Walt Huston

The day before the convention began several home and museum layouts were open for visitors who were on their way into Tacoma to view, including mine. I had ten drop by and am quite pleased. The convention took off with the Board of Directors meeting at 10:00 Wednesday morning. That was followed by a series of clinics Wednesday afternoon, and the first big mixer, the Ice Cream Social, Wednesday evening. The ice cream was delicious, as were the many toppings available. There was no ice cream left over, that’s for sure.

Thursday began bright and early with the bus leaving for the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad Tour and BBQ at 7:30 and clinics beginning at 8. The self-drive layout tours were in the area of Olympia, WA and were well attended.

Friday kicked off with the Tacoma Rail tour bus heading out at 8, while clinics headed into day 3. The layout self-drive tours were in the area of Puyallup, Spanaway and Lakewood. (I was open again.) Again, the layouts drew good numbers of visitors. (I had 39.)

Saturday the clinics again started at 8. There were no bus tours on Saturday, however, the self-drive layout tours were open in the Tacoma and Fife areas. Again, well attended. The General membership meeting was conducted beginning at 10 and adjourned at close to 11. A very good member attendance kept things lively and interesting.

The Banquet was held Saturday evening. The food was excellent; a good time was had by all. Awards were given to the contest winners, the 4D Golden Grab Iron Award (Person of the Year) was presented to Jim Sabol of Spanaway for the overwhelming amount of service Jim has given, not only over the past year, but also over a very long time. The highlight of the evening was the award of The President’s Award to Gary Hazell of the 7th Division. Gary is another PNR member who has given so very much of himself to his Division, to PNR, and to model railroading in general.

This was my final convention as President and it was a great way to bow out. Thanks to everyone who assisted me over the past four plus years. I’m not done visiting the cities and towns within the PNR, but from now on, it’s going to be for pleasure and to do AP assessments with the Jack Hamilton 4D Hit Squad. Or, maybe augmenting local assessors, who need a helping hand.

Keep on Training!