics • Contact • Contests • Convention Cars • Display • National Train Show • Questions? • Registration • Selling Stuff • S Layout Tours • Spouses • Swap Meet • Welcome Gathering
The dates of July 3-9, 2011, will see a cooperative convention effort between the NASG and the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) in Sacramento, California. The combined NMRA and NASG annual convention, named "Extra 2011 West", or simply "X2011 West", will have extensive NASG participation for S enthusiasts of all persuasions, including Sn3 narrow gauge, S standard gauge and American Flyer-compatible. For general convention information, go to the NMRA convention website at: www.x2011west.org.
Many S events are being planned to foster the family reunion feel of the traditional, smaller standalone S convention. This will be a full-featured S convention within the larger NMRA multi-scale community. We have arranged procedures so that registered S folks will have exclusive rights to register early for S events. Only after a specified cutoff date will non-S folks be able to register for an S event. Act promptly and you are in! Procrastinate and the S event might be sold out.
Please note that the X2011 West website and these S scale pages are the best sources of ongoing information for this convention. As things progress, both will be updated frequently with new tours, clinics, events, news, advice and so forth. Detailed tour and banquet information will be available on the website in late 2010.
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The exquisite McKenzie & Sons Timber Co. model railroad will be on display at the convention. This Sn3 layout is 10' x 20' of outstanding modeling with every square inch superdetailed to the hilt. Click here to view more photos Photo by John McKenzie |
Advance Section
The Advance Section is a pre-convention opportunity to enjoy home layout visits of all scales, formal operating sessions, prototype industrial tours and non-rail events in the San Francisco Bay Area prior to the official beginning of the convention itself. The Advance Section will be centered at a hotel in the general area of Oakland or Fremont, CA during July 1-3, 2011. The intent is to offer maps for those who prefer self-guided tours using personal automobiles. Some bus tours might also be offered, and a train trip to Sacramento will probably be scheduled for either late Sunday or early Monday. Details are still being worked out, so stay tuned for additional information. Signing up for the Advance Section will be done via the online registration system in the same manner as other events.
Top of pageAuction
An S auction is being planned for Friday evening. Jamie Bothwell has agreed to be the auctioneer and promises to bring his usual humor from Pennsylvania. Sellers are expected to donate 10% of the winning bid to the local host group. There are no other fees.
Top of pageBanquet
An S banquet is being planned for Saturday evening. A venue has tentatively been chosen and the details and costs are being worked out at this time. Reservations for the S banquet can be made via the X2011 West online registration system when the time comes. Check back frequently to learn of progress as things are announced. We expect to announce banquet details in late 2010.
Top of pageClinics
Superb clinics are being planned for those who enjoy smaller flanges. Below is a list of probable presentations already arranged at this early date. More are being planned as you read this. There is no need to register in advance for clinics. Just walk in and grab a seat. Please contact Ed Loizeaux at Loizeaux@sbcglobal.net if you would like to conduct a clinic on any S-related topic.
| • | Adding Pullman Service to any Layout | Jamie Bothwell |
| • | Introduction to Car Ferries | Jamie Bothwell |
| • | Painting Simple Backdrops | Jamie Bothwell |
| • | Getting Started in Photoetching | Michael Eldridge |
| • | Custom Modeling Using a Laser | Dave Haehn |
| • | Optimizing Model Sound Installations | Larry Hanlon |
| • | Restoring WP805A (F-unit) | Larry Hanlon |
| • | Scratchbuilding Crossings in Any Scale | Dick Karnes |
| • | Modeling the PRR in S Scale | Bill Lane |
| • | Using Solidworks to Create Parts for Superdetailing Brass |
Bill Lane |
| • | Making Pine Trees | John McKenzie |
| • | Weathering Freight Cars | Roger Nulton |
| • | The Inside Life of a Brass Importer | Jettie Padgett |
| • | Tales of a Hobby Shop Owner | Bill Winans |
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Contact
Please read everything on the X2011 West website and these S scale pages first before asking S-related questions. If the answer to your question is nowhere to be found therein, then email Ed Loizeaux at Loizeaux@sbcglobal.net with your S-related question. Please, no telephone calls or USPS mail. Non-S-related questions should be directed to the NMRA folks. See the "Committee" page for who to contact.
Top of pageContests
Contests for S models and photographs using NASG rules and judging procedures are being planned. Details and time schedules are being worked out at this time.
Please note that NASG contest rules and entry forms can be downloaded from the NASG website by using the following links:
| • | NASG Contest Rules (Summary version) |
| • | NASG Contest Rules (Detailed version) |
| • | NASG Contest Entry Forms |
In addition to the traditional NASG contest, there will also be a new and unique NYC-only Contest and an Operating Accessory Contest, both of which will be judged under a different set of rules which are available upon request.
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Bill Young's operating bascule bridge will be on exhibit. The fully working mechanism is amazing. Photo by Joe Visintine |
Models may also be entered into the NMRA contest, if desired, for judging under NMRA rules. Please refer to the "NMRA Contests" page on the NMRA website for more information regarding NMRA contest forms and rules.
S models may also be placed in a secure "Display Only" area, if judging and awards are not desired.
Questions pertaining to the NASG contest, the NYC-only contest, and Operating Accessory contest should be directed to Dick Karnes at: karnesrn@yahoo.com
Top of pageConvention Cars
Two brand new S freight cars (not repaints) suitable for both scale and AF-compatible enthusiasts are being offered in both kit and ready-to-run (RTR) versions with delivery anticipated shortly before Christmas 2010. With American-made tooling and production, these convention cars will be unique and interesting. The GS series of drop-bottom gondola cars saw service all over the nation from the late 1940s through the 1980s. Wood-planked extension sides were added to some gondolas for sugar beet service, described in detail here: www.pwrr.org/prototype/sugarbeet/index.html
 Photo courtesy of Larry Hanlon |
 HO model photo courtesy of Red Caboose |
 HO model photo courtesy of Red Caboose |
Both the composite side gondola and the sugar beet gondola with extended sides are being offered. And, to top it off, a realistic sugar beet load will also be available. Photos on this page are of an HO model which is nearly identical to the car being produced in S scale. Kits will be painted and lettered for the Southern Pacific, but exclude trucks and couplers. Ready-to-run cars will include both hi-rail and scale wheels and AF-compatible couplers. Twelve (12) different numbers will be available for each car. Everything is manufactured here in America, except the trucks and couplers.
 A-end side detail |
 Photo shows plywood extension sides – ours will have planked extension sides HO model photos courtesy of Red Caboose |
 B-end detail |
These convention cars can be ordered by convention registrants via the X2011 West online registration and shopping cart system when it becomes available late 2010. Cars ordered in this manner MUST be picked up at the convention. There is no shipping charge when using the online ordering system.
If you are not attending the convention or want to have the convention car shipped to you, send your order to:
| William Roberts 3632 Market Street San Francisco, CA 94131-1339 E-mail: bill@wcroberts.org |
Make your check payable (in U.S. funds) to: "William C. Roberts, NASG 2011 Convention Treasurer". California residents must add the applicable sales tax for their locality. Shipping is $8.00 for the first car, plus $3.00 for each additional car.
Mail orders may NOT be picked up at the convention.
Specific items now available for ordering include:
| GS composite side gondola kit | $ 72.00 (less trucks & couplers) |
| GS composite side gondola RTR | $ 91.00 |
| Sugar beet gondola kit | $ 80.00 (less trucks & couplers) |
| Sugar beet gondola RTR | $ 99.00 |
| Sugar beet load | $ 11.00 |
| Shipping for first car | $ 8.00 |
| Shipping for each additional car | $ 3.00 |
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Display
Those who wish to display models without contest judging may do so in the secure NMRA contest room. Those who wish to display complete modular train layouts may do so as part of the National Train Show® (NTS®). See the "Train Show" page for details.
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| See many superbly scratchbuilt and unusual S
scale models, such as this Lionel O-27 crane car (left) converted to S by Jim
Schall. Not to mention Jim's diesel fueling car (center) made from pieces and parts
of several different kits. The MONON container car (right) was scratchbuilt by
Stan Furmanak whose craftsmanship will be on display along with several other
unique cars.
All model photos by Greg Reiter | ||
National Train Show®
The National Train Show® (NTS®) is a separate and distinct entity from the X2011 West NMRA convention. The NTS® will be located in the Sacramento Convention Center, directly across the street from the X2011 West convention hotel. Registrants of the X2011 West convention are entitled to three days of admission to the NTS® at no additional cost. Just show your convention name badge at the door for admission.
 Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Hi-Railers |
This large S hi-rail layout from the Rocky Mountain Hi-Railers of Boise, ID, will be on display at the 2011 National Train Show®. |
Detailed information regarding selling and display booth space at the 2011 NTS® will be mailed out on May 30, 2010. Contact Debbie Draper at 1-602-569-9072 or NATLTRAINSHOW@aol.com to order an NTS® registration information package prior to May 1, 2010. (DISCLAIMER: Dates subject to change without advance notice.)
We have made special arrangements for S-oriented booths and layouts to be located together. To be included in this S grouping, you must conspicuously write "S GROUPING" on the NTS® forms when ordering your booth or modular layout display space. Large red lettering with a felt tipped pen is advised. The early bird gets the worm in this case. Late requests might not be honored if space is no longer available. It is STRONGLY advised that booths and layout display areas be ordered PRIOR to the 2010 NMRA convention in Milwaukee, WI. It is not unusual for space to be nearly sold out one full year in advance.
Top of pageQuestions?
Please read everything on the X2011 West website and these S scale pages first before asking S-related questions. If the answer to your question is nowhere to be found on the website, then e-mail Ed Loizeaux at Loizeaux@sbcglobal.net with your S-related question. Please, no telephone calls or USPS mail. Non-S related questions should be directed to the NMRA folks. See the "Committee" page for who to contact.
Top of pageRegistration
The preferred method of registration for the X2011 West convention is described on the "Registration" page. An online registration and shopping cart system is being planned and will be implemented and available for use in the near future. The online system, when available, can be used by convention registrants to purchase S banquet tickets, S-oriented tours, S convention cars, and so forth as they are announced and scheduled. We expect to have tours, convention cars, banquets, etc. announced in late 2010. Register now for the convention and then sign up for tours and events later when the details are announced. Registrants must be a member of any Extra 2011 West-affiliated participating group to register for this convention.
Non-registered Spouses & Children
Also note that non-registered spouses and children will be allowed to attend extra-cost tours and banquets along with their full-fare registered rail enthusiast upon payment of the additional tour or banquet fee. Advance purchase of tickets for family members is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. This policy for non-registered guests is subject to change without notice depending on space availability and other factors.
Check NASG Box
Be sure to check the NASG box on the registration form in order to be entitled to early reservation privileges for S events. If you fail to check the NASG box, our trustworthy computer will not realize you are an S enthusiast.
Early-Bird Registration
Please note the Early-Bird Registration Rate represents a significant discount from the normal price for NMRA annual conventions. Act promptly to take advantage of this rate before it expires. Note also that early registrants will receive an early choice of prime hotel lodging. Thus, lodging at satellite hotels and shuttle bus transportation can be probably be avoided if you register soon enough.
Top of pageSelling Stuff
Multiple selling opportunities at the convention include the following: S auction, NASG Swap Meet, NMRA Auction, NMRA Silent Auction, and National Train Show® (NTS®). Please contact the NTS® or NMRA directly for detailed information regarding their activities. Visit the California State Board of Equalization website for information regarding the California sales tax and to obtain a Seller's Permit.
Top of pageS Layout Tours
Planning is under way to offer a fascinating tour of three major S scale layouts in the northern California region. This all-day tour includes an early-morning train ride from Sacramento to Santa Clara, a leisurely visit to Ed Loizeaux's NYC-themed layout, lunch, a bus ride to Don Harper's Sn3 layout, and a final stop at Arden Goehring's UP empire, with a possible snack. This outstanding S scale layout tour is planned for Wednesday, July 6th, and should return to the Sacramento convention hotel before 7:00 pm.
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Ed Loizeaux's 20' x 30' NYC-themed S scale layout will be on tour. Photo courtesy of Mike Kotowski and Joe Visintine |
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Don Harper's Sn3 layout has been featured in nearly a half dozen magazine articles and fully occupies a spare bedroom. Photo by Joe Visintine |
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Arden Goehring's UP 40' x 40' empire will be on tour. Photo by Arden Goehring |
A tour to include Sn3 layouts in the greater Sacramento area is also being planned. For the AF folks, both the Golden Gate American Flyer Club and the Sacramento Valley American Flyer Club have been asked to offer layout visits as well. Check here frequently to learn of new S tours as they are announced — probably in late 2010. Reservations for all tours must be made through the X2011 West online registration and shopping cart system when it becomes available.
Top of pageSpouses
The spousal registration rate includes a special luncheon and other interesting events designed for non-rail spouses. Many extra-cost non-rail tours to local places of interest will be available. Please see the X2011 West web site for details as they are announced.
Top of pageSwap Meet
The traditional NASG swap meet will be conducted with tables attractively priced for smaller manufacturers and suppliers. A $25.00 fee per table, in addition to being a convention registrant, will be required. Swap meet tables can be reserved once the X2011 West online shopping cart system becomes operational in 2010. This swap meet is scheduled for Thursday, July 7th. Please check back here for details as they are announced. Visit the California State Board of Equalization website for information regarding the California sales tax and to obtain a Seller's Permit.
Top of pageWelcoming Gathering
Plans are being made to have a welcoming gathering for S folks on Wednesday evening, July 6th. Details and costs are yet to be worked out. Reservations for the Welcoming Gathering must be made through the X2011 West online registration system. Check back here frequently to learn of progress as things are announced. We expect to announce details of the Welcoming Gathering in late 2010.
Top of pageSee you in Sacramento!
S Scale Coordinator, Ed Loizeaux
Loizeaux@sbcglobal.net
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