Preparation and trip
Our preparations for the US model railroad convention in the Netherlands proceeded smoothly, although we did need to put in some additional effort in the weeks leading up to the event.
The journey covered over 1200 kilometers one way, so our plan was to depart on Thursday afternoon, stop halfway for the night, and then continue our journey in the morning. Our aim was to arrive in Ulft before 10:00.
The trip went smoothly, and we reached our destination around 13:00, where the organizer (Ronald Halma) warmly welcomed us. After a brief discussion about our designated location, we began setting everything up.
Throughout the afternoon, the rest of the exhibitors arrived and started preparing their layouts.
Convention
The convention highlighted a diverse range of layouts, from club-sized modular setups to compact micro layouts that could be easily put together.
With over 30 layouts, 15 vendors, and approximately 10 demonstrations and workshops, the event catered to all interests. While H0 scale layouts were predominant, there were also N scale layouts and some O scale layouts, with a special emphasis on narrow gauge railroads. The attention to detail and creative concepts showcased on these layouts was truly impressive. Stay tuned for future posts that will feature more pictures and in-depth information on these captivating layouts.
The convention venue was superb, with a fitting industrial atmosphere reminiscent of its former metal industry roots. The spacious layout and ample natural light made it a pleasure to stroll around and admire the various layouts.
The shops featured extensive areas for browsing, allowing attendees to explore the wide range of offerings available. From classic Rivarossi models to the latest releases, the selection was diverse and catered to all interests.
The convention (Facebook) was a resounding success from our perspective, as well as from the feedback received from the organizers and most of the exhibitors in attendance.
According to preliminary numbers there were around 900 visitors. The organizers, Ronald and Ronald, were pleased with how everything turned out and announced their decision to host the next convention in two years at the same location. This news was met with enthusiasm from all participants, including ourselves, as we eagerly confirmed our willingness to participate in the upcoming convention.
We would stay in touch and remain updated on any developments leading up to the next event.
The decision to host the next convention in two years at the same location was met with unanimous approval, setting the stage for another exciting and fulfilling gathering.
Tear down and trip back home
After the convention ended on Sunday afternoon, we began disassembling the layout and packing up all our belongings. It took us just over 2 hours to have everything ready to be moved out. Similar to our trip to the convention, we decided to split our return journey into two parts, with an additional stop. Our chosen destination was the “Technik Museum Speyer” in Speyer near Mannheim. We spent the night halfway between Ulft and Speyer in the town of Remagen, Germany. The following morning, before setting off, we briefly visited the remains of the famous Ludendorf bridge in Remagen.
Upon arriving in Speyer, we spent a few hours at the museum, which housed incredible and unique exhibits. It was a fantastic experience to climb into planes like the An-22 or Boeing 747, as well as to see Brutus, Buran, lots of space-themed exhibits, and the interior of a real-life submarine. After completing our tour of the museum, we began our journey back home. With a few short stops for coffee and refueling, we arrived home in just under 10 hours.
That ended one more visit of El Peso team to international US model railroad convention. We are pleased with time spent there and will probably continue same way in future as we prepare for our next participation scheduled for end of May.
