The Kitsap Regional Library is sponsoring a presentation by Randy Dasho on A History of the Great Northern Railroads. Randy will speak at three locations, on three dates: the Sylvan Way Library Branch in Bremerton at 2:00 PM, Saturday, March 12th; the Port Orchard Library in Port Orchard at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 15th; and the Poulsbo Library in Poulsbo at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 18th.
The public is encouraged to attend. There is no charge for admission.
Join the 4th Division’s own Kent Sullivan and the White River Valley Museum for a lecture and slide show about the history of the Northern Pacific Railway’s Tacoma Division on April 1, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The cost is $5 adults, $4 seniors/children and free for museum membership categories Train Master, Conductor and Engineer. The open house is 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., followed by the lecture from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Kent will present a tour of the link from Puget Sound to Canada, circa 1955, with a special emphasis on Sedro-Woolley, Darrington, Arlington and Snohomish, as well as rare photos of businesses the railway served. He will also cover action on the NPR’s Sumas Line and connecting branches, and long-time Sumas Agent Lorren Coleman will provide commentary.
During the open house, be sure to check out Wrecked! Misadventures on the Northern Pacific Railway. The exhibit is on display through April 17 and explores pitfalls, pratfalls, hotboxes, split switches, telescoped trains, boiler explosions and derailments on the NPR’s sometimes bumpy journey over the Northwest. You can also climb aboard a 1924 NPR caboose in the museum’s permanent exhibit, “1920s Auburn.”
The next Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association and Museum railroad history lecture is Oct. 1, so mark your calendars now and stay tuned for more information.
February 3 marked a milestone for the Seattle-North group. We were able to run our first train on a continuous loop of T-TRAK modules. Our guest speaker, Lowell Smiley from United Northwest Model RR Club (UNW), brought along a couple of modules we were able to connect with Dennis’ modules.
They left the train running all meeting long. Every time there was a lull in the conversation, you could hear the train over at the side of the room circling around the “layout.” It was music to our ears (or my ears anyway). I have some pictures that I am not going to have time to get posted. But, I will include them next time.
Lowell is a model railroad advisor for 4H. UNW started doing this as an outreach program for youth. He explained that their program began with just three 3 kids, 10 to 13 years old. Using T-TRAK made it easy to start a program and the small module size made it easy for every participant to take a piece of the railroad home with them. Not every kid is interested, but those that are really like the hands on aspect. Plus, building a T-TRAK module is not as intimidating as building something larger, although most participants end up with more than one module.
The program has been growing and they have monthly meetings in addition to a few scheduled shows. And now that things are up and running, the emphasis is to look beyond the plain track and scenery, and use the program to learn about history and geography. He ended his discussion by talking about the potential for yards and junctions so that they could do more than just run trains in circles.
It was interesting to see that some of the T-TRAK aspects that were appealing to the 4H program are also appealing the Seattle-North attendees, especially ease of start-up, simple wiring, and small module size.
Thanks, Lowell, for sharing with us.
Show and tell was mostly talking about the modules that Lowell brought and how they linked up with what we had. There was also discussion about what some members learned about T-TRAK by talking to exhibitors at the Science Center Show.
The evening ended with a brief chat about what sort of operation was possible on modules and what type the group might prefer.
Our next meeting promises the continuation of the operations discussion just mentioned, a little track planning exercise, and a mini-mini clinic on determining the color of something before color photos. Plus, of course, whatever you bring for show and tell.
Also in March come prepared to let us know if you want any T-TRAK module kits (straight or corner, N or HO). We will try to get these by the April meeting.
Our next meeting is March 3 and the one after that is April 7.
We meet at the Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, WA. That is on the west side of Aurora (State Route 99) just north of 175th Street, between the Cadillac dealer and Deseret Industries. Note that there is still a lot of construction along this stretch of Aurora. Therefore, it might be best to be going southbound so you can make a right-hand turn into the church driveway immediately after passing the Deseret location.
Meetings are the first Thursday of each month, except July and August. Enter the lower level of the church from the parking lot at the rear. Doors open around 7:00 PM, announcements at 7:15, and the program starts about 7:30. Hope to see you there or at least sometime on down the line.
Happy St Patrick’s Day!
Once again, it’s election time in the 4th Division. This year, there are openings for three offices: Assistant Superintendent, Director Position 1, and Director Position 3. Current Asst. Supt. Jim Byerley has indicated that he will not seek another term in his office.
Your Nominating Committee is seeking individuals who would be willing to run for any of these offices. If you would like to run for one of these positions, please send a brief statement about your candidacy to any of the three members of the Nominating Committee: Ken Liesse (NMRAKen@liessefamily.net), Dave Liesse (NMRADave@liessefamily.net), or Ed Liesse (EELiesse@aol.com). If you prefer to submit your statement via USPS, please send it to the 4D Nominating Committee, P.O. Box 5072, Kent, WA 98064. This statement must be signed and should include your qualifications, why you are running, and an affirmation that you are willing to run for the office. We will accept a full name printed at the bottom of an electronic communication as a signature. Statements not including a signature will not be accepted.
As stated in the 4th Division By-laws, these nominations and statements should be in the committees’ hands by March 1st. However, by Board action at the February 26th meeting, this deadline has been extended to March 31st.
Note: Bob wrote this as a a Letter to the Editor of the Seattle Times in regards to this article in February 22’s paper. –Al Lowe
Nice piece on the closing of American Eagles and North End Train Center. It is unfortunate that we live in times where the sources of much our learning is disappearing, the building of kits and railroads forces us to learn how things come together and how many things we take for granted are the result of technical revolution.
In addition to the electronic age taking away much of our free time and the potential for interacting with other age groups, shops like these are vital to neighborhoods and are not just part of the ‘Mall Scene’ where we see more and more jewelry, fancy clothes, food courts and telephone stores. The disparaged ‘Strip Mall’ is where we find most of our necessary things such as groceries, drug stores, auto supply and even newspaper stands.
For the hobbies, we are doing it to ourselves as more and more of the sources of knowledge and assistance are moving to ‘on-line’ sellers and even these begin to dry up as inventory in shops that are closing is not replaced.
For my own life, it is a scene that will never be replaced. The 70 years I have spent in prowling hobby shops has been most enjoyable and a source of much knowledge. The ‘hands on’ feel of a product and the accessories that are needed to support it are gradually disappearing. Even the newsletter from our model railroad group has moved on-line and has largely disappeared. Thanks.
The museum “Trains of the World,” based in Montreal is selling its authentic collection of Canadian railroad artifacts. Over 40 years in the making, this collection offers more than 800 historic items from the steam era, 1850 to 1960.
Comprised of over 200 antique railroad maps; 100 railroad photo albums; paintings by Folkins, Fisher, Kingsland; and other artifacts such as railroad tricycles and locomotive’s whistles, headlights, bells, lanterns, oilers, padlocks, and brass name plates. This one-of-a-kind collection is being sold by the owner himself.
For more details, go to http://museumtrainsoftheworld.wordpress.com. For price inquiry or to plan a visit, please contact:
Normand Delisle
Museum, Trains of the World
ndelisle@museumtrainsoftheworld.com
514-975-9150
9160 Saint-Laurent boulevard, Suite 302
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
H2N 1M9
4th Division Superintendent Dennis Hill has called a Board of Directors meeting for Saturday, February 26th. The meeting will start at 1:00pm at the Yankee Grill, 1 South Grady Way, Renton (adjacent to the Holiday Inn just north of the intersection of WA167 and I-405). Google Map and directions here.
Any member of the 4th Division is welcome at the meeting. If you have items for the agenda, email Dennis or Secretary Jeannie Melvin by Thursday, February 24th.
(Apologies to Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion.)
These three track alignments have been the bugaboos of model railroading since the invention of 2-rail DC wiring. Letting locomotives run through them smoothly and without shorting or stopping has required the use of toggle switches, relays linked to the position of switches and, for turntables, careful positioning of split pit rail pickup or similar installation on the central pivot shaft. While certainly a “do-able” method, the results were often fussy and required a lot of additional wiring.
Now we have it easy. Several manufacturers, Lenz, MRC, and Digitrax come to mind, have come out with a little magic box called the “Auto Reverser” which does the job without operator intervention. How does it work? Well…inside each device is a very tiny witch doctor with a machete and a large supply of minuscule chickens. When he senses the onset of an out-of-phase “short,” he quickly sacrifices one chicken and the problem goes away. (You’re buying this, right?) OK, OK! Actually there is a bunch of sensing circuitry and a fast-acting relay, but the first explanation is more fun. Each of these devices has a pair of “input” and a pair of “output” wires or screw terminals. The input is attached to the track buss and the output is attached to the “reversing section” or, through sliders, to the turntable rails.
The neat thing is, so long as the input and output wires are not attached “backwards,” i.e., hooking the input to the reversing section and the output to the buss, it does not matter which wire goes to which buss wire or rail. The first loco to enter the section will properly align the reverser. If you do wire it wrong? Not to worry; it just won’t work. The loco will just stop dead. If that happens, disconnect it and hook it up t’other way.
Now, keep in mind that this really is technology, not magic. The reversing section, be it loop, wye leg, or turntable track, must be completely insulated. Gaps must be placed in both rails at each end of the section and the turntable rails must not touch any of the approach track rails. If there are switches in the reversing section, be sure that there are no “sneak circuits” through the switch. If there are, cut gaps beyond the frog in both rails of the diverging route. This will eliminate the “sneaker.” Be sure to feed the reversing section only through the reverser output.
One final thing: The reversing sections must be longer that the longest loco lash-up. For most of us this is no problem. If you are in N scale and insist on running mid-train and rear helpers, your reversing section needs to be short enough that the lead set and the first helper aren’t leaving and entering the section simultaneously. This will cause the witch doctor to have a schizophrenic episode and possible cut off his own head instead of the chicken’s. Smoke may mysteriously issue from the auto-reverser … NOT a good sign!
And please, DO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!
35 members and guests were on hand for the Eastside Clinic held Thursday night, February 17. JJ Johnston kicked off the evening with announcements, including that of the stolen equipment from the Monroe train show (see details in another section of the Grab Iron). He also announced that Bob Beise has earned AP certificates in Civil, Electrical and Volunteer. Only four more and Bob will earn his Master Model Railroader.
Frank Dekker mentioned that 4D was in possession of several concrete pier blocks that had previously been used at the Pacific Science Center show. The blocks have brackets to hold 2x4s and are now surplus. Anyone having use for such blocks should contact Frank.
Jim Sabol let everyone know that there will be several opportunities to see mainline steam action in the northwest this summer, with the National Railroad Historical Society convention being in Tacoma. In addition, the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railway should be firing up Baldwin #70 this coming week. If the engine passes her boiler certification, she will be part of the triple-header run at the railway in May.
Roger Ferris brought five cases of the Mart for member perusal, and mentioned that member Al Robinson (who attends the Shoreline clinic) would be selling off his collection of brass engines and other equipment for health reasons. Anyone wishing to learn more about this sale should contact Roger at railfun@frontier.com.
We had two entries in the Model of the Month contest.
CJ Turner's Model of the Month winner.
First place went to CJ Turner for a model that Di Voss brought in! The model was a Bar Mills kit to which CJ had added an extensive interior, including billiards tables and shooters. CJ had built the model for Di, hence Di bringing it in to show. The other entry was from Rob Jones, who brought an extensive collection of N-scale equipment, some of which Rob had just purchased at the Monroe show. George Chambers also brought in a collection of old model railroad catalogs for folks to see.
Di Voss announced that a proposal is being put before the NMRA BOD to possibly have the 2015 or 2016 national convention on a cruise down the west coast. Details of the trip are still being fleshed out, but the cruise would probably leave from either Seattle or Vancouver (meeting the international port of call rule) sail to San Diego, possibly stopping in Portland and San Francisco. If anyone has any ideas on this proposal or would possibly like to help put it on, please contact Di.
Ed Liesse reminded us that this year’s NMRA convention is being held in Sacramento, CA, July 3-10. This is a good opportunity to visit a national if you’ve never been before as it won’t be out this way again for another four years.
After the break, Jim Easley gave a presentation on the garden railroad he helped build at the Emerald Heights Retirement Community in Redmond. Jim and his wife are residents of the community, and Jim wanted to build an outdoor layout around the duplex in which they live. After approaching the management at Emerald Heights, it was decided that this should become a community project with a central place for the new railroad. Jim agreed to head up the project and held his first meeting, thinking he would get a handful of his fellow retirees to help out. Turns out fifty couples showed up for that first meeting! Committees were assigned, plans were drawn up (including a neat little profile model of the area where the layout would be built) and construction commenced. During the planning stage, it was decided that the group would model the Seattle & Lake Shore, since it ran through Redmond. High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) was used for the sub-roadbed, with all LGB track. Even a shed was built to protect the equipment and make it easier for the “engineers” to get at their equipment (no bending). All in all, Jim estimated that over 250 residents of the community took part in the building of the railroad. This included folks who were interested in construction, planning, gardening, and even a guy who bricked up the lone tunnel in the plan. At the end of construction, the CEO of the community presided over a “Gold Spike Ceremony,” and officially opened the railroad.
Emerald Heights is an extremely active community, and their in-house TV station made a documentary on the process of building the railroad. Jim presented this documentary to us at Eastside, and everyone was in awe of what the community has accomplished. Jim is also now working on the layout he wanted in the first place, which will be a replica of Swiss railroading, a subject dear to Jim’s heart.
At this time, we do not have a program lined up for the March meeting, but rest assured JJ will come up with something. If you would like volunteer to give a clinic, contact JJ (jj@jtwice.com). He’ll be more than happy to sign you up. Additional photos from the clinic can be viewed at https://picasaweb.google.com/ken.liesse/EastsideClinic21711#
It has been a while since the last report and a lot of activity has been going on.
After a lengthy delay related to health problems at the national level, Roger Nulton, MMR 445 was presented his Certificate and Plaque by PNR President Walt Huston at the January Tacoma Clinic. Once again, congratulations and WELL DONE to Roger.
The following individuals have also been recognized for their work with the Merit Awards or AP Certificates, as noted:
David Faussett – Merit Award, Structures (8)
David Faussett – AP Certificate – Master Builder, Structures
David Faussett – Merit Award, Cars (3)
James Byerley – Golden Spike
William Messecar – AP Certificate – Association Volunteer, Master Builder, Structures, Model Railroad Author, Master Builder – Scenery
Dale Kreutzer – Merit Award, Structures (7), Merit Award, Cars (5)
Dale Kreutzer – AP Certificate – Master Builder-Scenery, Master Builder – Prototype Models
C. John Morrison – Merit Award, Cars (3)
Dale Kraus – Merit Award, Motive Power (2)
Rich Thom – Merit Award, Cars (3)
Walt Huston – AP Certificate – Association Official
Jack Tingstad – AP Certificate – Chief Dispatcher
Glenn Farley – Merit Award (1) – Structure
Ron Hopkins – Merit Award (1) – Structure
Norm Curtis – AP Certificate – Association Volunteer, Model Railroad Author
Ross Tabor – AP Certificate – Association Volunteer
Robert Biese – AP Certificate – Association Volunteer
Ken Liesse – AP Certificate – Chief Dispatcher