Although I didn't have a whole lot of time to visit the BIG Show, I did manage to spend some quality time with some of the members of the Tri-State Z-Scale Module group. The three states represented in the Z-Bend Track Module club are New York, New Jersey and Connecticut (I think!). I managed to sneak up on the unsuspecting Tri-staters by hiding behind my camera. Here are some shots of several Z Ambassadors in their natural habitat...

The Tri-State Z-Scale Club presented several modules based on the Z-Bend Track interface standard, except for the display height. The Club presents their modules at a very reasonable 36" height rather than the 50" prescribed height. My personnal opinion is that displays at public shows should be accessible to all visitors, including the handicapped and young children. Adding a step to view modules at 50" is not a good solution for wheelchair-bound visitors. I noticed quite a few wheelchairs and scooters during the day.

Cliff Travis, John Hajedorn and Vicki Travis pose proudly behind Cliff's module.

Paul Vautravers is originally from Switzerland. I enjoyed sharing tall tales with him in French, much to the bewilderment of Paul's Tri-State companions.

Vicki Travis started this module three weeks before the show. She used Micro-Trains Line flex track and several Miller Engineering etched-brass "Victorian" house kits as well as Gazeebo, church and station kits. Her kit building and painting talent is obvious. The Micro-Trains GP35 in Chessie colors is pulling a 5-car cut of MTL two-bay hoppers.

Vick Travis did a terrific job putting together this Amish farm scene. She used a Miller Engineering barn, Nansen Street Models farmhouse and garage and a Shire Scenes wind pump. The horse and Amish buggy are also from Shire Scenes.

Vicki showed me some of her favorite details on the module. This trout pond makes a very attractive scene.

Cliff Travis built a busy module that put a Nansen Street Models sawmill to good use.

Vicki Travis insisted that I take a photo of this rock cut carved from extruded styrofoam and then painted and weathered. It is not difficult to create believable scenery elements using basic tools and acrylic paints.

The Tri-State Z-Scalers plan to return to the Amherst Railway Society BIG Train Show in 2008. They are looking for new members to build several modules so that they can take full advantage of the space the show organisers have offered them. Thanks for a great show, Z Ambassadors! See you next year.

Best regards,
Jeffrey