N Scale Convention

For a break from the forest fire smoke in and around Durango, we went to Salt Lake City for the 2018 National N Scale Convention.  Interesting show - much smaller than the narrow gauge meets, but the layout area had a very good Free-Mo modular setup, which is the subject of the blip today.

Free-Mo is a system where different people construct modules with few standards - other than where the single or double track exits their module ends - must be in the center of the module end - so the next module can connect.  Often they also standardize landscape colors and era.  These modules were present day and were excellent.  Nice to see single track phototype models running.

The blip is of a station area that came all the way from California for the show.  One of the extras is a close up of the station itself.  The other extra is a end module from Nebraska.  A train enters the module, then goes up a loop and back out the same way it came in.  Automatic polarity switching and turnout alignment.  Super slick and excellent modeling.  Even has hikers on the hills.

Because there were many modules, people ran really nice long trains.  Great fun to watch.  If I had brought a train I could have run it as well.

If I had a club close by I would really investigate doing a module or two - but I have enough on my plate right now.  And - part of the show was a large room filled with N scale venders.  Had to buy a few things to support them and add to the list of to-dos..