Grab Iron Posts

By Russ Segner

I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling a little shut in by the news. My wife, Susan, and I have plenty of supplies and are not venturing out for awhile. So, what to do? Susan has her knitting and we are both brushing up on our cooking skills.

I have decided to really get serious about finishing my MMR. So, time to build those four scratch built cars. It is also time to finish some detail work on structures and scenes that I hurried through when building my layout. Speaking of the layout, I really miss the time we had planned to share with the recent Sound Rails visit by model railroaders from out of our area. I also will miss our local layout tour in Tacoma.

The one other thing I am doing is preparation of a video presentation describing my layout and how it operates. This will let me share with those visitors who had planned to be here for Sound Rails and who will not get to see my layout. I am suggesting that many of you who have layouts also prepare presentations of your layouts to share by means of our 4D website.

This is an opportunity to share with all in the 4D what you are doing on your projects as well. How about a three to five minute video or a short article with photos?  Just send the link to your youtube video and a summary description to gi_editor@4dpnr.com.

I have posted some short segments on YouTube which will be a part of the larger presentation. Search for Coal Creek Lumber Company.

Russ

By Rich Blake

In communication with our gracious venue host – Summerhill Assisted Living Facility – we have cancelled our March 12th clinic due to risk to residents and visitors during this time of the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. In accordance with the Washington State Department of Health guidelines related to the outbreak emergency, Summerhill will be enforcing a “no-visitor” policy until further notice. SV&W respects and understands this decision.

We are still planning to have our regular clinic on the 8th of April at the Summerhill venue provided we have better news in a few weeks on this epidemic. In mean-time we are advising all model railroaders to be safe and observe good preventative measures.

Rich

By Russ Segner

Why I signed up several years ago to serve as Superintendent.

Serving as your 4D Superintendent is a privilege. I get to act on behalf of all members in trying to enhance the experience of model railroading. So, I have tried to meet as many members as possible, ask them what their interests in the hobby are and what skills they were interested in sharing. I have learned a lot that helps me in my modeling and I am constantly surprised and challenged to do better in my model building. There are a lot of you out there who do share and teach others.

Recruiting remains the biggest challenge, trying to get others to share experience and expertise. Many have been willing to do so. That’s why we have such a successful schedule of local clinics and modular layouts. There are also very strong regional efforts such as Oly-Ops and the annual Tacoma Layout Tours.

The benefits to me include working with you and others on the Board and at the events such as MOHAI and Pacific Science Center shows. So, I thank all of you who do give time to the hobby through 4D activities.

Officers of 4D such as Superintendent are elected every two years. Several years ago, I ran successfully for Assistant Superintendent and then became Superintendent. After many years now, I became concerned that others might want to put their views forward and lead us to greater success. That’s why I said I would like to step away to give someone else the opportunity. So, I have recommended to the Board that we will extend the nominating period one more month to see.

If you want to serve or nominate someone else, contact Lisa Murray, Nominating Committee Chair, mattinata@outlook.com.

Thanks for reading.

Russ

By Al Lowe

The Fourth Division is pleased to announce that this year’s Spring Meet will be held on May 16–17, 2020. Saturday the 16th will be filled with great clinic sessions at Everett Community College. Sunday the 17th will be Layout Tour Open Houses, where you’ll get to see the great layouts of some local model railroaders.

Full details will be coming soon. For right now, mark the weekend of May 16-17 on your calendar. You won’t want to miss it!

Al