February 2009, Volume 38 No. 6, Page 2
From the Superintendent’s Desk
By John Williams, Division 15, Superintendent
At the last few meetings, people have been talking up the upcoming NMRA convention in Hartford, Connecticut. For those who are not members I suggest you give the NMRA a try. But you may ask, why join the NMRA? For me, the answer is straightforward: I am a joiner and I support the efforts of the NMRA for the benefit of our hobby. The ease of digital model railroading would not have been possible without the NMRA setting up standards for chips etc. The NMRA is in our corner, so why not give the national some support The national still has a 6 month trial membership for just $9.95. For this you receive all member benefits (except voting). This includes six months of Scale Rails. For members or those who once were members this monthly magazine bears no resemblance to the old NMRA Bulletin. The current magazine is as good as MR or RMC. It is truly a first class publication. If for no other reason than this I think the NMRA is worth a shot, especially at this low introductory rate. For more information about NRMA, go their website.
Operating Sessions on the LOST RR
The next session will be on Saturday, February 14 and March 14th and on Sunday, March 22nd sessions staring at 2:00 pm.The Module Committee meets on February 12 and March 19.
Our next meeting is Thursday, February 5th, 2009 at 7:00 pm.
This meeting will be back to the normal first Thursday of the month, the following month will be March 5th.
News from the Barn
The following items are needed for the layout: coal hoppers (20), grain hoppers (6-8), cabooses (4) (anyone interested in painting cabs in the club color?), chip gons (8), flat cars (6) (needed for lumber mill), low gons, DCC Locos, Caboose ground throws, (HO, sprung), coupler pin adjustment pliers, Kaydee #5 couplers, small screws for truck and coupler attachment, industries kits, jewelers files, scales (old postal ?), N scale automobiles, N scale houses, HO/N decals (wet/dry). Please help if you can.Train Show
Our Next Train Show is on February 20 and 21 at the Civic Center in Asheville. We will discuss details and make assignments at the February meeting. If you are planning on putting items in the Company Store for sale, please complete the attached form (page 7) before the show. It also helps to place a label (such as the sticker that holds this newsletter closed) to each item, displaying your initials, the item number (from the inventory sheet) and your price. This makes selling the item easier, tracking the money easier for those working in the store, and a more accurate accounting for you. Thanks!Minutes of our January Meeting
Because of he weather, participation at the January meeting was sparse. To accommodate those who were absent, we are providing some information about the meeting, courtesy of Ken Vasilik.Treasurer’s Report: At the last meeting, $150 was collected for Eliada Homes for Christmas presents for children. Expenses coming in for various activities including preparation for the February show will more than likely have to be covered by the CD. Funds on hand will cover expenses up to the Show. Additional revenue will come in from the Show, but it is apparent that normal membership and revenues will not cover forecasted expenses. Expenses for publishing The Semaphore were discussed along with the possibility of converting to a web-site publication.
Supt Williams will ask the Finance Committee to review the level of the dues fee with the possibility of raising it to more adequately cover budgeted expenses in the future.
Modular Layout: Operations Manager Wally Brown expressed his satisfaction on the progress of the Industrial District. Jack Mershon noted the efforts underway to tie the entire area together with the types of buildings and landscaping. Brown was pleased with the number of members attending the last two operating sessions and noted the upcoming session this Saturday. He has put out an email to all members asking for notification of attending and also the need for additional rolling stock and locomotives. Also mentioned was the intention to have a radio communications system for operations in that the layout size and the number of operators were becoming more complex.
The Barn and Eliada Youth: The Barnmeister, Penn Bullock, advised of the involvement of all the Eliada cottages in the T-track operation bringing a potential of 30 children now involved. This past Tuesday night’s session had 17 children participating. To accommodate this increase, additional space for 1 more table has been made and, together with Eliada management, the creation of 2 separate sessions on Tuesday evenings is being developed. Additionally, another session for the “kids-in-school” is planned beginning next week around the noon time frame for at least one school semester. With this increase in working with the children, Penn once again noted the need and asked for additional volunteers.
Good & Welfare: Fred Coleman advised of Charlie Krug’s successful heart valve replacement and that he is now at home convalescing and in good spirits. Charlie will be at home recovering for at least another 2 weeks. Fred further advised of Kent Roberts having cancer and recently completing radiation treatments to now be followed with chemotherapy. Please keep these members in your prayers.
Land O Sky Division Feb. 20-21, 2009 Train Show: Fred Coleman advised of weak participation from vendors so far, most likely brought on by the economic downturn. Out of 110 vendor tables planned, only 42 have been sold to date. With Penn Bullock’s lead, Asheville Brewing and Pizza will be sponsoring a significant promotion of the Show. Contact Fred Coleman for a Show table. Volunteers will be needed for various functions. Sign up with Fred. Also mentioned was the need for “night-watchman” volunteers at the Show in the Civic Center.
2009 SER Convention: Fred Coleman advised of the Convention in Pensacola, FL, June 12 – 14. Fred has application material for attending.
Junaluska Layout: John Williams discussed the progress on the layout being developed with Bill Siebert’s assistance. Those interested in working on it are welcome. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm.
Clinic: Mike Smith gave an informative presentation on the development of the DD35 and the installation of DCC motor and
sound decoders in an Athearn HO scale DD35A dual-motored diesel locomotive. A pdf version of the write-up and photos are
available from Mike.
The inside of Mike Smith’s DD35A
New Business: The Supt advised that Ben Bartlett is the Achievement Program Chairman. The Supt asked for volunteers for the By-Laws Committee. A road trip is planned to The Spencer Yard for this spring. The Old Fort Hobby Shop is giving 20% off to Club members.