You can visit the Northern Lights Model Railroad Club on Sunday afternoon April 27, from 1 to 5 PM and see these nifty mini-scenes for yourself. The Club is located in Russian Jack Springs Park, 5200 Debarr in Anchorage.
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:
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, April 27, from 1 to 5 PM, followed on May 25 and June 22.
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
April 2008
The April 1st, 2008 meeting was called to order by President Randy Bjorgan with 10 members present. (R. Bjorgan, K. Elmore, M. Bishop, T. Wilde, S. VanGoor, D. Horton, D. Murray, B. Strauch, S. St Peter, D. Spooner)
New Applications: Dale Kenny
Reports: Brief reviews on all club scales presented.
Old Business:
Bldg Renovation – Getting back on schedule, April 12th. Clean-up of the East Wall area, lower level staging and under main HO layout (prep work for future painting).
Large Scale Room is in need of wall painting help, volunteers welcome.
Routine housekeeping practices are encouraged on a day/weekly basis.
Ops Session – Tuesday, April 15th @ 19:00 – first train rolls.
The Great Train Show – As a follow-up, funds were approved to acquire a larger complement of ‘Thomas the tank’ type trains. Gordon & James seemed to be a great hit with the kids during the show.
Third Saturday “MSMRRE Train Day” – April 19th, 10-5 pm, we had quite a number of new people visit last month. Contact bjorgan@alaska.net for any special/prior arrangements.
New Signs and Banner are planed, looking for the lowest bid on the 3x8 banner. The Troop Kitchen will continue with Burgers & Dogs.
Public Affairs Officer – Don Sherwood was nominated and induction to occur on April 19th, “Train Day”, with proper attire.
New Business:
Annual Passes – List will go in to Base Security April 30th, check your entry with Randy Bjorgan. Old passes expire May 31st.
Artic Thunder 2008 – June 28th & 29th. Planes, trains, and many sights. The Thunder Birds will be performing. The equipment we display and list of participates will be formulated and reviewed at the May meeting.
HO East Wall Staging area – Will be revitalized after area clean-up, power wiring and switch controls needed.
HOn3 construction – Funds were approved for indexed/motorized turntable, modification of a Walthers N-scale unit being considered.
Club Printer- Funds were approved for purchase of a computer ink jet printer/copier.
Announcements:
Marty's CSWRR Ops Session: Second Saturday of the month, April 12th @ 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 31 to date this year.
The Northern Lights Model Railroad Club
April 4, 2008
Call to Order: at 7:00 pm By President, Marty Quaas
Determination of a Quorum; 12 members present. Richard Ayers, Pat Durand, Roy Foster, Benjamin Kammer, Ted Lemaire, Charles Leo, Fred Park, Marty Quaas, Kit Roberts, Richard Stephenson, Steve VanGoor, Kirk Waldhaus.
Minutes from the March 7, 2008 Meeting; Roy Foster moved and Charles Leo 2nd that minutes be approved as written and submitted by e-mail to the membership. Motion was unopposed.
Treasurers Report; Ted Lemair proavided update financials and confirmed a check is being drawn from our checking account for investment in our USB Long Range Building Fund. Richard Ayers moved and Ben Kammer second acceptance of the financial report. Motion was unopposed.
Secretary Pat Durand, advised the current officers have been made signatures on the Wells Fargo checking account. And Fred Park, Patrick Durand and Richard Ayers are signatures on the UBS LRB account.
Suspensions for non payment of Membership Dues: Under terms of the By-Laws and to keep the membership voting roster current the following members who were arears in dues were offered for suspension; Robert Dickfoss and Rick Marvin. Suspension was moved by Kit Roberts and second by Ben Kammer, the motion carried without exception. There was some discussion about possible reconsideration after review of By-Laws revisions to be discussed later in the meeting.
Section Foremen and Committee Reports;
Track Reports; Pat Durand has no reports of malfunctions except for one flippy thing on the Millertown Control Panel that needs to be replaced.
Building Maintenance; Pat Durand stressed the need to keep the water running in the bath room as this is the time of year the frost goes down and will freeze our water line unless the water is moving.
Construction Planning Review Group; Kit Roberts spoke to adoption of the guidelines prepared by President Quaas. Pat Durand moved for adoption Richard Stephenson offered the second. Discussion echoed the long overdue need for an approval process for proposed changes to the layout. Motion passed without objection.
Unfinished Business;
By-Laws changes; Steve VanGoor lead the discussion of proposed By-Law changes reading from the Discussion Draft 4 that had been emailed to all members in advance. The proposed changes were adopted with exception of ARTICLE IV Officers and Duties, Section B. Duties 5. there will continue to be only one Member at Large. Further under ARTICLE III Meetings Section A. Regular Business Meetings shall be the first Friday of each month unless rescheduled by vote of the membership. Kit Roberts moved and Kurt Waldhaus seconded approval of the Draft 4 changes with the above amendments. The motion carried unanimously. Copies of the new by laws will be e-mailed to all members and hard copies will be available at the club house by direction of President Quaas.
Millertown Repair Report; Kirk Waldhaus proposed spending up to $76.00 for two copies of a five story structure at the corner of Railroad Ave. and 1st Street in Millertown. (this will cover the black wall and be reflected in the mirror at the left of that location. Pat Durand moved for approval and Dick Ayers offerd second on the motion that passed without objection.
Kirk Waldhaus proposed a budget of up to $260.00 for the installation of a two track animated grade crossing system. Automatic operation of crossing gates, flashing lights and bells would be facilitated by this plan to be implemented in either Millertown or Coreyville. Motion was moved by Kurt Waldhaus with second by Kit Rodgers. Pat Durand stated the expenditure by an individual in such a system would be irrational but in the club setting where the animation would be viewed by many people the expenditure makes sense in that it provides a laboratory setting for members to learn how these systems work and a place for those so inclined to experiment with the technology. President Quaas was opposed to spending what seemed like a lot of money for some flashing lights. Durand called for the motion which was approved by a hearty voice vote.
Model Railroad Training Class; Marty Quaas reported that he would presenting an Operation Lifesaver session on Friday Evening, April 11 and on Friday Evening, April 25 he would be continuing with some examples of Basic Scenery. Booth sessions will start at 6:30 PM.
New Business:
Modify step down, duck under for easier access: Pat Durand reported the first phase of the project was completed at no cost to the club. Some members still want the step cut back, and Durand volunteered to see it done.
Forth Friday Open House Reminder the next one is April 27 please sign up to crew the event.
Treasurer Ted Lemair and Past Treasurer Fred Park noted the Bi-Annual State of Alaska Corporation Report is due with the names of the new officers. Secretary Pat Durand will obtain and prepare the forms for signature.
Charles Leo is preparing an “I Spy” series of photos for a treasure hunt featuring items in the foreground of the visiting viewing area. This will provide an interactive experience for visitors who want to explore the railroad and hopefully make a contribution.
Membership:
Approval of an Application for regular membership: Richard Ayers sponsored the membership of Casey Durand and moved that the normal probationary period be waived so he can obtain a key immediately. Steve VanGoor seconded the nomination which moved unanimously.
Correspondence: E-mail note from Dwane Taylor, to say he misses the club but work and school are priorities right now. Maybe he can make it for a Fourth Sunday at the Railroad.
Adjourn: Motion for adjournment made by Richard Stephenson at 8:05 pm carried without exception.
Next Meeting: is on May 2, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Prepared by Secretary, Patrick J. Durand
Tanana Valley Model Railroad Club
April 1, 2008
The monthly business meeting was held April 1, 2008 in the work room at the Fairbanks ARR depot, with 13 members present: Alan Armbruster, Bob Binder, Chris Clark, Jim Durst, James Farnham, Ron Gatterdam, Phil Jenison, Clif Lando, Mark Lynn, Blake Moore, Bill Reed, Ron Sheets, and Dave Shewfelt. Rob Prince from UAF’s Journalism Department was a visitor.
President Bill Reed called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. A quorum was noted. The Minutes from the previous three meetings were approved, as was the treasurer’s report.
OLD BUSINESS –
Bob has inventoried the T-shirts in storage, and recommends we sell off existing inventory to generate income for the first few weeks of the season.
Bill began a discussion on revising the club dues. He said that since we are now paying for insurance and being a 100% NMRA Club, we need to increase the dues amount. Several options were discussed. At the next (May 6) business meeting we will discuss this some more, decide on an amount, and encourage members to pay “half-dues” for July 1 to January 1 to align our fiscal year to the calendar year as stated in the bylaws.
Ron Sheets said that Walthers shipped him two bags of plastic and etched brass parts, with new instructions, to “fix” the problems with the two refinery kits from them. He could use some extra hands with some of the small parts, and will get a piece of glass for cutting metal sprues as Walthers suggests.
Bob reminded members to cut the throwbar slot in the roadbed and subgrade when installing turnouts before attaching the turnouts to the Homasote.
NEW BUSINESS –
Bill said that the first southbound morning train is Friday May 16 this year, so each member should look at their schedules to see which morning(s) they can come in each week to operate the layout.
Jim said that Control Contractors apparently has a contract to maintain the depot for the railroad, so contact them if there are problems or maintenance needs.
Blake noted that the railroad is holding emergency responder training at the depot next Monday and Tuesday. Bill will check with Dawn Albright on whether there is a role for the club during that time.
Ron G. asked whether or not the club owned an RDC car for the Nenana Out-and-Back; apparently not. We can run a locomotive and combine or similar train for the present.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER –
Bob noted that this will be his last train club business meeting, as he and Kathy will be moving to Colorado Springs the first week of May. Members thanked him for his many contributions at the club and hard work on the layout. He
will be greatly missed. Smooth tracks to you, Bob!
James did get a job with the Alaska Railroad and begins brakeman school on April 7. Congratulations James!
The meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. on a motion by Bob, seconded by James.
Submitted by Jim Durst, Secretary
The Consolidated South Western Railroad
Operating Sessions on March 22 and April 12, 2008
The March 22 Saturday afternoon Operation Session was a lot of fun and we had a good crew on hand. Roy Foster performed the duties in the A Yard while Pat Durand held down the B Yard chores. The Session went smoothly and everyone had a good time. The Afternoon CSWRR Operation Sessions are held on the fourth Saturday of the month starting at 1 PM. The next Afternoon Session will be on April 26.
The April 12, evening Operation Session went, well it was different and I think that all had a good time. Roy Foster was at his usual post in the A Yard and Pat Durand was on duty in the B Yard. This was a really exciting session with a very large crowd of operators and onlookers. To make things interesting, the North Track between Casa Blanca and Pachappa was taken out of service for the entire session. This was intended to complicate the operation for train crews, while in reality, it only made life for the Dispatcher even more hectic and did little for the train crews. The ripple effect was felt two and three blocks in either direction. All in all, it did not achieve the desired effect. Things reached a high point when Igor spilled his coffee cup all over the Dispatchers desk, leave it to Igor. The next evening session will be held on May 10.
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 April 26, starting at 1 PM and the next Evening Session will be on May 10, 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
