Steve Wesolowski, IHE 2013 Publicity

PNR members are invited to join our PCR “neighbors” to the south and enjoy Iron Horse Express, PCR’s 2013 convention in Dublin, CA from April 3–7, 2013. See their website to register and for the latest information.

Every convention is different: PCR 2013’s activity base at the Holiday Inn Express in Dublin, helps determine what “local” train fun is available just as Siskiyou Express, the joint 2012 PCR/PNR convention in Medford had great train fun for all of us lucky enough to attend.

A very big “Thank You” to all PNR & PCR volunteers who ensured our train fun in Medford. I found our shared convention meant PCR members enjoyed some “new” clinics by PNR presenters, as PNR members enjoyed some “new” PCR clinics. I especially encourage PNR clinicians to present your clinics at Iron Horse Express.

The Iron Horse Express will be an exceptional opportunity to broaden your knowledge and skills in this great hobby. An unbeatable list of 40+ modelers and historians have agreed to provide clinics during the convention. Our Clinicians list is a “Who’s Who” of West Coast modeling and railroading. There will be more “must see” clinics than you will be able to see, but you’ll have great fun picking and choosing and you will come away from IHE so much smarter! If you are willing to present a clinic, contact Clinic Chair Dave Connery at dgconnery@sbcglobal.net or 925-735-0134.

Our currently planned Outside Activities & Tours include:

Bob Osborne, our Layout Tours and Operating Sessions chair, has several dozen Bay Area layouts signed up already, many built by MMRs. Some are already listed here. Operating Sessions on many layouts are being planned; visit the website for more details, when available. The best way to stay informed is to register here so you get regular email updates.

Nancy Stokely, our Non-Rail Activities chair, looks forward to seeing all the friends she’s made over the years and making new friends. Non-Rails will have their own space for quilting, crocheting, puzzles, talking, classes and visiting. We plan field trips and a Non-Rails luncheon (only $5); more details on the website.

Of course, we’ll have Model and Photo Contests in all the usual categories. Giuseppe Aymar, our Contest Chair, is always looking for new judges who want to become even better modelers by helping judge. All required contest forms and more information can be found on our website. Contest forms will be available in the Contest Room, but filling them out before IHE will give you more time to enjoy IHE!

The Arts and Craft Categories are open to all convention registrants, not just Non-Rails. Entries may be turned in whenever the contest room is open. All results will be announced at the Saturday evening Awards Banquet.

Online Registration is quick and easy or you can mail a check, if you prefer. Both options are available via the website.

Full Fare registration is $89 and Non-Rail registration is $69. Register before midnight January 31, 2013 and get our “Early Bird Special Rate” of $79. The “Non-Rail or Spouse” fare of $69.00 also applies to female or male spouses who are model railroaders. Youth Fare is $50 and aDayPassis $35; these do not include the Banquet, which is an additional $45.

Our committee believes enjoying the full benefits of PCR and NMRA membership only happens if you attend conventions. Therefore, we encourage all members to attend with a special “First Timer Fare” of $69 for any NMRA member who hasn’t registered for the last 5 PCR conventions. (This should include most PNR members.)

All fares (except the Day and Youth Fare) include clinics, banquet, layout tours and operating sessions. The Banquet is not included with Youth and Day fares, but may be purchased separately. The Annual PCR Members Breakfast is not included, but is a mere $5 extra and well worth it!

Why Attend Iron Horse Express?

I find train conventions to be the most cost-effective way to enjoy full days of train fun, sharing knowledge with other train enthusiasts and a fun and easy venue to make new, and enjoy old, train friends. Enjoying the clinics, tours, layouts, operating sessions, contests, and contest entries with others will re-energize and re-inspire your train interests and lead you to more train fun for a long time. The friends I’ve made and enjoyed at previous train gatherings increase my fun significantly and daily, ever since my first PCR convention inSan Luis Obispoabout 10 years ago.

If you have not attended a PCR Convention within the past 5 years (or, ever!), I encourage you to use our First Timer Special to connect, or reconnect, with other friendly fellow train lovers. It is via our shared train fun together we make new, revitalize, and sustain lifetime friendships that connect us with more opportunities and train knowledge to enjoy even more fun train times.

I hope you’ll join us next April in Dublin, and/or at your PNR convention in Idaho, which I would like to attend also. If you have questions, contact me. Register for IHE 2013 now at http://www.pcrnmra.org/conv2013.