Jim Sabol / Photos by Jim Sabol
The clinics in Olympia are usually a cut above, but the March 15th get–together at the home of Robert and Sherry Grove was dynamite for the 17 happy modelers present. Actually it was about making dynamite and the attendant modeling possibilities.
Jim Sabol and Robert Grove prep their posters. (A pair of poster-prepping perpetrators practicing presentations.)
Robert Grove and Jim Sabol reprised their two-part clinic, first presented at the recent Bellevue National Narrow Gauge Convention. Jim’s graphic handouts and poster displays traced the history and operation of the DuPont Explosives Plant opposite the Fort Lewis main gate on I-5. Of greatest interest was the last narrow gauge railroad in the State of Washington, which was an integral part of the plant operation. Attendees learned how to manufacture nitro-glycerin but had to promise not to go home and make bombs, especially Jim Elder who, we could see, was giving it serious thought.
Robert followed with an entertaining as well as informative slide show of the DuPont plant’s motive power, including the currently displayed 12-ton “critter,” the rolling stock, the railroad track plan, the Northern Pacific interchange, and restoration efforts in the museum at the site of the company town, which is easily accessible off I-5 at exit 119.
Robert’s ability to skillfully organize varied material into a coherent program that we could all follow was much appreciated. Even Gracie the dog thought the presentation was almost as good as the cookie crumbs offered by sneaky hands in the audience. (Several of those hands were quite small inasmuch as their owners had previously worked in radio broadcasting: “wee paws for station identification.”)
A brief discussion re the June G.O.P.H.E.R.S. outing (Greater Olympia Prototype History & Engineering Research Society) selected June 16 as the date for our traditional prototype-themed trek. The vote favored the Government Locks in Ballard where we can observe the giant Great Northern heritage bascule bridge open and close between passing trains on their way to and from Vancouver and Chicago, plus the parade of boats through the locks, plus our traditional hot dog feast, plus green grass and sunshine. Don’t you just love model railroading?!
First-timer Cave Forsythe (left) is welcomed by Olympia host Ted Eggleston.
Favorite model balloting was won by Greg Wright whose model of a 20″ gauge work car in 1:32 scale is a work of art. Greg’s scratchbuilding and kit-bashing skills to produce original equipment for his 3/8″ scale mining layout always get us hunkered down to better admire the detail and finish on models for his Consolidated Republic Mining Company.
Once again it was discovered that everyone present held a winning door prize number and went home with something in his pocket. “It’s a muracle!” exclaimed Ron Bartels. Goodies included donations from Ronnie Beghin, Charles Lundberg, Ted Eggleston, Chuck Ricketts, and Jim Sabol.
Next month’s get-together will be April 19, our usual third Friday, and will feature Brian Ferris and Greg Wright on modeling the East Broad Top Railroad out of Rockhill Furnace and Orbisonia, Pennsylvania. It would be nice to see you there. Email Jim Younkins to receive monthly notices. Bring a model. Bring a friend. Have some chips. You’ll like it. We’ll like you.
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