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What’s happening now in the 4th Division
There are some large items left from the Murray estate donated to the 4th Division. These include lumber, a large desk, ladders, portable work bench and the spray booth. If interested, contact me as soon as possible. There are photos of the lumber and some other items in the garage and a photo of the desk still in the train room.
Here is a link to photos of the spray booth:
https://1drv.ms/u/s!AhBTSQSpn0dniYQ0iZJ83aR6odKDrg?e=uomLnM
Russ 206 200 2211
Lisa is tied up with work issues and cannot host the meeting this month so I am stepping in to help out. As for clinic topic, Russ Segner will talk about the upcoming Boeing Employees MR Club meet. He also will talk about tearing down a layout.
The rest of the meeting will be an open forum. You are invited to show photos of current projects, past projects, interesting prototype photos or whatever else you think will interest the group. If you have questions about any model railroading topic, there is usually an abundance of expertise represented on these programs.
Topic: Northend Clinic
Time: Nov 4, 2021 06:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86009400273?pwd=YjllbUhIbUQ2U1p1Y1NMeVVjb3RMdz09
Meeting ID: 860 0940 0273
Passcode: 299080
All of you that were able to see my Zoom layout tour on September 11th will know what this update is all about. I will go over some of the subtle changes that are in and around the Potter Flats/Raade Springs area. Some more scenery was added along the mainline. Trees were planted and Raade Springs was completed. That scene was finally joined in with all the other areas. The last piece of the puzzle is the Dry Gulch access hatch, you may see it hovering up in the air in some of these photos. That access hatch has been a slow work in progress but once completed it will allow the scenery to be finished off in the Dry Gulch peninsula area.
Photo 34 shows what Raade Springs, and the surrounding area looked like prior to adding scenery. I only had a small station placed in the town. The branch line that serviced Raade Springs was never really operational and most of the track was buried in tunnels. This was not good for operational capabilities, so this area was never fully developed. A remedy for the buried track was needed if I was to apply scenery to the entire area. The track to Raade Springs was relocated and now most of the track is no longer in tunnels.
Photo 35 is a nice view looking down the mainline that also serves as a branch line to Raade Springs. Potter Flats is on the left while Raade Springs is toward the right. The large yellow barn-like building on the right is a coal pocket that is accessible via the town of Wapwallopen on the branch line. A nice stand of trees has been planted to act as a view block.
Photo 36 Raade Springs is a small hamlet served by the branch line. It has two mining operations. The Cantby mine and the Higotta mine are both located on one side of the town. The Higotta mine ore bin is placed on the combination branch line and siding. This siding leads directly into Dry Gulch through a short tunnel just out of the picture by the ore bin. This becomes a dual-purpose track for either branch line or siding use during operating sessions.
Since Raade Springs is placed on a very narrow strip of real estate I cantilevered three structures so that they hang off a short cliff. This allowed me to place the buildings in front of a small road. The rest of the area was built up and many wooden retaining walls are placed in the area. This gives the location a mining town charm. You can see the main support for the Dry Gulch access hatch just above the ore bin.
Photo 37 Here you can see how small an area Raade Springs occupies. To the right is Higotta mine and its ore bin. In the photo at the top right is Cantby mine. To the left of A. Oster supplies is the vertical support for the Dry Gulch access hatch.
Photo 38 Cantby mine is next to Higotta mine and features a forest the was logged off years ago to supply wood for the mine. Opportunistic trees have taken over where the forest was cleared.
Photo 39 Give a clear view of Higotta mine with Cantby mine in the background. You can also see the many wooden retaining walls placed in the area. Floating in the top left portion of the photo is the Dry Gulch access hatch! This hatch gives me complete access to Potter Flats, Raade Springs, a good portion of Wapwallopen, and the backside of Dry Gulch.
Photo 40 shows the other side of Higotta mine. The little green building in the center bottom of the photo is Woody’s Gun shop named in memory of Woody Matthews, longtime member of the 4D. That covers this area of the layout.
Next time we will finally have a look at Dry Gulch and all the changes that have occurred over the past few months. This entire area of the layout has been akin to assembling a large puzzle. There have been many “mini” scenes needing to be tied together. The last piece of the puzzle is Dry Gulch and its scenery. Most of Dry Gulch’s scenery had to be put on hold till all the other scenery was in place.
David
This is a repeat of the topic planned for last week. The session had to be aborted because of Internet problems.
The next session will be held Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at 4:00 via Zoom. Topic this week is using EEProm.
Subscribe to: https://groups.io/g/MR-Duino for more information and discussions from these sessions.
4dpnrOrganizer MountVernon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Arduino Session
Time: Nov 2, 2021 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81101184022?pwd=Vy9nWU5YTGprYXI5NWF1cUFJZDhYQT09
Meeting ID: 811 0118 4022
Passcode: 519830
The Northern Pacific steam engine number 924 is operating next weekend the 6th and 7th of November 2021.
https://trainmuseum.org/
This will be the engine’s first time operating since the boiler certification was fully approved, and pulling a passenger train.
This is an excellent opportunity for steam rail-fanning.
The train leaves North Bend station Saturday and Sunday at 10:30, 12:30, and 2:30.
Station stops in Snoqualmie depart at 11:00, 1:00 and 3:00. Trains usually arrive 10 minutes before departure.
Switching the passenger train will be at the “Train Shed” museum on Stone Quarry Road, between 8:30 and 10:00am. ( There’s free parking there, too. ) If it’s as cold out as it was yesterday morning, when you could see your breath all morning, the steam and exhaust pictures should be dramatic.
The best places I’ve found for action shots would be along-side Hwy 202 between Snoqualmie and the traffic circle ( near the Hwy 18 intersection ), or at the highway crossing on W North Bend Way, east of the Casino. The truss bridge over the river ought to be good, too, but I haven’t scoped out a location there. It would be best to snap the westbound train, so smoke is going the “correct” way ( not backing up ). Of course, audio recording would work either direction.
If you have in mind to ride the train, get your tickets soon. ( You can purchase tickets directly on-line at the museum web site. See link above. Bring your vaccination card, or a copy. ) Regular diesel trains have sold out for the past several weekends, and they expect the steam train will sell out quickly. Seating in the open-door baggage compartment of the combine car is popular – unfortunately, it is at the rear of the consist.
Unfortunately, cab rides are pretty much out of the question. Last time the steam engine ran in August, the cab was packed with a 3-person steam engine crew PLUS a 3-person diesel crew “in training” to run the steam engine. It looked almost like one of those little clown cars in the circus. Or the Keystone Cops on their way to “the scene of the crime”.
If you’re there on Saturday, stop by the Snoqualmie Depot and say Hi. I’ll be the guy doing his George Carlin “Mister Conductor” imitation.
“And remember this is Mr. Conductor talking, I know what I’m talking about!”
( Probably the only time. )
Dan
The 4th Division will have tables at the BOEING SWAP MEET November 13 at the Kent Commons. Several items available are donations from local members who have taken their layouts down. Some items are unusual and should go for significant prices. These include an IWATA air compressor, a UNIMAT lathe and several quality airbrushes from AZTEK, BINKS and PASCHE.
The Hi-Railers will have several interesting items. Most of the items I am bringing are HO or applicable to any scale, scenery materials for instance include a number of rolls of printed backdrops. A great amount of painting supplies will be available.
Half of the money raised from the estate of Michael Murray items will be a donation to the 4th Division.
If you would to see the IWATA compressor or the UNIMAT before the Swap Meet, contact me directly at 206 200 2211 or by email at russseg@gmail.com.
Russ
The next session will be held Tuesday, October 29, 2021 at 4:00 via Zoom. Topic this week is using EEProm. Heads up: Weather is causing power and Internet outings so keep that in mind if the meeting does not happen.
Subscribe to: https://groups.io/g/MR-Duino for more information and discussions from these sessions.
4dpnrOrganizer MountVernon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Arduino Session
Time: Oct 26, 2021 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81626124402?pwd=cDZ0Z29NSSs5SjVoeWl2ZTNVT2UwUT09
Meeting ID: 816 2612 4402
Passcode: 470438
The local model railroad scene is finally beginning to open. Already, the Lynden and Maple Valley shows have been held and the HO Free-Mo group led by Larry Sloan will be set up at the Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival in the Tacoma Dome starting October 21 through 24. These guys know how to pick a venue.
Our local clinics are now operational again, although most are still virtual. Check the Grab Iron for details on each clinic.
Next up is the Boeing Swap Meet in Kent November 13. We will have a 4th Division table selling items donated to 4th Division over the last year. There will be bargains galore, so come and collect more stuff to stash for future model building. Ed Ives is leading that effort. I will be there and any of you who can are invited to join us for a while to greet people and promote the 4th Division.
By the way, Clay Hansen’s layout was picked up by a newer member who will restore it to operation in his home in Tacoma.
We will have at least two modular layouts at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma for the Annual Model Train Festival December 17, through January 2, 2022.
There is no word yet on a possible show in 2022 at the Pacific Science Center or at Monroe. Stay tuned.
I want to also bring to your attention the scheduled National Narrow Gauge Convention September 1-4, 2022 at the Murano Hotel in Tacoma. The 4th Division is participating. Clinics will be lead by local and national presenters. Manufacturers from all over the US and Canada will be there. So, you can meet model railroaders and suppliers seldom available locally.
In addition, there will be a contest room with classic work by some of the best modelers anywhere. It will be an opportunity for you to put your best work on display. Last, there will be self guided tours of over 30 local layouts in several scales and gauges.
Check out the website at www.seattlenngc.com
If you are interested in getting involved, please let me know.
Russ Segner, 4D Superintendent
Eastside Virtual Clinic will be held on THURSDAY, October 21, 2021 at 7:00 PM (lobby opens at 6:45 PM) PDT
The Eastside Clinic is inviting everyone to the October Eastside Clinic to be held virtually on ZOOM this Thursday, October 21, starting at 7:00 PM with our virtual lobby opening at 6:45 PM. So be sure and save the date for the October Eastside Clinic this Thursday! The log in info for the clinic is below.
Topic: Eastside Clinic for October 2021
Time: October 21, 2021, 06:45 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86053242472?pwd=d1NDQWpIYkVwV3dFbmpnQmxEb2Zjdz09
Meeting ID: 860 5324 2472
Passcode: 342326
Our Clinic this month will be “A New Strategy to Represent Signals on a Model Railroad” presented by Dan Kellogg. Dan will be presenting his thoughts and application methods on a new signaling system that has been developed by Model Train Technology of Orlando, FL. MTT has developed a trackside Precision Detector for N, HO and O scale systems that detects the presence of a train on the track without the use of traditional track detection circuits, magnetic reed switches or infrared light. The new system will be demonstrated on a module that Dan has built so modelers can decide for themselves whether this signaling system will be appropriate for their layouts.
Dan will state a disclaimer in his presentation: “This signaling system is certainly not prototypically correct. But for those who lack that interest and/or ability to implement more sophisticated and prototypically correct systems, the new MTT signaling system will provide a great option for animation and representation of signals on a model railroad.”
After the Clinic, there will be an opportunity for everyone to show off their latest model work that they’ve been working on in our “Show and Brag” event.
Alex Brikoff, 10/19/2021
The next session will be held Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 4:00 via Zoom. Topic this week is PCA9685 PWM Multiplexer plus an idea for slow servo operation.
Subscribe to: https://groups.io/g/MR-Duino for more information and discussions from these sessions.
4dpnrOrganizer MountVernon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Arduino Session
Time: Oct 19, 2021 04:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86235498580?pwd=M2FzNmpkREZ2K3M1ZThLdW9NU2kvZz09
Meeting ID: 862 3549 8580
Passcode: 376268