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Eastside Get-Together Report for December

Written by Al Lowe
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Ed Liesse

JJ Johnston welcomed 28 attendees to the Eastside Get-Together with his usual introductions of his “VIPs,” officers and committee chairs of 4th Division and MMRs in attendance. No new attendees this month.

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Announcements were from David Yadock asking for volunteers to help at the Pacific Science Center show on Martin Luther King weekend in January, Friday night for set-up through Monday night tear down. If you can spare a few hours any time during that weekend, let David know. Russ Segner announced that he had several items for a silent auction the proceeds of which would go to the Christmas collection for the church. Several members of the church will be the recipients of our collection. The final count on the collection was $901. Thanks to all who contributed! Roger Ferris (it was good to have him with us!) brought a number of engines from his personal collection that were available for purchase, as he is thinning out his HO equipment. RailFun, Roger’s estate handling group, will be having a sale of Jim Noonan’s narrow gauge equipment and some other small collections, probably at Jim’s home sometime soon.

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Watch the Grab Iron for date, time and place. Bob Rorabaugh announced that Ross Jacobus is in hospice at one of his daughters in Port Townsend. He has been asked to lead a memorial service when the time comes and is asking anyone who knew Ross for any anecdotes, memory or story about Ross. Let him know at rorabough@msn.com, please.

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The model of the month had several entries, but not all were for judging. David Yadock brought two 20-tm coal towers, scratchbuilt from one photo of the coal tower, interpolating the other views. Di Voss brought an electronic level he used to solve a de-railing problem with a super-elevated curve coming off a trestle changing direction to another super-elevated curve. The level indicated the severity of the change causing the car trucks to ride over the top of the rail at the change of direction. Sherman Stevens brought in a copy of the magazine Seattle Met which had a article about Al Lowe and his modeling. (Editor: Actually the article was supposed to be about the Pacific Science Center show!) Bob Rorabaugh had a box of vehicles he had picked up at swap meets (along with keeping his eyes open for parts) that he modified and/or detailed for upgrading to useful trucks and cars.

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After a short break, Santa JJ took over and explained the “rules” for the Dirty Santa exchange. Since David Yadock won the model of the month, he had the first opportunity to select a “gift.” The selections went pretty smoothly until several items caused some stirring among the attendees still waiting for their names to be drawn. This resulted in some “stealing” from previous selectors. It all made for a fun evening of Dirty Santa exchanges!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all the members of the 4th Division from the Eastside Get-Together! See you January 16, 2014!

Eastside Get-Together (Redmond) Clinic, Grab-Iron

4D on TV

Written by Al Lowe
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David J. Yadock

The Pacific Science Center has created two 15-second commercials about the upcoming 4D Model Railroad Show January 15-19. Watch for them on Comcast cable.

And it’s never too late to volunteer to help with the show. Get involved! Email me.

 

News

Newsletter Editor Moves on to OPSIG

Written by Al Lowe
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Rich Blake

After six years of fantastic service to the Skagit Valley and Whidbey NMRA Clinic, our newsletter editor Al Frasch is stepping down to assume greater responsibilities nationally for OPSIG.

Over the years he has provided us with a very illustrative newsletter and has done a great deal to promote the hobby.  Many new members that we have received from the local area over the last few years were due to folks either seeing our newsletter here on the 4D website or at the local hobby shop.  We also saw the newsletter grow to not only provide information about our clinics, but also as a medium to showcase much of our member’s progress on layouts and modeling as well as interesting prototype information.  Al’s efforts set a very high standard and we were all privileged to have someone so dedicated to the job for so many years.  Volunteer efforts like this are what keeps our clubs and clinics going.

We wish Al good luck in his continuing volunteer efforts with OPSIG and always look forward to operating with him on his excellent N scale layout, the “Pilchuck Division of the BNSF.”

News, Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island Clinic

Volunteers Needed for PSC Show

Written by Al Lowe
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David Yadock

Volunteers needed? You bet!

Yes, the Pacific Science Center Show is about two weeks away and we still need volunteers. This is a great way to help the model railroad community as well as helping promote a train show to the greater community of Seattle. As mentioned before, the show is Saturday, January 18 through Monday, January 20 (MLK weekend). We need your assistance on Friday for exhibitor set-up from 5 pm until 9 pm. On Saturday, the show opens at 8:30 and lasts till 6 pm. On Sunday and Monday, the show is from 9 am till 6 pm. After the show Monday, we will remove layouts until 9 pm.

Come join in on the fun. Parking is free for volunteers. There is free access to the PacificScienceCenter, so you can look at all the exhibits and check out Seattlelites in their natural habitat. (Be careful of the ones with moss growing on their backs.) See your fellow modelers struggle with dead sections of track! Be amazed at how slow locomotives move over dirty track! Learn that not all 4 legs of a module are of equal length, even though a tape measure says they are! Observe model railroad cars derail just like real ones!

If you want to help, email me at hi61izq@hotmail.com. Thank you!

Model Train Show

December 2013 Skagit Valley/Whidbey NMRA Clinic

Written by Alan Carter
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Al Carter / Photos By Al Frasch

Clinic Chairperson Rich Blake welcomed all to our December clinic. He gave a brief rundown of upcoming model railroad related events in the Pacific Northwest, noting that the Fourth Division’s Pacific Science Center show will be held on MLK weekend, January 18-20 2014, and volunteers are always needed to help. Check the Grab Iron for more details.

Jack Tingstad reported that his annual open house over the Thanksgiving weekend was another resounding success – he estimates several hundred visitors came by to see his Cloud City And Western railroad and donated over 1000 pounds of food to the “Gifts From The Heart” food bank in Coupeville.

Al Carter gave a brief rundown on the upcoming PNR Convention to be held June 18-21 in Tacoma, WA and encouraged folks to attend. A great “warm up” for the NMRA National Convention to be held in Portland, OR in 2015.

Ted Becker was the featured clinician for the evening, with a program titled “Everything DCC” – which was a general overview of the DCC method of operating model railroads. Ted had asked earlier for people to send him questions that he could answer to the whole group, but the response was, er, underwhelming, so instead he made up his own questions.

DCC Clinic Menue

DCC Clinic Menu

Among his “questions” was “What Is Wrong With Sound” (DCC sound decoders)? His answer, and this author is in agreement, is that sound decoders “out of the box” are generally too loud. When several sound equipped locos are running, they are filling the room with sound that becomes hard to distinguish. In Ted’s opinion, the decoders should be turned down so you hear the loco when it passes by you, but doesn’t overwhelm the room.

He also discussed the “keep alive” features that some DCC circuit boards are including these days (that keep the loco running when it encounters a brief dead spot, like a frog) – these keep alive features can create some programming issues.  ed mentioned some work-arounds.

Ted Becker wowing the crowd with his DCC expertise

Ted Becker wowing the crowd with his DCC expertise

Ted also discussed the various ways to program a locomotive, and mentioned the new BLI Address Changer (but he hasn’t had time to review it yet), and the Sprog unit (from England). Ted then went into a brief overview of Decoder Pro, and brought it up on the computer and screen so we could all see how easy it is to use. Ted had brought a small test system with him and actually used Decoder Pro to make some changes to the loco.

Ted suggests for help using Decoder Pro, you have several options – you can peruse the JMRI pages on the web, type questions into a web search engine, download the full manual, or join a Yahoo Group on JMRI and/or DCC systems. Plenty of options are available.

As there was a little time left over, Ted gave a brief ad-libbed overview of JMRI’S Operations software and how it can be utilized to make operations orders and switch lists. For more info on the JMRI Operations Software, see: http://jmri.sourceforge.net/help/en/html/apps/PanelPro/PanelPro.shtml

The January 2014 Clinic starts the new year off with a presentation “Be A Rock Star – Make and Take Rocks” by Jim Tartas on using the Joel Bragdon Geodesic Foam/Resin method of making rocks. I’ve seen Joel Bragdon give demonstrations on this method before and it is certainly an intriguing way to produce some great looking rocks without all the mess of using plaster or hydrocal. Don’t miss this clinic!

Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island Clinic, ,

Tacoma Clinic December Report

Written by Al Babinsky
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Al Babinsky

chip1

MMR Gene Swanson opened the “Dirty Santa” clinic on time with 48 modelers present. The normal program was dispensed with the exception of the Bring & Brag (Model of the Month). An announcement was made that we had good donations for the food bank. Gene called for a moment of silence for the casualties of the December 7th attack on Pearl Harbor.

Wain Miller sent the clinic member roster around to make last minute corrections. The roster will be used to make up membership badges.

Herb Buhl called for the owners of the Bring & Brag to describe their entries. Wain Miller operated the video camera to show the entries as the owners described them. Kurt Laidlaw brought a diorama entitled “Crossing the White River.” Gene Swanson brought a removable section for his railroad with a trestle that functioned as a duck-under when in place. Dale Krause had a scratchbuilt clamshell crane to be used in his coaling facility. This month’s winner was Kurt Laidlaw’s White River diorama.

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Prior to the Dirty Santa we had an excellent buffet dinner with cake and ice cream, with Dave Liesse entertaining us at the keyboard.

After dinner Dirty Santa arrived and a good time was had by all. Many presents changed hands numerous times, especially the ones that had tools. After the conclusion of Dirty Santa, we had a drawing for door prizes. Gene did a great job of collecting a large number of items and, as it turned out, everyone got a door prize.

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We want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and hope to see you in the next year. Our next clinic will be on Jan 9th at 7:30 PM at our usual place in the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg. the corner of 112th Street and Waller road. The clinic will be on programming with the SPROG and JMRI and programming with DigiTrax DCC on a specially built programming setup and given by Al Babinsky.

Hope to see you there.

 

 

Tacoma Clinic

4D Board of Director Changes

Written by Al Lowe
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Russ Segner

The 4th Division Board of Directors has a new member. Congratulations to Stu Rogers who has become a Director following the recent changes in our leadership team. At our November Board meeting, Ken Liesse submitted his resignation. As most of you know, Ken has been attending a very heavy load of classes in GPS technologies. So, Ken will continue to hit the books and some of the rest of the leadership will shift their roles and assume new responsibilities. We thank Ken for his years of service to the Division.

As Assistant Superintendent, I succeed Ken for the balance of Ken’s term through August 2014. Russ’ first official act was to appoint Mike Highsmith to fill the Assistant Superintendent post for a two-year term from last August. That means Stu Rogers comes on to the Board as he was the next highest in votes to Mike in our last election. He will complete Mike’s two-year term which ends in August 2015. Stu will also continue as our Video Librarian, a job he has faithfully fulfilled for many years.

All of these officers will need your full support as the Division moves forward. We have a full plate with the Seattle Center Show in January and the PNR Convention in June. If you want to get more involved, talk to any of these three. They will appreciate it.

News

FREE BEER*

Written by Al Lowe
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David Yadock

Did that get your attention? If so, this is a formal invitation to come and be a part of the Pacific Science Center train show.

We need volunteers to assist all days the show is in operation. Yes, that includes Friday evening. Any or all help will be greatly appreciated. Friday night we need help with load in of the layouts, including door monitoring, guest check-in for badges, and parking check-in. Saturday and Sunday we need folks to help give some exhibitors bathroom and lunch breaks. Many layouts are a group effort but several layouts have only a single person for operation. I admire those folks that are single operators of layouts. Give them a break and come join in on the fun. Think of it, would you want to run a train layout for three days without a bathroom break?

During Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the Break Room needs to be monitored and help will be required for exhibitor Check-In. Monday will require even more help because all the layouts will need to be broken down and packed up that evening after the days show. The more people that we have helping out the easier it will be and the faster things will go!

There will be script to cover parking. I suggest carpooling just to make life a little easier.

The Pacific Science Center train show is the 4D’s greatest financial contributor. It is probably the most attended show in the Seattle area. Last year we had over 14,000 people come and see the trains run at the show. That is a tremendous amount of exposure to the general public. I bet we got more exposure to the public than Kim Kardashian or Miley Cyrus would get if they visited Seattle! (Well, okay, maybe not Miley…)

Anyway, don’t feel shy about volunteering. The PacificScienceCenter train show is a great way to get involved and be an active part of the NMRA. Contact me at hi61izq@hotmail.com or 425-226-7518 (evenings). Thank you.

Oh, yeah: the disclaimer:

*Jeff Moorman will provide Z-scale canned beer! (Z-scale can openers not provided.)

Model Train Show

Eastside Get-Together’s Annual Christmas Party is Thursday

Written by Al Lowe
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JJ Johnston

Remember: this Thursday, December 19, at 7:30 pm, is the Eastside clinic’s annual “Dirty Santa” Christmas Party at the Bellevue Foursquare Church.

Don’t miss your opportunity to get a special railroad gift. Or not. Or the opportunity to take a unique gift from one of your fellow modelers.  That is one of the rules for our annual gift exchange. The others will be explained at the meeting.

BRING A GIFT: In order to participate in the gift exchange, you only need bring a gift. It must be wrapped AND have the scale or gauge written on the outside. That’s it. Of course, “white elephant” gifts are also welcomed. Just kidding, but some do show up. What a fun evening to spend with each other.

DONATION: If you have not had the opportunity to make a donation to our annual collection for the benefit of a church member or two in need , you may bring your donation to the meeting. So far we have collected $599. Thanks to all of you for your generosity.

MORE: Of course CJ will bring Christmas donuts to go with the free Christmas coffee, Clay will be there to greet you, Stu may bring the library, and we’ll have a model of the month competition to see who goes first for the gifts. Maybe even some stuff for sale. See you there.

Eastside Get-Together (Redmond) Clinic

Why I Couldn’t Run Trains Last Saturday

Written by Al Lowe
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By Jim Sabol

Dear Lee:

Last summer it seemed like a good idea to bring water from the outdoor standpipe into the barn where we could hook up a hose to reach the stalls. Much more convenient.

So I did.

Fed the feed line from the well through the footing/foundation wall into a stall, across the stall wall, into the center aisle to a spigot and hose. Always enjoy jack-hammering through concrete walls. Wonder what other people do for fun afternoons.

Doctor says cement flake in left eye will work itself out eventually.

Protected total run of new pipe from investigating horses with much stout lumber and screws. Not the horses, the pipe.

Wrapped all new pipe in heat tape. Plugged in heat tape about a week ago.

Didn’t notice horse had kicked plug out of socket several days ago. Or was it nights?

Amazed to see how large a lake that a day and night of free running broken pipe can deliver. Neighbor was amazed, too, when he saw his lawn and his RV inundated with ice. Thought it looked quite beautiful. Still do.

Discovered that neighbor’s sense of humor is considerably smaller than I had always assumed. Same to you, Bob!

Thought of you and guests running trains in nice warm basement while I knelt in ditch bailing water for two hours until I could cut in an emergency shut-off valve in feed line from well.

Artist's Interpretation

Artist’s Interpretation

Chuckled to myself when I noticed that 3/4″ valve from Home Depot didn’t fit 3/4″ line.

Enjoyed yard decorations on return trip to Home Depot. Smiled cheerfully to clerks commenting about returning so soon and possible discount for multiple trips. Great kidders.

Helpfully informed clerk who sold me incorrect valve how I could help him save money on his next colonoscopy. Can’t be too thrifty these days.

Installed shut-off valve with super fast-setting PVC cement. Great stuff. I hear that nail polish will separate thumb from eyebrow.

Opened valve, cut well pump back in, let pipe run clean, shut off valve. Pleased to see valve hold back water flow. End of adventure.

Will tear apart enclosure and repair rupture when freezing weather passes.

Will administer stern lecture to horses about stepping on cords.

Will administer similar lecture to Mary about monitoring her barn.

Me Tarzan. You Jane. Me build. You monitor.

Response from horses: “Yeah, right.”

Response from spouse: “Yeah, right.”

Enjoyed yet another chuckle after putting tools away and grasping gate with wet glove hand. I was never stupid enough as a kid to put my tongue on a frozen gate. Now, a wet glove…

Couldn’t believe how amusing I must have looked as I attempted to crack loose Levi legs frozen from thighs down. Could have sworn that Bob could have heard my cries for help. Response  time  from house not as rapid as your typical 911 call, but not bad. Same to you, Bob.

Well, Lee, I’m leaving out a lot of the more amusing parts, such as how the hot towel I wanted to wrap my hands in caught fire in the microwave oven (note to self: 90 seconds is about it) and how we all chuckled one more time as I tried to squat over the edge of the tub while Mary poured hot water onto the thighs of my frozen Levis. On the whole, it would have worked rather better if we had removed the cat form the tub first. (Note to self: next time wear thermal pants for outdoor jobs in freezing weather.) (Note to cat: how many times do I have go tell you not to play with spiders in the tub?)

And that’s why I missed the train meeting at your house this afternoon, Lee.

I hope you’ll invite me again when we’re not having so much fun in the barn.

I just notice Bob doing acrobatic stunts on his sidewalk. Had no idea he had a background in aerial gymnastics. Wait. He seems to be signaling me he’s O. K. Strange use of finger, though. Same to you, Bob!

Jim here.

Tacoma Clinic