Paul mentioned having a set of tracks, various lengths, to fill in gaps.? Someone else mentioned something about tools.? lt seems like putting together a list of tools that people take to shows would be a good idea which can then be transformed into a Newsletter article.? So exactly what length of track pieces would you recommend having available in your T-TRAK toolbox?? How about other items to carry? We have a track cleaning wand, levels, and brochures among other items. Please do a reply with what you take to a show in your T-TRAK toolbox.
thanks
?-bruce

?

Todd Tait, of GS&F T-TRAK (South Central Georgia) has gone a step further with misc. Unitrack pieces.?

He’s built a number of small sections he refers to as ‘slivers’ and ‘slices’ to help fill in gaps caused by irregular width modules during combined setups/layouts. They come in very handy!

Nice list, Paul! And make sure the show is next to Walmart so you can get any items you're missing! Brian

?

Here's a list from my web site of tools and 'stuff' that you might need at a show.? It is written from the point of view of a layout organizer.

?

What To Take
???? "So they loaded up the truck and they moved to Beverly..."

If you've ever been to Summer Camp you know the first rule-- PUT YOUR NAME ON EVERYTHING! Goes double for a train show when one re-railer ramp looks just like the next! Put a paint stripe in 'your color' on things. Use a paint pen and write your name or initials on the bottom of every engine and piece of rolling stock you plan to bring! Put your name on your modules. This can be up-front and gorgeous-- you -want- everyone to know you built it, don't you??

The remainder of this list gets into a lot of minutia; things that you might need if you're organizing a major show. You won't (or shouldn't) need a lot of these things all the time!? It includes everything to re-build almost anything: power-pole cables; self-destructing modules; and getting the computer running.

This is overkill for most shows-- most of the problems this list can fix should never have shown up at a show in the first place!

??? PERSONAL COMFORT
??????? Foodstuffs/drinks
??????? -- Try to keep the foodstuffs out of sight
????????? -- ideally, don't eat at the layout! ?
????????? -- don't talk with your mouth full
??????? Tall stool
??????? -- You want to be able to sit but keep your head at the same height as visitors
?????? ???? to your layout.? Otherwise, you have to stand up to talk to people.
??????? -- I found a >guitarist's folding gig stool< that folds nearly flat
?????? ???? and was as tall as my 'tall stool'
??? POWER
??????? Surge Protector for the DCC and computer equipment
??????? Circuit-breaker-protected power strips
??????? Extension cords
??????? -- power strips and extension cords MUST be commercial, UL-certified!
??????? Cord covers to run cords across aisles
??????? -- gaffer's tape to hold them down (gaffer's tape removes cleaner than duct tape)
??? COMPUTER Stuff
??????? Laptop computer for JMRI - AND POWER SUPPLY!
??????? computer interface &c
??????? Printer for labels
??????? Printer for paper
??????? drivers &c for printers you've dragged along
??????? cables for printers, JMRI, etc.
??????? power supplies for anything that needs them
??????? Labels, paper, etc. to feed the printers
??????? ink, ribbon, etc. for the printers
??????? USB hub and power supply
??? STATIONERY AND OFFICE SUPPLIES
??????? Sticky Labels (non-computerized OK)...
??????????? ...to label modules (removable)
??????????? ...to label cables (perm)
??????????? ...to label tools (perm)
??????? Zip-lock bags, assorted sizes
??????? -- coil individual cables in a bag!? Avoid the tangles!
??????? -- collect similar items in a bag
??????? Marking pens
??????? -- some permanent, some dry-erase (writes on glass)
??????? Binder clips
??????? Easel
??????? Flip chart pads
??????? Markers
??????? -- dry erase for white board! ?
????????? -- Keep the permanent markers hidden, or they'll be used on the white board!
??????? White board
??????? 3x5 cards
??????? 4x6 cards
??????? Pens, pencils, etc. etc.
??????? Booklet Stapler
??????? Heavy-duty paper punch
??????? Batteries
??????? --AAA
??????? --AA
??????? --9v
??? ADHESIVES, GLUE, and TAPE
?? ???? 5-minute epoxy
?? ???? Super-type glue
?? ???? Elmer's carpenter's glue (it can be the pocket-sized bottle)
?? ???? Gaffer's tape
?? ???? Duct tape (but not for holding wires to the floor!)
?? ???? Scotch tape
??? WIRES AND CABLES
??????? Loconet
??????? Power Bus Wires
??????? -- DC
??????? -- DCC
??????? Extra power-pole connectors
?? ?Crimper for power-pole inserts
??? DCC SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT
??????? DCC base/controller/etc. etc. stations
??????? UP5s for outside lines
??????? UR91 and UR92 Wireless Access Points
??? DCC WIRE SUPPLIES
??????? Phone cord crimper
??????? Wire stripper / cable stripper
??????? Wire for hookup and repairs
??????? Soldering iron, solder, soldering iron holder, etc.
??????? RJ12 (RJ25) Plugs
??????? Silver-Satin 6-conductor phone cable
??? CLEANING SUPPLIES
??????? Paper Towels
??????? Alcohol
??????? GooGone
??????? Brasso
??????? Paint brush for dusting modules
??????? Rerailer ramps
??? WHEEL CLEANING STATION
??????? -- paper towel looped over section of track
??????? -- powered to clean engine wheels
??? DCC PROGRAMMING STATION
??????? -- 'test track' connected to DCC
??? MODULE SUPPLIES
??????? Bag of 1/4-20 bolts in assorted lengths
??????? 1/4-20 T-Nuts (as spares)
??????? height gage
??????? -- this can be blocks of foam or wood 2-3/4" square
??? TRACK SUPPLIES
??????? Kato Insulated rail joiners
??????? Kato UniJoiners
??????? Kato Power Joiners for ?emergencyí power drops
??????? Assorted Track to fill in places where they're needed!
??????? --some tiny, some larger; bring some bridges!
??????? Dremel tiny wire brushes (for cleaning track ends)
??????? -- use 'pin vises' to hold these
??????? Multi-Meter
??????? -- Or Continuity Tester with Kato Connector and probe
??????? Clear nail polish- to daub on turnout frogs if they cause shorts
??? TOOLS
??????? Tiny Tools, for fixing engines & rolling stock
??????? Drill & bits
??????? -- if cordless, bring the charger!
??????? Screwdrivers = flat, Phillips, square drive, etc.
??????? 10-in-1 tool
??????? hammer
??????? Chalk line 100'
??????? tape measure 100'
??????? 4' level (for leveling tables)
??????? 2' level (for leveling modules)
??????? Needle-nosed pliers
??? TABLE TOOLS & SUPPLIES
??????? Shims / carpenter shims
??????? -- paint some black for top-of-table use
??????? Black Garbage Bags (for emergency table covers)
??????? No-bolt table-top lifts
??????? -- 1-1/4" blocks, lifts table from 2-3/4" to 4"
????????? -- 2x4 block with Forstnered hole
????????? -- assumes tables have peg-legs



--Paul E Musselman

.

Paul mentioned having a set of tracks, various lengths, to fill in gaps.? Someone else mentioned something about tools.? lt seems like putting together a list of tools that people take to shows would be a good idea which can then be transformed into a Newsletter article.? So exactly what length of track pieces would you recommend having available in your T-TRAK toolbox?? How about other items to carry? We have a track cleaning wand, levels, and brochures among other items. Please do a reply with what you take to a show in your T-TRAK toolbox.
thanks
?-bruce

?

Folks, I an "emergency" case of needing an additional module to fill in, the Kato double crossover just happens to be the correct length for a single module. Just saying... Brian

On Feb 26, 2024, at 8:32?AM, Geoff Dunn via groups.io <geoffdunnsoccer@...> wrote:

?Two comments.

First, any table coverings should meet fire codes. ?Weed block does not; I would test a black plastic tablecloth before using it.

Second, Paul's and Andy's lists include way more tools than I bring for a show. ?Different people want to do different things at shows. ?I want to run trains. ?If an engine has an issue, my preference is to fix it at home and run a different engine at the show. ?If a module doesn't work, spend a few minutes to try to fix it, but swap it out if it's holding things up. ?Show time is precious - I don't want to spend it troubleshooting!

I agree that a first aid kit is a good idea. ?A stash of Band-Aids keeps blood off the modules, especially on an N-Trak layout where rail joiners sometimes penetrate skin.

My two cents, for what it's worth.

Geoff

On Feb 26, 2024, at 5:14?PM, Dave Sefcik <lenoxrealtor@...> wrote:

?

I fully agree Bruce that if someone has a module with special?needs it is their responsibility to provide whatever is required. For starters a non-standard module should probably not even be?considered for a configuration. We have standards for a reason. I have modules that require?12 Vdc power. I bring a portable power supply to accommodate?those needs unless I am certain that a 12 Vdc buss is available and if so what type of connector is required. If I think I might need an extension cord I provide one.?

Dave S

On Mon, Feb 26, 2024 at 3:29?PM Bruce Alcock <nytrr@...> wrote:

We have a corner junction that is a non-standard size, and we have an offset module for the other side of the loop that travels with the corner.? If someone brings a non-standard size module, should it not be their responsibility to provide the offset, or their module doesn't go into the layout?
We use polyester fitted table covers which look professional. "Polyester is considered one of the most flame-retardant materials available on the market..."
At a show, just like Goeff, we run trains.? And the bandage idea is a must!
?-bruce

Bruce G Alcock?| OK N-Rail?| 405-381-4314?| nytrr@...

On Feb 26, 2024, at 6:14?PM, Dave Sefcik <lenoxrealtor@...> wrote:

I bring a portable power supply