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The Pines and Prairies S Scale Workshop invites all model railroaders to join us in Duluth, Minnesota July 21 - July 25 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the National Association of S Gaugers. The convention will be held at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC). This site will provide more space than is usual for NASG Conventions.

While the beginnings of the NASG started in the 1950's, it is believed that the NASG was formed in 1960 by G. Claude Wade, in conversation with other S Scalers at the NMRA National Convention in Chicago. A more detailed history of the organization can found on the NASG webpage: http://www.nasg.org/nasg-history-p1.html

Duluth, Minnesota has been chosen as the site for the 2010 NASG National Convention because of its rich heritage associated with the railroads and transportation of commodities such as lumber, iron ore, coal, grains and finished products. Situated on the most western natural harbor in the Great Lakes, and near the vast deposits of iron ore, the city and its shipping have played major roles throughout the history of the United States - no more so than during the years of World War II, when the monster Yellowstone Steam Engines thundered to the Big Lake pulling 180 car consists topped off with the rich iron ore from the Mesabi range.

There is still room (12 spaces on the bus as of 6/22/2010) for the Duluth/Superior Industrial Tour and also room on the non-rail tour to the Glensheen Mansion (5 spaces as of 6/22/2010).

There is not a passenger limit for the train ride to Two Harbors on July 23 as the North Shore Scenic Railway will simply add additional passenger cars to the consist based on the numbers. However, for planning purposes, the deadline for registration for this ride will be Wednesday, July 21. The special SOO extended vision caboose ride IS limited but still has room for 8 more travelers.

A new opportunity has been added to the Wednesday evening reception at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. Reception attendees will have the opportunity to ride a trolley to the museum's shop and take a tour of ongoing restoration work being done there. SOO Line 2719, a functional 4-6-2 pacific steam engine will be available for inspection. Dave Peterson, the driving force behind the restoration and operation of this engine will be available as a guide. We are not yet sure whether the engine will be steamed up or not.

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations, all or in part, for convention registrations, tours, vendor hall space and the banquet will be accepted through July 7, 2010. For exceptional circumstances (family emergency, job loss, etc.) after that date, please contact us.

The Iron Horse and the Iron Range" tour is now FULL. We will hold any new requests for this tour in a waiting list on an as received basis and refund at the convention registration desk as needed.

Based on requests from several potential vendors, who only want to sell, we have created a special Vendor Only Registration Opportunity. This registration category will allow vendors to setup and sell in the Exhibit hall for the three days (July 22- July 24) but not take part in any of the other convention activities. The cost will be $40 for NASG members and $50 for non-members (by NASG rules, we still need to collect the non member fee). This registration includes one 8 foot long 30 inch table. Other tables may be purchased at the convention center cost (see the registration form for table and other item cost details).

The Holiday Inn room block and NASG National Convention room rate has been extended to July 1.

There will be a registration area established at the Holiday Inn (in the main lobby near the elevators). It will be open from 5:00PM to 9:00PM on Tuesday, July 20 and 6:00AM to 8:00AM and also 2:00PM to 4:00PM Wednesday, July 21. This will facilitate the Wednesday tour which leaves the hotel at 7:00AM and also those who check into the hotel later during the day. Thursday morning the registration area will be moved to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC).

Email: Walt Jopke or Jan Jopke at ccsevents@comcast.net Phone: 952-934-5082

or write to: 6611 Countryside Drive, Eden Prairie, MN 55346