O-Division Standards

MISSION

The mission of the O-gauge division is E & E – entertainment and education. The club puts up a display and hosts running sessions for the entertainment and education of the public who take the time to come and enjoy the display. 

One goal of any running session should be to provide entertainment for all visitors, young and old. Take the time to talk to our visitors. People leave with a good impression of our club if they feel their presence was valued. Saying “Good morning” or “How are you?” and exhibiting friendly, social behavior goes a long way towards good will with the public.

The other goal of our club is to educate our visitors about the toy train hobby. Providing information about model trains, the layout, scenery, etc. can spur an interest in the hobby. I am often asked by visitors to our layout where or how they can purchase a model train for their son or daughter. This is what our hobby wants and needs!

There are many club members who can provide a wealth of information about the history of trains and, while this may not be of interest to our youngest fans, certainly there are some visitors who enjoy this aspect of the experience. Keep it up!

Through appropriate conduct, appearance, and behavior, we can provide an entertaining and educational experience to our visitors.

General Decorum

a. You are in a train club. You are there to promote the club. It is always

    better for club members to wear club shirts or button during club events

    to identify yourself as someone associated with the layout.

b. Do not do the “unannounced show-up” to run trains. The schedule is set up to

    allow people to plan their running times. If you wish to run, sign up on the

    schedule when it is available or contact me. I will attempt to find a time slot

    for you to run.

c. Trains should be run until closing time unless they are released by

    show promoter/venue.

d. When you sign up to run trains, you are responsible for the layout and its

    operation. Do not place trains on the track and leave to wander. Notify other

    runners if you are going to lunch/dinner.

e. The club does not promote or advertise alcohol, nicotine, tobacco

    (including vape products), drug use, or anything of a questionable nature

    (anime). This would include displaying specific brands of alcohol, etc. on

    trains cars, the layout, and clothing. This is in the club bylaws.

f. Please do not adjust other people’s scenery or decorations, or use their trains

    without their express permission.

g. Work together with running session partners to ensure equitable run-time on

    the layout. No individual club member is entitled to any loop of track during

    their run sessions.

h. Be mindful that excessively long trains may block the view for our younger

    fans. It is all about them, not us. As a general rule, trains should be no longer

    than the straight-away portion of the layout.

i. Be mindful that there is more to being an active club member than just

    running trains. Set-up, tear-down, etc. are valuable and necessary aspects of a

    successful club.

j. Remember that we are guests wherever we put up a display. Keep the facilities

    in which we are located clean.