Category: Eastside Get-Together (Redmond) Clinic

Story & Photos by Ed Liesse

JJ Johnston greeted 35 attendees with his traditional welcome speech of introducing Board members and MMRs. This time we had a few extra “guests,” Raoul Martin (former owner of Northwest Short Line), Fred Hamilton and Mike O’Connell, our featured clinician for the evening.

Announcements included Russ Segner commenting on this Saturday’s Spring Meet and the Layout Tours on Sunday and the fact that 4D would be hosting next year’s PNR Regional convention. He didn’t mention that he is the Chairman for that convention and will be looking for help to put it on!

Jim Sabol snuck in from the Tacoma and Olympia clinics with an invitation to join the G.O.P.H.E.R.S (Greater Olympia Prototype History & Engineering Research Society) at their Excursion and Picnic at the Ballard Locks in Seattle. This includes time to watch the lock activities as well as the BNSF main line bascule bridge on the west end of the lake, hot dogs and fellowship, and then taking a look at the Ballard Terminal Railroad, with maybe a cab ride on their SW-1! If you’re interested, let Jim know at jimsabol@msn.com.

Frank Dekker announced that his house was sold and will be leaving the area soon. He will be loading a trailer starting Thursday, May 26 for several days and would appreciate any help you could offer. They will be leaving town the first week in June, heading to Holland, Michigan. If you can help, contact Frank at rekkedrails@juno.com.

JJ announced that he is looking for volunteers to do clinics next year and would like to have the schedule full before we break for the summer. If you have a clinic you’ve been wanting to present, now’s your chance! Let JJ know at jj@jtwice.com. He also reiterated that Steve Depolo had moved the Inside Gateway hobby shop to Woodinville and had maps to the store available.

Several entries were in the model contest and Mike Laughlin’s nicely lit inside-and-out train station took the prize. Two items displayed by Frank Dekker were 1’ x 2’ dioramas built by Russ Hendrickson many years ago that were donated to 4D after his death by his wife. Frank said they could use some tender loving care to clean them up and get them operational again and was looking for someone to take them home and provide it. They could be used as promotional material at the various shows. Anyone interested should contact Frank (quickly, as he’s moving!).

After the break, Mike O’Connell gave us a slide presentation on Tacoma and Spokane in the ’60s and ’70s. This was a collection of pictures, taken by Mike as a young man, of the Northern Pacific yards in Tacoma, including some aerial shots showing the tide flats. Various pictures of engines, structures, freight and passenger cars brought back memories of a bygone era. These were taken back when the railroads were a little friendlier to railfans. Mike, of course, embellished the pictures with his narration, which gave a little more insight to his “misspent” youth and college days chasing trains! A great time was had by all seeing these vintage photos of fallen flags equipment. Thanks, Mike.

Our door prizes tonight were graciously donated by Mike O’Connell from Chooch. Great flatcar loads!

Our next Get-Together on June 20 will be the last one until September. We look forward to having you join us!

Ed Liesse, Photos by Ed Liesse

JJ Johnston welcomed about 35 attendees to the March Eastside Get-Together. After his usual introduction of “notables” in attendance, he turned the floor over to 4D Superintendent Ken Liesse for several announcements before Ken had to leave to get back to work on a final exam for school.

Ken commented on the upcoming 4D Board of Directors election, stating there were three positions up for election: two Directors and Assistant Superintendent. Anyone interested in running for any of these positions send their candidate statement to Ed Liesse by Saturday, March 30. This includes incumbents planning to run for re-election! This is a definite cutoff date since the ballot will be going to press April 1. Ken also mentioned the need for everyone to make sure the NMRA has your current email address in their database. More and more NMRA, PNR and 4D communication will be coming via email. Send your email address to Ed Liesse, PNR Co-Office Manager, when it changes.

Ken mentioned the upcoming 4D Spring Meet, but left the details to Chairman Russ Segner, who reiterated the meet will be May 18, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Tukwila. Cost will be $20, which includes lunch! He has a great assembly of clinicians that will force attendees to decide which of the 12 clinics to attend. Three occur at the same time (in different rooms, of course). There will be 4 presentation times, with no clinics repeated. After the last clinic, the 4D Annual Meeting will be held,  plus the presentation of awards, including the Golden Grab Iron Award. At the conclusion of the meeting, maps will be distributed for Sunday’s layout tours. You must be present and registered for the Meet to get the maps. Your Spring Meet badge should be worn during Sunday’s layout tours. Watch for further announcements in the next few weeks through Internet communications with updates on the Spring Meet.

JJ announced The Inside Gateway hobby shop will move from Bellevue to Woodinville effective the first part of April. He had maps available for the new location. He then asked if we had any new attendees and Alex Brown stood, introduced himself, and said he was just getting back into the hobby after a long hiatus. He was welcomed to the group and, later on, won one of the door prizes!

John Thompson’s Superior Company Store

The Model of the Month contest had only two real entries this month. John Thompson won with his model of the Superior Company Store. There were also displays for the upcoming Spring Meet and an attendee’s photo display of a trip to China.

After the break, JJ reminded us that last month we decided to take a collection for the NMRA Display at the CaliforniaStateRailroadMuseum in Sacramento showing the history of model railroading. After passing the hat, we ended up with $180 to send to NMRA from the Eastside Get-Together. Thanks to all! We challenge every other 4D Clinic to do the same for this good cause!

JJ then introduced CJ Riley, MMR, our clinic presenter for the night. The original clinic CJ planned to do, using a PowerPoint presentation, wouldn’t open right on the computer, so he substituted other pictures he had and spoke about them. This turned into an interesting presentation of freight and passenger cars constructed from the 20s to 50s with CJ explaining differences in construction and use. CJ promised to get the original clinic working and come back at a future date to present it. The makeshift clinic was enjoyed by all. Thanks, CJ.

The evening was closed out with our door prize drawings purloined from Steve Depolo at The Inside Gateway hobby shop. The next Eastside Get-Together will be April 18. Come join us!

Ed Liesse

As usual, JJ Johnston welcomed everyone to the February Eastside Get-Together. After his usual introduction of “notables” attending the clinic, he opened the floor for announcements. Russ Segner discussed the upcoming 4D Spring Meet on May 18-19 with an overview of the current planning, which is coming together although there could still be some tweaking and to watch for more information in the Digital Grab Iron. Frank Dekker reported on the Pacific Science Center show. We had good weather although it was cool, with attendance around 14,500. He also announced that this would be his last show as co-coordinator and that David Yadock would be taking over his position on the PSC planning committee. Ed Liesse commented on the upcoming 4D BOD meeting, the Boise PNR convention in June, and the need for continued contributions for the NMRA display at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento. Mike Cavanaugh suggested that the group take up a collection next month to make a donation in the group’s name to the NMRA in support of the Museum display. Everyone thought it was a good idea so we’ll do the collection in March. Russ also mentioned the Olympia Layout Tours coming up the first weekend in March, although he would be in Elsie, OR at a logging meet!

George Chambers detailed O scale gas station.

There were several items in the Model of the Month display this time. George Chambers ultimately was the winner with his detailed O scale gas station kit with a complete interior and a modified roof.

After the break, we were treated to a most interesting clinic by Todd Gamble on the making of trees for the layout. To start, he handed out rounded toothpicks and a small piece of synthetic wool filter. Then he demonstrated how to pull the wool gently apart and push the toothpick up through the wool. A dab of super glue just under the wool on the toothpick keeps it from falling off. Spray 3M “77” over the tree and sprinkle fine ground cover for foliage. When using 3M spray adhesive, do it outside or someplace with great air exhaust. The 3M spray is potent! In making background trees, use gray paint for the trunks; for foreground trees, use brown paint.

George Chambers O Scale gas station interior.

Todd did more demonstrations on how he makes trees of all sizes and for various areas of the layout. When the finished trees get dirty or dusty, he suggests mixing a small part of India ink in alcohol for a quick spray over the trees. The India ink in alcohol will refresh the trees. Todd also answered a lot of questions and, if he could, would demonstrate his technique. It was a fun clinic.

The evening was closed out with our door prize drawings purloined from Steve Depolo at The Inside Gateway hobby shop. The next Eastside Get-Together will be March 21 with a new clinic on creating proper rolling stock from CJ Riley, MMR. Come join us!

JJ Johnston

The next Eastside Get-Together will be February 21, Thursday, 7:30, Bellevue. We are excited to announce noted railroad modeler and artist Todd Gamble will be presenting a never before seen clinic on trees. As most of you know, Todd is the lead scenery professional working for Peter Hambling’s monster layout in Medina which most of us have visited for an open house. The incredible scenery was mostly built by Todd who continues to create scenery from photos taken by our friend Dave Hikel for this amazing project.

Todd’s Thursday presentation will be in two parts. He will do an actual demonstration of building a northwest conifer tree and he will bring materials for all of us to follow him in making a deciduous tree. Todd has presented for us before and his demonstrations have always been first rate. Don’t miss this great new modeling workshop opportunity and take home your own model tree.

Of course, we will offer all the other activities including model of the month, video rental library, the super mart for estate sale railroad items, free coffee and fresh donuts, plus door prizes from Steve Depolo’s Inside Gateway hobby store.

See you there!

JJ Johnston

JJ Johnston welcomed 40+ attendees to the first Eastside Get-Together for 2013. He introduced several visitors as well as his usual “dignitaries” (as defined by JJ!).

Frank Dekker reminded everyone of the Pacific Science Center show coming up on Martin Luther King weekend. More volunteers would still be welcome. Russ Segner talked about the tentative plans for the 4D Spring Meet on May 11 with clinics and annual meeting on Saturday and layout tours on Sunday (but only for those who attend Saturday). He cautioned, however, that these plans were still in the development stage and could change. Stay tuned.

JJ reported that the donations collected in November and December were used to help several members of the church and he read responses from the recipients. The recipients were most grateful for the help provided.

The Model of the Month again had several entries. An old California Scale Models (now Alpine Models) freighthouse kit, which was modified greatly by David Yadock, took the prize.

After a short break, David Woodrell, MMR, gave a presentation he had done at the National Narrow Gauge convention inSeattlein September honoring the life of Brian Ellerby.

Brian was founder and owner of Evergreen Scale Models, the fantastic styrene we all use in our modeling. The presentation showed Brian as a young man chasing trains for photos (as we have all done) and ultimately building his own layout. We had a look at some of the early projects he worked on in building his layout for controlling his turnouts. Surprisingly, they were made out of Evergreen styrene! Quite ingenious! Most of us think of Evergreen styrene being used largely by model railroaders, but the community of users is much larger! The styrene is shipped all over the world to practically any company you can think of for all kinds of uses; modeling, project design, prototyping of new ideas, etc. David did a wonderful job giving an insight to the person Brian was and what he did for the hobby and the plastic industry. Thanks, David!

Join us on Thursday, February 21^st for the next Eastside Get-Together. Watch the Digital Grab Iron for the announcement of the topic and presenter.

JJ Johnston

Please plan to attend our first 2013 meeting at 7:30 pm, next Thursday, January 17. Our special keynote speaker for the evening will be Dave Woodrell, longtime modeler and narrow gauge celebrity whose layout has been featured many times in print and video. You may recall Dave presented a scenery clinic previously to our group.

Dave will be presenting his wonderful eulogy on the life and times of the late Brian Ellerby, a renowned modeler and owner of Evergreen Styrene. Dave’s fabulous slide presentation was given to standing room only crowds at the recent narrow gauge convention. You won’t want to miss this significant part of our local modeling history on an amazing individual who touched the world with his contribution to our hobby.

Of course we will have the usual array of party favors, particularly door prizes from Steve Depolo, Inside Gateway; model of the month; stuff for sale and donuts with coffee. Also a report on our Christmas Fund recipients. See you there.

JJ Johnston

There were about 40 attendees at 2012’s last Get-Together. As usual, JJ Johnston welcomed everyone to the meeting. Frank Dekker reminded us that the Pacific Science Center Show over Martin Luther King weekend, January 19 – 21, 2013, is less than a month away and, as usual, help is needed Friday night for move-in and Monday night during load-out. There is always the need during the show for help, as well, relieving people at the various exhibits to give them breaks. Jeff Moorman, the co-chair, is still working on the exhibit layouts since Building 4 will not be available due to the King Tut exhibit. If you can help, let Frank know at rekkedrails@juno.com. He would appreciate being contacted! Frank also mentioned that he was giving up his position as co-chair of the show. He and his wife are looking at a vacation home inMichigan for more time visiting with grand-children.

JJ thanked everyone who donated to our Christmas fund to our host church and passed the hat once more for anyone who didn’t get the chance at the last meeting or wanted to add more. The money will be used to help several church members in need this Christmas. The final total of monies donated was $714! JJ will report more information on the two families selected for financial assistance at our January meeting. Thanks to all!

The Model of the Month had several entries and was won by David Yadock for his Interlocking Tower built from an old Campbell kit.

After the usual break, JJ outlined the rules(?) for the Dirty Santa gift exchange. A number of items changed ownership during the evening as one person decided the gift someone else had was better than taking a chance on selecting their own from the table! At the end of the evening, everyone seemed satisfied with their gift and, wishing everybody Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, the last 2012 Get-together came to an end.

Please reserve Thursday, January 17 for our next meeting, featuring Dave Woodrell presenting his fabulous eulogy regarding the life and times of legendary modeler and Evergreen Styrene owner Brian Ellerby. Dave gave this eulogy to a standing-room-only crowd at the recent National Narrow Gauge Convention. Don’t miss it!

JJ Johnston

Remember, our “Dirty Santa” party is this Thursday, December 20, at 7:30 PM, at the Bellevue Four Square Church. Bring a wrapped gift to participate in our annual gift exchange. Be sure to MARK THE SCALE on the outside of the wrapped gift. The rules will be agreed to at the meeting. Bring a model of the month, sell or buy something, video library, plus our free coffee and $1- donuts.

If you have not had a chance to make a donation to our annual church collection to support the less fortunate who are members of the church, you may do so at the meeting. Our collection last month was very generous, so we ask everyone to participate to repay the generosity of the Church in allowing us to use their space and supplies at no cost.

See you there. Don’t miss the fun!