GETS INSTRUCTIONS
SITUATIONThe annual GETS weekend is 16/17 Sept with setup on the 15th at the Mayfield Trade Centre.
MISSIONNalug will setup and run our layout and the play area at GETS and support MMRF in running the show.
EXECUTION CONCEPT OF OPSThis will be done in 3 phases.
Phase 1Setup. This will occur on 15 Sep 06. Estimate the time to start at 11am (Laz can confirm this). To facilitate this, Nalug will move all the major elements to a central location to expedite lift to the Mayfield Trade Centre. Two options are either a garage or warehouse near the Mayfield or at a members place. A consideration is the cost of renting a garage. Nalug must still cover the expense of the new club tables.
STAGE IThe latter is perhaps the best option this year as the entire mountain is at Laz’s. The older tables, barriers and my creations are located at my garage and the new tables are at Michel’s. The stores in my garage can easily be moved to Laz’s, and the tables at Michel’s can be lifted in 1 load in a pickup. If all goes well, we will have Drew’s truck and trailer, Jason Derudder’s truck and van and possibly my truck as well. Another option is to rent a cube van, but again this raises the concern of expenses. If we use this option, tables MUST come at the start along with the mountain, larger structures, baseplates and track.
If we decide to go with the garage/warehouse, things will have to be packed in reverse order for setup. The sequence for storage is:
-Rope barriers and skirting
-Nalug sign
-Play area and tubs
-Rolling stock and vehicles
-Buildings
-Mountain and larger structures
-Baseplates, roadplates, track
-Tables. Michel’s tables with prebuilt structures will have to be factored in as well.
NOTE: Members with buildings and rolling stock do not have to place their creations in storage if they are able to lift them to the setup or will be there at the start of the show on Saturday.
STAGE II Assuming an 11am start for setup on the 15th, those who are able to should try to be there as close to the start as possible. For those with trucks and vans, RV at the storage location at about 10am to load stores. If nothing else, tables must arrive first. Once the first load (tables) arrives, at least 1 person needs to remain at the Mayfield to watch over the Nalug stores and commence setting up the tables. Those with vehicles will continue to transfer stores until they are all at the Mayfield. Keep in mind the one vehicle entrance to the Mayfield will be busy with other clubs and vendors driving in to the hall. The earlier the large items arrive, the better.
Stage IIIPositioning of tables. Utilizing the table map, orient the mountain side (custom tables) to the side where Garden Railway will be. The new tables have adjustable feet so sizing can be done in place. These require ½ and 7/16 open ended wrenches. There are some located in my box of baseplates. The older green tables will need to be set up and sized beside one another. They need to be matched by height as close as possible to one another to minimize shimming.
When the tables are laid out in position, start dressing them off and shimming them. Start where the club tables marry up with the custom tables for the mountain. Keep them aligned as straight as possible. For shimming he older tables, the cardboard shims are in the large brown box with my creations.
StageIVOnce all the tables are shimmed and dressed, baseplates can be laid down. The highway area will already be on tables by Michel. Start at the edge of the club tables where they marry up with the custom tables (mountain area). Other structures will already be built on baseplates, so keep this I mind when placing them. Use the real estate map as a guide. When positioning the baseplates, attempt to connect the baseplates with either plate, brick or vegetation. This will keep the alignment much more accurate.
StageVOnce all the baseplates are positioned, start laying down the track utilizing the track plan. Buildings can be placed at this time as well. NOTE - the extra spurs in the switching yard are optional; they are for filling up the open space in that location. They do not need to be functional, just a place to park additional rolling stock.
Wiring of the track will be done under Kevin’s direction. Extra wiring can be found in my brown box. NOTE – other motorized features of the layout will need to be powered separately from the track power.
Stage VIDetailing. Once the track is good and working, commence detailing with vegetation, vehicles, minifigs etc. Small fruit stands, cabins, lampposts, for hydrants and so forth. With the vegetation, keep each persons parts in separate areas and remember whose is what for teardown.
StageVIIConcurrent activity. Mountain area. Given that this takes a long time to tweak and align, it will be worked on while the rest of the layout is being setup. It will have to be aligned in relation to the club tables where they marry up with the custom tables.
Stage VIIIExtra boxes and materials will be stored under the tables. Keep rolling stock and extra trains easily accessible from the inside area. Skirting is to go up starting on the outside of the layout. Once the static display tables are covered in large gray baseplates and the old trains, skirt them. Remaining skirting is to be used on the inside of the layout. The Nalug sign is to be placed on the mountain side, centered along that side. Make sure display numbers are prominently placed near this and on the other sides for the voting.
Set up the rope barriers with two entrances, once for each gap between the static display and the main layout. Place handouts and signs around the layout. If there is space in the static display tables, there are old instructions and pamphlets with my older trains. Place them out, but don’t lose them!
Phase 2The show. This is the fun part. Keep the trains running and the kids entertained. Remember, L-gauge trains are a real hobby! On Sunday, any awards we win and our previous ones should be displayed beside the Nalug sign.
Phase 3Teardown.
Stage IAt the end of the show on Sunday, start thinning out he rolling stock and vehicles first. Then strip the detailing. Remember whose vegetation is whose. Once the crowds have left, take down the rope barriers and skirting.
When tearing down, CAREFULLY place other peoples creations back into their boxes or tubs. If the owner is there, by all means take your creations back home with you. For all other stores or creations whose owners are not present can go back to the storage location. This will greatly speed up the teardown. My garage can also be used for this, but if it is, EFFICIENTLY use the space. NOTE – all of James’ materials can go with my creations. I will sort them out myself.
StageIIIf we use a storage facility, it will have to be cleared out soon after the show, no longer than a week. If there are still stores in it, they can go to my garage.
SERVICE &SUPPORT
Common to all - Bring brick separators
-Bring copies of the table plan, track plan. Real estate map and these instructions.
-Prior to the show, email the group with your estimated time of arrival for setup and/or the show.
-If you are at the setup, you are expected to help with as much as you can. Do not disappear once your small portion of the layout is done. Many hands make small work.
-For anyone feeling generous, pop and munchies will be greatly appreciated at both the setup and running of the layout.
-Cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol will be needed to clean the track as well.
C&S
For clarification, Michel and Andrew are the co-dictators/OPI’s/planners for this years layout. Unfortunately it doesn’t look like either of us will be present for the setup. John has graciously volunteered to be an assistant dictator for the setup.
Kevin is in charge of the DCC. He will be training other DCC owners in the fine art of wiring, tweaking and operation.
John is also in charge of the dumper. It’s his creation. (Hint, bring extra gears for when they wear out).
Laz is the liaison for the club with MMRF.
Other Taskings
Play area – We’ll have to set this up, but it is quite simple. The sheets with the track and the tubs go in their usual corner. MMRF monitor it, though we keep an eye on it as well.
MMRF –As pr our meetings with the MMRF and our assistance in organizing this years show, we will also have to help in running the show. Laz is the liaison and will coordinate this. If anyone is available, please contact Laz.