The next meeting of the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society Pacific Northwest Chapter is scheduled for October 17th, 1 pm, at the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive, pnrarchive.org, in Burien. I can be contacted by e-mail at jetrunzo@gmail.com or by cell phone at 509-421-3111.
Last month’s clinic was interesting. We had only seven 4th Division modelers.
Jack Hamilton pulled last month’s clinic “Preparing Rolling Stock for Successful Operation” out of his back pocket.
Jack also talked about PSX 2015 in Portland. He said the Clinics were good. He also talked about the Command Control Initiative. He said although he was no longer a BoD member for the NMRA, he will continue his involvement as the the Chairman of the Membership and Retention Committee. Based on Jack’s track record, I’m sure positive changes will occur.
I opened the clinic as guest moderator since MMR Gene Swanson was not available due to an operation. We had 36 attendees with one newcomer Rachel who stated that she was modeling in Z scale. Dale Kraus, Rick Bacon, and I made an announcement that books, magazines, and modeling material are available on the back tables for the taking.
Bill Sandstrom from Tacoma Trains presented “What’s New at the Hobby Shop” which included items such as tank cars, a SW1 switcher, N scale hoppers, and a GP9 A and B from Walthers, Microtrains, and Athearn Genesis.
Normally I publish a “welcome” post once every three or four months and I published one just three weeks ago. But today I updated the Grab Iron subscriber list with the new and renewed 4th Division members and I noticed we have twenty three (23!) new subscribers, almost three times the usual amount. Is this due to signups at the NMRA National Convention in Portland in August?
Welcome!
Rather than reiterate what I wrote a few weeks ago, please click here to read an introduction to some of what the 4th Division has to offer.
This past September 9th 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!
Family Halloween fun that’s right on track at the Northwest Railway Museum October 24th, 25th and 31st. Everyone in costume receives a $2 discount.
Looking for a Halloween adventure that’s fun for families? Then gather everyone, wear your favorite costumes and enjoy the fall festivities at the Snoqualmie Depot on October 24, 25 and 31. Take a Steam Train with the 100+ year old Santa Cruz Portland Cement Co. #2 Steam Locomotive. Check out the Cider Press demonstrations and even try your hand with one! Sip hot apple cider to banish the autumn chill as you enjoy your special Halloween trip. The Halloween Train takes you on a scenic excursion through the Cascade foothills of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley aboard a vintage train. Receive a $2 discount when dressed in costume. Everyone dressed in full costume will receive a prize. Trains depart every 90 minutes beginning at 11:30 AM from the Snoqualmie Depot at 38625 SE King Street and at Noon from the North Bend Depot at 205 McClellan Street. Roundtrip fares: $12 children (ages 2-12), $20 adults (ages 13-61), and $18 (ages 62 and up)!
The Meeting was opened at 7:05 PM by Ted Becker. Sixteen were in attendance. Ted advised that this is an NMRA, Pacific Northwest Region, 4th Division, sponsored event.
Announcements
Ted mentioned to Clinic attendees that Suzy, owner of Performance R/C Hobbies in Burlington, confided to him and Al Carter that the business is not doing well financially. He reminded us that hers is one of the few shops in the area willing and able to support our hobby and that we consider giving our business to her rather than to internet vendors.
She has since announced the business will be closed November 30, but she will still accept special orders until November 1 and will attempt to fulfill them before she closes. It is unknown at this time if there will be a going out of business sale.
Read More
Next Clinic:
Our next clinic is this Thursday, October 1. Our topic will be coal mining in the northwest, presented by Russ Segner, our Fourth Division Superintendent.
Prior Clinic:
September’s clinic was mostly a round table discussion. One topic was the traditional “what did you do this summer (railroad-wise)”. This was followed by a lengthier dialog regarding trends in the hobby. The initial list of trends came from what was seen and heard at the National Convention in Portland.
Editors note: Welcome to the eighth article of a series on narrow gauge by Syd Schofield. The previous article is available by clicking here, or by filtering with the category “Narrow Gauge”. Syd welcomes discussions and feedback, which can be made by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of the post.
Transportation for supporting human needs and wants has evolved from walking to rockets in space. In the not-too-distant past we managed to develop materials and technology to enhance this transportation. For the most part we move along the surface of the earth – land and water. Moving on water, once the buoyancy problems were solved, required an application of power. Wind and current were free if the direction of travel was favorable. Travelling on still water, going against the wind or moving upstream, required some extra effort.
Recently the 4th Division Board of Directors voted to increase the mileage reimbursement rate for 4D members from the federal rate for non-profits to the federal rate for businesses (currently 57 ½ cents per mile – note that this is the current federal rate and will change in the future). Please use the federal rate for businesses in all future mileage reimbursements and future year budget estimates. All other rules for mileage reimbursement remain unchanged.