I'm relatively new here, but as I've made my way around the different discussion areas and read through many of the threads, I have noticed that many of the members of this forum have a GERN Industries on their layout ... usually a sizeable structure or structures - always a prominent switching location.

I believe I've seen GERN referred to as related to fertilizer ... and beer ... and ... ... but try as I might, I've been unable to figure it out.

So, O.K., I'll bite. I must be getting old, because if there's a joke here ... I don't get it. Please, the suspense is giving me hives!

So ... What is GERN Industries? What do they produce?

biL

I'm not the expert on where GERN came from (or where it's going), but as I understand it, GERN Industries is a fictional company that makes a product called Flux that goes into or can be used with just about anything. Some of the posters and advertisements you've probably seen are so well done, you'd swear this was a real company marketing a real product. I know there's some GERN experts here who can fill in the details. I wouldn't be a bit surprised to discover a GERN representative on your layout right now who is scouting for a spot for a GERN production facility. The company usually needs rail service, normally requiring tank, hopper, and boxcar service.

GERN Inc. is in the final stages of reclaiming an older factory in the western town on my layout. No one is saying for sure what product is going to be produced, but the guys working on the build think it is related to the aerospace industry. The whole thing is still on a "need to know" basis, so I don't have a clue how the building is going to turn out. Rail cars regularly visit the site, bringing needed supplies, while parts and components are added to the outside structure to modernize the older building. So far, the construction has brought much needed jobs and increased rail service though, so it's a welcomed addition.

You're right - you're missing it.. "GERN" is the joke.......

Anyone can join in - any structure with any product.. You MUST include, in the description of the product that GERN FLUX makes a product "3%" something... Flux helps Coal burn 3% cleaner, helps Grass grow 3% slower, Flux turns grass 3% greener etc...... Doctowayne explains the origin here:

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Do a search (at very top of page) for gern... there are lots of pics and products!!

and in the Industries forum:

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So the inside joke you were looking for technically doesn't exist, it's the industry itself that is the "fun"....

Also, there are numerous "Gauge Crates" on layouts...

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numerous boxes and crates from our last board we were members of.. a few of us have them on our layouts as scenery or on cars.

Let us not forget machinery that GERN needs for production.
GERN Flux Roaster. 3% more efficient than any other flux roaster maker.
[attachment=4956]

Little secret....This was made using empty printer cartridges.

And the plant manager gets only 3% of the required funding for real estate maintenance :evil:

All you need to know, biL, is that "if it's GERN, it's Good".

Our business representative will be in touch with you shortly.

Charles (Cookie) Gibson

I'm half tempted to make my (future) lumber industry GERN owned

Just remember that any GERN industry requires 3% more layout space and 3% more electricity to operate. 8-)

Bil, here's a photo of GERN Industries Limited, Texas Division. I must say that the interaction with DocWayne and his graciousness to share his ideas and creation with the me is my fondest model railroad memory. Now, one of these days, I'll finish the scenery!

Oh... since the old layout got moved to the new building, I actually have to add onto the backs of the buildings on the right side of the complex. I had to make the shelf deeper there because of the coved corner. I'm actually looking forward to more construction on the GERN Industries buildings!

Oh... it would be very cool if all the folks with GERN on their layouts could post a GERN photo here.

MountainMan Wrote:Just remember that any GERN industry requires 3% more layout space and 3% more electricity to operate. 8-)

NO - Gern Flux is energy efficient!!! 3% LESS electricity

the space is accurate - yes, 3% more space!!!

With GERN, can't you fit 3% more industry into the same space?

Gary S Wrote:...Oh... it would be very cool if all the folks with GERN on their layouts could post a GERN photo here.

Here we go


This is my last posting for some time. We will go to the red sea for the next weeks tomorrow. My wife will snorkel and I will scuba dive. Temperatures will be in the 90°s, water is about 80°

Reinhard, have a great trip. Looking forward to your return. And still love your GERN facility.

Here's mine...Gern Cement Flux Division of the Hudson Valley...which cures cement 3% faster and harder. Have a good trip Reinhard! I'll be gone or a week this week as well. We'll be in Greece!



Ralph