O Gauge Train Show

On Sunday Feb 1st, Frank, Alex and I went to a model train show in Mountain View, CA, about 50 miles south of Alex's home. This show featured hobbyists who specialize in O gauge. The gauge of Frank's model railroad layout at home is HO but, he still enjoys the vendors and layouts at this show of a larger scale. O scale is 1:48 and HO scale is 1:87.  HO informally stands for Half O.

The show is held inside the I.F.E.S. Hall. I wondered what the initials stood for and if it related to trains. It does not. Also, if this is Hall No. 1, just out of curiosity are there others? A quick Google search tells me no. But perhaps, in the future...? Per the ifes website

Many people ask us what IFES stands for. It stands for Irmindade da Festa do Divino Espirito Santo, which translates to Brotherhood of the Feast of the Divine Holy Spirit. Located in Mountain View, California, we are a Portuguese organization that has been carrying on the traditions of the Azorean Islands and serving the local communities since 1926.

At least the sign pointed us to the correct direction to enter. At the check-in table Alex got a hand stamp which made him grin, quite pleased with himself. Once inside there were tables upon tables of model railroad O-gauge paraphernalia. Frank bought two power supplies, a killer deal at about 90% off the retail price. But even in a hall as humble as this, there is room for elegance. There were several chandeliers scattered about, gracing the acoustic tile ceiling.

We enjoyed a large train layout assembled by the members. It is modular and specification are decreed for the edges of each segment so that, once in the hall, the various contributions of the members Golden Gate Lionel Railroad Club can be joined into one continuous set of tracks. Alex liked watching the moving trains, peeking in to anticipated when each would emerge from the tunnel.

We got Alex a blister pack card of tiny barnyard animals that he carried around with him, pointing out each animal and telling us the sound it makes. He got a bag of chips which always puts a smile on his face and orange dust on his fingers. But by far, Alex's favorite part of the show was the high-powered blower hand dryer in the bathroom. It was so LOUD!! and he laughed gleefully as he held his hands under it for way longer than was necessary. The sound reverberated throughout the entire hall, extending way beyond the boundaries of the bathroom walls. It is heart-warming to see such great pleasure coming from from such mundane items.

After the show we all went to dinner at Clementines, a Cajun-themed restaurant in San Raman. Alex loves their Jambalaya and practically inhales it. Note that he is wearing a shirt his sister Robin made for him. The card of barnyard animals is also visible in the foreground. Sunday had a been a low-key, enjoyable day.