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Upcoming Events

Written by Ken Liesse
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By Ken Liesse

As we head towards the end of October, I’d like to remind everyone that November is National Model Railroad Month. But why wait for railroad related events? Here are a few of the things coming up, starting this coming weekend.

This year, the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To celebrate, Amtrak has put together a special commemorative train with displays of Amtrak’s history. The train is appearing at King Street Station in Seattle this coming weekend (October 22-23), and will be open to the public from 10 to 4 each day. It will then move to Portland for display the following weekend. These are the only two stops the train is making in the Pacific Northwest (a slap in the face to a lot of places that have supported Amtrak over the years, but it is what it is).

The second weekend of November, the Boeing Employee’s Model Railroad Club will be putting on their annual show at the Kent Commons (corner of 4th and James in Kent). Hours for the show will be 9:30-4:00. This is always a great show and over the years has grown to take up most of the Commons. There’s usually a line to get in, so plan on arriving early to get the best deals.

November 18th is Take a Model Train to Work Day. This has turned into an annual event where model railroaders are encouraged to take a model or two to work to let their co-workers know what they do for a hobby. Some have even gone as far as taking small layouts to their workplaces to really let people see what they do with their free time. This is a great opportunity to share our hobby with others and maybe even get some more people interested in model railroading.

As mentioned previously here (thanks Walt Huston), November 19th is the day for the Tacoma Layout Tours (see previous article). There are a whole bunch of neat layouts on this tour and it will be well worth your time to stop by and visit as many as you can.

Once you’re done touring layouts, stop by the Puyallup Fairgrounds. The Great Train Expo is in town again, and there will be several modular layouts on display as well as more opportunities to lighten your wallet. The show runs Saturday & Sunday (November 19 & 20th), 10-4 both days.

In addition, don’t forget the monthly clinics that 4D sponsors throughout the division. There are several great clinics coming up next month, so you won’t want to miss the one nearest you.

News, Superintendent’s Message

Tacoma Area Open Houses November 19th

Written by Al Lowe
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Walt Huston

In celebration of National Model Railroad Month, eight Tacoma-area modelers will host Open Houses on Saturday, November 19, 2011, from 10 AM to 4 PM. Layouts in N, HO and S scales will welcome you, your family, and friends.Each address below is a link to Google maps. And be sure to click on each image to see a larger version!

Come share your hobby with the following model railroaders:

Click for larger imageRoger & Jami Nulton
1874 Hillside Drive NE, Tacoma 98422

S Scale Monon Railroad that fills the basement. Super layout. Excellent Midwestern scenery with hills and streams sets a beautiful backdrop for steam and diesel operations. DCC power with sound.

 

Tyler Whitcomb
3905 North 36th Street, Tacoma 98407

The N scale point-to-point Tenino Western Railroad fills half a basement with magnificent scenery and thousands of details. Diesel power pulls trains over bridges and trestles and through woods. Numerous industries require cars for fun operations. Includes a rail barge operation at Cosmopolis. DCC.

 

Click for larger imageRoy Cutler
1657 S. Geiger, Tacoma 98465

The N scale Olympic Northern Railroad runs from room-to-room throughout the basement as a point-to-point run. Tons of scenery and switching operations in each room, even the rest-room/laundry room. DC power.

 

Dale Kraus
15024 16th Avenue Ct. South, Spanaway 98387

HO scale German-theme garage filled with steam, electric and early diesel locomotives. Lots of urban scenery including overhead wire operations. DCC power.

 

Diane Kraus
15024 16th Avenue Ct. South, Spanaway 98387

HO scale Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad fills a room with nice scenery and structures. An in-progress layout with lots to see from construction methods to excellent scenery techniques and some fine structures.

 

Click for larger imageWalt & Nancy Huston
1210 141st Street East, Tacoma 98445

The N scale Aberdeen, Tacoma & Spanaway Forrest Railroad lives in a purpose-built building out back that resembles a garage. It’s an in-progress layout with approximately 30% of the scenery completed. Code 55 rail is used on the main lines, with code 40 rail on sidings and in yards. DCC power.

 

Greg Price
13818 74th Avenue Ct. East, Puyallup 98373

HO scale Matheson & Western Railroad fills a 13’ x 23’ garage/room in a two-deck arrangement. Lots of mountain scenery.

 

Click for larger imageSteven Shores
201 7th Avenue NW, Puyallup 98371

The Pacific Shores Railroad is an HO scale basement layout, 13’ x 20’, depicting the Northwest in the 1950s. Scenery is complete and makes good use of mirrors to expand the view in interesting ways. Steam and diesel locos run under DCC.

 

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Layout Tour

NMRA InfoNet News for October

Written by Al Lowe
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Gerry Leone, NMRA Communications Director

In order to ensure the financial well-being of the NMRA into the future, there will be a dues increase on January 1, 2012 for U. S. members and overseas members served by the Chattanooga office. Regular memberships will increase by $5 to $44, and subscriptions to NMRA Magazine will increase by $3 to $22. Sustaining memberships (including the magazine) will increase by $13 to $110, and student memberships (including the magazine) will increase by $4 to $32. In addition, our highly successful RailPass trial membership program will continue at $9.95. The current RailPass conversion rate to regular memberships is around 65%. Memberships administered by the A, B, and C offices are not affected.

Di Voss, who’s heading up the Cruise Convention committee, continues to receive results from the survey published in the October issue of NMRA Magazine. To date he’s received around 200 responses, and estimates those “in favor” to be about 75%. In addition, Di would like to remind those who think there won’t be enough time on a Cruise Convention for layout tours, OPSIG meets or other activities, that the ship will be in port from about 8:00 a.m. until about 10:00 p.m.

For some reason, the story that the NMRA membership has been declining over the past few years continues to persist. IT JUST AIN’T TRUE, FOLKS! NMRA membership is holding steady at around 19,500. According to the latest “Membership Thermometer” figures compiled by Marketing, Advertising and Promotions manager Tom Draper, the NMRA lost 104 members between August 2009 and August 2011, but gained 91 members between August 2006 and August 2011. Please help us set the record straight by mentioning this to your membership!

Convention news: Even though Grand Rails 2012 will have dozens of top notch model railroads open for self-guided tours, the convention committee wanted to make sure everyone has a chance to see some of their great layouts. So there will also be several bus tours to some of the area’s best layouts. Layouts include every scale from Z to G, at every level of completion. They’re also offering a very special, exclusive seven-hour limo layout tour for groups of 6 to any of the six layouts on the self-guided list. The price for the limo is only $120 per person. Get all the details and registration info at www.gr2012.org.

Repeat announcement: The Howell Day Museum is issuing a new release of its highly successful Gorre and Daphetid bobber cabooses. Two new bobbers, numbered 3 and 5, are available from Headquarters immediately. A single car is US$19.95 + $4 shipping and handling, and the set of two is US$34.95 + $4 shipping and handling. The new cars are available in HO scale only, and are ready to run. They feature operating magnetic knuckle couplers and free-rolling metal wheels. Watch for the ad running in NMRA Magazine. To order, call HQ at 423-892-2846.

NMRA-infonet@earthlink.net.

News

Tacoma Learns Resin

Written by Ken Liesse
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Article and photos by Ken Liesse

On Thursday, October 13, the Tacoma Clinic convened in the usual location at the Pierce County Library System offices with 45 folks in attendance. Gene Swanson, MMR, got the meeting started at 7:30 sharp with words of welcome and the introduction of guests. This was followed by announcements, which included news of the upcoming (May 2012) joint PCR-PNR convention in Medford, OR, the sale of most of Camp Six’s equipment (with a majority going to Willits, CA) and an update on the Corkscrew Northern’s move to the Cannery in Sumner.

Stu Rogers presented the video library (a perk of 4D membership) and told the group that if there were any specific titles on VHS that someone wanted to watch on DVD, contact Stu so he can make the conversion.

Bill from Tacoma Trains presented “What’s New at the Hobby Shop” and showed off several items, including a new book about shortlines in the Northwest. It’s heading into busy season at the hobby shop, so Bill encourages everyone to visit their local dealer to stock up for Christmas.

Rob O'Neill's BB&G engines and cabooses

Herb Buhl read off the “Bring & Brag” models, which ran from a Kato Amtrak train and some weathered N-scale cars to pictures of Jim Sabol’s O-scale Tacoma Union Station – a model that would be impossible to set up on our back tables! Winner of the contest was newcomer Rob O’Neill, who shared a couple of engines and cabooses from his freelance BB&G railroad. The BB&G runs in Bayou country, and the crews on his cabooses have “modified” the hacks for more than just bringing up the rear of BB&G trains (you can almost hear the banjo music).

Paul Vaughn pours resin during the clinic.

After the break, Paul Vaughn gave a wonderful presentation on how to make resin parts, walking us through the steps of preparing a master, making a mold, and finally, pouring the resin. Paul didn’t actually make a mold during the clinic, but he did bring several in to show how the completed parts turn out. He did pour resin for his demonstration, so everyone could see how the resin is measured out and how the finished product looks. Paul also passed around several parts to illustrate each step of the process as he went along and gave us tips on adding weight to parts as you pour them as well as how to cast holes and threads in your parts so you don’t have to drill and tap them after the parts are hardened. Paul answered several questions related to his process and encouraged everyone to give it a try.  To see more photos of Paul’s technique as well as others from the clinic, click here.

Next month’s clinic will be on November 10 at the Pierce County Library Offices, 3005 112th St. E., Tacoma WA. This meeting will feature Jim Murrie with a clinic he has titled “Sargent Comes Home.” We will also be presenting our food bank donation next month (for which we’ve been collecting all year), so you won’t want to miss it. Also, “Dirty Santa” arrives the following month, so it’s not too early to start thinking about that “special” gift you may want to bring to the December meeting.
Tacoma Clinic

Skagit Valley and Whidbey Clinic October Meeting

Written by Gordon Garnhart
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Gordon Garnhart

There were 27 people gathered at the Summer Hill Retirement Facility on Wednesday, October 12th to participate in our first “Panel of Experts.” John White opened the meeting with an introduction of the panel moderator, Rich Thom. Rich, in turn, introduced the panel members, and invited each of them to say a few words about what their emphasis has been in the hobby. The panel consisted of Al Frasch, Dick Haines, Bill Harper, Tom Hawkins and Jack Tingstad, all very accomplished model railroaders.

Although Rich had come prepared with a series of questions in advance, he did not need to use them. There was immediate and enthusiastic participation from the group, and thoughtful, good natured and informative responses from the panelists. Questions varied from how to keep trackage clean, how best to apply ballast, and how to select and install remote turnout controls, to safe reliable power distribution for room and layout lighting.

John closed the meeting with the announcement of a rolling stock modeling contest. Rules will be printed and distributed at the November meeting, and judging will take place next spring, probably in May.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 9th at 7:00 PM in Summer Hill Retirement Facility and will feature Mr. Martin Burwash, a local historian, who will talk about the avalanche disaster at Wellington on March 1, 1910. This promises to be a very interesting program. See you there.

By the way, the Anacortes & Fidalgo Model Railroad Club will hold their 16th Annual Open House on November 5th and 6th from 10 AM to 4 PM. They are located at 419 Q Avenue in Anacortes. Enter the basement at the north end of the building. Check it out.

Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island Clinic

Another Month, Another 4D Layout Makes Magazine Cover

Written by Al Lowe
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Scott Buckley

In case you have yet to receive your copy, that beautiful layout seen on the cover of the October issue of Railroad Model Craftsman belongs to none other than 4D member and Eastside Get-Together chair, JJ Johnston! 4D member Paul Scoles wrote and photographed a gorgeous article about the Puget Sound Iron Goat Railway. Congratulations, JJ.

2011 may well go down as the year of the 4D layout cover story!

Achievement Program, Eastside Get-Together (Redmond) Clinic

Special Offer For 4D Members to IMAX film “Rocky Mountain Express”

Written by Al Lowe
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Frank Dekker

The Pacific Science Center is giving 4D members a $2.00 discount on tickets to the new IMAX movie, Rocky Mountain Express! Alaina Schulner of the PSC arranged this deal just for us as a “thank you” for our years of work with the annual PSC Train Show. Just click here and enter the code “RME11” during checkout to receive your $2 off.

Not familiar with the film? Here’s a brief description:

Experience the adventure of a lifetime in Rocky Mountain Express, the new film that propels audiences on an exhilarating journey deep into the Rockies along steep cliff edges, spiraling tunnels and through the most beautiful and rugged landscapes on earth. Learn about the heroic human drama and epic engineering involved in shaping a nearly impossible transcontinental railway link.

And remember: it’s in IMAX! Just imagine the views!

Member Ads

Skagit Valley and Whidbey Clinic

Written by Gordon Garnhart
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Gordon Garnhart

There were 20 people gathered on Wednesday, September 14th for a visit to Dr. Nick Muff’s fabulous layout. Most folks start a layout by working toward operating as soon as they can. Then they fill in the scenery and details as time permits. Nick has taken the opposite approach. He has, in HO scale, reproduced in exquisite detail, the main passenger depot in Kansas City, Missouri, of the Kansas City Southern Ry. and the surrounding infrastructure.

General view of passenger station and adjacent trackwork. Viewers include Steve Jaffray, Susan Gonzales (taking a photo), John White (back to camera), Dan Gould and Harvey Abrams. Dr. Muff is in green shirt just beyond roof of station. A portion of the real F-7 cab is visible at right.

In his own words Nick says, “This is a landmark year for my model Kansas City Southern/Kansas City Terminal Railway layout. Long past are the days of cement, plumbing, house electrical, insulation and wallboard. Also past are the bench work, control panels, wiring and track work. This month marks the completion of structures, scenery and detailing on the existing portion of the railroad. Last to be completed were the structures and detailing of the roundhouse, coach yard and locomotive servicing facilities. I have long admired the purposeful ‘clutter’ of the roundhouse area on John Allen’s G&D. Detailing around the

Front view of station

roundhouse area was done with his work in mind, a tribute to the ‘Wizard of Monterey.’”

To this, Al Frasch adds, “And this month also marks the transition to the mainline portion of the layout, yet to be constructed. It will take a little while to regroup, and prepare the construction site. Then work will begin on a two level section of

One of the two lower levels below the station

the layout passing from Grandview, Missouri through western Arkansas to the return loop and Union Station at Shreveport, Louisiana.”

These photographs, taken by Al Frasch, clearly show the meticulous detail that abounds on Nick’s layout. The city streets have lighted streetlights and traffic signals, and the many vehicles have illuminated headlights and

One of the throats to the passenger station trackage

taillights. And not only has he done an impressive job on treating the exteriors of buildings, but many of the structures are beautifully fitted with lighted interiors showing store fronts, office workers and other details. The huge passenger terminal is lighted by elaborate chandeliers, and people can be seen hurrying across the marble floors. It is awesome and inspiring to any model railroader.

Locomotive service area

Nick’s Kansas City Southern/Kansas City Terminal Railway layout is featured in the August 2011 edition of the Model Railroad Hobbyist online magazine which is available at: http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/. This is a FREE magazine that you can either download and view on your favorite PDF view program or read online in your favorite browser. The article finishes a trilogy of layouts by members of the Skagit Valley & Whidbey Clinic. If you haven’t taken a look yet, check out the May 2011 issue for Jack Tingstad’s Cloud City & Western, and the July 2011 issue for Al Frasch’s Pilchuck Division of the BNSF. You can also view videos concerning the layouts.

Next month, on Wednesday, October 12th at 7:00 PM we will return to the Summer Hill Retirement Center for an unusual program that promises to be interesting, entertaining and informative. A panel of “experts” will be assembled, and will try to answer any and all of your model railroading questions.

Skagit Valley and Whidbey Island Clinic

Camp 6 Sold

Written by Al Lowe
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Rick Bacon

Camp 6 has been sold to Chris Baldo, of the Roots of Motive Power Museum in Willits, CA. It is not yet known what is going where, only that all equipment will be out of the Point Defiance Park within one year. Dismantling 700 tons of hardware while preserving it takes lots of effort, as does cleaning up the site after operating a railroad there for 47 years. As sad as it will be to see the logging and rail equipment leave the Northwest, at least it is not going to a scrap yard. Who knows, maybe Pacific Coast Shay No.7 may have a better chance of being returned to service. Monthly updates will be posted at www.camp-6-museum.org. And I will post pictures when things start to roll.

UP Caboose 25722, that left Camp 6 in 2001 for Fife, WA, has received a frame-up rebuild and is now on public display at the Fife Historical Museum, 2820 54th Avenue E in Fife. It is a prototype of UP’s CA series of wood cabooses. The UP Museum in Omaha, Nebraska, shows this as ex-OWR&N 3564, built in July 1910, renumbered by UP to 25722 in 1964 and later donated to Camp 6. It is on a display track shared with ALCO C415 locomotive CWWR 684.

News

HO Modular Lynden Lions Show Report

Written by Al Lowe
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by Robert Beise

The 4D HO Modular SIG (Seattle Pacific & Eastern) participated in the Lynden Lions Show on 1 & 2 October. The 32’ by 28’ layout was composed of modules belonging to the following members: Norm Curtis (2), Mike Slease (3), Ross Tabor (2), Mike Laughlin (3), and Robert Beise (6), plus the Kuranko Junction Wye (3), and Westin Yards (2). Also present were helpers, Don Voss, Frank Dekker, and Don Yeo. Everyone with modules arrived on Friday so by the end of the day the layout was up and electrical systems checked out.

On Saturday the modular layout was finished and trains were running by 9 AM when the show opened, right on time. On Sunday Frank had young children running trains on the layout. What a treat that was for the kids, their eyes wide open and a smile from ear to ear. The show closed on Sunday at 4PM and we were taken down, loaded up, and out of the show by 6 PM. A great time was had by all and we were awarded third place by the Lynden Lions. By this observer it did not seem as the show was as well attended as in the past and there were not as many vendors there either.

This was the first major show for Mike Laughlin’s 3 new modules. The woodwork, trackwork and wiring are excellent and an example of fine modeling. We request that new modules be tested in a layout that exposes them to a variety of rolling stock before ballasting so that changes can be made if necessary. Another first at the show was the extensive use of a new leg adjustment method. Since the adjustment screws are on the top of the leg, leveling and height adjustments can be made while standing up for comfort and easy viewing of the height gauge and/or level.

We welcome new members to our group. If you are interested you can call Norm Curtis at (425) 743-9035 or Bob Beise at (425) 488-2494. Our program consists of setting up layouts at local shows and a breakfast meeting almost every 2nd Saturday of the month unless there is a show that weekend, or during the summer when we hold work parties to help get modules up and going, and group outings. The breakfast meetings alternate between Redmond and Kent, Washington.

HO Modular Group