Admittedly, I had a late start in the construction of the layout for the show so it was decidedly in an unfinished state (I started Thanksgiving weekend...which is late even for my standards). However, the train was operating, landforms were done, and some mock up buildings were placed around the layout. I decided to use some of the time at the show to get some work completed on the layout. This provided a bit of an informal clinic on painting rock work as well as installing rail anchors for those who stopped by or were waiting in line for a hot dog.
Overall, the show was great as usual with Saturday setting an attendance single day record as well as the overall show setting an attendance record. Even some snow on Sunday couldn't slow things down.
We were able to have the layout taken apart and packed in the vehicles in 45 minutes after which we went to help take down my friend's Kids Creek Railroad which now fills our former space in the Young Building. Overall, both layouts were down, packed up, and we were able to hit the road by 6:30 pm - just an hour and a half after the show closed.
After the show, I held an after action review with my friend Nate (of Dismal Creek Railroad fame) who helped out at the show. we agreed that as nice as this layout is shaping up to be - it just doesn't rise to the occasion of one of the largest train shows in North America. I decided it was time for a re-build...stay tuned for a new modular version of the Lantern Hill Line - hopefully to make its debut at the 2025 Railroad Hobby Show.
