Frequently Asked Questions
When should we leave the hotel for a session?
Your informational packet will have departure times, which will vary depending on driving time to the layout. Arriving at a layout early may interfere with preparations for the session, so please check the schedule.
Each railroad will have a representative at the hotel before each session to rally the troops and ensure that everyone has a ride to the layout. The representatives will have signs indicating which railroad they are going to. Plan to check in with the layout representative at least 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Even if you have a vehicle and know the directions to the layout, please check in with the layout representative before leaving. Someone else may need a ride, and leaving without checking in may delay everyone else's departure as they wait for you to ensure you are not stranded at the hotel.
Can we trade layouts?
We strongly discourage guests from trading layouts. Our railroad hosts have planned for certain people and some are creating additional items as souvenirs. Our coordinator will work hard to keep those possibly traveling together at the same layouts on Sunday morning. If you have any specific needs, please let your coordinator know as soon as possible.
Is it OK if I have to leave early?
Please plan to stay for the entire scheduled time. Your hosts have planned for a full operating session and when guests leave early it is very difficult to complete a session. Remember that some of our railroads will operate multiple times over the weekend, and an incomplete session makes it difficult to restage the layout for the next session.
Will we have time for dinner on Saturday?
Some of our railroad owners have decided to provide a break and a meal during the Saturday session, so you won't have to worry about grabbing a late bite afterward. Some railroads will provide food at the session for a nominal fee, others will head to a local restaurant. Please see your information packet when you register for more information.
What do I need to bring with me?
Yourself and your willingness to have fun! All of our railroads provide everything you need to enjoy the operating session. If you have your own FRS radio you would like to use, you may bring that with you for those railroads that use them (see the layout descriptions).
Which railroads will I be able to operate
The railroads that are participating on the weekend are listed on our Layouts page. You can review information and choose your favorites. Submit your list to your coordinator as soon as you can as spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. We will do our best to make sure you get a chance to operate on your top choices, but this isn’t always possible.
How many layouts will I be able to operate ofer the weekend?
Four. After registration on Friday you will operate on your first railroad. You will also operate two railroads on Saturday with a possible meal with the owner on Saturday evening. You will then operate once more on Sunday morning before heading home, exhausted from a great weekend of railroad fun!