Grab Iron Posts

Russ Segner

JJ Johnston passed away on Friday, May 26 at his home in Bellevue with his wife, Patt, at his bedside. JJ was a friend to many of us in the Fourth Division, a leader and fine model builder. He served many years as the leader of the Eastside Clinic and built it into one of our best attended. He was honored in 2011 with our Golden Grab Iron Award. He had a high regard and respect for his fellow modelers, many of whom became valued friends over the years.

We will remember his great smile, sense of humor and positive attitude. I never heard a cross word from him. We also remember his fine HO layout, The Puget Sound Iron Goat Railway. It was covered with detailed structures and humorous scenes, many of which told a story of their own. He was author of several articles in the Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette, had a cover on the Model Railroad Craftsman magazine and a DVD of his layout done by Trackside Model Railroading.

JJ was well known and respected for his work for over 30 years as a real estate professional. JJ was active as an instructor for the Association of Realtors and a member of the Master Builders. He handled the sale and acquisition of our homes twice for my wife, Susan, and me. He brokered several real estate investments for us as well.

He was a valued friend and good companion as we traveled together to model railroad conventions, especially to Colorado as I tried to lure him into narrow gauge.

He is missed.

Al Lowe has a short video tour of JJ’s layout on his YouTube channel here:

Most of you know JJ Johnston who led our Eastside Clinic for many years. JJ is now home in hospice care due to some long-standing health issues. Let’s send him some cards. If you don’t have his address, let me know.

Russ Segner
206 200 2211
russseg@gmail.com

There will not be a session this month. Instead, I am urging all 4D members to take a look at some of the recorded sessions from Off the Beaten Track, especially the May 9 session. That session included a presentation on DCC by George Bogatiuk of SoundTraxx. George is extremely helpful in understanding how DCC works, especially the CV’s.

Here is the link:
Click here to view our most recent sessions. This link will take you to a New YouTube channel “Narrow Gauge Off the Beaten Track”. There are clinics, vendors and layouts to view.

Our next Eastside session will be a discussion of benchwork; Basics like L Girder, Modules, Track height, Helixes, Support for backdrops, etc.

If you want to participate in our Eastside session, be sure you are on our email list by contacting Doug Oldenburg at douglas.oldenburg@yahoo.com

Russ Segner, russseg@gmail.com

Al Lowe

The results are in and, no surprise, all three of our 2023 candidates won!

So congratulations to Assistant Superintendent Bob Kenworthy and Board of Directors members Lee Marsh and Dennis Terpstra.

We had a 23% voting rate; not bad, considering that no one ran opposed.

Al Lowe

Remember: you have through April 23rd to cast your vote in this year’s annual election. Search your email for an email and go to ElectionBuddy to cast your vote with a few clicks.

Several did not get the notice and link for our last meeting. Doug Oldenburg has volunteered to help by updating the list and maintaining it. His email is douglas.oldenburg@yahoo.com

Please submit your email information to him directly. Tell others you know about our meetings held on the third Thursday of each month. If you have a suggestion for a topic to discuss or if you want to present, let me know.

Our next meeting will discuss BENCHWORK.

Russ

russseg@gmail.com