The Greater Houston Train Show held at The Stafford Center in Stafford Texas was a successful show. Even though we did not pick up any new members we had another good show. Once again, we had a good turnout for set up and tare down. We had plenty of HAGG members on hand during the show to answer questions. Before the show we were a little worried that we would not have enough trains to run. That was not the case. We had more than enough. Thanks to all the members who brought trains to the show. The control panel although not finished yet also worked out well.
The set up went very smooth. All track power problems seemed to be resolved. We still have a couple of switches that could not be thrown from the control panel but that did not interfere with operations. We simply used our 18 volt fingers to throw the points on the switches that were not working. Jim Mitchell and Greg Cauthen will look at that. I trust they will solve the problem.
Tare down was amazing! We performed like a well-oiled machine. From the time we stared to the closing of the trailer door took 35 minutes. We were all packed up and ready to ride in record time. I always knew this club had the potential of being a class act. The appearance of our layout and the effort put forth by our members proves it JOB WELL DONE!
There was however one thing that bothered me a little. During the show while discussing our layout, control panel, track connections, rail alignment, etc., I heard the comment “that’s good enough” a couple of times. For this club “good enough” is not good enough. Perfect is good enough. Or at least as perfect as we can get. We need to change our way of thinking.
The sponsors of the show (The San Jacinto Model Railroad Club) were pleased with the turnout. They reported an attendance of about 1,150. That was a little down from last year but they were still happy.
I would like to list all of the names of the members who showed up for this show but I’m afraid I might miss someone. I certainly don’t want to do that. At future shows and events, I would like to have a sign in sheet so we can give special recognition to those who participate in the events. Participation is key to any successful organization. If you have not participated recently, come on out and see how much we have grown.
I think we should take a few minutes to pat ourselves on the back for our accomplishments at The World’s Greatest Hobby Show and the Greater Houston Train Show but then it’s back to work. Our next show will be in Galveston at the Galveston Railroad Museum on April 28th and 29th. Your officers are already talking about what has to be done to make that another great show. Please remember we need your help. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 25th. That will be a HAGG run day at The Rosenberg Railroad Museum. Come on out to run trains and visit with other HAGG members.
Also mark your calendars for Saturday, April 14th for RailFest at The Rosenberg Railroad Museum. That’s always a fun day.
Side Note: I am going to call another meeting of the by-laws committee to meet at the museum before we run trains on run day. I think with one more meeting we can have the preliminary copy of the by-laws completed and ready to send out to the members of the club.
Special Note to Keith and Donalda Stratton…….WE MISSED YOU GUYS!
Craig Pecora
President