2012 Gatlinburg Convention
This convention will be the first SER's convention in the heart of both Tennessee's and the National Park Service's premier visitor's area. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the convention site is right at the north entrance to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Within an hours drive is Pigeon Forge and Dollywood, Townsend, Knoxville, Cherokee and of course all of the Smoky Mountain National Park.
You will have ample time before, after and during the convention for you to enjoy Gatlinburg's shops, arts and crafts driving tour, outstanding restaurants or just relax. Plan to attend now and you will see why we say - "Arrive Early - Stay Late". Enjoy your journey through our site and we will see you at the convention.
Convention Information Contacts
Home Layout Tours
Ten home and club layouts have been identified for tours. Because Gatlinburg is in a remote place and travel to and from can take time, all layout tours have been scheduled for Sunday after the convention is over when you can stop by on your way home or just enjoy the day if you are staying over for a little vacation. Descriptions and maps are in your registration package. All layouts will be open from 10 am to 3 pm Sunday.
A New Model Contest You Might Want To Enter At This Year's Convention
Because no two modelers will build the same model exactly the same, this competition will allow you express your own creative abilities. There are no restrictions to style, type or materials used in building the model. It can be built to scale and prototype, or not, so it can be used on your layout after the contest.
THE RULES
1. The structure can be built in any scale, but must adhere to the basic dimensions shown in the plan.
Clinic Descriptions
Pulp & Paper Industry: Railroads Supplying the Mills
by Walt Liles(Friday, 3 pm, Azalea)
Will take a look at the variety of railcars used to transport pulpwood, woodchips and other raw materials. Most of the presentation will consist of southeastern railroads and how they got raw material to the paper mills. We will also will be discussing some of the paper making processing so you get a better understanding the need of the raw materials.
Modeling Slate Roofs
Sidetracks Non-rail Activities
Sidetracks Non-rail Activities
Highlander 2 Room
Friday, June 1
10:30 am Clinic: Simple Karate Moves for Self Defense – Gail Scarborough
2:00 pm Clinic: Jewelry Making for Beginners – Kelly Nichols
7:00 pm Special Presentation
“Quilt Authenication” by Merikay Waldvogel
Clinic Schedule
2012 SER CONVENTION CLINIC SCHEDULE
|
FRIDAY SCHEDULE June 1 |
DOGWOOD 1 80 Seats |
AZALEA 125 Seats |
HIGHLANDER 2 25 Seats |
Prototype Tour Information
Dollywood Engine Facilities & Operations
Dollywood, one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, operates a tourist train that carries up to 600 passengers on a twenty minute dog-bone round trip excursion through the park and the surrounding wooded hills that includes a 6% grade. The park maintains two 2-8-2 narrow-gauge locomotives that were obtained from the White Pass & Yukon Railr
Registration
See the attached registration form. The deadline for early registration is May 1, 2012
The convention hotel for the 2012 Convention is the Glenstone Lodge. Please make your reservations directly and ask for the model railroad convention rate of $75/night. Rate is good three days before and after convention dates. Phone: 1-800-362-9522 Web Site: www.glenstonelodge.com
Contest/Display Room
Contest Theme: Logging
The Contest/Display Room will be combined and held in the Dogwood Two Room. This means the display portion will be closed when the entries are being judged.
Friday, June 1
8:00 am – Room open for contestants to place models
10:00 am – Room open for attendee visits
5:00 pm – Room closes
Saturday, June 2
8:00 am – Room opens for attendee visits
9:00 am – Room closes for judging
9:00 pm – Room open for attendee visits
10:00 pm – Room closes, contestants pick up models
Lodging
Lodging and convention venues will be at the Glenstone Lodge in downtown Gatlinburg. Information will be posted as it is finalized. Rates will be $75 + tax per night. These rates will be in effect until May 1, 2012. After that the rate will be available only on room availability.
The rate will be in effect for 3 days before and after the convention for those who wish to spend additional time in Gatlinburg.
Schedule of Events
Check back often to see the updated schedule of events in Gatlinburg.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
| 4:00 pm | Registration Open (Lobby) |
| 5:00 – 6:30 pm | Welcome Reception (Azalea) |
Friday, June 1, 2012
