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Whidbey Virtual Clinic – Scratchbuilding a Trestle Viaduct – 9 December 7:00PM

Alan Murray will present a clinic on constructing the Viaduct for Jon Bentz’ Rio Como layout at the December 9th 7PM virtual meeting of the Skagit Valley & Whidbey NMRA Clinic. Construction of trestles often begins by constructing the girders, ties and installation of rails on a level base. After placing the assembly on the layout, trestle bents can be framed and trimmed to fit the topographic conditions that will exist below the trestle.

In the case of the Rio Como Viaduct, a single-lane vehicle crossing over the Rio Como main line needed to climb from the level of the mainline to a height sufficient to provide clearance for the largest Bachmann ON30, 4-6-0 locomotive. The viaduct contains a King Post span with tension rod, a 90-degree horizontal curve, vertical curves and short tangents with grades up to 15 percent. The presentation will concentrate on techniques in the construction of the viaduct. Material choices, cutting and drilling techniques, use of jigs and installation of NBW’s will be discussed.

ZOOM Link, waiting room will be open after 6:30pm for chit chat

Topic: SV&W NMRA December Clinic
Time: Dec 9, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97354958130?pwd=ZjB6VFJyZ3ZOOTc4djlSMUlhYlpWUT09

Meeting ID: 973 5495 8130
Passcode: 410875

North End Virtual Clinic tonight (12/3) at 7pm!

Now that I have recovered from my extended ‘turkey coma’ from the Thanksgiving holiday (that’s my excuse and I am sticking with it), I finally remembered to send out a post for the virtual North End clinic that is TONIGHT!

My apologies for the late notice, but, if you have time this evening, please log in to learn about model railroading and share your own hobby activities with like-minded folks.

This evening’s clinic will be presented by Russ Segner on Interesting Rail Served Buildings that you can model.

Here is the Zoom link info for the call. Meeting starts at 7pm and participants will be let in from the lobby starting at about 6:45pm.

Topic: December North End NMRA Virtual Clinic
Time: Dec 3, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

https://zoom.us/j/96767652594?pwd=blBvdjcyRlk1MUFERi9wTXJoUmZWdz09
Meeting ID: 967 6765 2594
Passcode: 995778

Extra Layout Tours This Saturday, Dec 5

By Burr Steward

We added an extra Zoom session on December 5 for you to see the two layout tours that were interrupted during the November 14 session. As usual, the meeting will start at 10:00am. The first will be Dave Woodrell with his Sn3 version of the Rio Grande Southern, and then Greg Wright will show us how he built an earthen “table” in his back yard over the summer to develop an outdoor layout. Don’t miss it!

We have improved the Zoom security procedures for all upcoming 4DPNR meetings, so as part of that, the Zoom info for the meeting will be shared with you in an announcement like this about 48 hours before the meeting is scheduled to begin.

Burr

Zoom Meeting Problems

By Russ Segner

Unfortunately, our Zoom layout tours meeting on November 14 was Zoombombed. I want to apologize for any upset feelings this may have caused. We are taking quick action to maximize the security of all online meetings.

I appreciate your patience and understanding. We have provided the clinic chairs with revised recommendations for their Zoom security settings. If you have any comments, please send them to communications@4dPNR.com.

Russ

Mount Vernon Virtual Clinic

By Ted Becker

It’s happening, the Mount Vernon Clinic is going virtual.

Topic: Ted’s tub of tools, tips & tricks, the new revised version.  You are guaranteed to pick up at least one new idea.

Time: Nov 16, 2020 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Meeting goes live at 6:30 for chit chat.  Bring your own refreshments.

Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/97369530769?pwd=SE83QTZvYjIwaWRVMm1zYlVVazI0dz09
Meeting ID: 973 6953 0769
Passcode: 666212

Hi-Railers Attention

By Russ Segner

Mike Donnelly has been a volunteer at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie for many years now. The Museum has acquired an O scale layout from the former Bellingham Railway Museum.

They are looking for “experts” to reconnect the track and accessory wiring, and to refresh the scenery. There is a little bit of trouble-shooting on the lower level, which has reportedly never been fully reliable.

The entire layout is Lionel 027. The Northwest Railway Museum will provide any materials needed.

Anyone interested should contact volunteer coordinator Emily at emily@TrainMuseum.org

Russ

Reminder – Virtual Layout tours Saturday Nov 14 @ 10am

By Burr Stewart

Join us Saturday Nov. 14 from 10am to 11:30 PDT for two 4DPNR layout tours. The first will be Dave Woodrell MMR, showing us his photogenic Sn3 RGS layout. He models the First District of the RGS, which was the northern end of the line from Ridgway, CO south to Rico, CO (His latest Gazette article appeared in the Nov/Dec 2018 issue). The second will be Greg Wright MMR, with a presentation on how he re-graded part of his back yard to make a “table” for a G scale outdoor layout. To join the meeting use this Zoom info:

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6193553125?pwd=NHVZekUwa1RuOWdWazBOMTQ4dTRxQT09

Meeting ID: 619 355 3125
Passcode: 4DPNR

One tap mobile
+12532158782,,6193553125# US (Tacoma)
+16699009128,,6193553125# US (San Jose)

As usual, if you miss the live presentations, you can watch them a few days later on the 4DPNR YouTube channel, along with most of our past 4DPNR layout tours during the Covid era.

Burr

Tyler Whitcomb – MMR 663

By Russ Segner

Congratulations to Tyler for his completion of all the work to achieve his MMR. He is #663 and joins a large number of MMRs here in the Fourth Division.

Tyler has hosted many open houses and always amazes us with his beautiful model building. Here a few pictures that make that point.

I look forward to seeing this work up close soon.

Russ