Russ Segner

This has been a very busy first quarter in the Fourth Division.

The Seattle Center Show in January was one of the best attended shows in years. In addition to the many fine modular layouts operating, this show featured many smaller demonstrations of modeling and operation reflecting a shift in emphasis from just running trains to helping attendees understand “how to”. We will see much more of this in coming years with a focus on education about railroads.

The World’s Greatest Hobby Show at Puyallup gave many of the modular groups a chance to show more of their operations. We got to meet many of the national vendors and stock up on new supplies and models.

At Monroe, we were able to see and share many very large modular setups. This show always impresses me that attendees are more interested in actually building instead of collecting. So, there were clinics and many vendors with kits and supplies.

In any event, it is clear to me that much of the the growth in our hobby will be with the modular groups. We are very fortunate to have very strong module and club groups. I believe there is room for even more groups. This will address two real problems we face: the wide geographic area 4D serves and TRAFFIC. Additional modular groups can help new modelers join in with modelers in their area. And, we can concentrate on many more venues and lessen the pressure on our existing groups to always show up.

So, how will we add more groups? Our Annual Spring Meet will offer clinics specifically designed to help new members, as well as experienced modelers, learn and share in the various skills needed to get started and/or actually finish.

A website is now up at:  http://wnrr.net/2017springmeet

Take a look and plan to attend.