The 2016 National Narrow Gauge Convention, Part V

This was my very first national convention -- of any kind!  I have attended a couple of large model railroad events, but nothing like the NNGC,  Other gatherings, like the Amherst Train Show in Springfield, Massachusetts, may be larger, but the 1400 folks who came together in Augusta are a unique breed.  For one thing, they are narrow gaugers.  Narrow gauge modeling is a kind of niche hobby within the larger model railroad community.  There is a real sense of community among us, whether we love the winding railroads of the West, clinging to the side of enormous mountains, or the two foot puffer billies of Maine, or the mining and logging railroads of Pennsylvania, Ohio and the Southeast.  What else could have brought together a couple of Cape Cod model railroaders and a Pacific coast modeler from Oregon.

It's just that we all enjoy watching little narrow gauge engines chuffing along on light weight rail, wherever it might be.  Ross Ames' PC&N is a long way from Dave Trimble's Colorado based layout or my own East Broad Top, but to us it was perfectly natural.

Don't get me wrong.  I enjoyed every aspect of the national convention, from the modular layouts to the contests, the field trips, the clinics, and the wonderful tables of modeling stuff to spend my money on.  But I think what I will remember most was the people I met -- the opportunity to meet narrow gauge modelers from all over the country and around the world.

Sometimes it was sharing an adventure together, whether that was riding in an open Ford inspection car or pumping an old time track car.  People from different backgrounds and different parts of the country became instant friends.  That old slogan from the NMRA certainly seems to hold true: Model railroading is fun!

Conversations sprang up spontaneously, the instant we spotted someone with a convention name badge or a railroad shirt or hat.  Breakfast at the motel was fun, because it was an occasion to chat with someone from South Carolina or California, or even Australia.  Instant acquantances sprang up over a cup of coffee.  And every modeler had a story to tell.  On Wednesday, when I rode on the WW&F, I got to know many of the folks in the lead coach as we snapped pictures and enjoyed the ride together.  By the end of the ride, we were like old friends.

Whether it was exploring the slate quarreys of the Monson Railroad or following the long abandoned right of way of the Kennebec Central, you were constantly meeting and sharing with people who had only one thing in common: We all loved narrow gauge railroads.

Of course, there were social events deliberately programmed into the convention agenda.  Over 200 of us gathered at Pine Tree Camp some 30 miles from Augusta, for a huge lobster bake.

As folks arrived, we were greeted by the sight of lobsters, corn, potatos and seaweed baking over open fires.  That was a lot of lobstah!

Just imagine, hundreds of narrow gauge modelers lining up under a crystal blue Maine sky to have their plates filled to overflowing with lobster, corn, potatos, corn bread, salad, and blueberry cobbler with whipped cream for dessert.  It was certainly a meal to remember.

I sat with Ross and his wife, who graciously posed for a photo.  Notice that everyone else in the place was too busy eating to take pictures.....

The convention finally came to a close on Saturday evening, with a concluding cocktail party and closing event.  The meeting was conducted by Lee Rainey, the 2016 chairman.  Awards were presented to the winners of the model and photo contests.  I was pleased to note that Ross won first prize for his HOn3 Neskowin.   Here he is with his first place award.

Our last official action was to vote on a location for the 2021 convention.  Planning is five years out, and the sites  of the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 conventions have already been set.  Chairman Rainey asked for proposals, and received a formal bid from Hickory, North Carolina.  The last convention in that State was several years ago.  The North Carolina contingent presented a video about their site and its attractions.  Then Chairman Rainey asked if there were any other bids.  Two gentlemen stood up and invited us to Dallas, Texas.  The assembly was then asked to vote between the two sites, and the vote went to North Carolina.  (But I suspect the Texans will be back next year to try again!)

This concludes my summary of the 2016 Narrow Gauge Convention.  Next year's convention will be in Denver,Colorado, home to many narrow gauge railroads, several of which continue to operate today: The Cumbres and Toltec, the Durango and Silverton, the Georgetown Loop and more.  I invite you to consider making Denver your destination for next year's gathering.  It will certainly be a convention to remember!

Russ Norris on the Kennebec Central