Doug Bulger
Here is a smattering of the fine work presented by the members of the 4th Division at the Spring Meet.
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Grab Iron Posts
2012 Spring Meet Layout Photos
Doug Bulger
I did not have enough time to get to all the layouts but here’s an example of what the members of the 4th Division offered. Those who did not make the layout tours missed a great show.
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OLY-OPS is looking for a few good…
Scott Buckley
… operators!
There are a few spots still available for OLY-OPS 2012, to be held Saturday, November 3. If you’d like want to operate on some of the finest layouts in the 4th Division, sign up now!
Email your name and anyone else who will carpool with you to Gregory Wright. Tell him if you have special needs such as “can’t do steps” or “no crawl-unders.”
Participants must be in Olympia by 8:15 a.m and will operate on one layout in the morning and another in the afternoon. Everyone is also invited to a no-host dinner following.
Only request a spot if you are sure you can attend. No-shows destroy our schedule and eliminate those who could have attended.
NMRA InfoNet News — Post-Convention Edition, Part 1
Gerry Leone, NMRA Communications Director
Here is the August NMRA InfoNet News.
- Charlie Getz is the new NMRA President. Mike Brestel passed the reins to him at the Annual business meeting inGrand Rapids. Charlie says his first order of business is to simplify the NMRA’s organizational structure.
- New Board Members: Pacific Director Michael Bartlett (Australia) andCanada Director Fred Headon became members of the Board inGrand Rapids. Michael replaces Peter Jensen; Fred replaces Clark Kooning, who took over for Don Hillman who retired for health reasons.
- Charlie appointed Western Director Jack Hamilton to lead a new Strategic Planning Committee, which will prepare a plan to help guide the NMRA into the future. He’ll make a preliminary report at the winter Board meeting.
- The Sacramento National Convention host group presented the Board of Directors with a check for $7,500 to be donated to the Diamond Club. Diamond Club funds are used for scanning and posting archival photographs and artwork of the NMRA’s Kalmbach Memorial Library.
- Charlie updated the Board on the state of the “Magic of Scale Model Railroading” exhibit at the California State Railroad Museum (CSRM). An anonymous donor has pledged $250,000 in matching funds and, as of late July, donations of at least $160,000 were still needed to achieve the match. The funds must be received by the end of 2012. The exhibit is expected to cost between $500,000 and $750,000. The “Magic of Scale Model Railroading” exhibit will be seen annually by 600,000 visitors to CSRM.
- Page Martin, Garrett Ewald, and Barrett Johnson were named to the Marketing Department during the convention. Each individual has professional marketing experience and is tasked with developing advertising and promotions aimed at retaining existing members, re-enlisting lapsed members, and attracting new ones.
- Ben Sevier of the Pacific Southwest Region has accepted the position of Information Technology Director for the NMRA.
Remember: if you change email addresses, be sure to send your old and new email addresses to: NMRA-infonet@earthlink.net.
4D Summer Meet — Last Minute Info & Driving Directions
Al Lowe
Dress
Even though Saturday is predicted to be really hot, I must warn you: dress warmly! I stopped by the Hilton Garden Inn Thursday afternoon in my typical summer garb and quickly cooled down. So if you dress for Saturday’s outdoor heat, you may want to bring a layer with you. On the other hand, if your house isn’t air conditioned, you should definitely be at the 4D Summer Meet! It will be a great way to stay cool on the hottest day of the year!
Layout Day Change
There have been a few slight changes to the schedule but only one major change: Stafford Jones has to work Sunday and has graciously offered to open his layout to us on Saturday afternoon only. Since it’s only five minutes from the Hilton, it will be easy for you to drop over.
Payment
4D Treasurer Sherman Stevens will be on hand to take your $20 registration fee from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. He prefers cash, but will accept checks. Sorry, no credit cards. After 10:30, you will not receive a badge, nor directions to the layouts, and you won’t be admitted to the clinics and layout open houses. (The annual General Membership Meeting that closes the day is, of course, still open to any and all 4D members.)
Model Display
While we want you to share your models with everyone attending, we cannot take responsibility for them. You display them at your own risk. Of course, only 4D members will be anywhere near the model room, but still…
Directions
The Issaquah Hilton Garden Inn is southwest of exit 15 off I-90 at the western edge of Issaquah. The address is 1800 NW Gilman Blvd. Here’s a map and driving directions. Call (425) 837-3600 if you can’t find it.
In Closing
I hope you’ll be able to attend Saturday and Sunday. This is a good opportunity for members who attend one or another of our local monthly clinics to get to know members in other parts of our Division. See you Saturday!
4D Summer Meet: Don’t come empty-handed!
Al Lowe
Many people take the summer off from model railroading, but if you’re not one of them, bring something along this Saturday! The 4D Summer Meet will host a casual display of models all day. This is not a formal contest; there are no awards; it’s just a chance for you to share what you did this summer. Of course, if you want Achievement Program assessment, bring your paperwork and one of our many local A.P. experts will be there to make sure your efforts are rewarded.
Remember: The 4D Summer Meet is this weekend at the Issaquah Hilton Garden Inn. Registration is only $20 and includes all the clinics and layout open houses, plus drinks and munchies, morning and afternoon.
Hilton Garden Inn, Issaquah
1800 NW Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 837-3600
Here’s the complete schedule:
Saturday, August 18, 2012 — CLINICS
8:00 – 9:00
Registration; Coffee & pastries in the lobby; Drop off models for display.
9:00 – 10:15
Board of Directors Meeting
“Development of Resin Model Railroad Cars” — Ron Cole
“Automated Layout Control” — Dave Hikel
10:30 – 11:45
“Weathering” — Walt Huston
“Track Warrant Control Operations” — Ken Liesse
“Bring and Brag” room opens (A. P. assessment available on request)
Noon
Lunch on your own
1:30 – 2:45
“Trains in Cuba” — Bobj Berger
“OmniRail” — Rob Jones
3:00 – 4:15
“DCC is Easy with Decoder Pro” — Di Voss
“NMRA Q & A” — Walt Huston PNR & Ken Liesse 4D
4:30 – 5:30
4th Division Annual Meeting; announcement of 2012 Grab Iron Service Award winners
Sunday, August 19, 2012 — Layout Open Houses
See Registration Packet for hours, maps and details. You must register Saturday morning to see these fabulous layouts on Sunday!
Puget Sound Iron Goat Railway, HO, JJ Johnston, Freelance railroad set in 1939. Recently featured in Railroad Model Craftsman. Up a flight of stairs. Shorter hours; see registration packet.
Rainier Great Western, HO, Michael Highsmith, Freelance running fromRenton to the Cascade coal mines south of Black Diamond. First time open to the public!
Aberdeen, Tacoma and Spanaway Forest, N, Walt Huston, Freelance. Built by a frequent contributor to N Scale magazine and cur-rent PNR president. Open later; see registration packet.
Dry Gulch & Western, HO, David Yadock, Freelance. First time open to the public. Somewhat handicapped-accessible but not wheelchair-accessible. Several prototype, fully-functional crossing signals, too.
Castle Rock Branch, HO, Stafford Jones, Set in west-centralWashington in the 1950s. DCC by NCE, sound locomotives. Many kitbashed structures. Hand-painted backdrop. NOT OPEN SUNDAY! Open 1:00–3:00 Saturday only!
Issaquah Central & Great Eastern Railway, O, Ed Ives, 2-rail & 3-rail outdoor layout; double track, 240′ loops.
Pacific Railway & Navigation Co. (NP/GN), O/On3,Mike O’Connell, Massive layout built over the shops of Chooch Enterprises. The lighting alone will intrigue you. Up a flight of stairs. May need to park in field below the hill.
Seattle & North Cascades Railway, HO, Boeing Employees Model Railroad Club, Freelanced bridge route connecting Pacific Northwest to theMidwest. Old club with a new layout in a new building!
4D Summer Meet: Layout Open Houses Announced
Al Lowe
As promised, here are the layouts we have arranged for you. And what a great collection they are! Indoor, outdoor, various scales, large layouts, small layouts, and all of them nearby. Many will be featured on the upcoming National Narrow Gauge Convention in September. Most have appeared in national model railroading magazines.
Remember: to visit these layouts, you must register for the 4D Summer Meet Saturday morning between 8:00 and 10:00 at the Issaquah Hilton Garden Inn. Registration is only $20 and includes drinks and munchies morning and afternoon.
For information about the clinics planned, just scroll down the Digital Grab Iron, or click on the link to previous articles near the top and bottom of this page.
See you in Issaquah next Saturday, August 18, 2012!
Hilton Garden Inn, Issaquah
1800 NW Gilman Blvd
Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 837-3600
Layout Open Houses
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Layout Open Houses are mostly from 11:00 – 4:00, although times are up to the layout owners. Your Summer Meet Registration Packet has the details, along with addresses and maps to the layouts. Packets are available to Summer Meet registrants only at the registration table Saturday morning. Addresses should not be publicized; however the public may be invited at the layout owner’s discretion.
Road Name |
Scale |
Owner |
Description |
| Puget SoundIron Goat Railway |
HO |
JJ Johnston | Freelance railroad set in 1939. Recently featured in Railroad Model Craftsman. Up a flight of stairs. Shorter hours; see registration packet. |
| Rainier Great Western |
HO |
Michael Highsmith | Freelance railroad running from Renton to the Cascade coal mines south of Black Diamond. First time open to the public! |
| Aberdeen,Tacoma and Spanaway Forest |
N |
Walt Huston | Freelance railroad built by a frequent contributor to N Scale magazine and current PNR president. Open later; see registration packet. |
| Dry Gulch & Western |
HO |
David Yadock | Freelance. First time open to the public. Possible issues for mobility impaired. For hours; see registration packet. |
| Castle Rock Branch |
HO |
Stafford Jones | Set in west-central Washington in the 1950s. DCC by NCE, sound locomotives. Many kitbashed structures. Hand-painted backdrop. |
| Issaquah Central & Great Eastern Railway |
O |
Ed Ives | 2-rail & 3-rail outdoor layout; double track, 240′ loops. |
| Pacific Railway & Navigation Co. (NP/GN) |
O/On3 |
Mike O’Connell | Massive layout built over the shops of Chooch Enterprises. The lighting alone will intrigue you. Up a flight of stairs. May need to park in field below the hill. |
| Seattle & North Cascades Railway |
HO |
Boeing Employees Model Railroad Club | Freelanced bridge route connecting Pacific Northwest to theMidwest. A great old club with a new layout in a new building! |
4D Summer Meet Clinic Schedule Announced
Al Lowe
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Time |
Lobby |
Catterall Room |
Bergsma Room |
Barlow Room |
|
8:00 – 9:00 |
Registration Coffee & pastries |
|||
|
9:00 – 10:15 |
Board of Directors Meeting | “Development of Resin Model Railroad Cars” — Ron Cole | “Automated Layout Control” — Dave Hikel | |
|
10:15 – 10:30 |
Coffee & pastries | |||
|
10:30 – 11:45 |
“Weathering” — Walt Huston (Bring your own cars) | “Track Warrant Control Operations” — Ken Liesse | “Bring and Brag” Model Room with A. P. assessment available, if wanted | |
|
Noon |
Lunch on your own | |||
|
1:30 – 2:45 |
“Trains in Cuba” — Bobj Berger | “OmniRail” — Rob Jones | ||
|
2:45 – 3:00 |
Soda, coffee, snacks | |||
|
3:00 – 4:15 |
“DCC is Easy with Decoder Pro” — Di Voss | “NMRA Q & A” — Walt Huston PNR & Ken Liesse 4D | ||
|
4:30 – 5:30 |
4th Division Annual Meeting; announcement of 2012 Grab Iron Service Award winners |
|||
Subject to change, of course.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Layout Open Houses are from 11:00 – 4:00. Addresses and maps will be furnished to Summer Meet registrants only at the registration table Saturday morning. Addresses should not be publicized, however the public may be invited at the layout owner’s discretion.
See you in Issaquah Saturday!
4D Summer Meet next Saturday, Aug. 18–19
Al Lowe
Just one week from today, the 4D’s Summer Meet will be held in Issaquah. You’re going to want to be there. Just look at the wonderful clinics we have planned for you.
Clinic Schedule
“Development of Resin Model Railroad Cars” by Ron Cole
“Weathering” by Walt Huston
“Track Warrant Control Operations” by Ken Liesse
“NMRA Q & A” by Walt Huston PNR & Ken Liesse 4D
“OmniRail” by Rob Jones
“NMRA.net” by Di Voss
“Trains in Cuba” by Bobj Berger
“Automated Layout Control” by Dave Hikel
Plus
The day begins with a Board of Directors Meeting open to all 4D members.
The “Bring and Brag” Model Room (with optional A. P. assessment available if desired) will be open all day.
Refreshments will be served morning and afternoon and are included in your $20 registration.
The day concludes with the 4D Annual Meeting at which we’ll announce the 2012 Grab Iron Service Award winners.
And on Sunday
And remember: you must register Saturday morning to receive an invitation to the wonderful layout open houses we have scheduled for Sunday, August 19th! Complete list of all those layout will be coming soon!
See you in Issaquah this coming Saturday!
4D “Summer Meet” Next Weekend
Al Lowe
Remember: the 4D Summer Meet will be held next weekend, August 18–19, 2012.
Clinics (and more) will be Saturday, August 18, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Issaquah. Layout Open Houses will be Sunday, August 19. Maps and directions to each Open House are only available at the Registration Desk on Saturday morning.
Saturday, August 18
We have a great line-up of local Clinicians scheduled for you with two simultaneous clinics so you always have a choice.
In addition, there will be a “Bring and Brag” Model Room where you can display your handiwork. Don’t come empty-handed! A. P. assessment will be available, if you choose. This is an easy way to earn yet another of those A.P. Certificates that you deserve.
Saturday begins with the 4D Board of Directors Meeting (open to all members) and ends with our required annual General Membership Meeting. A complete schedule will be posted here soon.
Snacks will be available in the lobby all day: coffee & pastry in the morning; snacks and sodas in the afternoon. Lunch is on your own, but there is a good restaurant on the premises.
Sunday, August 19
Sunday’s Open Houses will be at your own pace and choosing. You provide your own transportation.
Eight local layouts will open just for Summer Meet attendees on Sunday, mostly from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (Times vary by host; see your Registration Packet for individual layout hours.)
More News Soon!
More information on layouts and clinicians will follow in the Digital Grab Iron soon. Stay tuned!
See you in Issaquah next Saturday, August 18, 2012!