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.