Join us on Saturday, January 13, at 10:00am PST for a Zoom presentation by Greg Wright of Olympia, WA on what he’s learned from a series of operating sessions on his new back yard model railroad. As usual, the meeting will open at 9:30am for meet and greet, and last until about 11:30. We will also record the meeting for the 4dPNRMovies YouTube channel.
Here is the information on how to join the meeting:
The Mount Vernon Clinic for December will be on Monday December 18 at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1411 Cleveland Street. Mark Malmkar, MMR, will be presenting a clinic on “Passenger Car Interiors.” Doors open at 6:30 for socializing. Or come to Round Table Pizza, 115 East College Way in Mount Vernon at 5:00 pm for a bite to eat. They feature pizzas, sandwiches and a salad bar. Bring a tool or material for Tool Time, and a model (in progress is encouraged) for Modeler’s Showcase. Further information: Al Carter, tabooma10@gmail.com
Rich Thom will present a “Two-Fer,” beginning with a brief description of a method he tried on his layout, “Coloring Scenery Using Alcohol-Based Solutions,” followed by the main program:
RAILS TO THE TOP OF THE WORLD Appropriate to the season, we’ll begin this journey to South America in Cuenca, Ecuador, where each Christmas Eve the children of this Andean city dazzle in the Pase del Nino—procession of the Baby Jesus. Cuenca is charming enough on its own account, but for rail enthusiasts getting there on the Cuenca Branch of the Guayaquil & Quito Railway was the real attraction: a 2-6-0 steam loco which emerged from Baldwin’s shops in 1900 was usually up front. We’ll look at the G & Q’s assault on the Andes—with gradients up to 5.6%–and the railroad’s entirely-American equipment and operations. But higher summits of the Andes were found further south in new destinations not previously shown at SV&W clinics. The best-known crossing of the mountain range was by the Central Railway of Peru, another American-built railroad which climbed from sea level near Lima to 15,694 feet at Galera in just 108 miles. For decades it was credited to be the highest railway in the world—but in fact wasn’t. It was the highest standard-gauge one, but you had to go south to the Bolivian Altiplano for the truly highest: the Potosi Branch of the Bolivian National Railways reached no less than 15,705 feet at a lonely, windswept and cold spot called Condor. The track gauge was one meter, though, and the remote branch was far more difficult to reach as well, and simply didn’t get the press of Peru’s summit. Your presenter convinced his wife that this was a “must do,” and after reaching Condor together in 1978, she never let him forget the journey, as only wives can.
This is an in-person clinic. December 13th @7PM, at the Oak Harbor Senior Center at 51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
Just in time for Christmas… an original LGB Christmas Train set, complete, about 15 years old, but unused the last 13 years, and hardly run in the first 2 years. Includes 4 additional LGB Christmas cars plus lots, and I mean lots, of extra track. Also available separately is an Aristocraft Howe Truss bridge (G scale, assembled), and also available separately are 7 G scale turnouts, two of which are “wide radius”. $300 for the train set and extra cars – that is a great deal (check eBay prices). Package deal for the set, cars, track, bridge, and turnouts is possible. Contact Al Carter at: tabooma10@gmail.com or leave a message at: 425-577-1570. I’m in Mount Vernon; prefer pickup in person or I’ll go a short distance to meet the buyer. I can’t figure out how to post photos, so if interested, I can email photos.
Jeff Moorman passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 9, 2023, in his home in Ferndale, WA. He had recently celebrated his 75th birthday.
Jeff Moorman
Jeff was a friend to many within the Fourth Division. He was the leader of the Seattle-North Clinic. He was co-leader of the Pacific Center Science Train Show for more than thirty years. He was the 2007 recipient of the 4D Golden Grab Iron Award. We will always remember Jeff with his positive attitude and vibrant personality. For the last few years, he was a member of the 4D-NTrak Modular group. Jeff was a great gentleman to all.
Jeff’s participation in the 4D began before 1990. He served as the first 4D modular program coordinator for many years. He, along with Frank Dekker, Co-Chaired the Pacific Science Center Train Show from 1998 until 2017, with his last seven years Co-Chairing with David Yaddock.
Jeff was instrumental in getting me involved in 4D initially as a volunteer at the Pacific Science Center show and then with me helping him in the Seattle-North clinic. He traveled with me to two National NMRA conventions, the last in Salt Lake City in 2019. He was always helpful in answering my many railroad questions – some more than once. We were good friends and got along well together.
Ron Hopkins who presented his beautiful On30 layout last month will share how he builds those terrific O scale structures this Friday at a joint meeting with the Olympia Clinic. Our regular Thursday meeting of the Eastside Clinic has been invited to join the Friday evening Olympiia Clinic. So, all on our Eastside list have received that notice together with the zoom link. If you do not have the link, contact me at russseg@gmail.com
Many of you know that I am a S scale narrow gauge modeler. My layout is finished and so, I have a large number of unbuilt structure and rolling stock kits I will never use. So, I am bringing them to the Boeing Swap meet this Saturday.
These kits are from manufacturers you will not normally see unless you have been working in S scale for awhile. So, now is your chance to build one of these very fine models in a scale you may have wanted to try. Build a contest model or start a small diorama as a break from what you have been doing.
The models are appropriate for any S scale layout or display, not just narrow gauge. I will even have some narrow gauge trees and vehicles. Stop by and chat for awhile and take a chance on something new, or should I say different.
Saturday is the Boeing Swap Meet. The 4th Division will have tables with many BARGAINS for sale. These are items donated to the 4D from estates of members and the public to see that many fine models will live on some layout in the area.
Thee sales have generated very important funds for the 4D. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP by manning the tables for awhile. please contact me right away.
The email to all on our Eastside list has been sent with the link to this Thursday’s meeting has been sent. If you did not receive the email, you are not on the list. if you wish to receive our notices, please email me at russseg@gmail.comor Doug Oldenburg atdouglas.oldenburg@yahoo.com
