The MGRS View

  This is the view we will see from our control area as we operate the train display at the Maine Mall this year.  There are similarities to last year but we are planning a lot of improvements.  We will eliminate the problem with the snow blanket tangling up the trains.  The layout will be expanded 4 feet in width and 4 feet in depth.  Both of the main lines will now take 10 ft curves.  Last year the inner loop used 8 ft curves.  By using new risers which the Mall will build for us we can extend the elevated line and the Christmas tree lines so that they are within easy reach.  This will create tunnels for the main lines to travel through.  Access will be easy if we need to get inside.   We hope to make the elevated line sturdier this year and it will be upgraded from 4 foot curves to the use of much more impressive 8 ft curves.   This year we are also adding a third level which will be used for shorter trains like Thomas and it will use 5 ft curves.  We plan is to build in some automatic stopping and starting of trains which the MGRS operator can easily turn on or off as they wish.  

   We hope to create some interaction with the children by providing them a way to stop and start the Christmas line by holding in a button to make the train go.  This will help entertain the kids as well as rest our small engines from hours of continuous running.  I got the idea last year when many people remembered a train display long ago in Portland where you ran the train by pressing your hand on the window glass.  I hope we help create many similar memories years from now as today's children remember our own display and how they made the train go!    We also have lot of room for many new buildings.  I showed some which I remembered from last year like the sawmill and the 'castle in the clouds' which will look great up on the new high mountain.   Our dioramas can change over the course of the display.  I even heard a rumor that the Circus was planning to come to town at our display!  Other scenes may change as the season unfolds.  We want to remain flexible and have fun.  

  We are anticipating our own wheel chair accessible  entrance into our larger MGRS area which will allow us to invite young or old, able or handicapped in for a close up view as special situations arise.  This will be at the discretion of the MGRS operator in charge at the time.  Last year we were not able to accommodate them, but I remember a 92 year old man in a wheel chair that requested a closer look and there were other missed opportunities to invite special needs children in for a close up look.  We will also have better storage, improved lighting and be more professional  looking as we proudly display our banner and help educate and entertain the public.  Please look for the sign up sheet at the Annual Meeting and plan on taking part in this years display.