So You'd Like To Take Your Layout To A Model Train Show - How Do You Do That?

The model train layouts at the last model train show you attended were really cool, but you think yours is just as cool.  You've worked long and hard on your scenery, bought the best locomotives you could find, your rolling stock is unequaled for realism and detail, and you even have weathered buildings, numerous people, planes, and automobiles in your layout.  But it seems like such a hassle to take it all down, ship it or haul it to a model train show, and reassemble it there.  It can be intimidating, but some planning will make the job much easier.

The easiest way to configure your layout for display at a show is to plan it that way from the start.  Making your benchwork and scenery modular, and designed to be disassembled makes it a much simpler task than if you had not planned it that way.  If your 3 foot long tunnel is on its own platform and can be separated from the rest of the layout, it is much simpler to move than if it is connected to a larger piece of your scenery. If your benchwork was built with screws or bolts holding the legs to the table, it is much easier to transport than if it is assembled with nails and must be taken as one piece.

Another thing you should consider if you plan on moving your display, is keeping the boxes that your locomotives, rolling stock, controls, and even scenery came in.  These boxes take up valuable storage space in your house or garage, but can be invaluable in protecting your investment if you want to take it with you to a show.  Other boxes and packing material can be used as well, but will not fit your items as well as the originals.

So, what if you didn't plan your layout for mobility and have not kept the original boxes?  Things may be a bit more difficult for you, but they are not impossible.  If your layout was not built in modules, perhaps you can take a look at where it makes sense or is easiest to cut your layout apart and just redo the parts where those cuts will be.  If you do a little planning work now to take your layout apart intelligently, the next time you have to move it, you will have a much easier time. Perhaps you can take your benchwork nails out and replace them with bolts or screws so that when you return home, you can have your layout back up and running more quickly.

As for packing up your trains and other accessories, consider purchasing some Styrofoam blocks and cutting out the cavities to fit your items.  Label them to save time the next time you want to use them.  When you have the blocks for all of your items, and the boxes you are going to put them in, cut the blocks down so that they fit snugly into the box they are destined for.  This will prevent the need for extraneous packing materials.

One last suggestion is to consider taking just part of your layout to model train shows.  Perhaps something you have done that is unique or that shows a particular technique that you would like to share with others.  Moving your entire layout can be intimidating to the point that you don't want to do it, but you are also missing out on showing off to other hobbyists which can be very satisfying.  So take the plunge and take your layout or part of it to the next show!