Category: Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island Clinic

Article and Photos by Rich Thom

A layout visit makes for a nice change of pace, so on April 13^th the Skagit Valley and Whidbey NMRA Clinic met at the Anacortes home of long-time member Tom Hawkins, for a close-up look at his HO-scale Port Thomas & Southern. Since only a few could view the layout at the same time, to keep others busy, and to discourage excessive consumption of the treats supplied every month by Susan and Phil Gonzales (thanks guys!), clinic members were invited to bring in their track plans — whatever the stage of construction, from dream to done. What a surprise! Of the 23 attendees, there were about as many track plans! Your clinic Grab Iron reporter for one had no idea there were as many layouts abuilding in our area. A lot of interaction and constructive suggestions occurred during the evening.

Tom’s layout, though, was the star attraction. The PT&S features a walk-in track plan in a 10 x 20 foot room. Tom’s plan won 3^rd place in Model Railroader’s 2012 Track Plan Contest, and was published in the October 2012 issue of MR, pp 64-66.

Fig 1 – Port Thomas

Tom’s railroad was inspired by the prototype Port Townsend & Southern, envisioned by its builders to connect the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula to Portland, OR. Like many such dreams, it fell far short, only reaching the town of Quilcene 27 miles away.

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Article by Rich Thom, Photos by Al Frasch

Fig 1 – Fences Enclose Pastures on Al Frasch’s BNSF Pilchuck Division

Skagit Valley and Whidbey NMRA Clinic Chair Rich Blake welcomed 24 modelers to the March 9^th meeting at the Summerhill facility in Oak Harbor. Rich made an interesting observation about attendance. Since the “new” Mt. Vernon NMRA Clinic was launched last fall the typical attendance numbers of the SV&W and Mt. Vernon clinics together have totaled more than the SV&W group typically drew when it served both geographic areas. That suggests the “splitting up” of our original group was a grand idea – more folks are discovering the value and camaraderie offered by these clinics and the NMRA. Our clinic has seen a steady addition of new people, model railroaders who might have thought they were isolated in our corner of the Puget Sound, delighted to find a large and active group of like-minded souls.

Susan Gonzales is putting together next season’s program and pointed out that she had only received one suggestion for clinics (and even fewer volunteers) and repeated her call for clinic topics and, especially, clinicians. The popular “mini-clinics” evening will be repeated in October – 10 to 15 minute spots to describe simpler, single topics — but volunteers are needed. Interest was expressed in another contest. Two suggestions from the floor for possible contest themes included (1) car interiors and (2) kit-bashing variations on one simple building kit. A contest will occur only if someone steps up to be Contest Shepherd!

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Article and Photos by Rich Thom

Twenty-four modelers attended the Skagit Valley and Whidbey NMRA Clinic meeting in Oak Harbor on February 10^th, featuring the long-anticipated display and judging of models entered in this season’s contest: Flatcars with Loads. Clinic Chair Rich Blake welcomed new attendee Barry Erb, who models Pennsylvania RR prototypes in HO. Rich also thanked Di Voss, MMR, for making the long drive from Mill Creek to judge some of the models for NMRA Achievement Program (AP) Merit Awards, and providing details and some expert advice about the NMRA AP and evaluating models for the program. Rich mentioned that it was not too soon to begin thinking about next season’s lineup of clinics, and encouraged everyone to get their ideas (and especially volunteer themselves!) for clinics to Susan Gonzales.

Before the evening’s contest, Rich, with assistance from Di, described the basics of the NMRA AP and judging, using materials available on the NMRA website (www.nmra.org) including the Achievement Program Judging Guidelines and the Model Description Form. A set of slides by Bob Hamm, MMR, on contest judging was also shown. Although the formal 125-point evaluation system was not used for tonight’s contest (instead judging was by a simpler popular vote) the discussion attuned everyone to the five attributes contributing to a superior model: construction (methods and complexity); detail; conformity (fidelity to prototype); finish and lettering; and scratch-built content, including any special refinements.

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Article and Photos by Rich Thom

In brief opening remarks, Clinic Chair Rich Blake reviewed the calendar for upcoming clinics and other PNR events, highlighting the PNR’s regional convention, Selkirk Express 2016, to be held June 15-19 in scenic Salmon Arm, BC. Rich also mentioned that the Mt. Vernon Clinic has switched its meeting nights to the second Thursday of every month, and encouraged continued cross-attendance. Jack Tingstad reminded everyone of next month’s contest, in which flatcars with loads will be displayed and judged (categories and rules have been discussed previously), adding that cash prizes (!) (from the attendee kitty) will be awarded, as well as the usual certificates and, naturally, accolades. A show of hands promised a good number of entries.

Susan Gonzales launched right into the evening’s make-n-take, Modeling Rock Details for Structures. It’s a simple idea to create details such as chimneys, fireplaces and fire pits, root cellars, fences, even entire houses—and easily achieved, with a steady hand. A very steady hand! To get an idea of what you can build, search “river rock chimney,” for example, to find prototype photos.

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Rich Thom / Photos by Dick Haines

Twenty-seven regulars gathered at the Summerhill Residence in Oak Harbor for the December meeting of the Skagit Valley & Whidbey NMRA Clinic. Four from the Mt. Vernon NMRA clinic group made the long journey from the mainland, and Barry Anderson braved the sparse wintertime ferry service to come over from Port Townsend. Clinic Chair Rich Blake welcomed two guests this evening, Mike Garcia, Coupeville and Mike Piccone, Oak Harbor.

In opening remarks Rich observed that Performance R/C Hobbies, in Burlington, had closed its doors in November after over three decades of serving R/C hobbyists and model railroaders. We extend sincere thanks to owner Susan (Suzie) Thornton for maintaining a stock of basic model railroad supplies over the years. Rich reminded everyone to patronize the remaining hobby shops in the Seattle-Tacoma area to help keep them financially viable. Upcoming events were reviewed, which can be found on the PNR website or the 4D events page. Susan Gonzales announced that the mystery “make and take” planned for the January meeting was no longer a mystery: we will be building Rock Details for Structures. If you are eyesight-challenged, Susan warned, bring a magnifier.

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Rich Thom / Photos by Rich

The Skagit Valley & Whidbey NMRA Clinic’s meeting on November 11^th was attended by 22 regulars and two guests. Guests were Dave Johnson, an Oak Harbor resident and long-time friend of regular Alan Murray, and the evening’s clinician Bob Stafford. In opening remarks, Clinic Chair Rich Blake observed that it was Veteran’s Day and asked: “How many attendees had served?” Many hands went up, to applause and thanks from everyone. Susan Gonzales reported that the October 24^th special shop tour and train ride at the Northwest Railway Museum had been enjoyed by 12 clinic members, family and friends (click here to see the previous Grab Iron article). Susan was thanked for making the tour possible, and added that it might be repeated next year. Rich mentioned that a work day is a possibility, too – there’s always plenty of work for volunteers at the NWRM. Finally, longtime clinic participant and modeler Curt Johnson let it slip out that November 11^th, meeting night, was his birthday. Accordingly Susan presented Curt a cake, but it was only an inedible, 1:1 scale model of one – a hat, which of course Curt had to don. Moral for SV & W clinic members: don’t reveal your birthday.

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Rich Thom / Photos by Rich (unless noted)

Clinic Chair Rich Blake welcomed 25 folks to the Skagit Valley & Whidbey Island Clinic’s October meeting at the Summer Hill facility in Oak Harbor, especially welcoming new guests Glen Sherwood, Doug Seward, and James Golder. Jim has acquired two second-hand HO layouts and is busy planning how to combine them in the available space offered by a three-car garage. Rich reviewed the calendar of upcoming events, highlighting the 42^nd annual Pacific Science Center Model Railroad Show, 16-18 January 2016. SV & W clinic members have supported this popular show for years and continued volunteering was encouraged. Susan Gonzales, our energetic program chair, first mentioned the Oct. 24^th self-drive visit to the Northwest Railway Museum, Snoqualmie for a personalized tour of the Conservation & Restoration Center and other facilities, and train ride. (As this is written, a successful outing completed.) Susan then reviewed the season’s line-up of clinics. On November 11^th a brand new program by Bob Stafford, retired BNSF trainmaster, will describe prototype operations in Bellingham, Everett’s Delta Yard, and other places. In December, Dick Haines tackles a weighty question which many of us of a certain age ponder: “just what exactly will become of my treasures when I no longer need them?” In January, a “make and take” is on the program (item to be “made and taken” still undecided).

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Rich Blake / Photos by Rich unless otherwise indicated

Former Santa Cruz Portland Cement #2 0-4-0T AKA “The Chiggen” under steam at the Northwest Railway Museum.

SV&W members, friends and family were treated to a special shop tour October 24^th at the Northwest Railway Museum in Snoqualmie, WA. This event was set up by our own Susan Gonzales, SV&W Program Coordinator with Northwest Railway Museum Curator Stathi Pappas. Stathi is also owner of the now famous Porter 0-4-0T locomotive affectionately named the “Chiggen” which is being used by the NWRM for their special steam excursion weekends. This locomotive started its service for the NWRM in 2014 and is the first steam operation that the museum has had since 1989.

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Rich Blake

This past September 9^th clinic officially started our railroad modeling clinic season for the island dwellers way up north. We had 21 folks in attendance and welcomed some “mainlanders” – namely 4D Superintendent Russ Segner and 4D Membership Chair Bob Rorabaugh. After our usual clinic opening business, Rich Blake gave the floor to Bob who talked briefly about how we as NMRA members can help to share the hobby with “train curious” people at shows and hobby shops. There are many recruitment opportunities out there to help us grow the hobby and membership base but it takes everyone as a team to act on those opportunities to get folks to take the next step. Bob handed out some NMRA business cards that folks could fill out with their contact information. He also provided examples of using old modeling magazines as a vehicle to provide information by stapling an information brochure to it and giving it to someone who may be interested. Good ideas were shared and discussed and at a good time because if you haven’t noticed, most of our core membership is not getting any younger!

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