Jim Sabol

24 happy and suntanned modelers gathered at the home of Keith and Gayle Newsom inWest Olympia for the first Olympia Clinic of the season. Many arrived early to ride on Keith’s outdoor railroad.

Jim Younkins (N scale), Dale Kraus (HO scale), and Jim Sabol (O scale) gave clinics demonstrating locomotive care and maintenance. Each took a slightly different view but together comprised a comprehensive look at techniques for improving locomotive performance, from using jewelers’ rouge to lap in gears for a perfect fit, to rapidly cleaning wheels with a brush and denatured (important!) alcohol.

A surprise extra agenda item was the awarding of the 4th Division 2012 Golden Grabiron Service Award to Scott Buckley, longtime organizer of the Olympia clinics, frequently hosted at his own home. Although taken by surprise, all the attendees agreed with the committee’s selection that Scott was richly deserving of the award. We are proud to see one of our own so recognized.

Jim Younkins won the most popular model vote with his N scale train. Everyone present won a door prize. “Itza muracle!” said Brian Ferris.

October’s meeting will be at Robert Grove’s home where the clinic topic will be: plasterless, messless, dripless clothshell scenery. We’ll have the light on for you!