Grab Iron Posts

Jon Bentz will be presenting a clinic on his under construction On30 layout, the “Rio Como”.
We should get a full update on the entire layout. Jon says since the last update Alan Murray and he
finished the benchwork for the car float operation and built a car float and tug as well as the loading
bridge and winches. This should be completed along with the harbor sea wall this month. He has started
track painting on the end of the line that’s the first thing seen when entering the layout room. This will be
finished for the NNGC in September.

He also thought he’d give a brief description of operations. Initially ops will be based on a series of ’turns’
originating in the staging yard. This will feed traffic to each station on the layout and will represent a ‘job’
for operators. The branch line that serves the mines and lumber industry is independent of the main line
and can be run by either one or two crews. That branch will feed a turn to the lumber mill with logs
returning with empties and could run twice (we’ll see if that works ).
Jon says
“During all of this I have continued building structures thanks to the help I’ve received. This summer I’d
like to get at least some scenery roughed in.”

Zoom LINK:
4dpnrOrganizer SkagitValleyWhidbey is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Whidbey Clinic May 2022
Time: May 11, 2022 07:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82312135769?pwd=dDNrT2lHMG5na2JWTHZvQ0dnV1ZqUT09

Meeting ID: 823 1213 5769
Passcode: 991691

Al Lowe

It’s time for you to register for the 2022 4D Spring Meet. Time’s a’wastin’!

Details: In case you didn’t notice, this page of the website https://4dspringmeet.com/clinics.html includes links to details about each clinic, including photos. For example, if you click on the title of William Messecar’s clinic, “Building HO Resin Freight Cars,” you’ll go here: https://4dspringmeet.com/clinic2.html.

Register: Head on over to the website and register right now! You’ll be glad you did. And if you do it before Tuesday, May 31, you’ll get a free lunch. Plus, great clinics by 4D MMRs. Plus, camaraderie with your fellow model railroaders. Plus coffee (which you need in the morning) and donuts (which you don’t!).

Model Contest: Don’t come to Everett empty-handed — bring along a model! But nothing scratchbuilt. It must be a kit. And bashed. And the only paperwork you need is a sheet of 8½x11 paper with the name of the kit and a photo of it as the manufacturer intended it to be built. Include the model’s name, your name, and your NMRA number. That’s it. No other wording needed — or allowed!

Bring anything you want. Something you did thirty years ago? A tank car kit converted to a Vanderbilt tender? A passenger car that’s a diner or a shed or both? A flat car into a bridge? As long as it’s railroad‐related and suitable for a layout.

Judging will be: 35 points for the transforming idea; 35 points for workmanship; 15 for detail; and, 15 for painting and lettering.

So click here and register today while it’s fresh in your mind.

By Ted Becker

A final reminder for the upcoming event.

Saturday April 30, 2022, 10am to 3pm.

Free admission

Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Ave, Mount Vernon, Washington

Enter from the parking lot at the rear of the building. Do not use the street entrance on the corner.

Plan on brown bagging for lunch, food services nearby are limited. Fast food joints are a couple miles away.

Everybody is strongly urged to wear a mask. Covid cases are on the rise and we want you to be safe. Masks will be available.

Last minute additions to the merchandise list:

• Plastruct dimensional pieces for building structures
• A variety of building parts
• HOn3 locomotives
• Free 5′ test track – diorama HO
• Trestle pieces in G scale and O scale
• G scale train set
• LGB reefer and caboose

Note to vendors: doors open for setting up at 9:00am. Tables have been tentatively assigned. You can trade with another vendor but it is up to you to make the arrangements.

Any question or comments email Ted Becker: rail.bird@att.net

Al Lowe

The 4D Spring Meet website is up and waiting for your mouse!

Kevin Klettke has once again done a great job preparing the 4D Spring Meet website. Now all you have to do is click here to register.

Details

When & Where: The 2022 4D Spring Meet will be held June 4 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Jackson Conference Center on the Everett Community College campus, 2000 Tower Street, in Everett.

What: There will be clinics, a Make & Take clinic for FastTracks turnouts, and a kitbashed model contest (with almost no paperwork!). The 4th Division’s annual meeting will be held during lunch. We’ll also announce this year’s Grab Iron Award winner, the latest Master Model Railroaders, the election results, and much more.

Why: Register by Monday, May 30 and you’ll get a free lunch! Or, you can register afterward and watch the rest of us eat. Or bring your own lunch. Just come!

Click here to register now!

By CJ Riley

I am looking to share a ride to the PNR convention in Eugene. I can meet at the Edmonds Ferry or anyplace between Port Townsend and Tacoma on the West side. I have a room, just need a ride.

You can contact me at: (360) 437. 8003

CJ Riley