AFSGSLA
Three local American Flyer model train enthusiasts founded the club in 1975. Since then the club has grown significantly, sponsored numerous public display layouts, and has epitomized its founding motto, "just for the fun of it!" The club's strength and vigor was demonstrated in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007 when it hosted the Annual Fall S Fest, the largest gathering of AF enthusiasts in the World.
Moe Berk, who has been the club's only coordinator since its founding more than three plus decades ago, attributes the clubs continued growth and success to its informality and adopted slogan, "no officers, no rules, no dues; no fooling!" The club is known nationwide for its "non-rules," which are as follows:
- No dues.
- No officers, officials, or official staff
- No constitution or by-laws.
- Operate on consensus; the majority rules, but the minority has to be able to go along with it or it just isn't done.
- Participation is essential; individual members perform various tasks.
- Club funds are generated from the fees collected from operating the club's layouts.
- Send newsletters to other clubs.
The AFSGSLA membership is open to all AF ‘S’ enthusiasts who are willing to actively participate. Merely contact any club member, express your interest, attend the next club meeting, and ... "YOU'RE A MEMBER!"
Fall S Fest 2007
A number of the A/F by Lionel UPRR Generator Car remain available. Orders may be placed with Moe Berk
The second FSF-2007 Meet Car (i.e., American Models TOFC “Campbell Express”) was also successful, and none are now available. Unfortunately, they were held up overseas American Models has now delivered them to us. We have begun shipping them out.
Still Available
FSF-2007 A/F by Lionel, UPRR Generator Car, LTI #48261, at $75.00
FSF-1995 A/F by Lionel, Monsanto Chemical Tank Car (White), LTI #48495, at $95.00
FSF-1999 A/F by Lionel, Monsanto 3-Bay Covered Hopper Car (White),LTI #48215, at $85.00
FSF-2003 S Helper Service, TTRX TOFC with REAX Trailer,SHS #00193,at $65.00
Shipping Charges are:
$10.00 lump sum, for one to six cars.
$20.00 lump sum, for seven or more cars.
MB, 12/31/2007 afsgsla@sbcglobal.net
Next Meeting
1208 Twinleaf Circle in St. Peters, Missouri.
8x8 Layout Refurbishment
Contact Barry Dolan for details and additional worksessions
Notices
It is with great sadness that we are reporting our good friend, and club member, Don Borcharding died at 7:15 a.m. Saturday April 19th.
His wife, Marilyn, told Moe that he was extremely agitated and restless throughout Friday night. In Moe's opinion Don was determined to beat the cancer, and fought the good fight to the end.
The comforting news for Marilyn, and all of us, is that Don's suffering has finally ended.
Donald C. Borcharding, 56, of Waterloo, Ill. born April 29, 1951, in Red Bud, Ill., passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at deGreeff Hospice House in St. Louis, Mo.
Mr. Borcharding was a member of the U.S. Army 892nd Transportation Company and a veteran of Desert Storm. He was a member of the St. Louis Model Railroaders. He was a supervisor at HTC Communications in Waterloo, Ill., with some 34 years of service.
Surviving are his wife, Marilyn, nee Metter, Borcharding, whom he married Nov. 5, 1971; his parents, Alvin and Arlou, nee Janson, Borcharding; a brother, Tom Borcharding of Columbia, Ill.; nieces and nephews, Jon Borcharding, Brandon, Kevin and Andrew Costello, Stephanie Metter, Abbey and Kelly Metter; along with many other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Monroe County Humane Society or the deGreeff Hospice House. For more information, please access our website at www.lawlorfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2008, at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia, Ill.
Funeral: Funeral Service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at the funeral home. Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Columbia, Ill.
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