NELUG presented a 10'x30' layout at the Great Train Expo in Wilmington MA on April 1st and 2nd. For the first time we were placed in the front lobby which brought us even more exposure but presented challenges in terms of crowd control. While there were no major incidents the crowd at opening was at times overwhelming and resulted in several derailments.

Jonathan Dallas took responsibility for designing this shows layout. We had several new MOC's including 2 amusement park rides by Dave Gwon and lots of new contributions in the Residential area. This was probably one of our most cohesive residential areas yet.

Of course the trains were very popular with Elroy's Adventurers train getting a lot of complements. As we have been growing our layout lately NELUG is in need of more track, especially straight track. We hope to have this taken care of before Brick Blast in July.

We had many of the usual questions:

1. How many pieces?
2. LEGO makes Trains?
3. Where do I buy LEGO Trains?
4. How long does it take to set up?
5. Is it battery powered or electric?

In addition we got several great compliments

1. This is the best layout here.
2. This layout is so much fun.
3. We came just to see this.

Thanks to everyone who made this such a great show.

Photos of this show can be seen in our gallery

This was our largest layout ever at 10'x30'. The city section had several new skyscrapers and was our most impressive city yet. Of course the big hit, as always, was the ammusement park which included first time showings of at least 2 rides. There was also a residential section and an industrial railroad section.

We got the usual questions but the most asked question this year seemed to be "where is King Kong". Come on Mike, save us and revive Kong for the next show please!!!

We also seem to be getting more and more compliments from the hard core model railroaders as well which is probably a sign of acceptance for LEGO Trains. I guess some of them didn't think we had the staying power.

The following galleries are available

Eric Kingsley
Dave Gwon
Elroy Davis

Well after several shows where we asked for more space we finally got it for this show and this let us have a nearly 10'x30' layout, our biggest to date. The extra space let us have by far our largest rail yard to date and gave us the option of running up to 4 trains at once. There was a clearly defined city section on one end and a residential section at the other end that included our ammusement park.

Among the additions for this show were David Gwon's great appartment complex and bumper cars. Dave Eaton also displayed several new buildings that are destined for Brikwars distruction but very cool none-the-less. A property value decreasing Pink Castle Liquor store also made its debut.

As always we were happy with the turnout at the show as well as the feedback we got from fans. Some of our fans have become regular visitors and we love it!

To view more photos from the show please visit the following Galleries:

Eric Kingsley

NELUG continued its tradition of displaying at the Greenberg Toy and train show. This years layout featured a downtown city section with skyscrapers.

Several other items made first time appearances including a new amusement park ride, automated crane, point to point trolly, and several structures.

Occasionally, NELUG is invited to display at non-traditional venues. In the summer of 2004, we were approached about providing a display for the Rhode Island Cooks! show at the Providence Civic Center. The show was a food and cooking expo, and the organizers expected a need for some children's entertainment. What better than a big Lego train display? And a giant cow. We're not responsible for the cow.

Picture Galleries:
Alfred Speredelozzi
Eric Kingsley