Author: Russ Segner

By Russ Segner

There will be a meeting to discuss HOn3 modules this coming Saturday at 11:45 at the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archives in Burien.

We will discuss standards and next steps.  I will bring a module the I am working on with John Paschal.

There is a great bakery across the street for lunch.  Pack a lunch or get a snack across the street.

Address is: 425 SW 153^rd St, Burien.

Russ Segner

206 200 2211

A Reminder our Redmond Clinic starts at 7:00 PM.

Russ Segner

There has been a lot of interest in trains the last few weeks with the celebrations of the completion of the Transcontinental Railway 150 years ago and the return of UP Big Boy 4014 to active service. So, has anybody asked you recently about your interest in trains?

Let them know that your Fourth Division (4D) is very active in promoting such interest in real trains as well as modelling them.  This involves more than talk.  We have developed resources and organization to be effective.

I think it important to restate what we in the 4D/PNR/NMRA are all about. The purposes of the Fourth Division (4D) are to:

• Educate persons engaged in model railroading in methods of building and operating model railroad equipment and prototype practices.
• Develop the technical skills of persons engaged in the art and craft of model railroading.
• Encourage the collection and preservation of historical data and to promote education about railway history through model railroading.
• Facilitate communication among all model railroaders, both members and non-members.

The 4D Board of Directors has determined that the best way to reach its audience, especially nonmembers and potential model railroaders, is through modular model railroad participation at train shows and other public activities. To achieve that public representation, the Fourth Division has created this Modular Model Railroad Sponsorship Program. This program provides financial assistance and administrative assistance to modular model railroad groups to help them achieve the Fourth Division’s organizational purpose.

We want to be sure we stay focused on these goals. Your Board recently revised and expanded several policies in the Executive Handbook. 

Appendix A – Modular Model Railroad Sponsorship Program

This section clarifies and condenses existing policy into one location.

There are two types of Sponsored Modular Model Railroads: “4D Modular Groups” created by 4D and “Supported Clubs,” which are Clubs with 100% NMRA membership who have asked the Division for support and which meet the Division’s criteria. Both types are eligible for financial support, administrative support, and publicity for their activities. 

Requirements for Sponsorship: The following conditions must be met for a Group or Club to be considered for inclusion in the Modular Model Railroad Sponsorship Program: i) It is based within the geographic boundaries of Fourth Division. ii) It achieves and maintains 100% NMRA Membership. iii) Any 4D member in good standing may apply for membership in it. iv) It demonstrates continued effort to achieve the Fourth Division and NMRA organizational purposes. v) It actively participates in and supports 4D and NMRA activities, in addition to its own activities. vi) It actively participates in general management of 4D with respect to support, funding and activities. vii) It has, or will create, operating documents governing its conduct, including referring to, and abiding by, the NMRA guidelines for anti-harassment and anti-discrimination, and will submit a copy to the 4D Board to validate that it agrees with 4D purposes. viii) It designates an individual to be the contact point with the 4D Treasurer for reimbursement. ix) 4D Modular Groups do not charge dues or fees for participation by NMRA members. Supported Clubs may charge. b. The 4D Expects such clubs to; i) Support the Fourth Division and the NMRA organizational purpose by: (1) Serving as active and effective NMRA and 4D ambassadors to layout visitors, promoting the hobby, and educating the public about model railroading, etc. (2) Encouraging existing NMRA members to attend local clinics and volunteer as clinicians.

Appendix B – Donations and Disposition of 4D Owned Property.

This is a new document to help members know how to deal with donations of equipment and models from families who want these items to be useful to the hobby.

Appendix C – Mileage Reimbursement Guidelines

(formerly the Appendix to the Mileage Reimbursement Form). The 4D actively supports participation by members at local clinics and clubs and presentation to the public at trains shows.  Because the Division is spread over such a large geographic area, some travel expenses are reimbursable.  So, there are specific policies in place to financially support those who travel long distances to present clinics and for those who pull the trailers for modular groups to train shows.  These expenses are authorized in our budget negotiated and approved each fall. This process is currently underway.

Members are encouraged to click here, download, and read the Executive Handbook published in the Members Only section on our website for the complete provisions.

Last call for ballots. Send those ballots in. Even though the three candidates, Al Lowe, Robin Peel and Anton Faulk, are unopposed, it is important that we give them a vote of confidence and thanks for stepping up to serve us on the Board of Directors.

Your Board is responsible to see that our area clinic facilities are made available and the clinics staffed. We also recruit presenters for programs and special events such as our shows at MOHAI and the Pacific Science Center.

Speaking of MOHAI and the Pacific Science Center shows, there is a meeting May 4 at The Yankee Grill in Renton at 10:00 to discuss and plan these two shows held this fall and winter. Al Lowe, Ed Ives, Mike Slease, Alan Murray and David Yadock with be there with me. We will be focusing on adding small demonstrations and displays in addition to the usual modular layouts.

If you have a small demonstration module to demonstrate some modeling skill, let us know, or, better yet, joins us on the 4th. Give me a call at 206 200 2211.

Congratulations to Gary

Gary is our latest MMR in the Fourth Division. He has earned his designation as #626 for his fine model building on his layout, The Gilpin Tram. This layout features O, On3 and On30 trackwork and includes a helix between two levels of his mining scenes.

Gary holds operating sessions on a regular basis. His layout has been toured by many of us and will be open during the April – 6 Sn3 Symposium in Bellevue.

A Nominating Committee has been appointed to receive nominations for the upcoming election.  Three positions will be on the ballot: ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT and two DIRECTORS.

The duties of these positions are as follows:
The ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT shall perform all duties assigned by the Superintendent and serve in the Superintendent’s absence.
DIRECTOR. Serve as the direct representative of the members. Act in the best interest of the members in the management of the Division.

The Board of Directors currently meets 6 times a year, generally in the area of Tukwila or Kent. The meetings usually last for about two hours.
The current holders of these positions will be asked if they wish to continue and if so, their names will be placed on the ballot.

If you know of someone interested and willing to serve, or if you wish to nominate yourself, contact one of the Nominating Committee members:

Kevin Klettke   wnrr@comcast.net
Burr Stewart   burr.stewart@gmail.com
Ted Becker   rail.bird@att.net

Names must be received and certified as eligible prior to March 1, 2019.

If you have questions, please refer to the Members Section in the 4D website titled: By-Laws and Executive Handbook

• 4D Executive Handbook, March 3, 2012

Available at this month’s Redmond Clinic

I will be bringing copies of Kurt Armbruster’s new book on the Pacific Coast railroad centered around the coal mines of the area. It is soft cover, some 127 pages, with good maps and many photos we have not seen before.

Each copy is $20 with all proceeds going to local museums and historical societies. I am selling them for the Newcastle Historical Society.

By Russ Segner

We need some volunteers!

It is that one time of the year when the general membership of the Fourth Division can show our commitment to our hobby and share it with the public.

The show is this January 19, 20 and 21. Since this is the major source of funds for the Fourth Division, each who can give some time is encouraged to come and help.

Here is a list of places to serve:

Operation Lifesaver needs to be manned all 3 days

N-scale layout needs to be manned all 3 days

On30 switching layout needs to be manned all 3 days

NMRA table needs to be manned 2-2.5 days (Bob R. will be there part of the time)

Build-A-Dream needs to be created and manned all 3 days (someone or several can build a kit or create trees during the show)

Crew lounge needs to be manned 2 days (Ed Liesse will be there on Monday)

Layouts that need help for breaks are as follows-

Whidbey Island switching layout

Cascades-N-Western

Train Mania

Al Rameys Transportation Museum

Mike Petrozzelli’s N scale layout

 

Ideally, volunteers can be most effective by coming for a four hour shift. Parking script is available and you get into the show free. Refreshments are available in the breakroom.

If you can help, contact David Yadock at hi61izq@hotmail.com; or me at russseg@gmail.com. Call me in the evenings at 206 200 2211.

Russ