This summer, Cordova will be celebrating their 100th anniversary and Mike is looking for a venue where he can display it for the summer.
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
Palmer, Alaska
NMRA Life Member 1338
What's Happening, Special Events in Alaska:
This winter 2008, the Anchorage Winter Festival, known as the Fur Rondezvous or as the Locals call it, “The Rondy” will start on Friday, February 22 and run through Sunday March 2. There will be Model Railroad displays at the Alaska Railroad Depot and at the Northern Lights Model Railroad Club House in Russian Jack Springs Park.
Here is a rundown on these displays:
At the Alaska Railroad Depot, I will have the Mooselip Display set-up from Friday, February 22 through Saturday, March 1. Please refer to the dates and times for the Alaska Railroad Depot as are listed below.
At the Alaska Railroad Depot, the Military Club will have some modules on display from Friday, February 22 through Saturday, March 1.
The dates and times for the Alaska Railroad Depot displays are as follows:
Friday, February 22 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Saturday, 23 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday, 24 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Monday, 25 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday, 26 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Wednesday 27 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Thursday 28 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Friday 29 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday March 1 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club which is located in Russian Jack Springs Park, 5200 Debarr in Anchorage, will have their Club Layout, the Alaska Northern Railroad open for visitors. There will be special door prizes and attractions for the visiting public. Two of the free door prizes include a round trip for two on Holland American Tours and also a round trip for two on Princess Tours. The dates and times are as follows:
Friday February 22 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday 23 Noon to 5:00 PM
Sunday 24 Noon to 5:00 PM
Friday 29 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saturday March 1 Noon to 5:00 PM
Sunday 2 Noon to 5:00 PM
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.
Tanana Valley Model Railroad Club
February 2008
The monthly business meeting scheduled for February 5, 2008 didn’t happen because of extremely cold weather. Six hardy members gathered nonetheless for a work session, fueled by items in a greatly-appreciated “care package” from associate member Scott Johnson in Kauai.
The club holiday party on Saturday January 26 was a fun gathering with some great food. Sandwich leftovers were just enough for the railroad open house later in the week.
The ARRC Program of Projects open house on January 30 was well attended but not as many folks dropped by the open doors of the club layout as we had hoped or had happen in past years. The layout looked good, all three loops were running, and those that did drop by were well entertained.
Work continues on the layout. Ron G. and Bill have completely redone the Nenana track work and it is mostly rewired. The last track and open scenery area on the Healy/Nenana section is ready to be completed. Ron S. is making good progress on the refinery scene. Nicholas has essentially completed his snow shed and half tunnel on the Denali section. Clif is perfecting his technique for modeling silt-laden water for the Nenana River. Several members are working on track in the Fairbanks yard.
Submitted by Jim Durst, TVMRRC Secretary
The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club
February 1, 2008
Call to Order: President Marty Quaas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
There were 14 members present; Pat Durand, Ralph Hummel , Bruce Headle, Fred Park, Ted Lemaire, Richard Stephenson, Matt Abbey, Richard Ayers, Shane Durand, Roy Foster, John Hayden, Marty Quaas, Steve Van Goor, Kirk Waldhaus. Kit Roberts arrived after the meeting and guests were Charles Leo, Casey Durand and Christopher M. Calabrese.
Minutes from the January 4, 2008 Meeting; Approved
Treasurers Report; Was read and approved
Section Foremen and Committee Reports;
Track Reports by Pat Durand: EDC, Millertown Yard, Richland Yard and Johnstown Yard still need cleaning. All main line and sidings have been cleaned.
Building Maintenance by Pat Durand: The Winter Check List for Building Maintenance Is posted, the exterior steel door is to be chocked open during public shows.
By Laws Committee Report; Steve Van Goor and Matt Abbey lead a discussion of some of the by-law changes.
Module Standards Committee Report; Kit, Shane, Dick, Ralph. Shane Durand gave an interim report and will make a written report at the March business meeting.
Construction Planning Review Group; Kit, Bruce, Ben, Fred No report.
Old Business;
Check Book Audit Report; Ted, Fred, Pat and Marty: The Audit conducted on February, 11, 2008 and the report was accepted unanimously.
Bank Signature Cards will be obtained by Treasurer Ted Lemair so the new Executive Board Members will be authorized to sign checks which require two signatures.
Fur Rendezvous; Matt Abbey reported,
1. Promotions in addition to the Fur Rondy Program Advertising will include:
a. Posters (Will be contacting Bill Evans to update dates and artwork) members can post them
at work, church, school etc.
b. Distribution of ALL ABOARD business cards in a trade out arrangement with Hobby Craft.
c. Preparation of a promo that you can attach to all your e-mail contacts.
d. Major door prizes in a raffle for those who visit.
1st prize----Two Round Trip Train Tickets on Holland America. [After the meeting, Princess
also came through with two round trip tickets.]
2nd prize--- HO scale McKinley Explorer Train Set.
3rd prize--- HO scale McKinley Explorer Train Set.
Depot Operations: Sign Up Sheet for crew operators and greeters for Rondy Rail Fair is at the EDC.
Millertown Repair Kirk Waldhaus reported that much had been done, but that much still needs to be done.
Anchorage Skyline Report; Pat advised the first phase is in place, foreground painting and blending is still to be done. Additional photography will have to be taken in the spring.
Model Railroad Training Class; Marty Quaas Classes will be on the 2nd and 4th Fridays, starting in March.
New Business:
Club House door lock change was approved by the Executive Board: Members can exchange their keys with treasurer.
Richard Ayers moved Jay Adzima be suspended indefinitely until such time as a licensed health care provider can assure the membership that he poses no threat. Passed unanimously.
Pat Durand offered motion for resolution: The UBS Long term account is currently managed by Fred Park and Patrick Durand. Passed without objection.
Membership: New Applications:
Mr. Charles W. Leo. was sponsored by Marty Quaas
Mr. Ronald Allen Gehres was sponsored by Ralph Hummel
Both memberships were approved without objection.
Correspondence:
The Ward family of Fairbanks sent an e-mail thanking our club for the warm welcome and hospitality extended them on their visit.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. The Next Meeting: is on March 7, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Military Society of Model Railroad Engineers
February 2008
The February 5th, 2007 meeting was called to order by Secretary Ken Elmore with 11 members present. (M. Bishop, T. Wilde, D. Sherwood, M. Adams, K. Elmore, D. Horton, B. Strauch, E. Weiss, M. Philo, S. St Peter, D. Spooner)
Visitors/Future new members: n/a
Reports: Brief reviews on all club scales presented.
Old Business:
Bldg Renovation – No change this month. This activity will resume after Rondy.
Ops Session – Tuesday, Feb. 19th @ 19:00 – first train rolls. This activity maybe blended with Rondy preparations.
DCC circuit breakers – 5 electronic units have been added to the HO layout to divide up the double track mainline into power districts (prototyping & testing at this time)
Fur Rondy – Set-up to start on Thursday, 9:00am. Full Show Schedule below. Tear Down will start when the door closes on Sat. Mar. 1st; completion and Depot clean-up on Sun. 2nd.
New Business:
2008 membership cards available to ‘members in good standing’, the Treasury is always open!
HO Module Gate – Rondy swing-gate project to replace the duck-under bridge - Priority construction starts Sat. 9th.
Webmaster – Ed Weiss has interest in updating our web site.
Third Saturday of the month – mini-open house to the public w/BBQ to start March 22nd.
Artic Thunder 2008 – Scheduled for June 28th & 29th
Announcements:
Jerry & Sharon's Ops Session: First Saturday @ 1:00 pm. - map available.
Marty's CSWRR Ops Session: Second Saturday of the month @ 6:00 p.m.
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). Year 2008 to date: 9
The Consolidated South Western Railroad
Operating Sessions on January 28, 2008 and February 9, 2008
The January 28 Afternoon Session was another good one with Roy Foster manning the A Yard and Pat Durand manning the B Yard. As usual, the session went smoothly, until near the end of the session when the Cadiz Turn wound up with 35 cars of Interchange traffic. Even with help from the A Yard crew it had problems getting up the hill. Wow, was that fun Railroading.
The February 9, evening session also went very well. Roy Foster was at his usual post in the A Yard, however Bob Almeida was doing the B Yard as Pat was some place in Florida sweating in 70 degree temperatures. Due to heavy snow between Cajon and Lugo, a Rotary extra had to be called to clear the pass. That was another really a fun session.
This past few sessions has found us 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. Due to the Rondy the CSWRR will be dark on Saturday February 23 and the next Evening Session will be on March 8, 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
