By Jeff Moorman

Please join us for our next meeting, this Thursday October 3. Unfortunately I am not 100% sure what the program will be. We had a presentation on freeware track planning software lined up, but the clinician hasn’t gotten back to me. Hopefully that will happen, and if not, we’ll look into an unusual video or two.

Last month we did a roundtable of “what I did this summer” (railroad-wise, that is).  There was quite a variety. Probably the most interesting was helping build a model of Puget Sound in someone’s front yard for a TV promo. Supposedly we’ll all see this on the air sometime this fall.

Ted B brought a structure of a small boat builder’s barn. It had won a prize (for humor) with it at the last PNR convention. It was a contest where everyone builds the same kit. Apparently Ted will be arranging to do the same type of contest at the next PNR convention, which we (Fourth Division) are hosting in the late spring of 2014.

The meeting ended with a presentation of pictures taken of the various layouts on display at the National Train Show held in conjunction with this year’s NMRA convention in Atlanta.

By the way, how many of you read the Narrow Gauge and Short Line Gazette?  There is an article in the Sept/Oct 2013 issue about a model of the Gilpin Tramway. Yes, that is the same layout that was part of our tour this past June. I believe it is more impressive in person, than in the magazine – and it looks mighty good in print. Thanks again, Gary and Sherri, for having us over in June.

We meet at the Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Avenue North, Shoreline, WA. That is on the west side of Aurora (State Route 99) between 175th and 185th Streets and more specifically, between the Cadillac dealer on the south and Deseret Industries to the north. Going southbound on Aurora, make a right-hand turn into the church driveway immediately after passing the Deseret location. The parking lot is at the rear of the church. For regular meetings enter the lower, left side of the church from the rear lot.

Meetings are the first Thursday of each month, September through June. However in June we often do something different, like a layout tour. Doors open around 7:00 PM and the program starts at 7:30.

Remember the next meeting is October 3. The meeting after that is November 7. Hope to see you there or at least sometime on down the line.