2017 National Model Train Show in Orlando Preview

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Written by Nathan Wertheimer

Orlando, FL – Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) is the place to be on the weekend of August 4 – 6, 2017, for the 2017 NMRA Orange Blossom Special Convention and The National Train Show. This show is open to the general public and is a family friendly event. Admission prices will vary. Bring your entire family down and have some fun.

It is only a short drive from Downtown Orlando to the OCCC. Get your GPS for the best travel route there. There is a surcharge of $15 cash/credit card for parking on the property at the OCCC. Sorry, there is no free parking around the OCCC area.

Upon arriving inside the OCCC expect to walk a lot. Wear some good tennis shoes.  There is much to see and do at this years train show. Attendees will see a variety of different scale trains from O to Z scales.  Some of the features are the 2-football field train layouts, all of the latest and greatest model trains, accessories, collectibles and more from the world’s best-known manufacturers and retailers geared for all model railroaders – from first timers to old timers. Plus, there will be a Lego® MiniLand with 2,500 sq. ft. area of tracks. Also, there will be train appraisers on-hand to give one an estimated value on your model train collection. This is a free service to attendees. And Ffinally, check out the hands-on-demonstrations too. This show has everything is under one roof.

Just a little insight in to this show. The National Train Show® was established in 1988 by the National Model Railroad Association as a nationally sponsored combined industry trade show and public train show to promote the hobby of model railroading. The 2017 National Train Show is held in conjunction with the national convention of the NMRA in Orlando, FL.

If you’re getting into this hobby, this is the best place to learn and ask questions on becoming avid model railroader. Everyone starts at the bottom and work their way up. This hobby can teach one to being a craftsman, an artist, an electrician, an engineer, and so much more. You control your own destiny with model railroading.

Looking to get into this hobby? Shop around for a reasonably price train sets depending on the scale size. Most of these new train sets include an engine, a few cars, some tracks, and a transform controller, all packaged into one box. Go home put your train set together and let the fun start. Most new beginners will want to expand their collection in the near future.

Also, this train show just doesn’t stop after this weekend. Look for smaller model train shows around Central Florida during the entire year. From beginners to seasoned model train collectors, a train show is a place to pick up new and used pieces for your collection. Why pay retail, when you can get better prices on trains and accessories at a model train show.

So come on down and learn about model railroading. For more information on this train show visit www.nmra2017orlando.org/NationalTrainShow.aspx or www.nationaltrainshow.org/2017/ntsorlando.html . If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

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Source of information from nationaltrainshow.org

 

 

Photo Tip Series – Travel Photography

Written by: Nathan Wertheimer

The next Photo Tip Series I will be writing about is travel photography. Most people like to travel and have a great time too. What better way to remember your experience than to have a collection of personal photographs? Photos can be cherished for a lifetime.

Before heading out on out trip here are some tips. First, don’t pack all your photography gear to take with you. One only need a limited number of photography gear. I recommend bring just one camera with two lenses only. The two lenses I recommend to bring are a 28-300mm lens and a 12-24mm lens. These two lenses will help one have fun while photographing your experience. The 28-300m lens is a general purpose all around lens. Next, the 12-24mm lens is the best wide-angle lens used for close up and in very tight places. Another item to bring is either a monopod and or a tripod. This depends on the subject matter you are taking. The monopod and or tripod can be packed in your luggage bag. Another item one will want to add to your camera bag is a Speedlight flash which is great in low light situations. Please note that not all places let tourists take flash photography. Ask before photographing.

Before leaving home for your vacation, it is recommended to conduct research on the places one is visiting. Check to see what photos other people have taken. This will give you an idea what people have photograph in the past and to try to improve on there inspired images. Look for places people are not photographing it. One may have an exclusive image.

The next thing one needs to think about is how to carry your camera gear. There are a few different options. One is buy or use a plain non-discreet backpack. Many camera manufactures have their own brand labeled on their camera bags. One should not be advertising to the world what type of camera gear one owns. If you have one of these bags, I recommend removing the outside brand label. If you’re looking for a professional photographer traveler’s camera bag go to a photography retail shop and check out a large selection of camera bag. Some camera bags maybe expensive. One bag does not fit all. One must decide how much gear one wants to pack for a trip. Remember to keep it simple.

Depending on where one is traveling too, it is always best to be safe. While traveling over seas, it is recommend taping up the brand name on your camera along with the model number too. There are thieves out there looking for certain brand cameras and models. This technique will deter them. Someone might approach one on the street and they ask type of camera it is. It is suggest not to provide any information to people out on the streets you don’t know. They might be casing you. So please be on guard at all times.

When traveling thru airport and cruise port security checkpoints, Security Officers may inspect your equipment at any time. Be prepared to have your camera bag inspected and or questioned by Security. Have your camera gear organized and stood properly inside your camera bag. This will made for an easy security screening. If your taking film on board an aircraft have security hand check your film. If one lets the film go through an x-ray security machine this may cause damage to your new and or used film. It is best to read the posted sign on what items should not go through a security x-ray machine.

Do your research on local laws on where travelers are allowed to photograph. In the United States, one is allowed to photograph on public sidewalks and right of ways. When photographing on private property is it wise to get permission first from property owner and or management before photographing. When ask to leave on private property by an employee and or management obey their directive. If not, one has a chance to be trespassed by law enforcement.

When out on location these are a few techniques one can use. If your riding in the car in the passenger side, roll down your window and take photos in places where one cannot stop. This is a very good technique for downtown areas. It is not wise to shoot through the car’s glass windows because reflection will show up in your photos. Some places one will want to stop and take a better photo outside of your vehicle.

Other things that might affect your photos will be the time of day one photographs at. Most of the time, one will not have a choice on what time of the day to photograph with. For dark places, it is wise to use a Speedlight flash. Some places may not allow flash photography. This is where a tripod comes in handy. One can use a tripod for long exposures. One may want to consider using a cable release on their camera on a tripod for the long exposures.

I wish everyone happy photography to you. Thank you for reading this Photo Tip Series and check back again for more Photography Tips in the future. If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great events and places please visit us at www.otownfun.com .

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either by the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. This article may not be republished without written permission from otownfun.com. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .

 

2017 58th Annual Florida Rail Fair in Deland Preview

Written by Nathan Werthimer

Deland, FL – Many people play and collection model toy trains, railroad artifacts and railroad memorabilia. This venue is a one-stop shop on all train parts and accessories for the best prices around. This event is held on Jan 14 & 15, 2017, at the Volusia County Fairgrounds in Deland inside the Tommy Lawrence Arena. This is a family friendly place!

When driving down to the Florida Rail Fair in Deland, it is an easy drive from Orlando or Jacksonville. The Volusia County Fairgrounds is just two blocks east on State Road 44 right off of I-4. There is plenty of free parking available.

Upon walking into the Tommy Lawrence Arena, one will be greet by the event admissions staff member at the door. Once one walks thru the doors there is about 250+ tables and booths to purchase model train merchandise. There are all different brands of the model railroads from Lionel, Buchmann, and much more. Plus, there are various sizes from gauges, HO, OO, N, O, G, TT and Z.

If you already have a train set, there are plenty of accessories to add to your favorite train set at home. At home, pre-plan your train track layout on paper. Then start with a flat wood surface to build a track layout. Next, one will want too creative your own city or town. You’ll need some train tracks, buildings, vehicles, mini people, and other items. What better place to see the largest selection of merchandise for any train set.

After buying some model train merchandise, one needs to check out the large model train set located in a separate building. Most people are amazed of a few live model train sets at this venue. If you spot a Train Operator at the controls you can ask him or her all the questions you want. One might be surprised by the answers to get.

Golden Spike Enterprises produces many model train show in the Southeast and are held in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Tampa, and Deland. For more information go to www.gserr.com  If you like this article, then like it on our Otownfun WordPress account. For more great event listings please check us out at www.otownfun.com .

Photos courtesy by icflorida.com

Note: All written content and images are copy righted by either the person and or company who wrote and photograph published for this article. Any questions please contact Otownfunnow@gmail.com .