Tidewater Big Train Operators Club
Majoring in G, 1/2, 3/8 Scales on Gauge l
2003 Holiday Show
The 10th and final Holiday Train Show at Virginia Beach Fire Station 10
went off with great fanfare from the media but much sorrow from the patrons. TBTO members, Fire Department
personnel and tree decorators started Thursday morning with bare walls and floors which by Friday afternoon
were turned into a very impressive display. Thirteen trains were running including industrial, Christmas
and Circus consists. The Monster Fire Truck was present as well as that Jolly Old Man... Santa Claus.
The trainmaster kept the equipment running flawlessly for the week. The new club Mikado got a good workout
and was impressive with the club lettering. The M & M also made an appearance one evening.
We heard many stories from patrons that had visited the display from the first year to newcomers that decided
to visit since this was the last year. Some came every evening. Many of their children had the Holiday Train
Show as one of their yearly Christmas traditions. We even had some that had missed the show by 45 minutes and
arrived during take down. They said they would come next year until we told them there was no next year at the
fire station. When we decide about next year, we know we definitely need to advertise as was shown this year.
The Fire Department public relations had an ad in the paper; the Beacon interviewed club members just when we
started setting up; the Virginian Pilot interviewed club members and took many pictures and we received several
minutes of coverage on News Channel 3 at 11.
Once again the TBTO Club can feel good about our community service display.
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TBTO 2005
