Second Annual Frisco Convention Registration is Open - INFO UPDATE!

[friscomike]

Howdy folks,

The Second Annual Frisco Convention will be hosted at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Kansas City-Overland Park, 12601 West 95th Street. Lenexa, KS 66215 Phone # 913-217-1000 on the 11th and 12th of September.

The convention committee published the convention schedule and registration form, which are attached. Please complete the registration form and mail it to Richard Napper (address on the form) as soon as possible. The clinic topics will be announced soon, and we'll post them here.

Please spread the word and tell your friends. You won't be disappointed in the convention, it promises to be a highlight of the year and an event you won't want to miss. Here is the agenda:

Best regards,
mike

[Rick McClellan]

Hello Frisco Fans Everywhere,

We will be looking for you this September 11 and 12 in Kansas City for the Second Annual Frisco Convention. We have a lot in store for you including

1. A strong list of clinics and presenters.
2. Slides, slides and more slides !!!!!
3. A HO scale operating session on the Frisco Northern Division (Limited to the first 15 preregistrants)
4. A non-rail excursion to some great KC area shopping areas. There is no registration fee for this activity and driving to the shopping areas will be with your vehicles. Please bring your spouse and make a weekend of it!
5. A train ride in Belton on the old Frisco High Line (extra fare)

HOTEL

Our price of $72/night double or single is good through AUGUST 27. After August 28 the rate will go to $80 for a single King and $88 for 2 double beds. In order to get our meeting space free, we need to get as many Frisco fans possible to book rooms to avoid any penalty.

[friscomike]

Howdy folks,

Here is a Crowne Plaza hotel registration link that will automatically give you the Frisco Convention discount: https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=2590649&eve

Thanks to Richard Napper for sharing the link.

Hope to see you there,
mike

[rcmck]

We are five weeks out, and counting them down, 'til THE Convention -

My name is Bob McKeighan - live just a stone's throw from the Frisco, in Lenexa, Kansas - location of the upcoming 2nd Annual Frisco Convention. As a matter of fact, how lucky could I get? I live three blocks south of the hotel! I think you'll like the facilities.

In general, I believe you'll really enjoy this opportunity - if you're thinking about attending, or have already registered to attend. This is a great venue, which you probably know, as the Frisco had a large presence in the Kansas City area. The weekend is full of activities, as you've probably looked at the attached schedule.

As a member of the Convention Planning Team, my task has been to organize the clinics for that Saturday. There is also an attached clinic schedule at the bottom of Mike's post that details the times and topics.

This year's clinics are diversified, with a good variety of "How To's" and presentations. If you have considered attending this year, I hope these clinics will sway you toward registration.

The first two clinics will deal with the prototype Frisco. The Frisco "Highline" has had a lot of recent post activity on this web-site, for a lot of reasons. If you decide to take the train ride, on Sunday in Belton, you'll be traveling down a portion of this very piece of the Frisco. Also in this opening time slot, a presentation on "show trains" should be interesting, as well. Many of us in this area recall the Ringling Bros. trains parked down in the West Bottoms of K.C.

From the prototype, at 10:00, we'll have clinics on operating sessions, another hot topic, and decoder installation - a popular topic in the model railroading world, as well. After lunch, at 1:00 p.m., we'll continue the modeling topics of Frisco F-7A conversion and how to take a layout from concept to an operating reality.

Finally, at 2:00, our Website Manager, Mike Corley, will give a presentation of the evolution of Frisco.org and facilitate a discussion about its future and answer any questions you might have. Mike is anxious to hear your input!

I hope that our selection of clinics will be of interest to you, and hopefully you will register your attendance at the convention. In my past experiences, yours most likely too, the activities and events at model train conventions and meets are fun, especially if there are presentations that will enrich our experience as train freaks!

If you are teetering on whether, or not, to attend, I sincerely hope that you can be swayed to be there. As I reflect on my First Annual Frisco Convention, last year in Pittsburg, it was a lot of fun, a lot of new acquaintances, and something to look forward to again this year.

Hope to see you there!

Bob McKeighan
Lenexa, KS

[tmfrisco]

Bob, I am looking forward to being there as two of the topics are exactly what I need: 1. decoder installation and 2. taking a layout from concept to reality. If I get nothing else out of the weekend, this will be worth it all. I am also looking forward to putting faces to the handles:confused: we use here. See you there, Terry

[rcmck]

We're looking forward to seeing you Terry! Thank you for the endorsement of the clinics. It's great to see folks who are excited about this event!

There is a lot of other fun stuff, besides the clinics too. This will be a lot of fun. On the eve of the convention, it will kind of be like when I was a little kid: "what, go to sleep on Christmas Eve - no way!"

How about everyone else out in the great Frisco nation? Can we count on you to highball to Lenexa in September?

:)

[klrwhizkid]

ANOTHER TEASER!

If you are trying to plan a model railroad layout, where do you go for information?
What resources are available to you?
What kind of information is readily available?
What tools can help me plan my layout?
What is the easiest construction technique?
What is the fastest way to lay reliable trackwork?
What do I need to wire the layout for DCC?
What is the best way to ensure reliable operation?

Come to my clinic at 1:00 on Saturday, September 11 and you will find answers to these and many more questions!

[tmfrisco]

Keith, you have hit the nail squarely on the head for me on this topic. I am looking forward to this session with great anticipation as you mentioned every question I have had in my mind. See you in Sept. Terry

[Rick McClellan]

Operating Session On The Frisco Northern Division

One of the activities that we have planned for the Second Annual Frisco Convention is an operating session on The Frisco Northern Division. The operating session will be limited to the first 15 registrants who indicate they want to operate. The session will be on Friday September 10 at 7 pm at my house (7165 Mize Road, Shawnee, KS 66227).

My normal crew size is 8 so this will be a bigger crowd with my intention being to expose operations to as many newcomers as possible. I want everyone to get a feel for the wireless command control system (Digitrax), the car card forwarding system, the phone system, etc. We will have to divide the work up some among the crew members but I think everyone will be accomodating. I will have some experienced local operators here (Keith Robinson, Mark Davidson, etc) on hand to answer questions and keep things rolling.

I have included some photos of a recent operating session courtesy of Ron Williams of Springfield. It is going to be fun and I look forward to operating with you. The first photo shows Louis Griesemer at Rosedale blocking a southbound. The second pic is Mike Peters (katyslug) taking full advantage of the MKT trackage rights on the Frisco taking a southbound to Paola and on to Parsons. The third picture is Ray Wells getting an outbound transfer ready for one of the many connecting roads in KC. The fourth photo is Ron White classing cars at Ft Scott. Dan Batson is having way too much fun spotting cars at Wolfermans Grocery on the Hill. The last pic is Keith Robinson cutting his power at 19th St Yard in prep to tie up at the engine facility.

If you have not completed your registration and/or your hotel registration please do so as soon as possible. We plan on having morning and afternoon refreshments and will need to get the headcount to do that. If you want to make your hotel reservation on line, here is the link

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=2590649&utm_source=2104&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3316455

[Rick McClellan]

Adding some additional photos courtesy of Matt Freix. This second section shows the north bound train 130 (Tulsa - KC) at Ft Scott, Fontana and Paola. We should have more scenery in place before you arrive on Sept 10.

Looking forward to seeing you at the convention so register today !!!!!

Please check this thread often for convention updates and photos.

[friscomike]

Howdy,

Here is a map forwarded by Richard Napper that details directions to Rick's house. Those of you who are operating there on the Friday evening of the convention may find it useful.

Best regards,
mike

[MFreix]

I'm looking forward to meeting everyone, and helping out at Rick's on Friday night - I think I am going to take a stab at dispatching. Unfortunately, I'll only be able to meet the folks that attend the operating session as we have guests in town over the weekend, and I won't be able to attend the other events.

I really hope everyone who can takes advantage of the chance to operate on this great (and huge!) layout. It's a very laid back atmosphere and fun for both the experienced, and novice operators.

Post some more of the pics Rick. I really liked some of the Lenexa shots!

-Matt Freix

[friscofriend]

I have just verified that the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Red Unit (they have two railroad units, Red & Blue) will actually be playing the Sprint Center on the weekend of the Convention. It has been parked in years past in the old 19th Street yard which besides Union Station is the closest to downtown. For those interested they carry their own bus on the train to transport performers and workers back and forth.

I may be able to make some contacts and get us a tour or something in connection with dinner at Rosedale BBQ on Saturday night. There isn't alot to see inside the cars as they are all private sleepers except the pie car (diner) and possibly the train maintenence car which to the outsider are somewhat cool and worth getting into. What would be nice is to be able to get closer to the train than the RR detectives would normally allow. Maybe have one of the train personnel talk logistics to us.

If I can arrange this, what does everybody think?

Of course you would have to attend my clinic that morning to get a pass. Just Kidding!

[Rick McClellan]

Non-Rail Activity - September 11, 2010

Ladies not attending the Second Annual Frisco Convention are cordially invited to join Elise Robinson, Sharon Davidson and myself for a day of shopping and fun in Atchison Kansas and the Plaza in Kansas City.

We will depart from the hotel at 9 am and will return by 9 pm. Please plan to meet at 8:30am at the Convention registration desk.

Here are our two destinations for the day.

1. Nell Hill's in Atchison Kansas. The Fall Special Event - Open House will be underway. You will find new seasonal accents and accessories for the home. Also, the historic home of Mary Carol Garrity the founder of Nell Hill's will be open for viewing. Please go to www.nellhills.com for more information. Additional shopping is available in the area. We will plan to eat lunch in Atchison.
2. Mid afternoon we will travel to the Country Club Plaza, Kansas City Missouri for shopping and dinner. For more information on the Plaza go to www.countryclubplaza.com

We plan to carpool to the locations. Elise and I will provide two autos for the day. If a third is needed, we would appreciate a volunteer from the group.

Please note that there is no charge for this activity. Each person is responsible for meals and shopping.

If you prefer only one of the locations you are welcome to drive separately.

My email is jomcclellan77@yahoo.com if you have any questions before the Convention. If you plan on attending please email me and provide your cell number by September 8.

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you in September rain or shine.

Jo McClellan
913-638-6518

[qla1975]

Richard has confirmed that he has my registration and fee, and that I'm the 12th person on the Frisco Northern Division's 15-person crew. I can't wait for the opportunity to visit Rick and his layout, and encourage those of you who haven't done so to turn in your applications & join us that weekend.

[Coonskin]

Okay, just a reminder it's OFFICIAL: The other fella' that had scheduled first to be OFF for Sept 17th has changed his plans so it's now MINE.

THUS...

I will be able to attend the operating session in addition to the festivities over the weekend.

NOW...

What do I need to do? Which of the pdf's below is the one I need to download in order to register?

LASTLY...

I'm thinking about bringing my V scale layout (i.e. my computer system) with me and setting up a display at the Frisco Folks Gathering... anybody think they would enjoy trying their hand at running a Frisco F unit via computer simulation?

(If you'd like to see what some pics of V scale Frisco F's... click the link below and scroll to the bottom of the thread to the pics I posted there!)

http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?t=2582

Andre Ming

[klrwhizkid]

Andre: the registration form is the first one on the list in the #1 post of this announcement. Fill it out and send your fee to the address on the form - don't forget to check the box to operate at Rick's.

Bring your VScale "layout" we'll find a spot for you.

Be sure and click the link on Post #3 to the hotel to get the discounted room rate.

We all look forward to seeing you again this year.

[Rick McClellan]

Andre,

Please tell you wife about the non-rail activity (a few posts earlier), she might be interested . . .

[friscomike]

Howdy Folks,

For all of you that preregister for the KC Frisco Convention, Ken Wulfert
has been kind enough to give us permission to reproduce the above four
Frisco note pads. One them will be included in your packet if you register
for the KC Frisco Convention before 1 September 2010. Again our thanks to Ken for this kind gesture.

Posted on behalf of Richard Napper.

Best regards,
mike

[meteor910]

Ah, but Richard Napper is doing all the work on the note pad project. Equal, or really more, thanks should go to him. All I did was to provide a few examples from my Frisco note pad collection that I started in Rolla years ago.

I am really sad I will miss attending the convention. We have had a family trip across the waters planned for many months that will force me to be elsewhere.

Ken

[klrwhizkid]

DOOR PRIZES! DOOR PRIZES! DOOR PRIZES!
We have a number of manufacturers/hobby shops that have already responded with nice DOOR PRIZES!
On that list are, to name a few; Athearn, Walthers, Kadee, Woodland Scenics, Show-Me Model Railroad Company, and others!
Some of these DOOR PRIZES will be awarded throughout the morning and early afternoon on Saturday, the 11th - the balance (the really good ones, LOL) will be awarded during slide night that evening.
So don't miss out on your opportunity to win a nice DOOR PRIZE, register now and attend!

[friscomike]

On behalf of Richard Napper:

If you are interested in the Frisco operations in KC in the bottoms, then I have the map for you. I have made available a 1948 KCT map of Kansas City. It shows all railroads in the KC area including their yards, roundhouses, and all freight houses in the west bottoms. Reprints of it will be on sale at the KC Frisco Convention for only $10.00.


Best regards,
Mike Corley

[Rick McClellan]

A reminder of the hotel reservation process.

PHONE RESERVATIONS

Group Reservation - 888-233-9527 Ask for the Frisco Railway Historical and Modeling Group rate of $72/night

If you call the hotel directly (913-217-1000), ask for "Group Reservations" and they will forward you to the Group Reservation Group (888-233-9527) where you will ask for the Frisco Railway Historical and Modeling Group rate. The hotel staff will not be able to take reservations.


WEB RESERVATIONS

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=2590649

Both phone and web reservations will be at the $72 rate until Sept 7 (date was extended) for either two double beds or a King. There may be a limit on the number of rooms available with a King so I encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.

Thank you and I look forward to seeing you in September.

[Friscotony]

Reservations are made. Looking forward to the show. Will there be any vendors present such as Oddball decals, etc???

[tmfrisco]

On behalf of Richard Napper:

If you are interested in the Frisco operations in KC in the bottoms, then I have the map for you. I have made available a 1948 KCT map of Kansas City. It shows all railroads in the KC area including their yards, roundhouses, and all freight houses in the west bottoms. It will be on sale at the KC Frisco Convention for only $10.00.


Best regards,
Mike Corley
Mike, Will there be several copies available, or are you talking about an original only? I am very interested in it either way, Terry

[yardmaster]

I am really sad I will miss attending the convention. We have had a family trip across the waters planned for many months that will force me to be elsewhere.
Ken

Sigh.

I'm still catching up after 2+ weeks of vacation out east...

I'll echo Ken's sadness. Between school starting up (elementary for the kids and Mizzou for my wife) and the process of new-house hunting, I just don't think it's going to work.

If it does, it will be a "game day decision." Mike, Rick, et. al., will there be options for "admission at the door" if the planets all align in my favor?

Best Regards,

[friscomike]

Mike, Will there be several copies available, or are you talking about an original only? I am very interested in it either way, Terry

Howdy,

I'll defer that to Richard Napper. His email is: Richard E. Napper [renapper@centurylink.net].

Best,
mike

There will be reprints available. (klrwhizkid)

[mark]

Terry,

The maps have been scanned electronically, printed and will be available at the meet. Richard has retained the original.

Chris,

We all understand the constraints of family and other responsibilities. You will be able to walk up and register the day of the event.

That said, this is an event that Frisco fans should not miss. The idea and information exchanges are priceless. There is nothing like making new personal connections with Frisco Folks. There are opportunities to work on a large operating model railroad, enjoy the swap tables of Frisco stuff, participate in clinics, share your views on the future of this Frisco site and organization, see some great prototype Frisco locations, view and share slides and ride a train on a Frisco prototype line. Spouses are welcome and there is a fun day of activities planed for them. Also, at this time it has not been determined if, where or when another Frisco event will be held.

The inability to preregister results in an additional expense for the registrant. They also miss out on some special items reserved for those who register early. In addition, you will not benefit from the lower hotel room rate if you do not book reservations early. So don't miss out, save money and register now!

By the way, did I mention there is great food in Kansas City, including a planned trip to Rosedale Bar-B-Que!

Hope this helps.

Thanks!

Mark

[klrwhizkid]

Anyone who at first thought they would not be able to, but finds they can attend after all, even at the last minute, will be welcome and can register at the door.

[Rick McClellan]

FRIENDLY REMINDER

You have 2 days left to book your room for the Frisco Railway Historical and Modeling Group at the group rate of $72/night. After Sept 7 the rate will go up to $80/night.


A reminder of the hotel reservation process.

PHONE RESERVATIONS

Group Reservation - 888-233-9527 Ask for the Frisco Railway Historical and Modeling Group rate of $72/night

If you call the hotel directly (913-217-1000), ask for "Group Reservations" and they will forward you to the Group Reservation Group (888-233-9527) where you will ask for the Frisco Railway Historical and Modeling Group rate. The hotel staff will not be able to take reservations.


WEB RESERVATIONS

https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do...ventID=2590649 (https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=2590649)

Both phone and web reservations will be at the $72 rate until Sept 7 (date was extended) for either two double beds or a King. There may be a limit on the number of rooms available with a King so I encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible.


See you at the meet !

[friscomike]

Howdy Folks,

Richard Napper tells me there are two spots available for operating on Rick's layout Friday night. Please contact Richard if you are interested.

First come, first served.

Best regards,
mike

[Coonskin]

I don't know where the screw up was/is... but I was under the understanding the Frisco convention weekend was 17-20. That was the time I have marked off.

If it is next weekend I'm out. I have to run a passenger train. No way to get things changed.

:(


Andre Ming

[Rick McClellan]

Non-Rail Activity – September 11, 2010
Just a reminder, the Frisco Convention includes an all day event for the ladies on Saturday. Gentlemen, please pass the message below on to your spouse/guest planning to attend the Non-Rail Activity.

Please contact Jo McClellan by Wednesday, September 8, via email jomcclellan77@yahoo.com (jomcclellan77@yahoo.com) to advise you plan to participate and provide your contact information (name and cell number). On Saturday, we will have a consolidated list of participants and name tags to assist you.

Logistics: We will depart from the hotel at 9am and will return by 9pm. Please plan to meet at the Convention registration desk at 8:30am. We look forward to meeting you.

Please refer to the early August posting to the Frisco website for the Non-Rail detailed agenda for Saturday.

If you have questions, please include in your email.

Thank you,
Jo McClellan
913-638-6518

[friscomike]

Howdy folks,


Bring your models for display to the KC Frisco Convention. We will not have a contest, but there will be a table set up in the swap meet room for you to display your Frisco Models. It can be structures, rolling stock, locomotives, bridges; just about anything you want to display that you have modeled that is Frisco!


See you there,
Mike


on behalf of Richard Napper