The local model railroad scene is finally beginning to open.  Already, the Lynden and Maple Valley shows have been held and the HO Free-Mo group led by Larry Sloan will be set up at the Tacoma Holiday Food & Gift Festival in the Tacoma Dome starting October 21 through 24.  These guys know how to pick a venue.

Our local clinics are now operational again, although most are still virtual.  Check the Grab Iron for details on each clinic.

Next up is the Boeing Swap Meet in Kent November 13.  We will have a 4th Division table selling items donated to 4th Division over the last year.  There will be bargains galore, so come and collect more stuff to stash for future model building. Ed Ives is leading that effort.  I will be there and any of you who can are invited to join us for a while to greet people and promote the 4th Division.

By the way, Clay Hansen’s layout was picked up by a newer member who will restore it to operation in his home in Tacoma.

We will have at least two modular layouts at the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma for the Annual Model Train Festival December 17, through January 2, 2022.

There is no word yet on a possible show in 2022 at the Pacific Science Center or at Monroe.  Stay tuned.

I want to also bring to your attention the scheduled National Narrow Gauge Convention  September 1-4, 2022 at the Murano Hotel in Tacoma.  The 4th Division is participating.  Clinics will be lead by local and national presenters. Manufacturers from all over the US and Canada will be there. So, you can meet model railroaders and suppliers seldom available locally.

In addition, there will be a contest room with classic work by some of the best modelers anywhere. It will be an opportunity for you to put your best work on display. Last, there will be self guided tours of over 30 local layouts in several scales and gauges.

Check out the website at www.seattlenngc.com

If you are interested in getting involved, please let me know.

Russ Segner, 4D Superintendent