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Eastside Get-Together Report

Written by Ken Liesse
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Story and photos by Ken Liesse

On April 21st, about 30 folks were present when JJ Johnston opened the evening with words of welcome and recognition of our MMRs. A moment of silence was then held for 4D Superintendent Dennis Hill, who had unexpectedly passed away the previous week. We also had an update on the condition of Rev. Roger Ferris, who had suffered a stroke before last month’s meeting. Roger is resting at home and has almost full recovery of his extremities. If you’d like to leave Roger well wishes, you can write him at railfun@frontier.com. We hope Roger continues to have a speedy recovery.

JJ thanked all who donated door prizes (of which there were several) including Steve Depolo of Trains, Planes & Automobiles and Sue Van Gerpen of the Northwest Railway Museum. Sue donated a pair of tickets to ride the Snoqualmie Valley Railway. Ron Cole mentioned that the museum will be hosting “A Day Out with Thomas (the Tank Engine)” July 8-10 and 15-17. There will be an HO layout on hand for kids to run, and they are looking for people willing to help out with this project. If you are interested, contact Ron at 206-200-1059.

Thanks to a contact made by Sherm Stevens, we will probably have a field trip for our June meeting. Sherm contacted Mike O’Connell at Chooch Enterprises in Maple Valley, who agreed to host our group and show us his model railroad. JJ will be organizing carpools from our normal meeting place as parking at Mike’s is hard to come by. We expect a $5/person fee to help cover costs for drivers. Mike’s place is not handicap accessible. We’ll have more details on this excursion at the May meeting.

During the announcements portion of the clinic, Ken Liesse told the group that there are no current plans for a memorial to Dennis Hill. Dennis’ wife, Diana, would like to have a gathering at their house, but will wait for the weather to warm up a bit. Mark Anderson is again running the Issaquah Train Show in August. Details on the show will be forthcoming. Ted Becker is looking for anyone who would like to share a ride to Sacramento, CA for the NMRA convention, X2011West, in July. If you are planning on attending the convention and need a ride, contact Ted. Russ Segner brought in some photos from the Northwest Railway Museum showing the new track switch leading from the railway’s mainline to the new Train Shed as well as a 20′ solid oak beam that was being milled for use on the Chapel car.

JJ Johnston's BTS Log Dump

There were several models (and other items) presented for Model of the Month including a “stinky” diorama, a couple of N scale GPs with a short train, a very old postcard depicting the San Francisco Bay Area, a scratchbuilt N scale milling machine, some scratchbuilt sloping tree stumps, a trestle and a brass N scale ditcher from Overland Models. JJ Johnston won with his kit built log dump, which is part of a BTS sawmill. JJ figured it was about time he brought something in that he had built himself.

Following the break, CJ Riley, MMR, presented a slide show titled “Layout Development on a Prototype Theme.” Using research and his own personal knowledge of West Virginia, CJ demonstrated how he was able to develop a location for his Kanawha & Western Allegheny Railroad and how anyone could use the same techniques to come up with an idea for their own railroad. CJ showed the difference between four different approaches to designing a model railroad: shotgun, prototype, freelance and proto-freelance. Shotgun is where the modeler just builds and runs whatever appeals to him/her at the time. Prototype is as the name implies; following a specific railroad and its practices. Freelance is where one makes up their own ideas, but is a little more focused than the shotgun approach. Proto-freelance is modeling your own railroad, but following applicable prototype practices and basing the railroad on actual locations.

Master Model Railroader CJ Riley gives our clinic

CJ pointed to three words he uses when coming up with themes: Observation, Understanding, Selection. Observe the area in which you want to model, understand everything you can about the area (do your research) and select those items you really want to have on your layout. Use scenic markers for information on your area of interest and use authentic names that reflect the area you are modeling. Everyone enjoyed CJ’s presentation and the slides were quite interesting.

Next month, Russ Segner will be our clinician. His topic was not divulged, but you can bet it will worth seeing.

Eastside Get-Together (Redmond) Clinic, ,

Eastside Get-Together Thursday, April 21st

Written by Ken Liesse
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By JJ Johnston

Don’t forget the Eastside Get-Together, next week, Thursday, April 21, 7:30 PM at the Bellevue Four Square Church in Bellevue. Our group sends condolences to the Hill family and will take a moment of prayer to remember our friend Dennis.

TOPIC: Join legendary modeler C.J. Riley, MMR, for his clinic “Layout Planning On A Prototype Theme.” He will feature a slide presentation
illustrating the concept of modeling from the prototype to create a more believable model railroad. We’ll see prototype and model slides illustrating the concept of CJ Riley’s Kanawha & Western Allegheny RR. Further info is available in Allen Keller’s Great Model RRs Vol. 3, available from the video library. Video Librarian Stu Rogers will be there, so maybe he will bring some copies of this early video.

Of course, we will offer all the usual stuff that makes the Eastside group so popular; Stuff like free coffee, fresh donuts, the Mart with great prices on railroad items (bring some of your own to sell too), super door prizes donated by Steve Depolo, the red-hot Model of the Month competition and a great venue with convenient parking. See ya.

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Dennis Hill Passes

Written by Ken Liesse
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Ken Liesse

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It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of 4D Superintendent, Dennis Hill. Dennis was stricken with an aneurysm in his abdomen earlier today and rushed to the hospital. Unfortunately, he had lost a lot of blood before his first surgery at 11:00 and the doctors could do nothing else for him. Dennis passed away at 5:50 this evening.

Please keep Dennis and his wife Diana in your thoughts and prayers. Diana plans a memorial service this summer, during warmer weather.

News, Superintendent’s Message

Eastside Get-Together Report

Written by Ken Liesse
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Article and photos by Ken Liesse

Thirty-nine members and one guest were in attendance as JJ Johnston presided over the St. Patrick’s Day version of the Eastside Get-Together Thursday evening. Most members were dressed for the occasion by wearing something green, especially Bobj Berger and Jim Easley. Bobj sported huge, bright green glasses while Jim brought some class to the event with a green bow tie (yes, it coordinated with the rest of his outfit).

Several people had announcements for the good of the order, starting with JJ’s reminder of the upcoming Olympia layout open houses. Ed Liesse let everyone know that if they change their email address, to make sure the new address is given to the NMRA headquarters with Ed copied in, or just sent to Ed and he will forward the new information to National. (eeliesse@aol.com) Please pass this information on to others, as those who have changed their addresses may not be receiving the information.

Bobj Berger announced that Rev. Roger Ferris suffered a stroke on March 15. Roger is still in the hospital and Bobj was not sure when he would be going home. Bobj brought several estate sales for the mart, augmented by some items Russ Segner supplied from Earl Mann’s estate.

Mark Anderson let everyone know that he will again be heading up the train show in Issaquah, which is now set for August 13th from 10 to 4. Russ reminded everyone of the upcoming NRHS convention in Tacoma and its accompanying steam trains, including Daylight 4449. He also mentioned the upcoming steam special at the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway on May 21st. Bobj said that NMRA members could get a discount for this trip by purchasing tickets from RailsNW.com (www.railsnw.com).

JJ announced the passing of long-time Eastside participant Paul Miller. Paul had recently been diagnosed with cancer and entered the hospital shortly after last month’s clinic. Peter Ormiston brought a card for members to sign and will present it to Paul’s family. We then held a moment of silence for Paul, Roger and the victims of the recent earthquake in Japan.

Bring and brag had six great entries this month. Jim Easley won with a G scale model of a building at Bernina Hospiz in Switzerland. Jim’s building was made mostly from Styrofoam and was a lot lighter than it looked. Other entries included Di Voss’ mockup for a brewery he’s building for his Everett & Monte Cristo, Bob Biese’s loaded gondola, a 1935 American Flyer train brought in by Jim Martin, and a Campbell fire station from David Yadock. The field was rounded out by John Socha-Leialoha’s latest creation, an HO scale model of a slag cart. Additional pictures of these models can be seen at https://picasaweb.google.com/ken.liesse/EastsideClinic31711#.

After the break, Jim Sabol presented a brand new clinic on the nuances of how real railroads move cars from A to B, including a look at why they would want to in the first place. The focus was the importance of freight yards to the real railroads and how we can use them in our modeling. Jim showed how it was possible to have realistic operations with a yard made up of just two tracks. As was appropriate for the day, the featured load in Jim’s clinic was a boxcar full of beer. We all assume it was green fro St. Patrick’s Day.

Jim then passed out plans for the yard on his own layout; a 10’ x 55’ monster built in O scale. Even though the tracks are not complete, Jim already has the operation of the yard mapped out and is ready to implement operations on his layout from the first day of “power on.” We thanked Jim’s wife, Mary, for bringing Jim with her to the meeting to present a wonderful clinic.

The program for April’s meeting has not been determined, but JJ is looking into the possibility of having the June meeting at Chooch Industries in Maple Valley. More information on this will be forthcoming.

Eastside Get-Together (Redmond) Clinic, , ,

Chehalis Model Railroad Swap Meet

Written by Ken Liesse
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By Ken Liesse

On March 12th & 13th, the Olympia Capitol City Lions Club will put on their 26th Annual All Scales Model Railroad Swap Meet. The show will be held at the Yard Birds Event Center, 2100 North National Ave., Chehalis WA. Admission is $6.00 for adults and $4.00 for seniors and students. Children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. If you’re interested in a table ($27/day) or want more information about the show, contact Bill Zidel, 5143 Blacktail Ct. NE, Olympia WA 98516, ZidelRCSD@aol.com or call (360) 438-3503.

All proceeds (after rental charges) directly support Olympia Capitol City Lions Community Service Projects and is the clubs most significant fund raising event for the year. All labor is voluntary and is supplied by the club.

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Accepting Nominations

Written by Ken Liesse
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By Ken Liesse, Nominations Chair

Once again, it’s election time in the 4th Division. This year, there are openings for three offices: Assistant Superintendent, Director Position 1, and Director Position 3. Current Asst. Supt. Jim Byerley has indicated that he will not seek another term in his office.

Your Nominating Committee is seeking individuals who would be willing to run for any of these offices. If you would like to run for one of these positions, please send a brief statement about your candidacy to any of the three members of the Nominating Committee: Ken Liesse (NMRAKen@liessefamily.net), Dave Liesse (NMRADave@liessefamily.net), or Ed Liesse (EELiesse@aol.com). If you prefer to submit your statement via USPS, please send it to the 4D Nominating Committee, P.O. Box 5072, Kent, WA 98064. This statement must be signed and should include your qualifications, why you are running, and an affirmation that you are willing to run for the office. We will accept a full name printed at the bottom of an electronic communication as a signature. Statements not including a signature will not be accepted.

As stated in the 4th Division By-laws, these nominations and statements should be in the committees’ hands by March 1st. However, by Board action at the February 26th meeting, this deadline has been extended to March 31st.

Superintendent’s Message, ,

4D BOD Meeting

Written by Ken Liesse
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By Ken Liesse

4th Division Superintendent Dennis Hill has called a Board of Directors meeting for Saturday, February 26th. The meeting will start at 1:00pm at the Yankee Grill, 1 South Grady Way, Renton (adjacent to the Holiday Inn just north of the intersection of WA167 and I-405). Google Map and directions here.

Any member of the 4th Division is welcome at the meeting. If you have items for the agenda, email Dennis or Secretary Jeannie Melvin by Thursday, February 24th.

News,

Eastside Clinic Report

Written by Ken Liesse
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Article and photos by Ken Liesse

35 members and guests were on hand for the Eastside Clinic held Thursday night, February 17. JJ Johnston kicked off the evening with announcements, including that of the stolen equipment from the Monroe train show (see details in another section of the Grab Iron). He also announced that Bob Beise has earned AP certificates in Civil, Electrical and Volunteer. Only four more and Bob will earn his Master Model Railroader.

Frank Dekker mentioned that 4D was in possession of several concrete pier blocks that had previously been used at the Pacific Science Center show. The blocks have brackets to hold 2x4s and are now surplus. Anyone having use for such blocks should contact Frank.

Jim Sabol let everyone know that there will be several opportunities to see mainline steam action in the northwest this summer, with the National Railroad Historical Society convention being in Tacoma. In addition, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway should be firing up Baldwin #70 this coming week. If the engine passes her boiler certification, she will be part of the triple-header run at the railway in May.

Roger Ferris brought five cases of the Mart for member perusal, and mentioned that member Al Robinson (who attends the Shoreline clinic) would be selling off his collection of brass engines and other equipment for health reasons. Anyone wishing to learn more about this sale should contact Roger at railfun@frontier.com.

We had two entries in the Model of the Month contest.

CJ Turner's Model of the Month winner.

First place went to CJ Turner for a model that Di Voss brought in! The model was a Bar Mills kit to which CJ had added an extensive interior, including billiards tables and shooters. CJ had built the model for Di, hence Di bringing it in to show. The other entry was from Rob Jones, who brought an extensive collection of N-scale equipment, some of which Rob had just purchased at the Monroe show. George Chambers also brought in a collection of old model railroad catalogs for folks to see.

Di Voss announced that a proposal is being put before the NMRA BOD to possibly have the 2015 or 2016 national convention on a cruise down the west coast. Details of the trip are still being fleshed out, but the cruise would probably leave from either Seattle or Vancouver (meeting the international port of call rule) sail to San Diego, possibly stopping in Portland and San Francisco. If anyone has any ideas on this proposal or would possibly like to help put it on, please contact Di.

Ed Liesse reminded us that this year’s NMRA convention is being held in Sacramento, CA, July 3-10. This is a good opportunity to visit a national if you’ve never been before as it won’t be out this way again for another four years.

After the break, Jim Easley gave a presentation on the garden railroad he helped build at the Emerald Heights Retirement Community in Redmond. Jim and his wife are residents of the community, and Jim wanted to build an outdoor layout around the duplex in which they live. After approaching the management at Emerald Heights, it was decided that this should become a community project with a central place for the new railroad. Jim agreed to head up the project and held his first meeting, thinking he would get a handful of his fellow retirees to help out. Turns out fifty couples showed up for that first meeting! Committees were assigned, plans were drawn up (including a neat little profile model of the area where the layout would be built) and construction commenced. During the planning stage, it was decided that the group would model the Seattle & Lake Shore, since it ran through Redmond. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was used for the sub-roadbed, with all LGB track. Even a shed was built to protect the equipment and make it easier for the “engineers” to get at their equipment (no bending). All in all, Jim estimated that over 250 residents of the community took part in the building of the railroad. This included folks who were interested in construction, planning, gardening, and even a guy who bricked up the lone tunnel in the plan. At the end of construction, the CEO of the community presided over a “Gold Spike Ceremony,” and officially opened the railroad.

Emerald Heights is an extremely active community, and their in-house TV station made a documentary on the process of building the railroad. Jim presented this documentary to us at Eastside, and everyone was in awe of what the community has accomplished. Jim is also now working on the layout he wanted in the first place, which will be a replica of Swiss railroading, a subject dear to Jim’s heart.

At this time, we do not have a program lined up for the March meeting, but rest assured JJ will come up with something. If you would like volunteer to give a clinic, contact JJ (jj@jtwice.com). He’ll be more than happy to sign you up. Additional photos from the clinic can be viewed at https://picasaweb.google.com/ken.liesse/EastsideClinic21711#

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