Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the “Dirty Santa” clinic by welcoming all attendees including several newcomers. The normal proceedings were dispensed with in order to eat prior to the “Dirty Santa” segment.

What’s new at Hobby shop presented by Tacoma Trains included a Bachmann Spectrum ON30 3 Truck Climax with sound, Christmas car from Lionel, a flat car with a tank load from Copperplate Gothic Light, and an Athearn passenger car.

In the Bring and Brag segment John Miller had a couple of unusual loads in gondolas, one was ground rubber used on athletic field track and the other was the fake turf used on the fields. Someone suggested that if properly arranged could be used to clean tunnels and cobwebs. Gene brought a number of cars that had removable loads. Patrick had a log load made from shishkabob sticks, looked very good. Dave brought a log cabin and Walt maintenance of way consist. The winner of the Bring and Brag was Gene with his removable load consist headed by a class C 3 truck Climax.

During the break food and cake was served, as always great sandwiches, salads and of course the cake and ice-cream. As always an excellent spread which was enjoyed by all.

After the break MMR Gene put his Santa hat on and we proceeded with drawing the names. It looked for a while that Dirty Santa was not going to show up but as a freight house kit was unwrapped it was snatched up. From that point on many things traded places and towards the end a number of tools changed hands a few times. Fun was had by all and the evening concluded with the clinic crew singing “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all”.

The next clinic in the New Year will be at our usual place in the Pierce County Public Library Admin. Bldg. corner of 112th Street and Waller Rd. at 7:30 PM. The clinic for the evening will be by Charles Jackson on Trees and more. Hope to see you there and bring a friend, fellow modeler and have fun.