Re
iamondhead 2010 video link
Good morning, and thank you for the warm welcome.
Let me explain a little of Diamondhead's operation. First, you cannot simply walk in and run. You must register, and the registration fee, about $90 is a little steep if you want to show up with a loco and run. For the registration fee, you get quite a bit, including three large double tracks with dual gauge track on 3 tracks, a formal supervised "flea market" which did about $29k this year, a night at the movies with classic railroad related films, a very good luncheon at the Diamondhead Country Club complete with a well rehearsed brass band [all musicians are also live steamers] who this year, and for the years I've attended, received a well deserved standing ovation. At the hotel, butane, isobutane, steam oil and distilled water are all provided. Those burning coal must bring their own. Also provided are a secured dealer room, and daily, coffee and tea and a local favorite called a "King Cake" which is sweet coffee cake are served. Several clinics are provided during the week by knowledgeable volunteers. In addition, a guard service is provided from about 8:00 p.m. till 6:00 a.m. Security has been quite good during each of the years that I've attended. From hotel management, I was specifically told that they enjoyed having us attend and that anything needed was provided. The manager specifically told me that the hotel's occupancy/revenue was up substantially over prior years, and with this year's new format of a week long event, the hotel did better than expected. I'm sure I missed something, but the bottom line is if you didn't have a good time, it was your own fault. Almost a third of those attending this year have already registered and paid for next year.
Do I sound like a Diamondhead booster? Absolutely. I think everyone attending would agree with the above. Most of the accolades should go to Jerry Reshew and his crew for without their hard work, we would all have a tougher winter.
Regards,
Will
taperpin said:
Glen ,
what you cant have is people just turning up and wandering in..pre registration is a must..other wise your subject to theft[lots of valuable toys] and you cant plan for numbers etc..
also I doubt the wisdom of opening up to electric etc. its alive steam event and thats its charm , there are plenty of events for them..its a gathering of steam fiends!
gordon.
As you said, Stoneleigh is mainly a trade show with a few layouts operating during the hours of approx 10:00 - 17:00 Whereas Diamondhead is week long steam up, 24/7 running.
