The Prez took good advantage of Rondy to host the Party Car on the Mooselip Display Railroad.
I am always looking for pictures to be included in this Newsletter. Pictures of recent events or of your model railroad, as long as it is here in Alaska. Please e-mail me pictures which I can edit to best fit the space available.
A reminder to all that I am the Alaska Section Representative to the PNR of the NMRA. If you would like to have a notice published in the Grab Iron, please send it to me at least 2 months in advance.
This Newsletter and the Model Railroading in Alaska Web Page are intended to provide a free exchange of information about model railroading activities here in Alaska. The Newsletter is published around the middle of each month and an e-mail notification is sent to all interested persons who have requested such notification. Club Secretaries are urged to make copies of the Newsletter for distribution to those in their group who do not have Internet access. I would like to invite any and all the Alaska Model Railroad Clubs, Groups and Individuals to participate in this Newsletter, by sending me your input by the 10th of each month and an e-mail list of members who wish to receive the Newsletter. I would also invite editorials or letters (Ranting) to be published with the authors name. The material presented in this Newsletter and Web site may be freely reprinted, but all original rights are maintained by the Editor/ Web Master, Marty Quaas. Any e-mails which are returned two months in a row will be dropped from the list.
Marty Quaas, Editor
Model Railroading in Alaska Newsletter
e-mail: cswrrceo@mtaonline.net
Palmer, Alaska
NMRA Life Member 1338
What's Happening, Special Events in Alaska:
In Anchorage, the Northern Lights Model Railroad Club will be continuing to hold its monthly Public Open House on the fourth Sunday afternoon of the month. These Open Houses have been well attended and have brought several new members into the club. The next Open House will be on Sunday, March 23, from 1 to 5 PM, followed on April 27 and May 25.
Club Meetings and Operation Sessions in Alaska:
The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club meets in Russian Jack Springs Park in Anchorage, on Friday evenings, at 7:00 PM,(doors are open around 6 PM) with the Business meeting on the first Friday evening of the Month. Phone Marty at (907) 746-6414 or Dick at (907) 694-9876. Visit the Northern Lights Web Page.
The Consolidated South Western Railroad Operation Session: The CSWRR Evening Operating Session is held on the second Saturday of the month at 6 PM. The Afternoon Operating Session is held on the fourth Saturday starting about 1 PM. Contact: Marty Quaas, 746-6414, e-mail or visit the CSWRR Web Page.
The Tanana Valley Model Railroad Club meets in the Alaska Railroad Depot in Fairbanks (1745 Johansen Expressway) on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 pm, with Business Meetings on the 1st Tuesday of the month and work sessions most Saturdays at 2:00pm. The Mailing Address for the club is P.O. Box 81576, Fairbanks, AK 99708, or visit the TVRR Web Page.
Military Society of Model Railroad Engineers (MSMRRE) Business Meeting: First Tuesday evening of month, at 7PM. Open every Tuesday evening and Saturday afternoon. Club Phone (907) 552-5234 to leave message, or visit the MSMRRE Web Page. This club is primarily directed at military (Active duty and retired), DoD employees and other persons having Elmendorf Air Force Base access.
The South Michigan and Virginia (SM&V) Operation Sessions are held on the first Saturday afternoon of the month at 1 PM. The N Scale SM&V is located in South Anchorage. If you are interested in attending an operating Session or visiting the SM&V please visit the SM&V Web Page for more information.
Military Society of Model Railroad Engineers
March 2008
The March 4th, 2008 meeting was called to order by President Randy Bjorgan with 12 members present. (P. Bjorgan, K. Elmore, T. Wilde, D. Sherwood, S. VanGoor , D. Horton, D. Murray, B. Strauch, F. Wing, S. St Peter, D. Spooner)
Visitors: Russ & Maggie Rudolph
New Applications: Jack Waid & family
Reports: Brief reviews on all club scales presented.
Old Business:
Bldg Renovation – No change this month. This activity will resume after Rondy demobilization.
Ops Session – Tuesday, March 18th @ 19:00 – first train rolls.
The Great Train Show – “A Great Success”, a good time was had by all. Lots of train information and stories were exchanged. Lots of good sights and sounds for kids of all ages.
We want to thank our sponsors the Alaska Railroad and Hobbycraft for their donations. A very special Thank You to Barbara Jackson and Dotty Elmore for their work on the beautiful quilt. Also, a special thanks to the ladies, Barbara, Dotty, Margo, and Peg for working our door prize tickets.
The Door Prize Winners were:
Alaska RR Trip to Seward – Judy RedfordHO Scale Engine – Robert FanlknerHand Made Quilt – Luana SchoonAlso, the HO module entry gate was a geriatric success, worked great compared to the old ‘Duck Under’. (“Many old backs saved this year”)
New Business:
2008 membership cards available to ‘members in good standing’, the Treasury is always open!
Third Saturday of the month: March 15th – 10:00 – 5:00 Train day, w/BBQ, at the MSMRRE Club for the Elmendorf AFB and Ft Rich communities, as well as any others with prior arrangements through bjorgan@alaska.net .
Artic Thunder 2008 – Scheduled for June 28th & 29th. Planes, trains, and many many sights. Plan to attend and participate.
Announcements:
Marty's CSWRR Ops Session: Second Saturday of the month, March 8th @ 6:00 p.m.
Jerry & Sharon's Ops Session: First Saturday, April 5th @ 1:00 pm. - map available.
Reminder: Use of a Cell Phone while operating a vehicle on EAFB will get you a present from the Federal Government and loss of your driving privileges on EAFB for thirty days or worse. 72 occurrences during 2007, and 25 to date this year.
The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club
March 7, 2008
The Meeting was Called to Order at: 7:00 p.m. with 14 members present. Pat Durand, Ralph Hummel , Bruce Headle, Fred Park, Ted Lemaire, Matt Abbey, Jay Adzima, Richard Ayers, Shane Durand, Bill Evans, Roy Foster, Marty Quaas, Steve Van Goor, Charles Leo.
Minutes from the February 1, 2008 Meeting; Ralph Hummel moved minutes be accepted as written, second by Roy Foster. The motion passed.
Treasurers Report; Ted Lemair reported on the donations from Fur Rondy and 757 visitors at the open house. Fred Park, suggested that funds be transferred to the UBS investment account to keep the checking account balance below $1500.00 Treasurer, Ted Lemaire concurred. Ralph Hummel moved to accept the Treasurers Report, Charles Leo seconded and the motion passed.
Suspension for non payment of Membership Dues: Marty Quaas reported that two members were past due. One had been contacted by e-mail, the other e-mail bounced and Ted Lemaire will contact by phone. A discussion raised questions in the by-laws and what action is to be taken by the Treasurer to advise delinquent members when dues are three months in arrears. Marty Quaas requested by-laws review committee to consider if further action is required.
Section Foremen and Committee Reports;
Track Reports; Pat Durand reports the turnout at west end of Pack River needs attention. Turnout T-3 works in one direction, T17 and J7 are inoperative. Power switch at T16 mounting track is constantly on. Railroad in good operating condition.
Building Maintenance; Pat Durand reports building is still standing. Dick Ayers noted fire extinguishers will soon need service and Ralph Hummel volunteered to do the job
By Laws Committee Report; Ralph Hummel moved and Matt Abbey seconded a motion to postpone the Committee Report until April 4, meeting. Motion passed without objection.
Module Standards Committee Final Report; Kit, Shane, Dick, Ralph
Shane Durand presented a package of consolidated Free Mo Standards and recommended practices for review. Marty Quaas pointed out two clerical errors and expressed concern about the 42 inch mainline curve radius. Shane noted those are mainline standards, and that the Free-mo document allows tighter curves on Branch Line and Mini Mo modules. Marty Quaas presented a copy of his free thinking memo on Module Standards for consideration. Matt Abbey moved and Dick Ayers seconded a motion to postpone until the September meeting any further action on adoption of standards to allow for the construction of some demonstration modules. The motion passed.
Construction Planning Review Group; Kit, Bruce, Ben, Fred No report was available. Roy Foster moved and Fred Park offered second on a motion to postpone the report until April 4th meeting. Motion passed without objection.
Old Business;
Bank Signature Cards, Pat Durand will obtain Bank Signature Cards and Resolution Forms for UBS so at the April 4th meeting new signature authorizations can be completed on both accounts.
UBS Long term account Question; President Quaas suggested that three members should be authorized on the UBS account requiring two signatures. Charles Leo moved and Shane Durand offered second to postpone action on this until the resolution forms and cards are available at the April 4th Meeting. Motion passed.
Fur Rendezvous Report; Matt Abbey offered that staffing was adequate on all days, the public enjoyed the presentation and everyone had fun. The free drawings on major prizes provided by The Alaska Railroad, Princess Tours, and Matt's very own generous contributions from Holland America were a real surprise to the visitors. Wining tickets were drawn by Miss Emily Abbey and President Quaas contacted all the winners four of whom arrived to pick up their prizes before the meeting adjourned. It was noted that second and now third generations of Anchorage residents are coming back year after year to experience the ANRy. Letters of thanks are being prepared for the major sponsors, North Rim Bank and the public for their support.
Millertown Repair Report; Kirk, and Tim were both absent so no report was given. Pat Durand asked that his name be removed from this project.
Model Railroad Training Class will start on March 14; Marty Quaas reports he is ready to proceed with the class with set up at 6:30 p.m.. Dick Ayers will be providing a Table for the activity.
New Business:
Bestow Honorary Membership status on Jay Adzima; On February 15th, Marty Quaas had a telephone discussion with Rosalie Lebaron of Access Alaska regarding the conditions and terms of Jay Adzima's membership suspension. Marty is satisfied the conditions of his suspension have been met and suggested that Jay Adzima be returned as an Honorary Member. Ralph Hummel moved and Dick Ayers second to reinstate Jay Adzima as an Honorary Member as defined in the NLMRR club by-laws. The motion passed.
Modify step down, duck under for easier access; Roy Foster offered the suggestion that improved access at the duck under could be obtained by cutting back the step, as well as 3 inches removed from the Facia. Pat Durand volunteered to head up the project, Charles Leo and Roy Foster will assist.
Forth Friday Open House, March 23 is Easter: The open house will go on as usual due to a number of advanced notices of the event. There may also be an Easter egg hunt in the park that day which will bring a crowd. Please sign up to crew the event we need at least 4 operators.
Correspondence: Mark Earnest e-mailed Marty to advise the winter tunnel schedule does not allow him much access on Friday nights. He does plan to renew his membership for 2008 and visit when ever he can.
Adjourn: Matt Abbey moved for adjournment and motion passed at 8:17 p.m.
Next Meeting is on April 4, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Tanana Valley Model Railroad Club
April 2008
The monthly business meeting was held March 4, 2008 in the work room at the Fairbanks ARR depot, with 12 members present: Alan Armbruster, Bob Binder, Chris Clark, Nicholas Deely, James Farnham, Ron Gatterdam, Clif Lando, Blake Moore, Andrew Packee, Bill Reed, Ron Sheets, and Dave Shewfelt.
President Bill Reed called the Meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. A quorum was noted. The February meeting had been cancelled due to cold weather (what wimps!!), so there were no minutes to approve. The treasurer’s report was approved.
OLD BUSINESS –
There was no old business due to the lack of a February meeting.
NEW BUSINESS –
Ron Sheets outlined problems with the oil refinery kits he’s working on. He has contacted the manufacturer, but there is as yet no resolution to the problems with the kits.
Bill stated the necessity for keeping our noses to the grit in so the layout can be substantially complete by May 15. He said the track is in good shape on the Fairbanks module, but we need more work on the scenery.
Bob will look into the T-shirt inventory and will report back at the April meeting.
Ron G. reports that the Nenana Out-And-Back is completed and ready to be installed.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER –
Blake reports that the new web-site (www.tvmrr.org) is up and he invites comments.
James has had interview and basic ability tests with the ARR. He hopes to start employment with them before too long.
Ron S. reported (with pictures) on Mike Ferguson’s progress in Spokane.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. by acclamation.
Submitted by Clif Lando, Acting Secretary
The Consolidated South Western Railroad
Operating Sessions on March 8, 2008
The February Afternoon Session was canceled due to everyone’s involvement in the 2008 Rondy.
The March 8, evening session went very smoothly and all had a good time. Roy Foster was at his usual post in the A Yard and Pat Durand was back at his position in the B Yard. The Maintenance Department had the North Track blocked for vegetation control for much of the Session, requiring all trains to use the South Track between Cajon and Summit.
We continue to be short on Local Crews, so if you like to do locals and switching, please feel free to join us.
The CSWRR Operating Sessions are held twice a month on the second Saturday evening, starting at 6 PM and on the fourth Saturday afternoon, starting at 1 PM. The next Afternoon Session will be held on March 22, starting at 1 PM and the next Evening Session will be on April 12, starting at 6 PM. If you would be interested in attending one of the CSWRR Operating Sessions to take an active part or to just watch, please visit the CSWRR Web-Page or call Marty Quaas at 746-6414. Do not be intimidated by the operation as there are many easy trains as well as complex ones. New operators are paired with experienced operators for the first several runs and we can accommodate different skill levels from beginner to experienced.
Marty Quaas, CEO
The Consolidated South Western Railroad
Palmer, Alaska
NMRA Life Member, #1338
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