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HO Estate Sale, Las Cruces, NM

Written by Al Lowe
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Jean Melvin, former 4D & PNR Secretary

As you may know, I now live in Las Cruces, NM, just 45 miles from the Texas/Mexico border. A local, very good modeler is down-sizing and thought you might be interested. His letter follows. If you’re interested, contact riograndeestatesales@gmail.com.

My wife and I have decided to move back to CA and are planning for an Estate Sale (due to down-sizing from a 4 bedroom house here in Las Cruces to probably a 1 bedroom apt in CA). Because of a tremor I have developed in my left arm, I am no longer able to do model work.

Therefore, I have made the very difficult decision to put my collection of limited-edition craftsman-style HO model RR structure kits, engines, and rolling stock into the Estate Sale. This is a collection I have developed over the last 50 years and I would like it to go to serious modelers. I hope that you can help put the word out to modelers in our Region.

I have concentrated on modeling backwoods logging and mining industries that a standard gauge steam railroad (pre-diesel) would have supported. Many of these structure kits are from Fine Scale Miniatures, B.E.S.T., Wild West Models, Western Scale Models, and Sierra West Scale Models. I have many 1880’s to 1920’s era rolling stock kits and supplies for scratch building cars.

In addition I am selling my Sherline Lathe, Mill, and Sherline tooling, along with machinist’s tools, taps, dies, Starrett gauges, and milling cutters.

The sale will be handled by Mark Leitch of Rio Grande Estate Sales: Email him at riograndeestatesales@gmail.com. The date will be Friday & Saturday, July 17-18, at 4715 Zeno Place, Las Cruces, NM88012, (650) 799-6060

Thanks and cheers,
Michael Morrill, michaelmorrill3@gmail.com

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Last Call for MAKING TRACKS

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Russ Segner, 4D Superintendent

“How and why we build our layouts”

Our Spring Meet is tomorrow, Saturday, June 6, at the Bellevue Sheraton.

We have designed a program to give insights and ideas on building layouts.  Lots of questions will be answered, such as how big to build? Or what era and prototype to use for ideas? What about operations? Do you build alone or with others in a group or club?

Several MMRs and others will share their experiences and what inspires them in the hobby.  So, come with your questions.  Meet and share ideas with model railroaders from across the Fourth Division.

A bonus is your chance to see several layouts on Sunday afternoon.  Descriptions and locations will only be available to those attending Saturday.

During the lunch break, the Division will hold its Annual Meeting. Several awards will be presented, including The Golden Grab Iron Award.  You will also get to see our redesigned website and Grab Iron.

We sincerely hope you will attend. If you’re not already registered, you can register at the door. See you tomorrow!

 

SPRING MEET SCHEDULE

Sheraton Bellevue

Registration Opens 8:00

 

Session Room

Session Room
 

Snoqualmie North

Snoqualmie South
Session One

0900

to

1000

 Fast Tracks

Mike Shaw

 A Prototype Layout

Bill Messecar, MMR
Session Two

1030

to

1130

 Modular Operations

Rich Blake
Thomas Dye

 Prototype Panel

Di Voss, MMR

Burr Stewart

Jim Younkins, MMR
Luncheon

 

Annual Report

Grab Iron Presentation

Awards
Session Three

1400

to

1500

 Freelancing

JJ Johnston

Ron Hopkins

David Yadock

 Large Layout Panel

Al Frasch

Mike Highsmith

Jim Sabol
Session Four

1530

to

1630

 Trackside Details

Tom Beaton

 Bridge Design

Max Maginness, MMR

Sunday’s layout information distributed at close of meeting

 

Convention or Meet, Superintendent’s Message

The 4D Needs Your Help …With Inventory

Written by Al Lowe
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Al Lowe

The 4D Board of Directors has tasked our Treasurer, Mike Donnelly, with building an inventory of everything the Division owns in order to identify what should be insured, what needs to be replaced when, and who is responsible for what. The 4D Board wants all clinic chairs, committee chairs, modular groups, and everyone else to assist by listing 4D-owned items in their care.

If you have, are responsible for, or know of, any items paid for by the Division, email a list of them to treasurer@4dpnr.com.

Questions? First, read the following guidelines. Then, if you’re still confused, ask Mike: treasurer@4dpnr.com.

4D Inventory Guidelines

  1. Include anything paid for by the 4th Division, except small quantities of consumable items (paper, stamps, pens, scenery material, ballast, etc)
    1. You can list these if you wish
    2. Use your own judgment for large quantities of consumables
  2. Include all items with a serial number or other unique identification
  3. Include anything you believe originally cost over $250 (either individually or collectively)
  4. Include as much information as possible: date acquired, purchase price, model number, serial number, etc. Lump multiple items when it makes sense, e.g., modular group carts or racks could be listed as “5 welded-steel, wheeled racks, approximate cost $1,200”
  5. Report minor items by saying what they are, how many, etc.
    1. Estimate high volume quantities
    2. Add details when sensible, e.g., model numbers for unique tools or special color-coded items
    3. Group multiple items, e.g., “1 tote bin of scenery materials” or “1 box of 50+ assorted C-clamps painted green”
  6. Include modular groups’ corner modules, yard modules, etc., if paid for by the 4D and include the names of those taking responsibility for each.

Mike Donnelly will compile this information into a master list before May 30, 2015. If you need more time, you can negotiate with Mike. The 4DNTRAK group and the PSC Chair have already provided data and the 4dNTRAK, Omni-Rail, HO, and Hi-Railer trailers are already listed.

News

For Sale: HO Scale Model Kits

Written by Al Lowe
3 Comments

Brian Pickering

I am reducing some of my stock of HO scale models which don’t fit into my current modeling theme. All of the following are new, in unopened original packages. I can arrange pickup or delivery on the Eastside within reason (the more you buy, the farther I’m willing to go!), or ship at cost. Prices are somewhat negotiable, but again, please remember these are all new, unbuilt, unopened, and I’m asking about half price each. Cash or check only, please. If questions, email me at bpickeri@gmail.com.

 

Pikestuff

Modern Small Enginehouse Kit

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/541-5000

Walthers $15.25, Asking $8.00

 

Walthers Cornerstone

Trackside Structures Kit

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-3530

Walthers $37.98 (but on sale right now), Asking $19.00

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4D Policy for Reimbursement of Expenses

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Kurt Laidlaw

Your 4D Board of Directors approved this “Policy for Reimbursement of Expenses Groups Attending Events” at its February 21, 2015 meeting:

1. Requests for reimbursement must be turned into the 4D treasurer within 30 days of an event.

2. Travel reimbursement will be made at the current Federal non-profit reimbursement rate for the vehicle(s) towing the trailer(s) carrying 4D-owned equipment from its storage location to the show and back. If no parking is available at the event, multiple trips for the same event may be claimed.

3. 4D will also reimburse tolls for ferries and bridges for the vehicle(s) towing the group trailer(s).

4. 4D will not reimburse drivers of other vehicles attending a show without prior approval. (Group funds managed by 4D may be spent as desired by each modular group. Budget requests are for specific projects approved by the BOD as part of the budget process.)

If you have questions, feel free to contact the 4D’s treasurer, Mike Donnelly. His (and every other officer’s) address is on the 4D website’s Contact Us page.

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Portland Meet ‘N March, Saturday, March 28

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Al Lowe

The annual N scale Meet ‘N March swap meet will be held Saturday, March 28 in Portland, Oregon at the Valley Catholic High School, at the intersection of TV Hwy. and Murray Blvd., in Beaverton (on the west side of Portland). The show will open to the public at 10:00 a.m. and will feature three N scale layouts, vendors selling N scale model railroad products, and clinics for intermediate to advanced modelers.

If you attended in the past and thought the old warehouse where it was held was too cold, it has been moved to a school (with actual heat).

4dNTRAK Modular Group, Convention or Meet, Tacoma N Scalers Clinic, , , , ,

Free!

Written by Al Lowe
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Al Lowe

Remember: one of the benefits of NMRA membership and especially membership in the 4th Division, you receive free advertising in the Digital Grab Iron for any model railroad items you want (or want to get rid of).

And, unlike old-fashioned classified ads, there’s no limit to word count or number of photographs. You can even provide links to your website, to photo sharing sites, or even YouTube videos!

Plus, you know that your audience is 100% fellow model railroaders!

So, once you’re organized, send your information either to me or to Cliff Green and we’ll post it for you.

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Day Out With Thomas® tickets available March 2

Written by Al Lowe
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Peggy Barchi, NRM Marketing/Events Manager

Thomas2015The Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA will host the Thomas the Tank Engine™ “Day Out With Thomas® Celebration Tour” on July 10-12 and 18-19, 2015. Families across the Northwest are invited aboard!

Little engineers everywhere are invited to join this fun-filled event that offers little engineers and their families the opportunity to ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, star of the popular Thomas & Friends® series. Children will also meet Sir Topham Hatt™, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including arts and crafts, storytelling and more. Their local appearance is part of a 42-stop tour across North America and is expected to host a million passengers!

This year, Thomas & Friends celebrates 70 years of friendship as the #1 blue engine celebrates friendship with fans around the world.

Enjoy a 25-minute ride with Thomas the Tank Engine. Hear Thomas greet his fans. Meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway. Enjoy a Thomas & Friends Imagination Station, featuring stamps, temporary tattoos, hands-on arts & crafts, train tables, coloring sheets, storytelling, videos, live music and more!

July 10-12 and 18-19, 2015, from 9:00 am through 5:15 pm at 38625 SE King St, in Snoqualmie, WA. Tickets go on sale March 2 at Ticketweb, 866-468-7630 or at www.TrainMuseum.org. Prices for ages 2 and up are $23 on Friday, July 10 and $25 the other days (plus tax, service charges and fees).

For more information, contact the NorthwestRailwayMuseum, 425-888-3030 or www.Trainmuseum.org. For information on Thomas & Friends, visit www.thomasandfriends.com. Follow Thomas & Friends on Facebook @thomasandfriends and on Twitter @ThomasParent.  #DOWT  #ThomasObsessed

Northwest Railway Museum,

David Yadock featured in NMRA Magazine

Written by Al Lowe
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Al Lowe

Grab your copy of the latest issue of the national NMRA Magazine, check out the cover, and then turn to page 34 to read 4D member David Yadock‘s feature article, “The Sky’s the Limit.” It has many construction photos by David’s wife, Wendy, and some spectacular scenery photos by Paul Gornitzka.

Congratulations, David, on a beautiful cover and article!

Layout Tour, News

Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany

Written by Al Lowe
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Al Lowe

Last year, I was lucky to spend a day at Miniatur Wunderland, one of the world’s great model railroads in Hamburg, Germany. This for-profit operation, which appears to be quite successful, was filled with people at €12 each (about $15). Unfortunate, I learned after I arrived that I could have taken a “backstage” tour. Remember that for when you visit!

I edited my hours of footage down to less than 20 minutes to make this brief video. (Be sure to click the “full screen” button in the lower-right corner to watch in high-definition.)

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