What is MINN-RAIL?
MINN-RAIL is an invitation only weekend of model railroad operations. The layout owners have done their best to establish a representative system of how they see their model railroad running if it were full size. Guests come from around the world (OK, the US and Canada) to spend the weekend running trains. If you were sent to this site because you have been invited to MINN-RAIL, that will make perfect sense. If you stumbled across this site, it probably won't make sense, but then again, you also probably haven't been invited either (sorry...).  Back to top

Sounds like fun; can I come?
Sure, if you've been invited. If not, well, as above: sorry...   Back to top

Why didn't I get all the layouts I wanted?
The registrar and his trusted assistants made every effort to get an attendee their first and/or second choice of layouts.  There are a lot of variables here: number of operators needed, when a layout is operating, folks that want or need to stay together, size of the bribe, etc..  In general, the layouts were assigned to an attendee, based on their individual requests, if at all possible with the constraints of the scheduling.  Back to top

Can I just visit a layout?
Dunno, it's up to the layout host. You really (really, really, really) should attend all sessions for which you have been assigned.  Some layouts may be open for visits.  Check the bulletin board in the hotel lobby for last-minute open houses and impromptu activities. But remember that the layout hosts are having a very long weekend, so please play nice.  Back to top

Will there be any unannounced operating sessions (Renegades)?
What?  We haven't kept you busy enough?  Well, check the bulletin board in the hotel lobby for any renegade sessions or open houses that may occur. But don't hold your breath (last MINN-RAIL we had folks passing out all over the hotel). As noted above, it's a pretty busy weekend for the layout hosts.  Back to top

To whom should I present my gripes/compliments?
Compliments should go to the Web Dude, and he will bask appropriately. Gripes can go to MINN-RAIL staff, who are not identifiable in any way, but are specially trained to look interested in what you are saying while actually working on Fermat's Last Theorem. (Which is easier than the switch job at New Ulm, believe you me!)  Back to top

Where can I find out which layouts I will be attending?
You'll be hearing from the Registrar. See related information in the question about not getting the layouts you wanted, above. (Not, of course, that you won't) (Of course, it IS possible that you may not.) (But we won't really know until we hear from you what layouts you want.) (But no guarantees, OK?) (Thanks.)  Back to top

Can I change the layouts that I get to operate?
You will be assigned the layouts that you are scheduled to operate based on your requests. As courtesy to the layout hosts, who are counting on a certain number of operators showing up, we ask that you attend the operating sessions.  If for some reason, you cannot attend a session for which you have been assigned, at least do the polite thing and let the layout host know ahead of time.  Otherwise, please attend all the sessions for which you have been assigned! Back to top

I can't make it for the weekend!  Who should I notify?
If you can't make it for the weekend or part of the weekend, please notify the Registrar AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!.  They will take your information and let the layout hosts know so that your vacancy can be filled, if possible.  Back to top

Where can I learn more about the layouts involved in MINN-RAIL?
Click on the Layouts link on the really cool links list on any page, then click on the desired layout.  Back to top

What else besides MINN-RAIL is happening that weekend?
Oh good grief. We're planning on running you ragged with operations and you want MORE? Sigh. Well, take a look at the Links page, which has information about a lot of local railroad stuff; there's the Hobby Shop List page; and of course there's The Temple of Capitalism. (There used to be a hobby shop and a train display there...but no longer.)