So... I want to make the display look great. Too many people make overly complicated displays. If that's your thing, then good for you. I over engineer, so it wont be complicated, and I can easily fix things if they break at the train show. Rule No.1 of 1 of Military School/Life: "no plan survives first contact with the enemy." This way I make it easy to fix problems and layout operations on myself. Easy work makes people on vacation happy. I have to lug this around on what is a future vacation, so I want to make it easy on me. If it breaks at the show, I want to be able to fix the problem fast with the small amount of tools in my pocket, or train box. The 2 modules will fit together on top of a folding table which is rated for two times the layouts weight. To bring in everything should be 2 trips to the car for 2 people. Trip one I push (on a dolly I keep in my car) or carry module 1 inside, while the Mrs. carries the display sign in its shoulder sling, and the folding table. It is very strong, but can still be carried in one hand. The second trip I do the same for module 2, and the Mrs. carries in the small train box, and a cold drink for me. That was her great idea as she said "you will be shifting all the heavy stuff." Folding chairs are optional. The train box also holds the NCE Power Cab throttle/plug, plus 2 more plugs to power the lights. That's right, only 1 plug to operate, or 3 plugs to look amazing. I will also carry a strip plug, just in case their is only one plug available.
Both Modules set up on top of a folding table. The trains are stored and transported in a special box that is foam lined just for them. The display sign is pictured left. The picture above is not to scale. I am poor and paint is free. Please show mercy.
Handouts are fun as gifts. Were had 4 old 1880-1900 photographs illustrated as postcards on Fiverr to turn into our own postcards. You can see them at the bottom of our home page. We had them printed by Vista Print. Which is where we had the display banner printed. We are also having them print out flyers for us. Free versions of blank tickets were taken from the internet and reworked to be filled out and given to kids who visit the layout.