Author: Al Lowe

Gerry Leone, NMRA Communications Director

This year registration for Grand Rails 2012 will be handled in a new way. Instead of the large registration package inserted into NMRA Magazine, the full package can be downloaded from www.gr2012.org. Those who prefer a printed piece can send their request, along with their name and address to: GR 2012 Registrar, 4165 Costa NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. There will also be a registration form and ad appearing in an upcoming issue of NMRA Magazine.

Speaking of the convention, even though Grand Rails 2012 has over 200 clinic slots filled, they’re still looking for more. If one of your members is interested in presenting, go to www.gr2012.org and click on the clinic application page. In addition, there’s still some space left for modular layouts at the National Train Show. If some of your members would like to participate, have them visit the convention’s website and click on the “Contact us” link and tell the Convention Committee what you’d like to bring.

Cruise Convention News: Some of our members think the NMRA “invented” the idea of a cruise convention. The fact is, we’re just catching up! Hobby and professional groups have been doing it for quite a while, so if your members are interested in seeing the great time others are having, check out these links:

Adobe Photoshop Cruise
Harley Davidson Cruise
American Medical Association Cruise
Scrapbooking Cruise
Genealogy Cruise

NMRA elections are coming up soon. The official ballot was prepared by the National Nominating Committee according to the procedures laid out in the Regulations and the Executive Handbook (available at www.nmra.org). It will appear as an insert in the center of the February issue of NMRA Magazine, which will be mailed to all voting members. Ballots must be returned to NMRA headquarters, “Attention Ballot Committee,” and must be postmarked by April 10, 2012 and received by April 15, 2012. Here are the job titles and candidates as they appear on the ballot:

President

Charles W. Getz, IV, HLM

Vice President – Administration

Howard Goodwin
Clark Kooning, MMR
Dave Thornton

Vice President – Special Projects

Bill Kaufman
James “Lump” Lupfer

At-Large North American Director

Mike Brestel
Miles Hale, MMR

Eastern District Director

John Roberts, MMR, HLM

Pacific District Director

Mike Bartlett
Kelly Loyd
Rob Peterson

Mark Anderson

Hi-Railers Train Group Secretary

I am sad to inform you of the passing of Vincent “Hub” Hubbert on December 7^th while he was on his way to the hospital by ambulance. Richard Woods, the person handling his affairs, told me that Hub (as we all knew him) had a large train collection and asked his friends in the Pierce County train group to contact someone to handle Hub’s collection. Vincent Hubbert was a member of the Hi-Railers Group and brought rolling stock with him to shows to run trains with them. He was 75.

There is presently no memorial planned for Hub. The person handling his affairs is out of town until February. When more is known, I will pass it along.

You may leave a message of remembrance at the funeral home’s website: Tuell Mackey Funeral Home.

Richard said that Hub was an only child with no family. He will be missed. You may send personal notes to Richard at 1606 Cowlitz Way, Kelso, WA 98626.

Gerry Leone, NMRA Communications Director

The Winter NMRA Board Meeting will be held on Wednesday-Thursday, February 8–9, 2012, at 9:00 AM. All NMRA members are welcome to attend the open portions of this meeting. To save money, it will again be held at the Palace Station Hotel in Las Vegas. The NMRA Budget and Operations meetings, which are not open to the public, will be held on Tuesday, February 7 at the same location. The Board expects a packed agenda. Details will be posted soon afterwards.

Several members have asked about the current content of the NMRA’s “Members-Only” section of the website, http://www.nmra.org/member. Here’s some of what you’ll find when you log on:

• Division and Region newsletter article reprints that Jim Zinser mentions in his Division Business Car/NMRA@Home column in NMRA Magazine. All previously mentioned articles also remain there; it’s a great resource to learn new tips and techniques.
• NMRA Magazine Classics, scans of truly classic articles from bygone issues of Scale Rails and The Bulletin. Our goal is to post at least one article from every issue of the magazine. You’ll be surprised to learn how many are already online. The articles may be a few years old, but if you haven’t read them (or have forgotten them), they’re as fresh as today.
  • 2011 NMRA Calendar Screensaver, another inspiring addition to your computer.
  • 2011 NMRA Calendar Photos also suitable for computer wallpaper, complete with a brief description by the photographer of how they took their shot.
  • Promotional Materials useful for Divisions and Regions. The NMRA Logo is available in a variety of formats and sizes. PDFs of the NMRA Member Benefits Chart and New-Member Solicitation Brochure, and the New-Member Sign-Up Sheet. National Model Railroad Month materials, including National Model Railroad Month logos in various sizes and graphic formats, and a Word document: “A guide to promoting National Model Railroad Month,” which can be a handy reference whenever you want to promote your Region or Division.

Remember: the Grand Rapids convention is fast approaching! There are two great convention videos posted on the Grand Rails2012 website, www.gr2012.org. Members who register before November 30 get first dibs on hotel reservations, tour reservations, and merchandise. The Furniture City Flyers Club is nearly sold out, so if you want to experience dessert at sunset on Mirror Lake, you’ll need to get your registration in now. Register at http://www.gr2012.org/register.htm.

Al Lowe

Each Saturday in December, Alki Tours is offering the only daylight rail tour to Leavenworth, a quaint “Bavarian Village” in the Cascade Mountains. On each departure, eight hundred passengers board the train at King Street Station, Edmonds Station, or in Everett. The train winds through the Snohomish Valley and then ascends majestic Steven’s Pass. Along the way passengers enjoy a catered continental breakfast and onboard entertainment including strolling musicians, commentators, magicians and, of course, Santa! Near the 4,000 foot summit, the train transits the Cascade Tunnel — the second longest rail tunnel in North America. At approximately 12:30 pm, the train rolls to a stop in Leavenworth.

Leavenworth is dressed to the hilt for the holidays with chestnuts roasting on open fires, carolers strolling streets, food booths, sleigh rides, local crafts, outdoor entertainment and more. At dusk, everyone gathers to sing “Silent Night” and witnesses the grand tree lighting as it transforms the village into a magical holiday wonderland!

Afterwards, passengers reboard the train for a cozy trip home. A catered dinner is served on the return trip and the entertainment continues.

This trip sells out every year, so don’t delay! For reservations and information: call Alki Tours at 206-935-6848 or www.alkitours.com. The price is $149.00 adult and $139.00 for children for standard seating. Price includes round-trip train transportation, continental breakfast, catered dinner, and loads of entertainment.