Starting a tinplate club in my area

And I have considered doing both O and gauge one

There is small group of us that are TCA and TTOS members that get together and set up O and Std Gauge trains at various shows and venues in our area. We probably set up about 6 times a year plus we also set up monthly at the 3 clubs in our are.

Steve

About the only 3 rail stuff locally is a modular Hi-rail group that sets up at a few of the local shows, not sure how "local" they are as Hi-rail isnt my thing.  But a temporary set up like the Brits do that changes based on what attending members bring, might really get some attention.  Right now I am trying to find a decent loop of tinplate gauge 1 track, its out there but finding it can be problematic since STD gauge was the more common track here in the states.   I have one nice gauge one vintage steamer, might get another one soon. Not sure if I want to try to float 2 gauges at the same time, affording vintage tinplate in either gauge is enough for the working mans budget.  Even if its just me, it will still be fun showing others the fun of vintage tinplate trains!     Mike  the Aspie

Mike, I'm a member of the hi-rail modular group in central Indiana that I think you are referring to.  We are an informal, no drama group, and our ranks include at least a couple of closet tinplaters who have tried to generate some interest.  We actually did set up a few tinplate loops at the fairgrounds show about 3 years ago, but no new folks stepped forward.   

Come and talk with us at the next south side show.

I usually dont go to the fairgrounds show, between the high ticket cost and having to pay for parking and walk a mile to the building, my wife and I usually skip that one.  I do attend many others like Danville and Noblesvile NMRA shows, Muncie, sometimes Ft Wayne.  If our live steam group "The Midwest Live Steamers" attend, then I am usually there running my gauge 1/G scale live steam.   But the layout lacks a loop of 32mm track for gauge 0 live steam.   But I suspect your group would not approve of a dripping, oily live steamer running on a finished modular layout.  Not to mention most are exposed flame pot boilers and do sometimes set the track on fire.  Hence we keep a bottle of Co2 handy, along with a soaking wet bath towel to smother an alcohol fired engine that has decided to go pyro mode.  I will stop by and say Hi next time I see your group.    Mike the Aspie

Sounds great to me - just too far unfortunately.