Convention 2009
Layout Tours


The tours have been set up so that that those who do not know their way around will have a chance to see as many layouts as possible by following the directions supplied. The travel times are very liberal so there is no need to race around.

If you know your way around and only wish to view your "favourite" layouts you may do so. The hosts will be at their layouts all day.



































The usual Layout Etiquette applies:

  • The "No Balls - No Entry" rule will apply on some of the layout. If there is no ball in the box, wait for someone to come out of the layout room.
  • Do not lean on the layout - I hear some layout owners are good with a stock whip.
  • Do not stand in the layout room talking to your mates about other things when there are visitors waiting to get in.
  • Do not take a tripod into the layout room - it may be inserted in a place that would prevent you sitting down comfortably.
  • Do not hog the host's time if there are others there, he will be driving some trains.
  • You are there to see the host's layout - not telling him you would have done it differently. Is your layout on the tour?
  • It is polite to ask the host if you may take photos.
  • Always sign the host's visitors book.

    • The Tours

  • Sydney Basin Tour (Monday Only) - Layouts of British and American prototype.
  • Central Coast - Mixed (Monday Only) - Layouts of Australian, British and American prototype.
  • Central Coast - Mixed (Tue & Wed Only) - Layouts of Australian, British and American prototype.
  • Newcastle & Northern Central Coast (Monday Only) Layouts of Australian, British and American prototype.
  • Newcastle & Northern Central Coast (Tue & Wed Only) Layouts of Australian, British and American prototype.
  • Central Coast - USA Only (Monday Only) - Layouts of American prototype.
  • Central Coast - USA Only (Tue & Wed Only) - Layouts American prototype.
  • New South Wales Prototype Layouts (Mon, Tue & Wed) - Layouts of Australian prototype.

    • The Sydney Basin covers the area bordered by the Hawkesbury River in the north, the Blue Mountains in the west and Campbelltown & Helensburgh in the south.

    The Central Coast is north of the Hawkesbury River. The Freeway starts 3km up the road from the Ibis Hotel. You will see all references to the Freeway as "National One" but the locals call it the "F3". GPS units also refer to it as "Highway One". As an example of distance, The Great Falls Sub is 43 minutes from the Ibis Hotel.