Information Direct from the Club's President
June 22, 2010
== The world famous Union Pacific Steam Loco 844 will be in Milliken this Saturday and our club will be there. Club members including Jim Thompson, John Thut, Fred Mares, and Bob Trump will be showing two Flying Scotsman modules and some contest winning displays. We will be at the new Meeting House at 1201 Broad Street from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The modules and displays will be transported down and back by Fred Mares and Bob Trump and we will be there all day. If you have any questions check our website, the Town of Milliken website, or call Bob at 577-0343.
== Here is a note from Ed and Celia:
Hi Friends,
We've been doing much introspection and evaluating our lives and have decided to leave our idyllic mountains and return home to Cleveland to be closer to our family...
Our son's health remains terrific but he can not physically visit because of the high altitude creating health hazards for him...
Our visiting Ohio 2 times a year just isn't enough for us...
We made the decision while doing garage sales 4 weeks ago and looking at homes (Ed never does garage sales due to time constraints and doing other things but this was fun!!!)
We began by looking at homes already build and the more we looked the more we felt that we would be better served if we went with an Energy Star home and all the efficiencies that it offers...
Sat., May 29th, we signed the contract and the home will be built soon and completed by Oct. 1st of this year...
Our Estes Park friend/Realtor did a walk-thru of our Estes Park home and felt that we should be able to sell the home by Oct. and receive a nice price which would enable to pay cash for the new home, pay for moving expenses, landscaping and a lovely deck overlooking a pond...
We both are extremely sad to be leaving such a magical place and we've had 10 years in Estes Park but family is the ever stronger draw for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The home is about 4 minutes from our son's home and 2 hours from our daughter's home...it's in our son's development where there are 36 condos and over 500 single family homes...city handles snow removal on the streets...
Just wanted you to be in the loop and know what's happening in our life's path...
Fondly, Ed and Celia :)
== Remember there is no regular meeting in July. Instead, our annual pot luck picnic and model railroad tour will be on Saturday, July 17, and end up at the Trumps. The ladies of the club will be displaying their hobbies here at our house so we hope to make this a special day for the ladies. More info on the tour and picnic later, and if you would like your layout included in the tour, there is still room on the schedule.
== The August schedule is still undecided so stay close to your computer so you will be the first to know the final word.
== Also watch the website for instant updates.
----- Bob Trump -----
June 8, 2010
The picnic and operating session for this Saturday at the Oldbergs is cancelled due to Mary O still recovering from back surgery. It may be rescheduled to August, but more on that later. We all wish Mary a speedy recovery.
More train stuff: On June 26, 2010, the Town of Milliken and the Milliken Historical Society are hosting the Union Pacific Steam Loco Number 844 (the real one) and our club will be part of the event. Rex Beistle will have his switching layout on display and we will display 2 Flying Scotsman modules and contest entries built by club members. If you have historical train stuff, models or displays to show, please call Bob Trump, 577-0343. We will be joined by the Northern Colorado Club and the Boulder Club in putting on a mini show. If you can come for the day, and can transport a 6 foot long module, please call me also. Put this date on your calendar; it should be well worth the trip!
Saturday, July 17th. The Club Picnic, Model Railroad Tour and Ladies Hobby Tour. So far Gordon Goff’s outdoor layout is on the list. If anyone else would like to be on the schedule, please let us know. The actual picnic will be at Bob and Laura Trump’s home, 830 Fish Creek Road starting right after the tours. The theme will be hobbies that the ladies are interested in. Each of the ladies is requested to bring items that represent their favorite hobby or hobbies. They may be brought to the Trumps and set up any time after 1:00 PM. The Club will supply meat to grill, buns, beverages and all plates, utensils, etc. Please coordinate your pot luck side dish (chips, salad, veggie, fruit, dessert) with Laura, 577-0343. If anyone would like to donate any food or money to Crossroads, we will deliver items to Crossroads.
It has been suggested that our October Meeting be an “Open House” at the Hondius Room at the library from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The public would be invited and the newspapers would be notified. Planning ideas include modeling demonstrations, snacks, give away items such as train sets and modeling supplies, tickets to RITR, and…….well you get the idea. We have had excellent publicity in the newspapers in the last couple of weeks, but an open house could attract lots of potential new members.
The Rails in the Rockies 2011contract has been signed. The dates will be February 19 and 20, 2011, and we are already in a serious planning mode. The RITR committee has decided to put more emphasis on modeling and attracting new layouts and displays. We will also be showcasing club members modeling efforts and collections of railroad related memorabilia. If you have contest entries or other modeling projects to show, we want to hear from you. Does it have to be world class modeling? No, just an effort that you are proud of!
We are also planning a club layout for Rails in the Rockies 2011. Since the new On30 layout will not be completed for the show, we are planning a 3 module, 4’ x 9’ HOn3 Colorado mining and/or logging layout to be completed in time for the show. It will be a Modeling with the Modelers team effort that will help all of us improve our modeling skills. Want to be on the startup team? Just speak up and you will be included in all team specific meetings and e mails. The layout will be very portable and it will probably be similar to the project layout in January, February, and March 2002 Model Railroader Magazine called Rock Ridge.
As always, your ideas are what make this club great; don’t be bashful on giving us your ideas.
----- Bob Trump -----
November 30, 2009
Christmas Party this coming Wednesday, December 2
We have reservations for 14 couples at the Christmas party, and we have more than enough desserts. There will be food for everyone so you can still come without a reservation. As usual, the club will be supplying the meat, beverage and tableware.
The party is at St Bart’s Episcopal Church. Set up and decorating starts at 5:00, food prep and organization at 5:30 and dinner around 6:00.
There will be a prize for the best holiday season costume so dress accordingly. We recommend you bring a nicely wrapped present for the “Dirty Santa Game” that Linda will be moderating. It should be railroad related and if you buy it, you cannot spend more than $10. If you do not bring a present, you may be relegated to helping the President take pictures of the festivities.
This will not be a business meeting, but it will be our election of officers for the next 2-year term.
Our slate of candidates from our hard working nominating committee is as follows:
----- President ----------
Bob Trump
----- Vice President ---
John Thut
----- Secretary ----------
Jack Ford (incumbent) -- or --
John McCarthy
----- Treasurer ---------
Robert Trumbull
All of these candidates that are elected (if they are NMRA members) will automatically be on the slate for the Estes Valley Division, RMR, NMRA election at the January 6, 2010 meeting. Both elections are for a 2-year term.
As always, guests are welcome. Please consider bringing a friend or neighbor, there is always more than enough food and Christmas good will to go around.
----- Bob Trump -----
November 2, 2009
The November contest is coming up soon. As usual there will be lots of fun entries. Will you bring one of them? More info? Check our great website www.estesvalleymodelrailroaders.org or call 577-0343. The award box is again filled with awards for the winners, great tools, books, and other goodies.
The Photo DVD Committee is now editing photos for the Christmas 2009 Club DVD. We have photos from Rich Bray, John Thut, Rex Beistle, and the Trumps. We can include your train related photos if we get them soon.
The Modular Benchwork Committee is meeting weekly and will have a short presentation at the November meeting. Sample track and switches have been ordered. Since we will be running DCC and Sound on all locomotives, John Thut will be demonstrating the conversion of a typical locomotive at our next meeting. But, a word of caution, don’t try this at home without attending the Club sponsored soldering clinic. Call or email Robert Trumbull (586-3277) to attend the next session.
The Annual Christmas Party will be Wednesday December 2, 2009. This is our regular meeting night; however, we will not be at the library. Instead we will be at St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church, 880 MacGregor Avenue in Estes. Setup and final food preparation will be at 5:00 pm, and the actual festivities will start at 5:30 pm. The dinner will start shortly after 6:00 pm. The pot luck dinner will be followed by a sing along. Despite all your requests, we WILL be playing “Dirty Santa” again. Bring a creative, excitingly wrapped present (preferably model railroad related). If you buy it, it must cost less than $10, but if you already have it, anything goes.
The club will supply ham, rolls, beverages and table wear for the dinner. We will have sign up sheets at the November meeting for the other food choices and helpers for setup and decorating. (CLICK HERE for a copy of the sign up sheet.) If you are unable to make the meeting, please contact Laura (coloradotrump@yahoo.com or 577-0343) by the end of November.
----- Bob Trump -----
September 14, 2009
Thanks to all our members that helped make our sixth showing of the Flying Scotsman at Scottish Fest, one of our most exciting events. Jim Thompson’s planning and great schedule was a major contribution to the success of this event. We had more than adequate help for setup, display, and teardown which makes it more fun for all of us. In fact, teardown was completed in record time, 1 hour and 5 minutes. That time was so good that everyone was home before the rainstorm.
Our showing was especially fun because a lot of our visitors were from the Front Range and many of them were interested in our club and Rails in the Rockies. We even signed up a new member at the show. Welcome Don Lloyd.
Now for the fun part (as if we aren’t having enough fun):
The Wrap Party is this coming this Sunday and here is your invitation:
Flying Scotsman Team
Come Celebrate !!
Sunday
September 20, 2009
3:30 PM – 7:00 PM (or later ...)
Bob and Laura Trump
830 Fish Creek Road
577-0343
You are invited to bring food to share, but it is not necessary….we just enjoy your company!
Come when you can, stay as long as you can, we’ll just be happy to see you!
As always, you do not have to be a club member to attend, everyone is welcome.
We’ll see you here unless we see you at the 29th National Narrow Gauge Convention in Colorado Springs first. Remember it is this week and all the info is on our website.
----- Bob Trump -----
July 16, 2009
The layout tour and annual Club Picnic is over, but it will not be soon forgotten. It was one of our best ever. Special thanks to Dick and Mary for hosting the picnic and giving free elevator rides. Thanks to everyone else that helped make it a great success. We had about 34 members and some guests, and enough food to feed quite a few more people. The centerpiece for the picnic was a flower arrangement from Karens Flowers of Estes that was sent by Barbara and Al Crisi. Thank you, Barb and Al. As you know Barb and Al are Lifetime Members of Estes Valley Model Railroaders. This is an honor they share with Norma and Harry Menke and one other couple who have moved away. Perhaps someone remembers their names?
In addition to seeing four great layouts, we conducted a little bit of club business. Ed Mularz has been working with Kerry at the library on a project to upgrade the Brio layout. Kerry would like to replace the current layout with a deluxe Thomas the Tank Engine set which includes a turntable. Ed has worked out a deal with Warren Mizzell to purchase a complete new set. In our shortest meeting on record, Mary Oldberg moved the Club purchase the set for the library. The motion was seconded by Jack Heier and approved by all members present. The new set will have one (or more) brass tags on it to show it was donated by our fine organization.
The portable layout competition had two top notch entries. Michael Wilhelm and Ron Meskimen. Michael chose a Coke boxcar for his first place award in the youth class and Ron chose a HO craftsman kit car for his first place award. Ron also received a scale ruler for the prototype documentation he brought to show what he was building.
Rich Bray brought documentation on the locomotive bell he recently purchased from Caboose Hobbies. Currently all evidence points toward it being the original bell from Colorado and Southern Locomotive #70. Watch out website for photos and a complete history of this historical bell. Sorry, Rich, no award.
“So after all this excitement, what can we possibly do for the rest of the year?” you ask. Well I’m glad you asked!!!!! Here is what we are planning:
August Meeting: DATE will be Wednesday August 12. Instead of a regular meeting, we are going to meet at John and Nan Thut’s home in Glen Haven. We will have a cookout at 5:00 PM and a tour of John’s Layout. The program will be very informal and show us the practical uses of DCC decoders. John will also have an “N” scale switching layout to show DCC decoders in use in “N” scale. There will also be a handout on DCC basics and applications. Since parking is a bit limited, we will be encouraging car pools. As usual the club will supply brats, burgers, buns, and soft drinks. Rich will bring his world famous salad and everyone else can bring a dish to pass.
Now for directions: You just travel the Devil's Gulch Road, that's County Rd. 43, east through Glen Haven. Our Road, Streamside Drive is very close to 2 1/2 miles below (past) Glen Haven, on the left. The road is quite curvy there so watch for a small group of mailboxes on the right with a green one in the middle. This is where you would turn left (if coming from Estes) onto Streamside Drive. Our house is .2 mile up that road on the left. It is light green in color and there is a post at the driveway with the number, 227. Phone Number for John and Nan 586-2629
· September Meeting: Normal time and location, we will make final plans for Scottishfest and a video from our club library.
· October Meeting: Dick Oldberg will have a presentation and handout on some of the clever and unique things he is doing on his excellent layout.
· November Meeting: Contest Meeting -- Proposals for the November Contest:
----- Contest A -- Pizza Contest -- This would be a running layout on a circular base. While the base could be any diameter, the real challenge is to see how much interest and modeling you can do on a smaller base.
----- Contest B -- Shoebox Contest -- The rules are very simple: You bring a runable layout to the contest, but you bring it in a shoe box. You can run it in the shoe box or take the separate parts out of the shoebox to put them together to run. This layout is normally a switching layout only, and does not allow continuous running. There is a ton of info on these layouts on the Carl Arendt website... http://www.carendt.us/index.html
----- Contest C -- “Build a Critter” --Hobbytown in Fort Collins would give us a really good price on something like the Bachmann motorized Ballast Spreader. The club would purchase one for each member that agrees to build a critter. All contest entries would be displayed at Hobbytown for a certain length of time in their locked display cabinet.
----- Contest D -- If there is enough interest there will also be a photo contest.
We will complete the year with our usual December Christmas Party, details at a later date.
Have a great Summer, and we will see you at the August event at John and Nan’s home, 227 Streamside Dr., Glen Haven
----- Bob Trump -----
July 6, 2009
Saturday, July 11, Mark it on your Calendar !!!!
Tour starts at Jim and Peggy Mounts from 2 to 3 PM, 680 Summit Drive.
--- Summit is a couple of blocks East of the Stanley Hotel, off HY 34. Phone 577-1807
Tour also starts at Scott and Lynn Wilsecks from 2 to 4 PM, 340 Whispering Pines Drive.
--- Take Fish Creek Road to Whispering Pines (about 2.6 miles South of HY 36)...
...and take Whispering Pines about 1 mile to the 340 address. Phone 577-7901
Dick Putney has had his back surgery and is feeling a lot better, so we will include his layout in the layout tour. He lives at 2840 Dunraven Lane which is near the Oldbergs and the Wilsecks. He will have his layout available from 3:30 to 4:30. Phone 586-4673
The Picnic starts at Dick and Mary Oldbergs, at 4 PM, 2631 Sunset Lane.
---
It is very close to Wilsecks house and since parking is limited at both houses, we may shuttle visitors back and forth.
As usual, the club will supply Brats, Burgers, Buns, and Soft Drinks for everyone (members and guests).
Please make sure you call Mary Oldberg, 586-4822 to let her know you are coming and what food you would like to bring to share with everyone. She will need an accurate count so we don't run out of club supplied food.
--- Bring your contest entries and any spare railroad equipment you would like to offer for sale.
--- Be Prepared to see 3 of the best layouts in town.
--- Be Prepared to talk about Railroads (or anything else)
--- Be Prepared to have lots of fun and enjoy some great food.
--- Plan Ahead, Plan to bring a friend to introduce them to the excitement of Model Railroading
----- Bob Trump -----
April 17, 2009
Ah, Spring! And a wonderful Colorado spring snowstorm!
While snow bound, our thoughts are turning to the Spring events coming up for the Railroad Club.
Please plan on attending the May Club meeting. There will be no business meeting, just the contests and final planning for the Greeley show.
First reminder……May 6th is Contest Day at the monthly meeting. The major contest will be the structure contest. See the website for details, but simply it is any kind of structure on a suitable (properly sceniced) base. We will also have 10 minute verbal presentations and a photo contest. If you need contest clarification, ideas for your entry, modeling supplies, or help, call Bob Trump at 577-0343.
Second reminder……The British Layout will be set up and shown at the Greeley Show May 22, 23 and 24. Please contact Jim Thompson (586-6309 or jthompsonep@msn.com) to schedule the time(s) you can work.
*Third reminder*……thanks to the nice research done by Mary Oldberg, we are ready to put in an order for Club clothing. We will have shirts and vests with the club logo embroidered on the front. See the photo below for shirt and vest styles. The vests will be custom made by the same person that made the club vests previously. They will be available in Beige, Blue Denim and Black Denim. If you want your item(s) done before the Greeley Show, send your order to Bob Trump by noon on Friday, April 24th. You will be able to order shirts and vests at a later date also, so the only priority on getting your order in is if you want it for the show.
See below for clothing options and the orders we already have. If you have given us your order, please add the size.
The shirts and vests will cost about $25 for each item. There is a proposal from the Board of Directors that participants in the Greeley show be rewarded for their time as follows: For each shift you work at the show you will be given a $5.oo certificate. Each certificate will reduce the price of an item of clothing you purchase. A maximum of 2 certificates could be used per clothing item, so, if this proposal is approved, each member would pay $15 and the club would pay $10 for each item. This proposal needs to be approved by the club membership at the May meeting, and would be a good way to reward members who participate in the show. Have you paid your dues yet?
And for those of you that haven't paid your 2009 dues, and you know who you are, please see Robert Trumbull soon so you do not miss out on club sponsored rewards.
**We still have one or two opportunities for your layout to be included in the train tour in July. Let us know if you are interested in showing your layout.**
Vests are available in blue denim, beige (as shown) and black
Blue denim shirt is also available in a darker tan than vest
No iron soft shirts are available in these two colors (burgundy and black) and more colors are available
Please email your order separately with item, quantity and size and we will complete the order form.
----- Bob Trump -----
March 14, 2009
Club Members and Friends,
The Club picnic and Layout Tour will be July 11, 2009. Tours will start at Noon and the picnic will begin at 4:00 PM at Dick and Mary Oldbergs. As usual it will be pot luck with the club buying Brats, hamburgers, drinks, etc. Each person or couple is requested to bring a dish to pass. Food will be served about 5:30 PM. Dick's layout will be featured and a portable layout contest will be judged by popular vote. Each layout entering the contest will receive an award in addition to the Winners awards. The layouts will be grouped into suitable classes such as youth, seniors, team, etc. to allow fair competition for everyone.
What can I bring to the portable layout contest? Here are the rules: If it runs, and you can move it to Dick and Mary's, you can enter it into the contest. End of rules.
What can I do to have a good chance of winning my class? We are looking for something that is a realistic model of a railroad environment. The more time you spend on it, and the more craftsmanship you use, the better the judges will like your entry. If you come up with a clever and creative idea and execute it well, the judges will like it even better.
Want to build a better entry? Start with one or more pictures of the environment you would like to model for your entry. Then, as you work on each part of your entry, ask for help from one of our more experienced modelers (they have already made lots of mistakes and can show you how not to make those same mistakes again). Any questions? Need a little help? Call Bob Trump at 577-0343 and he will make sure you have an opportunity get assistance from one of the best modelers in the club.
Mary O and Laura T will Co Chair the event so you can coordinate your "dish to pass" ideas with them.
If you would like to have your layout on the tour please call Bob Trump at 577-0343 or send an email.
Possible Choices at this time: Jim Mount, Dick Putney, Gordon Goff, Scott Wilseck, and your layout.
As always, guests are always welcome, and there is always enough food for a few more. Bring a friend, bring the neighbors, and bring the grandchildren (adult supervision recommended).
Call if the mood strikes,
----- Bob Trump -----
February 28, 2009
Special thanks to all of our members who worked together to make Rails in the Rockies out best club event yet. Attendance was extremely good, and about the same as last year. What did our guests like this year? They liked the fact we had many new vendors and different displays this year. Since we did not show our world class “Flying Scotsman” layout, we had room for more club member displays, vendors, and other layouts and displays. While our guests missed the train race game, they were excited about our very popular Seek and Search Game. Laura and the entire Seek and Search Team gave out almost 750 prizes and still had a few left over for next year. Thanks to Jan Thompson, Barb Crisi, Terry Wilhelm, Ed Mularz, and our vendors for collecting prizes all year long and donating them. The other big plus this year is we had more volunteers to help our vendors and exhibitors unload, set up, tear down, and pack up again. Did I hear compliments from our vendors and exhibitors? You bet I did! Was the time spent in planning and organization that Jim, Don, Scott, Lynn, Ed, Steve, Mary, and Laura did well spent? Absolutely! Thanks, everyone.
Lynn Patten has many new things on our website: www.estesvalleymodelrailroaders.org. The 2009 schedule is filling up fast with additional presentations still being planned. The April soldering presentation will be followed by a workshop where everyone will practice soldering with both soldering irons and a resistance soldering unit. Those who complete the soldering workshop will be eligible for the first electronic kit building workshop. This will be a flasher circuit for various kinds of flashing lights. Everyone will take home a finished unit. If there is enough interest, additional workshops will be added on.
May 6, 2009 Contests
First Contest: “Build a Structure or Diorama”.
There will be no size limit, but the structure must be on a suitable display base. The judging emphasis will be on how detailed and realistic your Structure or Diorama is. If there enough entries, Structures and Dioramas will be in separate classes. As always, you may have help in building, weathering, or any other part of building your entry. Club members are always available to assist you, but only if you let us know you need help.
Second Contest: A 10 to 15 minute verbal presentation on a train related subject.
You must have visual aids to compliment your presentation (photos, models, actual examples, etc.).
Third Contest: A Photo Contest.
Bring a railroad related photo, color or black and white, for judging by popular vote. Be prepared to tell us about the photo, why you like it, and how you feel it relates to railroads. Limit of 3 photos, per person, per contest. Since the entries are judged by popular vote, the better you display your photos, the more votes you are likely to get.
Club Picnic and Portable Layout Contest - July 11, 2009
Club Picnic at Dick and Mary Oldberg’s Home, this picnic will be pot luck, with the club providing brats and hamburgers and soft drinks. Mary Oldberg and Laura Trump will coordinate this event. Possible layout tours in addition to Dick Oldbergs Layout:
Dick Putney
Scott Wilseck
Jim Mount
Your layout ?????
Best Portable Layout Contest:
If you have a layout that is portable enough to move to Dick and Mary’s it can be entered in the contest. This does NOT include Don Widrigs 1 to 1 scale caboose. All entries will receive an award. If your layout is not complete, bring it anyway, you may receive an award for the best incomplete layout(or lots of good ideas from club members on how to improve it). Are you stuck and not making progress on your portable layout? Would you like to give your layout a new look? Track work and wiring look like a bowl of spaghetti? Many experienced club members have volunteered their time to help make yours as good as you want to make it. Need Supplies for building structures, laying track, or building scenery? We have them, but you need to let us know what you need.
BECAUSE OF THE CLUB PICNIC, THERE WILL NOT BE A MEETING ON WEDNESDAY JULY 1, 2009.
November 4, 2009 Contests
Pizza Contest:
This would be a running layout on a circular base. While the base could be any diameter, the real challenge is to see how much interest and modeling you can do on a smaller base.
Shoebox Contest:
The rules are very simple: You bring a runable layout to the contest, but you bring it in a shoe box. You can run it in the shoe box or take the separate parts out of the shoebox to put them together to run. Anyone wear BIG shoes? For ideas on these 2 contests see the Carl Arendt website http://www.carendt.us/index.html
Photo Contest:
Bring a railroad related photo, color or black and white, for judging by popular vote. Be prepared to tell us about the photo, why you like it, and how you feel it relates to railroads. Limit of 3 photos, per person, per contest. Since the entries are judged by popular vote, the better you display your photos, the more votes you are likely to get.
----- Bob Trump -----
October 24, 2008
Members and Friends,
Where did October go? Well with all of us working on our contest entries........time really flies. Since we are talking about the contests, let’s just review what they are:
- One Square Foot Diorama but with no size limit.
- Portable Layout with no size limit
- My Favorite Train, does not have to run, but must be nicely displayed
- The Presidents Cup Critter Challenge travelling trophy contest. There are persistent rumors that President Bob Trump is really working hard on his entry so he can retain possession of this prestigious award and get his name to be the first to be engraved on the brass name plate. There are even more persistent rumors that the challengers are “pulling out all the stops” to win this one. We are looking at some serious competition here, and you the club members will decide on the winners. Remember Critters must be capable of running.
As always, your entry does not need to be finished, and the better your explanation is, the more votes your entry will receive. You do not need to do all the work yourself. If you have trouble with a particular part of your entry, we have many members that will be happy to help. The contest is November 5, so there is still plenty of time to get your entries ready to go.
At 6:00 PM, just before the meeting, we will have a special presentation at the home of Al and Barb Crissi, 1740 Twin Drive, here in Estes. It is on the South end of Estes just off Hwy 7. All members are invited.
We will have a special sale at the meeting to help pay for the medical expenses of the late Bill Scott. There will be new and mostly unused HO and On30 locomotives, and rolling stock, and other items at very attractive prices. Bring your checkbooks or even cash.
The British Modular Railroad will NOT be at Rails In The Rockies February 14 and 15, 2009. This is a one year only hiatus. Instead, the space normally reserved for the Brit Layout will be reserved for club members. Club members will be able to display their portable layouts, such as Rex and Sheridan Beistle’s switching layout, contest entries, or other model train related items. If you intend to display something, or are just thinking about displaying something, please let us know so you can reserve space for you. We hope to have space for everyone, but please don’t take a chance.
The British Modular Railroad WILL be shown outside of Estes for the first time. It will be shown at the Boulder County Fairgrounds in Longmont on December 13 and 14 of this year, and at Greeley May 21 to 24, 2009. These are the only times we are planning to show the Brit Layout outside of Estes and these two showings will only happen if we have enough members available to “make it happen”. Obviously some members will be travelling before Christmas so we will need the support of everyone that is available. Be prepared to sign up for setup, teardown, and working one or both days at the November meeting. More on the Greeley event later, but put it on your calendar, you will not want to miss it.
With the help of Ray Nieder and Jim Thompson we have a transportation proposal for both shows. Bob Trump’s 10 foot cargo trailer will become the Estes Valley Division official module transport system along with Mark Lorenz' van and trailer. Racks need to be built for modules 9 and 10, and stackable boxes need to be built for modules 4, 6, and 7. Stackable boxes will also be built for up to four modules currently at Jim Thompsons. Module #8 (the Presidents favorite module) will be staged in Longmont for the December show, but is looking for a permanent home. If you are interested in adopting this wonderful module please let us know (it doesn’t eat very much and it never makes an excessive amount of noise).
The November meeting might start a few minutes late (due to the award at the Crissi’s home) but just be patient, it will be a fun meeting.
----- Bob Trump -----
June 28, 2008
EVMRR Members and Families,
There will NOT be a meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.
Instead, the Annual Club Picnic and Layout Tour will be Saturday, July 12 -- Schedule is as follows:
Noon to 2 pm -- Jack and Linda Heier's home just off HY 34 in Loveland. Carpools will be available.
2 pm to 4 pm -- Gordon Goff's Garden Layout on the West side of Estes
4 pm to ???? -- Ed and Celia Mularz home in Estes
All family members are welcome and guests are always welcome.
Directions and more info will be sent and put on the website shortly.
Call me 577-0343 or Ed or Celia Mularz if you have any questions.
----- Bob Trump -----
February 25, 2008
Rails in the Rockies XI
As you read this, Rails in the Rockies XI is history. We saw record attendance, and more importantly, we had our most enthusiastic crowd ever. Our Rails Committee did more advertising and more effective publicity and the weather cooperated nicely. Rails Co-chairs Ed Mularz and Steve Klett had several new members on their committee. John McCarthy helped Scott Wilseck with publicity. Don Widrig volunteered to rewrite the show policy instructions and served as Assistant Show Coordinator all three days. Don also helped coordinate sign up for various jobs. Jim Mount accepted the position of Show Coordinator that Ed Mularz and Steve Klett normally do (which allowed them to handle other duties). In summary we have never had as large attendance nor been as well organized. Did the public notice? You bet they did! We have never heard as many compliments on how good the show was, and how well run it was. We are still the premier show in Colorado, and once again, we have raised the bar.
Our Club layout, The Flying Scotsman, was shown with major improvements. The area around the Royal High School was completely redone by Lynn and Linda Patten and the London area was dramatically improved by Jim Thompson and Richard Dietz. Rex Beistle built numerous street lights for both areas and assisted in the wiring. Our entire Flying Scotsman Crew worked the entire weekend to try to keep our 2 steam engines running. They are proving to be just as tempermental as real steam engines (well they are real steam engines).
The 4 x 8 “Kids Layout” was more fun for the kids this year. Ed, Joe Walsh, and Steve Klett installed push buttons so kids (of all ages) could run the trains and all the accessories by themselves. There was an unconfirmed rumor at the show, that the push buttons were so easy to use, that even Bob Trump and Robert Trumbull were able to run trains.
The “Seek and Search Game”, chaired by Laura Trump, was a big hit with kids and parents (and grand parents) as usual. Approximately 500 prizes were given out to kids that completed the game. Most of the prizes were donated by the participating vendors of the show!
The Hogwarts Express give away trains, which were donated by Lionel Electric Trains, LLC, generated a lot of excitement at the show. The layout base for the grand prize was built by Rex Beistle. Hogwarts castle was designed, and assembled by Bob Trump and painted by Laura Trump. The second place winner was Olivia Hess from Boulder. She was at the show and I have never seen a more excited family. The grand prize winner was Cheyenne Beecroft of Arvada. We have heard from her relatives that she was ecstatic when she received the news of her good fortune.
We certainly appreciate the many hours each of you contributed to the success of RITR XI. We also had help from Partners of Estes and the Northern Colorado RR Club.
Thanks to everyone who helped out, this show would not have been possible without the help of all of our club members, and the additional assistance we received from friends, family, Partners of Estes, and the Northern Colorado RR Club.
Modeling with the Modelers will meet at the home of Bob and Laura Trump this Thursday at 1:00 pm. Bob Trump and Otto Engel will be laying “N” scale track, using club supplied cork roadbed, and starting a scratch built “N” scale mine head based on a structure in the Cripple Creek mining district. Everyone is welcome, but call first (577-0343) to verify time and date have not changed.
----- Bob Trump -----
January 27, 2008
Special thanks to Rex Beistle for presenting the January program -- I am sorry I missed it.
Our Webmaster, Lynn Patten, has given our website a great new look and is still looking for more things to put on it. Links from Rex (or anyone else), photos and a write up of your layout, how-to articles and anything else you would like to see on our website. It’s already better than most, lets work together to make it even better.
As the excitement builds for our show, Rails in the Rockies, the Rails committee is putting final touches on the schedules for member participation. If you haven’t already signed up, check with Don Widrig for ticket sales or Jim Thompson for working on the Brit layout. Don Widrig will have a master list for all jobs before the start of the event. As always, we can use all the help we can get for setup and teardown. Let Don Widrig know if we can count on you for Friday afternoon and Sunday from 4 to 6.
This year we will receive help from Partners of Estes and the Northern Colorado Railroad Club. One Partnership has signed up for Ticket sales Saturday from 10 to noon, and I expect at least a dozen volunteers from the Northern Colorado Club.
Tentative meeting and activity schedule:
- February 6, 2008 -- Preparation for RITR and a video
- March 5, 2008 -- TBD
- April 2, 2008 -- Working with styrene with Jim Thompson and Bob Trump
- May 7, 2008 -- Contest night
- June 4, 2008 -- TBD
- July -- Club Picnic and Layout Tour
May Contests
- My Favorite Train
- It must be displayed on appropriate track mounted to a suitable base.
- It could be as simple as a Critter or a Porter with one or more cars.
- You could improve your display by building a bridge or wood trestle.
- On line or off line display
- This is similar to the one square foot contest but with no size limit as long as it is portable
- If it has track (on line display) trains DO NOT have to run on it.
- Portable Layout Contest
- This is similar to the 8 square foot contest, but with no size limit.
- Trains must be able to run continuously, either in a circle or back and forth like the Bachmann Streetcar.
- It must be portable and easy to set up, but may have more than one section
- Judges should look for light weight and ease of setup when voting
As always, judging is by popular vote. Obviously craftsmanship will be important, but your presentation, your creativity and originality are equally important. Ideas for a better presentation:
- Why did you build this model?
- How did you build it?
- Did you use any special techniques?
- What did you learn from this contest entry?
- What might you do differently next time?
Contest Questions and Answers
Q. Do I have to do the work all myself?
A. Absolutely not !!!! You may receive help on any part of your entry from anyone you choose. Actually that’s part of the fun of modeling (and learning to be a better modeler).
Q. Can I have more than one entry in the contest?
A. Absolutely, if you have enough time to do a good job on each entry, you can bring as many entries as you can finish.
Q. Does the club still have supplies that I can use?
A. Yes, the club has lots of Hydrocal plaster, rock molds, and Gipsolite. We have limited amounts of Homosote, track ballast, and shrub and tree making materials. We are out of blue or pink foam but will purchase some soon. If anyone is going to Home Depot, with a van or truck, call me and you can pick some up for the Club.
That’s it for now Modelers, if you would like to have a specific program, give me a call (577-0343),
----- Bob Trump -----
Call or e-mail if you need any of the supplies listed above. We have them for your use and convenience, and they are free to all members.
December 11, 2007
Everyone,
From the comments I have heard the Christmas meeting was a great success. Special thanks to Diana Laughlin, of Partners of Estes, for sharing information on mentoring in Estes Valley and the opportunities for each of us to help Partners. When you think about it, our club shares similar goals with the Partners organization.
Also special thanks to The Estes Valley Handbell Ensemble for their Christmas presentation. We enjoyed an excellent selection of music and instruments. The ringing of the bells and the sound of the chimes certainly got us into the holiday spirit.
For all that asked about their full performance, it is this coming Sunday, December 16th at 3:00pm. It is at the Rocky Mountain Church on Promitory Drive, immediately west of Mary's Lake Lodge. There will be more music, refreshments and an opportunity to try the bells and chimes. Come join them and let your friends and neighbors know. The performance is free, but any voluntary contributions are used to buy new music.
Thanks to everyone that brought food and/or gifts for the party. The wonderful food selections were fun to sample. As for the "Dirty Santa" gift exchange, isn't it amazing what you learn about people when there is an unopened gift on the line?! The library people commented that they heard a lot of laughter (no kidding) and that they enjoyed hearing the laughter.
The January meeting will be on Wednesday, January 9, 2008, which is actually the second Wednesday of the month, and we will need to reserve the Hondius room. Several Officers will be out of town and miss the meeting. Any NMRA members that will miss the meeting should send your vote to Jack Ford (email: baptised1938@msn.com ), since this will be our NMRA election meeting.
Have a safe holiday season,
----- Bob Trump -----
November 3, 2007
Wow, the contest is Wednesday night ?????
Right, and there are some real great awards for the winners, including modeling tools and a digital caliper. The Awards Committee has broken the budget for this one. What can I do if I haven't started yet?????
Well, here are some ideas:
1. Take one of your favorite buildings and mount it on a suitable base and then add lots of detail, people, cars, animals, etc.
2. Get out your favorite train and some track to show it on. Mount the track on a board and ballast it properly. Now add detail, lots of detail. You could even build a trestle or bridge to show it on.
3. So maybe you have an even better idea? We would love to see it in the contest. Remember, the rules are flexible.
If you need help with your entry be at "Modeling with the Modelers" on Tuesday or call Bob Trump at 577-0343.
There will be some great entries in the contests, I hope yours is one of them.
Lynn and Linda are bringing refreshments. John Thut will be giving the December Program, and possibly the January program. There will be elections at each of these meetings.
See you at the Contest, and remember the more entries we have the shorter the business meeting will be.
----- Bob Trump -----
July 21, 2007
Fellow Railroaders and Party Animals,
Saturday's Model Railroad Tour and Summer picnic was a spectacular success. The day started with a meeting at 10 AM of the Modular Planning Committee which had 5 members present. Acting Chairperson Bob Trump declared a quorum and accepted nominations for a Chairperson. Robert Trumbull and Bob Trump were the final nominees (Lynn Patten was nominated felt he could not run due to the amount of work he puts into the website). It was a tough battle, but Bob Trump narrowly edged out Robert Trumbull who was not present. It was rumored that Robert Trumbull would have done much better in the voting if he were present and if Bob Trump had not given his candidate speech for him.
The group then discussed many aspects of the direction for the new modular layout and decided on the following directional items.
- On30 was chosen since most of the group already models in On30 and On30 is currently very popular and very cost effective.
- The quality level must be as good as the British Layout and should be sectional like the British Layout
- Most members preferred a layout that did not have a hole in the middle
- Module construction should be as modern and sturdy as possible. But also as light as possible.
- The theme of Colorado mining was discussed and seemed quite popular
- A tentative time frame of 1890 to 1935 was accepted as a goal, with the possibility of one end being early with horse and wagons and as trains progressed thru the layout the time would evolve to the early 30's with neat motor vehicles.
- John McCarthy suggested an innovative layout design that allows continuos running but gives the impression of point to point running
- Lynn Patten and Bob Trump shared some track plans they had drawn in CAD.
Members Present: John McCarthy, Mike Broadstreet, Lynn Patten, Richard Dietz, and Bob Trump
Assignments for all members for the next meeting:
- Collect photos of mini scenes that they would like to see included in the layout.
- Collect photos of the type of topography they would like to see modeled
- Members of the group should think about various track plans, but the final track planning will go hand in hand with mini scene planning.
- Members should look for any new modular construction articles that may give us ideas
The modular planning committee is open to all interested club members and is open to suggestions from everyone.
The Modular meeting was adjourned at Noon when members arrived to view Bob Trumps N scale coffee table layout and his 8 square foot On30 Mini layout. Other displays were Jim Thompson's HO scale Joker Tunnel Boarding House (a superb scratch built model), Scott Wilsek's Barnhart loader and steam donkey, and Makenzie Wilson's one square foot display called "Oops". At 2:00 PM most of the members headed to Pinewood Springs to view Mikes 8 x 12 foot On30 layout (and recent new additions). Note there are some photos of this layout on the website already. By 4:00 PM everyone was headed to Ed and Celia Mularz home to view Ed's layout and the sample the food, lots of fine food. Despite some scattered rain, everyone had a great time and no one went home hungry. Special thanks to everyone who made this great day possible, including Ed and Celia, Mike and Linda Broadstreet and Laura Trump, and everyone that brought food.
Did I hear any requests for the same thing next year??????
Modeling with the Modelers will be Wednesday, July 25 at 1:00 PM at Bob and Laura Trumps again. We will be cutting and building with styrene, and you are welcome even if you missed the first session. Be there, it will definitely be fun. We would appreciate it if you let us know you are planning to attend so we can set up enough tables and supplies. Also, if you would like to attend these sessions let us know if there is a better day of the week for you.
Have a great weekend and look both ways before you cross a railroad track, who knows you might get a picture of something interesting.
----- Bob Trump -----
July 2, 2007
Hi Everyone,
There will be no meeting on the 4 th of July. We suggest you go to see the fireworks instead of playing with your trains.
Now for the good news......
Modeling with the modelers resumes on July 10 at the Trumps home, 830 Fish Creek Road, at 1:00 PM. We have rather specific plans for this meeting. We will be doing hands on modeling in Styrene Plastic. Don't let this scare you away. We will start with the basics and work at a pace that each of you find comfortable. We will show all the basic tools we use, and start one or more buildings. Most of the techniques we demonstrate will also apply to wood, kitbashing, and craftsman kits. Everyone is invited but please let us know if you plan on attending so we have space for you -- 970-577-0343. We are planning a second session on July 25 so mark that date on your calendar also.
More good news.............
Estes Valley Model Railroaders Layout tour and Cookout July 14 as follows:
Noon to 2:00 PM, Bob and Laura Trumps home, 830 Fish Creek Road.
Refreshments and model railroad displays. Bring your contest models or anything else you would like to display.
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Mike and Linda Broadstreets home in Pinewood Springs.
This is a layout you will not want to miss. We will carpool and have maps available for those who prefer to drive their own cars.
4:00 PM until???? We will be at Ed and Celia Mularz home for a layout tour and cook out.
The club will supply burgers and brats and soft drinks. Anyone who would like to bring salads or deserts please coordinate with Celia Mularz 586-5393. See you there.
----- Bob Trump -----
May 24, 2007
Modelers and Train Buffs,
Our June 6, meeting will start as usual at 6:30 at the library. Mike Broadstreet will present a weathering seminar on locomotives, rolling stock and buildings. It will be followed by a “hands on session” where each of us will practice the techniques he is demonstrating. We will have spare locos and rolling stock to practice on, but if you have your own equipment that needs to be weathered, please bring it along.
Mike has just one set of Doc O'Brians weathering powders so you may want to bring along any weathering supplies you have such as:
-- Small standard brushes and larger soft brushes.
-- Weathering powders
-- Dull cote
-- Other weathering supplies
Wear your old clothes and be prepared to have fun while we all learn something about weathering. Remember, if you are modeling the real world, everything you see is weathered to some extent. Some things lightly with dust and dirt and other things have experienced years of weathering.
Our Club Secretary and Travel Director, Robert Trumbull, has submitted the following agenda items to add excitement to our business meeting:
Greeley Layout Tour
This is scheduled for Jun 28 at 4:30 PM. I was thinking about lunch and a visit to Don's Hobby Shop before the tour. I also have an option for the tour to be on the following Saturday. I want to finalize this at the next meeting.
Colorado Mining Museum
The museum includes a working stamp mill and is just North of Colorado Springs and across I-25 from the Air Force Academy. The equipment will be fired up on Jul 14, Jul 24 and Aug 7. The tours are at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. We can get group rates. So I would also like to finalize this too. We had talked about making this an overnighter and doing something else.
Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
Haven't done too much here yet but planning on a late August date. They suggest getting tickets at least two weeks in advance. So I would like to finalize this at the July meeting. I will put something together for the next meeting so people will have an idea of the cost and can make a comment at the July meeting.
Robert_T
Please put these items on your calendar and be prepared to discuss them at the June 6 meeting. To help Robert with his planning, we will have sign up sheets for each event and, as always, your comments are most welcome.
News Flash … The July meeting has been rescheduled to July 14, 2007
The meeting will be a layout tour and Club Picnic. It will start at Bob and Laura Trumps, 830 Fish Creek Road, where there will be food and railroad related displays. From there we will carpool to Pinewood Springs to view Mike Broadstreets excellent On30 layout. We can fit one or two layouts in after that if anyone is interested. We will wind up at Ed and Celia Mularz home for a cookout and maybe even play with some toy trains.
If you want your layout included, or have items to display such as contest entries or dioramas, please let me know.
We currently have 3 active committees that need to meet regularly (either in person or via e mail):
New Club Traveling Sectional Modular Committee:
- Bob Trump
- Lynn Patten
- Robert Trumbull
- Mike Broadstreet
- Harry Menke
- Otto Engel
- Mark Lorenz
- Richard Dietz
British Layout Improvements such as DCC, signaling, new craftsman buildings, etc.:
- Jim Thompson, Acting Chairperson
- Robert Trumbull
- Jack Heier
- Lynn Patten
- John Thut
- Rex Beistle
- Bob Trump
- Others???
Proposed Club Trailer Committee:
- Mark Lorenz
- Mike Broadstreet
- Richard Dietz
- Jim Thompson
- Lynn Patten
- Others???
These are the Club Members I show being signed up for each committee. If I missed anyone, or if you would like to be on any of the committees, please let me know or contact a committee member.
----- Bob Trump -----
April 15, 2007
Modelers and Train Enthusiasts,
Both the Rails Wrap up meeting and the Directors Meetings were held last Thursday, April 12, 2007 at Ed and Celia Mularz home. Minutes for both meetings will be e-mailed out by Robert Trumbull and will appear on the website. There will be proposals for the entire membership to vote on at the May meeting. Hope to see everyone there.
News Flash:
A committee has been formed to plan a future Club Travelling Modular Layout to replace the now defunct "No Name Modular Layout". The Committee has 8 members, so far, and membership is open to all Club members. The first meeting will be 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 21, at Mike Broadstreet's home in Pinewood Springs. The address is 44 Cheyenne Road. Enter Pinewood at Gate 6 and go about 1/4 mile to his house. 303-823-5731 if you get lost. We will see his On30 layout and have an organizational meeting. Remember we will be "brainstorming" or "benchmarking" so every idea will be considered good. There will be no bad or silly ideas and no negative responses to any idea no matter how "far out". Everyone's ideas may lead to other ideas and that is good. Please bring along any books, photos, track plans, that you would like to present for consideration. We may not get to everyone's ideas on Saturday, but we will try to get organized and start planning. If you are not already on the committee and plan on attending, please call me at 577-0343 so I can let Mike know how many to expect. If you would like to carpool please contact me or Robert Trumbull (Special Events Coordinator and Club Secretary). A proposed agenda and some standards ideas follow:
Travelling Modular, Sectional, Committee Meeting Proposed Agenda:
Choose a chairperson by popular vote.
Tentative discussion on scale and gauge and time period. What are most members interested in and what will present itself best at Rails in the Rockies and other shows? What does the public want to see and what will be popular 5 years from now?
Proposals on prototype or totally freelance:
-- Gilpin Tram
-- Marble Colorado
-- Colorado Narrow Gauge such as C&S in the Clear Creek Canyon (Harry Brunk Book)
-- Mining, Logging, or ?????
Define initial size and portability considerations.
Discussions on level of detail and quality.
Start considering various track plans and basic modular standards.
Possible heavy duty, light weight module construction from ½ inch or thinner birch plywood similar to what Northern Colorado did on their latest modular setup that premiered at Rails X.
Possible folding legs such as are on a folding table.
Membership in the committee is open to any club member, at any time, and the committee will consider all club members ideas that are presented.
Overall concept: What are we trying to show? What thoughts should our modular layout convey?
Bring reference books and photos and plans to meetings.
Unique ideas such as being able to run HO or On30 on the same modules. On30 runs on one side and is hidden on the opposite side.
Suggested Modular Standards for Discussion
Modules should be as modern a design as possible. Emphasis should be on light weight, durability, and portability. Quarter and half inch Birch plywood is currently popular on some of the best new modular layouts.
The modular design should be sectional, just like the Brit layout each module must blend perfectly with it's predetermined neighbors.
I feel it would be very desirable if 2 or 3 members could transport it, set it up, and operate it. Example: On30 layout built by Alan Olson and Mike Harris.
The layout should be DCC and DC capable. That means that members should be able to run their motive power if it is DCC or DC capable. Currently the club owns a DCC unit that we are not using. It was purchased specifically for our previous travelling layout and is available for the new layout.
The quality level should be museum or diorama quality. Our goal should not be to just run trains. Just like the Brit layout we should tell a story and show something that is historically significant.
Who owns each module? Currently each member that is responsible for Brit modules feels that he or she are caretakers of those modules, and not necessarily "owners". (We may have a very strong attachment for some of the buildings on "our" modules).
I visualize us as presenting a series of mini scenes that are prototypically and historically correct and filled with the kind of detail that makes a scene come to life.
----- Bob Trump -----
February 4, 2007
Modelers,
For the meetings this month and next month, I would like to show in process scratch building or kit bashing. We will set up tables for modelers to do actual modeling. Bring your plans, your material, and the tools you like to use. We want to show how easy it is, so don't scratch build a shay -- show something relatively easy.
This Wedsnesday, Al Crisi will be doing show and tell with buildings he has scratch built.
----- Bob Trump -----
January 28, 2007
Modelers Railroaders,
This Wednesday (January 31, 2007) is our next trip to Caboose Hobbies, Mizells, and other sites in Denver. We hope you can join us even if you don't want to spend a zillion dollars on goodies. If you cannot make it, and need something for your 8 square foot contest entry, just give one of us a list of what you need. And remember, 8 square feet is the maximum size -- it can be smaller and in any shape. round, oval, hexagon, etc.
Thanks to everyone that volunteered to bring refreshments to monthly meetings, the list is on the web, and there are still some open spots.
Our February meeting will include final plans for Rails in the Rockies, Show and Tell by Al Crisi, and "in process" modeling displays by some of our modelers.
The March meeting will also be presented by some of our more active modelers. Modelers will demonstrate the tools and techniques they normally use on various projects. We will show buildings being built of wood, styrene, resin castings, and hopefully plaster. This will be a very casual "hands on" presentation showing actual construction techniques. We are looking for Show and Tell presenters for the March meeting and all following meetings.
The April meeting is the 8 square foot contest. This is only 2 and a half months away (where did the time go????). Since this contest is a bit more complicated than the one square footer. I would encourage each entrant to lay track soon and make sure your motive power will run on your proposed track plan. Also, we have a long list of experienced modelers standing by to assist anyone that would like a little assistance (or encouragement). And if you don't have a concept yet, give me a call -- we will get you jump started.
----- Bob Trump -----
December 30, 2006
Modelers and Train Buffs,
As we plan club events for the new year, we can look back with a sense of pride in what the club accomplished this year. It was our first full year with our new Mission Statement and By Laws. Our website was dramatically changed and updated regularly by our new Webmaster (and vice president) Lynn Patten. Using new software Lynn gave the website a bold new look and modernized it substantially. Hugo, Harry, Rex, and many other members supplied photos and other info to keep the website current and interesting. Many people have contacted us, for numerous train related reasons, due to our new website look and the fact we have kept it very current. Rails in the Rockies IX was successful beyond even our most optomistic predictions. Not only was our attendance record breaking, but our promotion of youth related layouts and events were outstanding. Who gets credit for this success? Our hard working Rails in the Rockies Committee and every one of YOU. Members and Guests helped make it very successful. Scottishfest: Four days of rain. But, once again, the club came thru with fantastic support. Al and Barb Crissi greeted spectators for many hours each day, and the rest of the club was there for setup, running trains, tour guides, and tear down (in record time).
Robert Trumbull planned and coordinated two excellent one day events for the club. The trip to the Cheyenne Station and Roundhouse and the Denver trip were enjoyed by all members and guests that attended. Robert already has a long list of proposed trips for the new year. Special thanks to everyone that helped, attended our meetings, and has contributed suggestions. It is each of you that make this club great.
For the January meeting we are planning a very casual presentation on ideas for the 8 square foot contest in April. There are several reasons for this contest. First, it is an opportunity for you to express your creativity, and perhaps try a concept or scale you have never done before. Second, it is an excellent opportunity to experiment with techniques that you have not used before, like the techniques we have been showing at our meetings and Modeling with the Modelers. Third, since these contest entries are portable, you can have other members assist you with techniques you have not tried before. I would love to see every member have an entry, or be on a team for an entry. There will be at least one class for modelers that scratchbuild unique board on board craftsman type structures, but there will be a lot more classes for people who just want to have fun by building something that is interesting to them. And remember, it can be a lot of fun, and it should not be very expensive.
Now what is the Club going to do to help? The Club can supply much of the materials you will need to build your module. We have spare wood, access to power tools, spare track and turnouts (switches) and other materials that you can use. We have rock molds, Hydrocal, gypsolite, and scenery materials. We can help with anything that you don't like to do, like track laying, wiring, or any part of scenery or buildings, etc. What do you need to "bring to the party"? You will need some type of locomotive or other motive power (critter, rail bus, etc). You will need to have an idea or concept that you would like to build. It would be good if you had an interest in learning new techniques, but that is totally optional. In fact, club members have demonstrated 30 and 40 year old techniques that are as good today as when they were first used. OK, Bob, that all sounds good, now what is the bad news? Well, the bad news is, I need help for the January Meeting. I would like each of you to bring in one or more ideas of something you might like to build. If you can, bring in a sketch or track plan of your idea. If you have a very unique idea, and want to surprise us at the contest, that is OK too. If you don't have any ideas yet, check the Carl Arndt website (listed on our website),
Contest Rules:
--1. The base can be no larger than 8 square feet. Naturally it can be any shape.
--2. The module must provide for continuos running, either in a circle, or back and forth like a trolley or a switchback.
--3. Other than rules #1 and #2 anything goes, your only limitation is your imagination and interest.
Happy modeling, and have a safe holiday season,
We will see you next Wednesday, January 3, 2007 (weather permitting)
(Check you email first for cancellation of a meeting or call 577-0343 if you have a question)
----- Bob Trump -----