Six tips for hosting an open house

You’re layout is (mostly) complete, or maybe you’ve set up a temporary or holiday display. Perhaps you’d like to host an open house to share your layout. Now what? Don’t worry–we’ve got you covered with this list of things to consider before scheduling your first open house.

Tidy up

Take some time to clean or straighten up before guests arrive. Model railroad hobbyist Arlan Tietel suggests not only cleaning the inside of your house, but around the outside as well. (Read more in his article.)

Recruit some helpers

Don’t feel like you have to handle an open house on your own. The proverb of “many hands make light work” is true. Ask a few friends or family members for help. You might have a helper run your trains so you can socialize and answer questions. If your layout is located in a basement or tucked away area, someone who can point guests where to go would be a good idea.

Clean your track

This might go without saying, but clean track is more reliable than dirty track. Take the time to clean the rails, and while you’re at it, inspect all trackwork and make sure it’s in good condition before any event. Jenny Freeland shares an easy way to clean track in this basics video.

Test and prepare your equipment

Select the locomotives and rolling stock you wish to run ahead of time. Choose your best-running, most reliable equipment. Give all of your equipment a visual inspection to make sure it’s ready to run. Make necessary repairs ahead of time (an open house is not a good time to replace traction tires). If you come across a problem you can’t solve, visit our Repair & Restoration section to learn more.

Have backup equipment ready

Even the most reliable locomotives can fail or develop a problem. Have some extra equipment on hand in case you need to swap something out.

Have a guest book

open guestbook with signatures and notes — Guest books are a great way to learn who visited your railroad, and to get their thoughts on what you’ve created in the backyard. This one is from Marc Horovitz’s Ogden Botanical Railway. Marc Horovitz photo

The first time I saw a guest book was many years ago at a garden railway convention. Most railroads had a table near the entrance where guests could sign their name, address, and location in the book, and often a space for comments. In a time where most everything is digital, a printed guest book is a nice touch.

Spread the word

It’s easier than ever to promote an open house. Share details on social media, craigslist, and spread the word with friends and family. Don’t forget places like Meetup.com as well as physical bulletin boards in libraries and community centers.