Author: Al Babinsky

by Al Babinsky

This month clinic was opened by Al Babinsky filling in for MMR Gene Swanson who was still out due to his knee replacement surgery. The clinic was held at the Parkland fire station due to a scheduling conflict at our normal location. There were 36 modelers including a newcomer in attendance. Chip from the TNW made an announcement about their car that would on sale at their upcoming show on May 19 and 20. It was also announced that there would be a Spring Model Show in Renton.

Bill Deutscher from Tacoma Trains was a no-show and we did not have a What’s New at the Hobby Shop. Since Herb Buhl was in the hospital we had to ad lip the Model of the Month segment. The models were assigned numbers and slips of paper were passed out to all present with the instructions to write the number of their model of choice on the slip and their name on the other side for the door prize drawing.

After the break Steve Young presented his continuing clinic of progress on the construction of the narrow gauge live steam Northern. He brought the three axle tender truck along with axles, wheels, and the roll of spring steel for the springs. He showed us how the truck was constructed and how the springs would be mounted. Steve will be back next year with another segment of the ongoing construction.

For the first time that I can remember we had a draw in the model of the month category. Dennis Reeve and Diane Krause tied with their models. Dennis had a set of kit-bashed N-scale log trucks and Diane a Farm silo and shed. After the door prize drawing the clinic was adjourned. Next month clinic will be on April 12 at our usual place in the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg. on the corner of 112^th Street and Waller road, hope to see all of you there.

by Al Babinsky

The clinic was opened by Al Babinsky, filling in for MMR Gene Swanson who is recuperating from his knee replacement surgery; he is expected to be back home in about a week.

We had 42 modelers present including two newcomers who were getting back into the hobby. Leo reported that he had about 400.00 Dollars in the food drive account that were collected since last December. Bill Deutscher from Tacoma Trains presented What’s New at the Hobby Shop which included a church from Woodland scenic, a Kato N scale Amtrak set, a number of freight cars and vehicles from various manufacturers.

The Bring and Brag (Model of the Month) had a number of items, a  rebuild industrial structure using styrene instead of the original cardboard, a plastic trestle originally straight converted into a curved trestle, a Bachmann DCC equipped GE 44 Ton switcher decaled for the NP # 98 which was stationed in south Tacoma, a diorama that include a locomotive and two cars that were weathered using oils and weathering powders. The winner was the diorama by Kevin Kletke.

For the tip of the month, it was suggested that a paint pen is a good way to paint handrails on rolling stock.

After the break Jim Sabol as presenter of the clinic surprised us with a subject that was about a far away from model railroading as you can get. He brought a WW II veteran of the Navy submarine service, Quartermaster 2^nd Class Bart Bartell, to talk to us about his adventures on board the submarines he served on. Some very interesting duties and assignments. Many questions were asked and
it was very informative.

Due to some scheduling conflicts next month clinic will be held in a different location, the address is 100 E 114^th Street, Parkland. This location is a fire station with limited parking, please carpool if you can. Here are direction on how to get there; if you’re coming from the Puyallup area use Hwy 512 take the Pacific Ave exit, turn right on Pacific Ave and go to 112^th Street take a left on 112^th Street and go one block to ”A” Street, take a right on “A” Street and go to E 114^th Street. The station is on the corner on right side. If you’re coming from I-5 use Hwy 512 and take the Pacific Ave exit, take a left on Pacific Ave and go to E 114^th Street, take a left on E 114^th Street and go to “A” Street, the station is on the right hand side on the corner.

The clinic will start at 7:30 PM and our clinician will be Steve Young to report on the progress on his 4-8-4 Northern live steam locomotive. Come and joins us and bring your friend or significant other, see you there.

By Al Babinsky, Photos by Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the clinic and wished all a Happy New Year. There were 49 attendees and no newcomers. Several announcements were made about the Science Center Show this weekend and that the PNR nominations committee is looking for volunteers. Dave Fausette, the nominating committee chair, is seeking nominees for both President and Vice-President. 4D Superintendent Ken Liesse is also seeking nominees for positions in the 4th Division. Jim Sabol who suggested that whoever stopped at Tacoma Trains put some money in a can in order to purchase a train set or two for a needy child. Bill Deutscher from Tacoma Trains reported that $165 was collected and the money spent to give sets to several children. They received two thank you letters, which were read at the clinic.

What’s New at the Hobby Shop was presented by Bill Deutscher with many new items from a wide variety of manufacturers.

In the Model of the Month category we had a number of entries: Dale Kraus with a mostly scratchbuilt sanding tower and coaling facility; Tony Dell a works in progress Milwaukee Road Bridge near Avery, ID; Walt Huston with two entries a HO scale scratchbuilt tree and 4 N scale bulkhead flat cars, 3 with load and 1 empty; Jim Sabol with two O scale passenger cars by Atlas; and Kurt Laidlaw with an N scale winter scene layout built to wrap around a stove pipe. The Model of the Month winner was Kurt Laidlaw with his winter scene layout.

We were also treated with tip on how to make a no-glue box for storing rolling stock and other things made from recycled cereal boxes.

This month clinic on mines and mining was presented by Duane Damgaard. He put together a slide show from photos he had taken on trips some 30 years ago along with some archival photos of mines, mining equipment, mining rail equipment, and structures.

Next month’s clinic on February 9^th will be freight yard design by Jim Sabol, and will be at our usual place in the Pierce County Library Bldg. at the corner of 112^th St. and Waller Rd. We hope to see you there and bring a newcomer, friend, spouse or significant other and find out what’s going on.

Model of the Month winner Kurt Laidlaw with his winter scene layout

Tony Dell’s bridge near Avery, ID with photo of the actual bridge

Walt Houston’s HO scratch built tree

By Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened our December Dirty Santa clinic and welcomed everyone. We had one newcomer, Joshua Atkins. He will model in N or HO depending on the space he has. Jim Sabol asked that if you shop at Tacoma Trains, make a small donation so that a train set can be purchased and given to a needy youngster.

The Model of the Month category had several entries, but two of them stood out: a kit-bashed box factory and a 1930s Marklin enameled tinplate station model. The model of the month was won by Mike Shaw and Gene Swanson for their joint effort on the box factory.

The main event of the was preceded by a buffet-style spread complete with dessert, including ice cream.

Santa arrived and started the main event by having a name drawn, which happened to be Tyler. He went straight for a large package that turned out to be a puzzle picture and taped to the back were 4 tickets for a trip on the MRSR (Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad). The next name drawn was Gene and he proceeded to steal the picture. So it went for the rest of the evening. The picture with the tickets changed hands numerous times as did a NWSL Duplicutter. In the end, Tyler was able to get the picture back since he had the hammer being the first name drawn.

In conclusion, the entire clinic staff sang “I wish you a Merry Christmas” to the group and thanked for their support.

I want to apologize for being late with this report; too many happenings and time got away from me. I wish all a belated Merry Christmas and an on time Happy New Year.

Our January 2012 clinic will be by Duane Daamgaard on mines. We’ll meet at our usual place, the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg. at the corner of 112^th St. and Waller Rd., starting at 7:30 PM.

by Al Babinsky / Photos by Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the November clinic as he usually does when Veterans Day is near. He called for a show of hands of WWII, Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars. He then thanked all members of the services and ended with a moment of silence for all the fallen vets. We had a great turnout for this month’s clinic, a total of 52 attendees including one newcomer.

Leo introduced a guest, Helen McGovern from the Emergency Food Network. The clinic members collected money to be given to a food network and decided to give the collected funds to the Emergency Food Network. Helen was presented with a check of $700 and the coffee fund added $100.00. Helen told us what the Network does and how the food is distributed to the different agencies.

November being National Model Railroad month, Walt Houston organized a layout tour for this occasion which is to be held on November 19th. (See article in the Digital Grab Iron.) The TNW announced their Swap meet for next year and of course the BEMRRC had their Swap Meet on Saturday the 12^th in the Kent Commons. The Great Train Expo is scheduled for November 19^th and 20^th at the Puyallup Fairgrounds.

What’s new at the Hobby Shop was presented by Tacoma Trains and included a variety of goodies from Athearn, Micro-trains, Walthers, Lionel, and LGB. In the Bring and Brag (Model of the Month) section, entries included a scratchbuilt bridge; a portion of a lumber mill; a brass Victorian house kit; a set of ore cars and caboose decaled by Diane Kraus; a scratchbuilt Spar tavern and store with fully-detailed interior which is to become part of the old Tacoma scene on the PMRE layout at the History Museum; a Western Scale Models 1:20.3 kit of a 4 block saw mill log carriage; and a kit-bashed model of a US Army mortuary car. The Bring and Brag winner was Scott Taylor with the Spar Tavern and Store.

The clinic, presented by Jim Murrey, was named “Sarge Comes Home,” the story of how the fallen were brought home  on special mortuary trains. The cars were converted Pullman hospital cars modified with a baggage door to allow the caskets to be loaded. The train was under constant guard from the time the ship was unloaded until its arrival at its destination. The kit-bashed mortuary car was part of the clinic. A great clinic, very informative and in keeping with Veterans Day.

Next month’s clinic will be December 8^th. Dirty Santa will be there as usual, along with goodies. Bring a wrapped gift of around $15, marked as to what scale. We’ll be at the usual place, the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg., 112^th and Waller Road.

Hope to see you all there.

Kit bashed US Army Mortuary car

Model of the Month Winner Scott Taylor’s Spar Tavern and Store

Lumber mill

Scratch built bridge

Ore cars and caboose decaled by Diane Kraus

Plate girder bridge

Western Scale Models 1:20.3 kit of a 4 block saw mill log carriage

Brass Victorian House

By Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the September Clinic and the new season on time as always. We had 43 attendees, five of which were newcomers: Cliff Chapman modeling HO Circus trains; Tony Dell and his son, George, modeling HO Milwaukee Road; Jared, just starting in HO; and Chuck Carlson, G scale garden railroad.

Under announcements were several items of note, one of which was that Ken Roe passed away and the estate manager gave his layout and other model railroad related items away to anyone desiring to take and put it to good use. Walt Houston announced that he was organizing a layout tour on November 19 to celebrate National Model Railroad Month. Also, for those of you that remember the Corkscrew Northern, which had its last home at the Boys and Girls Club in North Tacoma and then was in storage for the last twelve years, has found a new home. The layout is going to be moved to the Cannery in Sumner were it will be put back in operation.

Tacoma Trains presented “What’s New at the Hobby Shop” with new items too numerous to mention. There were books, calendars, DVD’s, cars, freight cars with several kits, a rarity these days.

In the “Bring and Brag” (Model of the Month) category were a number of interesting items. Carloads of gold ore, rocks crushed with hammer and then sifted to get the right size. (The rocks had streaks of mica and other shine veins which made them look like they contain gold.) Resin castings of car frames that had lead shot cast in to add weight. A depressed-center flat car kit bashed from three-axle crane trucks and other parts along with a kit-bashed 2-6-2 German-style locomotive. A kit-bashed N scale caboose, an N Scale Architect saw mill model, a HO scale BTS lumber mill kit with complete interior, and a template for brass etchings for the Tacoma Union Station for the PSMRE layout at the History Museum. The Model of the Month winner was Tony Bentley’s BTS lumber mill kit.

The clinic was “Airbrushing for Beginners” by Scott Taylor. Scott talked about safety and proper equipment to use while airbrushing, the different types of paint and how to mix them. Different compressed air sources were discussed as well as regulators and the types of air brushes that are available. And don’t forget the most important thing: clean up, so the equipment is ready to use when needed. He also discussed spraying technique, what to do and not to do. That last item was handy tips for
various things. Everyone was given a handout with all the items discussed. A great clinic and many thanks Scott.

Next month’s clinic is October 13 when Paul Vaughn will discuss resin casting. 7:30 PM at the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg., corner of 112^th St. and Waller Rd. We hope to see you there, so please come and join us for a couple of hours of model railroading fun.

By Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the clinic after completion of the board meeting. We had 50 attendees including 6 newcomers. Under announcements it was mentioned that the National Railroad Society convention is being held in June in Tacoma. The joint convention, which is going to be held on May 5 2012 in Medford, OR, has its website up and running. The Narrow Gauge Convention website, which is being held in Bellevue, is up and running.

What’s New at the Hobby Shop, presented by Tacoma Trains, had a variety of products from Athearn, Red Caboose, Roundhouse, Intermountain, Woodland Scenics, and Atlas, including flatcars and locomotives.

The Model of the Month had a showing of various models including a scratchbuilt station, kit-bashed trucks, a BTS saw mill kit, and a Miller Engineering N scale etched brass Victorian mansion kit. Tony Bentley won the Model of the Month with his BTS Laser cut saw mill kit, a huge model for HO scale.

This month’s clinic was presented by Scott Groff and Mike Shaw on how to sell items on eBay. It was very informative on the do’s and don’t’s of placing ads, taking photo to show the item at its best, and the costs involved. They also listed some other websites to sell on that were free.

This was our last clinic before the summer break so our next clinic will be September 8 at our usual place: 7:30 PM at the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg. the corner of 112^th Street and Waller Rd. Scott Taylor wil present a clinic on airbrushing for beginners. Hope to see you all back at that time. Have a great summer and support your Tourist railroads and Railroad Museums!

by Al Babinsky / Photo by Ken Liesse

MMR Gene Swanson opened the clinic with 36 modelers in attendance and asked for suggestions of when and to whom we should donate the money that we collect every month for charity. It was decided that we would give the donation to the Northwest Food Network at our clinic on November 10th.

Under announcements it was mentioned that the NRHS would be held in Tacoma in June. In May 2012 the PCR and PNR will hold a joint convention in Medford, OR called the Siskiyou Summit 2012. For more information go to http://pcrnmra.org.

The TNW will hold their 1st annual swap meet and train show May 14–15 in Freighthouse Square in Tacoma. Sound Transit will have a Sounder there with its cab car open. Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is providing train rides on the hour to 72nd Street and back.

What’s new at the Hobby shop was presented by Tacoma Trains which included items from Lionell, Kato, Atearn, Bachmann, MTH, Accurail, and Micro-Trains.

In the model of the month section, or “bring and brag” as we like to call it, we had a number of entries which included a Maerklin pre-war freight consist; a water tower; a Black Bear Co. bridge kit; a homemade easy-to-access drill index and paint brush stand; freight cars weathered with different media; a tree made from an azalea branch; a GP-39M with a depressed-center flat car and transformer load, plus caboose with a flashing red light; and a diorama with a Sierra West tool shed. The winner of the contest was Dave Faucett with his tool shed diorama.

The clinic, given by MMR Dale Kraus, was “What I Did on my Vacation.” It was a trip back in time while railfanning in the UK, beginning in London with a trip to York riding the rails behind steam power and then on to Wales to ride behind various narrow-gauge steam locomotives. A great slide show and very interesting equipment; thanks to Dale for great clinic just in time for summer to entice us to go and search for places to railfan.

Next month’s clinic will be presented by Scott Groff and Mike Shaw. We hope to see you there at our usual place, the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg. at the corner of 112th Street and Waller Road, clinic starts at 7:30 PM.

The photo is courtesy of Ken Liesse, who has posted more photos here.

Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the clinic in his usual manner and asks if any newcomers were present. Patrick Smith introduced himself as a newcomer to the hobby. We had 47 modelers attending the clinic. Under announcements, TNW presented a YouTube video advertising their swap meet at the Tacoma Freighthouse Square on May 14–15.

A moment of silence was held for our 4D superintendent Dennis Hill who passed away on Tuesday the 12th of April.

Mike Shaw announced that there will be a 100th Anniversary celebration for the Tacoma Union Station on May 1st.

George Bourcier from Tacoma Trains presented what’s new at the Hobby Shop which included a N scale 11-car UP city train consist, box cars with graffiti applied and many other items.

The Bring and Brag (Model of the Month) had many fine entries including a scratchbuilt log car; a gondola with a river rock load; a 2-story outhouse marked U.S. Army; an N scale Donovan’s Transfer Co. dockside building with lighthouse; an U.S. Army caustic liquid tank car in DB markings; three geared logging locomotives, Shay, Climax, and Heisler (the Shay and Climax included sound); a Lincoln-style cabin printed on paper and then assembled; a scratchbuilt static grass applicator; a Jordan miniatures chain drive Mack dump truck; N scale box cars weathered with chalk; O scale brass Milwaukee Road Bipolar re-motored, with re-manufactured gear boxes for all drive axles; a Sierra West kit of a tractor repair shop with LED lighting and a forge with flickering fire; and, last but not least, what the owner called his dinner train: a set of boxcars with advertisements for various food and beverage products. The winner of the Model of the Month was Dennis Reeves’s N scale Donovan’s Transfer Co and Lighthouse.

The clinic, “About Water,” was presented by MMR Gene Swanson. Gene wanted a shallow, slow, clear river flowing over a smooth rock bed. He experimented with various products such as Modge Podge, Triple Thick, Realistic Water, and Magic Water. He also tried combinations of different products and found that Triple Thick and Realistic Water gave him a somewhat cloudy mixture which looked a lot like water with sediment in it. The combination that satisfied him was Triple Thick and Realistic Water, which dried clear and did not wick up. Again a great clinic and thanks to Gene for sharing this with us.

Next month’s clinic will be May 12th at our usual location, the Pierce County Public Library Admin. Bldg. at the corner of 112th Street and Waller Road at 7:30 PM. The clinic presenter will be Duane Damgaard speaking on “Mines.” Hope to see you there. Bring some of your modeling friends or potential modelers. Photos of the Model of the Month should be published soon.

Al Babinsky / Photos by Ken Liesse

MMR Gene Swanson opened the clinic and wished everyone a Happy New Year. We welcomed five newcomers for a total of 54 modelers attending.

Walt Houston introduced Roger Nulton, new MMR #445. Jack Hamilton announced that the Columbia Model Railroad Club wanted to host the National Convention but did not have enough members to qualify and ask for volunteers to sign a petition so that they would have enough members for the qualification.

Jim Sabol announced that the National Railroad Historical Society would have a convention in this area in June. Learn more about their activities at cascaderails2011.com

Bill from Tacoma Trains presented What’s New at the Hobby Shop, which included many new and some not so new items. Under the new items was a Kato American Freedom Train, RPO car, Milwaukee Road RS3 and a number of boxcars.

The Bring and Brag (Model of the Month) had a number of entries: crates and boxes for the inside of a freight house; a kit-bashed Rico Station with some inside detail; a Milwaukee Road Little Joe with sound and operating pantographs; scratchbuilt end-of-track bumpers; a work train built from Ambroid and Tichi kits; a scratchbuilt brass Milwaukee Road M3 2-6-6-2, and some car loads made from natural material. The Model of the Month winner was Jim Sabol’s brass locomotive.

Click for high-resolution image

This month’s clinic was given by Charles Jackson of H&J Trains on how to make trees using his tree machine kit. The tree machine uses a precut length of soft wire and precut lengths of rope fibers. An electric drill on an adapter is used to twist the wire while the other end is held by Visegrips. Up to three trees can be made from a pair of wires. They look like bottlebrush trees and can be made into pines or other needle trees. He had catalogs available with a variety of items including various leaf trees, metal tree armatures, and even ferns in various sizes. Several local hobby shops carry some of his items. For more info, go to hjtrainstore.com

Next month’s clinic will be February 10^th at our usual place: the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg., corner of 112^th St. and Waller Road at 7:30 PM. Hope to see you all there and bring a friend or newcomer.

Please note: the March 10^th clinic will be at the Parkland-Spanaway Branch, on 138^th Street at Pacific Avenue in Parkland, near Brookdale Lumber.