Article and Photos by Syd Schofield

Russ Segner’s Sn3 scale steam critter.

The East Side Get-Together North Clinic (Redmond), held on 15 December 2016 at the Old Redmond School House, had the usual Bring-and-Brag plus the annual Dirty Santa gift exchange. Dave Cook brought things together after the coffee and doughnuts warmup.

Dave Enger displayed seven of his side dump gondolas for the evening’s viewers choice, and first (and last) gift pick. Russ Segner also brought in a dandy steam critter in Sn3 scale to show. Then on to the main event for the evening, the railroad-themed gift exchange.

The “Dirty Santa” exchange rules established way back when steam was king (I’m told) had some strategy to somehow finagle one’s choice during the proceedings. Early picks were at a disadvantage as maybe their choice for the evening may not have been revealed. Each item has to be unwrapped at the time of selection thus exposing it to a pack rat exchange. However, the pirated “victim” then has the choice of any other item that has been picked.

Wrapped gifts ready for “Dirty Santa” at the Dec 2016 Redmond Clinic.

To protect the “most valuable prize”, and to keep the decorum and time limits to a reasonable level, each item has an exchange limit of two switches. To keep the costs contained the items should be valued at less than $10. That was clearly exceeded in a few cases but no one was short changed in value and the railroad theme was maintained.

The King County South Enders (a possible rename of Eastside Get Together South?) clinic meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month will not be held in December due to the Christmas/New Year holiday stretch. While several meetings have been held in Newcastle and Renton, particular attention will be given to the south King county model railroader demographic for some commuting relief. News of a favorable meeting place for this time slot will be forthcoming in the Grab Iron. Upcoming events during this busy time of year were discussed – click here to see the 4D Events Calendar.

Dave Enger’s side dump gondolas.

All focus is on Bob Rorabaugh at the December 2016 Redmond Clinic.