NUMBER ELEVEN

The GSQ*^note convention was to take place on October 5th and 6th, 2001 in central Wisconsin. Those dates were suddenly in serious doubt. Magazine publishers Greg and Susan Robinson (editors of the Grand Scales Quarterly ) envisioned a gathering of  large scale railroaders from all over.  The massive attack on New York and Washington on September 11 overshadowed everyone's daily lives and plans.  Travel was disrupted across America as all air traffic was halted for 4 days while security arrangements could be put in place.  In less than 3 weeks the convention was to be held. Should it be cancelled, postponed or held as scheduled?  A week after the attack, President Bush told the nation to get on with our business, our lives. 

By the time the convention was to take place, the Country was only starting to get back to normal.  Despite the difficulties and uncertainties, the decision was made to go forward and hold the convention as planned.  Considering the travel situation, with folks flying in from distant points, the attendance was excellent with about 200 Grand Scalers on Friday and Saturday. 

The highlight for many of the visiting railroaders was "Rent a Locomotive".  For a nominal fee of  $45 ($35 for diesel) you could take a turn behind the throttle of one of  Darrell's rolling works of art. Here Claude Gresene from Miami, Florida takes No.1919's throttle as Engineer Fred Vergenz checks the water.  Fred took some time explaining the location and function of the various controls. Then it's release the brakes and a quick "toot toot" and Claude eases back the throttle and 1919 begins to move with the usual "whoosh" of steam from the cylinder cocks. Guest engineers make the entire [nearly] 3 mile loop in just under a half hour.

The 2 day convention was packed with things to do.  You needed to schedule your locomotive rental around the frequent seminars given by several of the leaders in the industry.  Between seminars, you might have a few minutes to meet and talk with the folks at the vendors' tables. I had time to meet almost every vendor. They were more than happy to answer questions and show what they had brought.  Hillcrest Shops had a very nice display which included an operating demonstration of a complete air brake system.  Several companies are supporting "Miniature Train Co.'s G-12 and G-16 trains.  These included the Allan Herschell company and Gerry Warner.  I met a couple of owners of G-16 trains who spent quite some time with those vendors.  Unfortunately, several vendors that planned to attend had to cancel due to transportation problems related to the September 11th attack.

Participating vendors included:

Greg and Susan had lined up several outstanding speakers to hold seminars on various interesting subjects.  I found Andrew Jugle's talk about the Miniature Train Co. fascinating.  As a kid, I rode for hours on the G-16 train located at the small amusement park, Kiddyland, which was located near our house in suburban Chicago.  MTC, I learned, was a suburban company founded in Elmhurst, IL.

Seminars were conducted as follows:

Locomotive Construction; John Buckwalter; Atlantic Tempco Inc. MTC History; J. Andrew Jugle; MTC Historian Grand Scales in the UK; Simon Townsend, UK Railroad Writer Brakes & Oil Atomizer; Sean Bautista; Owner, Hill Crest Shops WF&P History; Dave Neubauer Insurance Needs; Mike Deeble;  Deeble, Inc. Logistics, construction, certified boilers and state laws; John Braun, Mammoth Locomotive Works The Present & Future of the Grand Scales and a Discussion on Standards; Greg Robinson, editor, Grand Scales Quarterly Locomotive Construction; Darrell Klompmaker, Merrick Light Railway Equipment Works

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Two questions came up over and over:  "When is the next GSQ convention?" and "Where will it be"?  I put those very questions to organizer; Susan Robinson.  Susan told me that with the overwhelming positive response to the convention, there will definitely be another.  As for the second question regarding location, Susan says she and Greg will be looking into that soon.  For me, the Whiskey River RR was awesome and will be hard to top!  In the meantime, Susan said, they are planning a tour of the grand scale railroads of England.  She asks that anyone interested in such a tour next year, please contact her at mainline@sunset.net