North Raleigh Model Railroad Club

News & Information

Highlights of the Club's September 2013 Meeting
Fuquay-Varina, September 4, 2013

Thirteen members attended the Club's September 2013 meeting hosted by Jim Reske. Thanks Jim for hosting the meeting and for the cookout before the meeting.

President Foster called the business meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for August 2013 was reviewed and approved (Motion: McCurry/Second: Derway).

The minutes of the July meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved as corrected. (Motion: Derway/Second: Ohegyi).

Several train shows were discussed:

• Train Collectors Association, August 18, 2013
  This show went very well considering we had fewer modules than usual. New modules helped fill out the layout.

• NC Transportation Museum Model Train Show, August 24 – 25, 2013.
  Good show with the layout located in the Back Shop. The weather cooperated to make this a fairly pleasant setting. The floor is much more level than the Roundhouse. We agreed with CCNS that they would take the lead on shows in Central NC, while NRMRC would lead on other ENL shows.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Days, September 28 – 29, 2013
  RANTRAK is coordinator. Hotel information issued, but rooms are now scarce, Anyone who has not booked their hotel should do so now. More information via the Email list. Setup will start at 11:00am on Friday, September 27.
  
  Frank Fezzie has developed a method of re-seating the CPU in DT400/402 throttles that does not damage the socket. This will be available at Danville.

• Selma Rail Day, October 5, 2013
  The Town of Selma has confirmed our participation in this event. NTRAK layout setup will be Wednesday October 2 with trains running Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5. The NTRAK layout size will be 16' x 24', with no ropes. T-TRAK setup will be Friday morning with layout size approximately 40" x 110".

• Apex Anniversary Celebration, October 6, 2013
  Due to the Selma Rail Day commitment the Club decided not to participate in this year's Apex Celebration.

• Grand Strand Model Railroad Club Show, Myrtle Beach, October 26 – 27, 2013
  Our T-TRAK layout will have 4 tables in a U-shape with the open part of the U facing the spectators. Hotel information has been provided to members, and a list of potential attendees made and forwarded to GSMR for name badges. More information via the Email list.

• Neuse River Valley Train Show, November 9 – 10, 2013
  Our layout will not use the inside corner modules due to their state of disrepair. The rectangular part of the layout will be made longer to compensate..

• Train Collectors Association, December 7 – 8, 2013
  This will feature a 5-table T-TRAK layout, arranged in an E shape with the open part of the E facing the spectators.

Attendees to the National N Scale Convention in Roanoke in June 2014 can now register at the convention hotel by going to www.nationalnscaleconvention.com. Additional train shows in 2014, to the extent known, can be seen below at Future NRMRC Train Show Participation.

A number of standards issues were discussed:

• Work is underway to upgrade Cariss Corner prior to its use in Danville. All track has been replaced, buildings have been repaired and repainted, and new buildings and scenery added. The scenery has been leveled using fender washers, hidden by scenery. Next, Gold Hill Corner will receive a face lift.

• The club agreed to undertake a discussion via the Email list about the steps to be taken following Cariss and Gold Hill Corners. One suggestion is to build two additional outside corners using lightweight materials (keeping Cariss and Gold Hill for use as needed). Another suggestions is to construct two additional balloon modules (like Lollipop Farm)that would give us the ability to have layouts that do not have a fully enclosed part. It has also been suggested that a second Crossovers module is needed to be located on the opposite side of Red Rock Junction to provide complete train routing flexibility.

• A plan also needs to be formulated for the future of the Apex Diorama.

• There was discussion about extending the setup yard that is located on the back of Linwood Wells' Locomotive Service modules.

The Club's October meeting will be hosted by Al Guckes on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 7:30pm. The 5-Minute Modeling Tip will be Modeling Electrical Transformers by Bill Royse, and the Program will be How to Be a Show Superintendent by John Wallis.

David Derway demonstrated a low-cost sound effect circuit he constructed following an article in the NMRA Magazine. The circuit uses sound recorded to a SD memory board; the example he had was farm sounds, which he downloaded from the Internet.

Paul Ohegyi presented the "Joel McCurry Scenery Kit" to Joel McCurry.

The meeting adjourned at 8:15pm.

Jim Reske presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip showing how the springs in butane lighters could be used as drive shaft replacements in older locomotives that used spring driveshafts. Thanks Jim.

Joel McCurry presented the Program on LEDs, explaining their characteristics, parameters, how to connect them into circuits, and power supplies for their use. Thanks, Joel. The PowerPoint presentation used in the Program can be found on the Email list web site under the files folder.

Highlights of the Club's August 2013 Meeting
Raleigh, August 7, 2013

Thirteen members and one guest attended the Club's August 2013 meeting hosted by David McDowell. Thanks David. Three members attempting to attend via Skype encountered continual connection problems, and were not able to participate. The Program will be repeated for them at a date and time to be decided.

With President Foster absent and Vice-President Blaustein late due to a traffic accident Secretary Wallis called the business meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for July 2013 was reviewed and approved (Motion: McCurry/Second: McDowell).

The minutes of the July meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved with three corrections. (Motion: Royse/Second: McCurry).

The decision taken by Club members not to utilize space in the new Train Buddy storefront was reviewed.

Vice-President Blaustein arrived and chaired the remainder of the meeting. Several train shows were discussed:

• 2013 NMRA National Convention/National Train Show, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 21, 2013
  Fourteen members participated in the National Train Show, of which six also were registered for and participated in the NMRA National Convention. All participated in the NTRAK layout, plus four members had modules in the T-TRAK layout at the show. Six clubs were represented in the 80' x 90' NTRAK layout. The layout went together well, and operated well. Several layout reports have been published.
  
  The building was electrically noisy, which caused problems with wireless throttles whether simplex, duplex or WiThrottle. All layouts were affected, also some vendors with their wireless credit card machines.
  
  Jim Kalenowski brought the Speed Matching layout.

• Chapel Hill (Seymour) Senior Center, August 10, 2013
  Our T-TRAK layout will be set up starting from 9:00am through 2pm. Skyboards will not be used for our modules at this show.

• Train Collectors Association, August 18, 2013
  This will be a T-TRAK show at the Scott Building, NC State Fairgrounds, from 10am to 3pm, with setup starting at 9am. Skyboards will not be used at this show.

• NC Transportation Museum Model Train Show, August 24 – 25, 2013.
  Our layout will be 20' x 80'; a plan was sent to members via the Email list.. The layout will be made up of modules from Central Carolina and Lynchburg clubs as well as NRMRC. Central Carolina will supply the yard for the layout. Setup will begin Friday, August 23 at 11am. More information via the Email list.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Days, September 28 – 29, 2013
  RANTRAK is coordinator. Second draft of layout issued. Working to determine hotel rates.

• Selma Rail Day, October 5, 2013
  The Town of Selma has confirmed our participation in this event. Setup will be Wednesday October 2 with trains running Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5.

• Grand Strand Model Railroad Club Show, Myrtle Beach, October 26 – 27, 2013
  Our T-TRAK layout (4 tables) has been accepted for the Myrtle Beach show. There are also opportunities for operating N and HO scale trains at Grand Strand's clubhouse, and for a maximum of 3 x 4' NTRAK modules. Preliminary hotel information has been provided to members.

• Neuse River Valley Train Show, November 9 – 10, 2013
  We have been advised that our space will be the same as last year. There was some discussion about reconfiguring our space, especially due to the condition of two inside corner modules. Members are requested to submit their ideas.

• Train Collectors Association, December 7 – 8, 2013
  This will be a 4-table T-TRAK layout..

Additional train shows in 2014, to the extent known, can be seen below at Future NRMRC Train Show Participation.

A number of standards issues were discussed:

• The Joiner Track Box Committee consisting of David Derway, Jim Kalenowski and Joe Peacock has completed its initial work of creating and tagging new joiner tracks for the club. However, some mislabeled joiner tracks have been found; these are being corrected.
  
  It is clear that some in the club do not understand the correct method of installing joiner tracks in the layout, and then removing them after the show is over. It should be noted that the label on the bottom of the joiner track is at the end with the fixed joiners. Also, ties on the regular module track or the joiner tracks should not be cut. A training session will be held at the start of setup at the NRV show.

• There was a discussion about the condition of club-owned modules stored in the storage shed, and the need to evaluate them with a plan for their future — refurbish, rebuild, destroy, etc. Some are so bad they are embarrassing. John Wallis will initiate an Email to the club asking for volunteers to carry out this task of evaluating modules and recommending a plan to the club. So far Joe Peacock and John Wallis have volunteered to be on the committee.

• A plan also needs to be formulated for the future of the Apex Diorama.

• John Wallis mentioned the little copper clips that Atlas is now supplying to the contact corners of the light boards in current Atlas diesels, and how easy it is to lose them when replacing the light board with a decoder. Additional clips can be ordered from Atlas

• Frank Fezzie and John Wallis are working on a new Recommended Practice for NTRAK Modules in DCC layouts, that will include two LocoNet buses (ThrottleNet and BoosterNet) and a Common (ground) bus.

The Club's September meeting will be hosted by Jim Reske on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 7:30pm. The 5-Minute Modeling Tip will be Using Lighter Springs by Jim Reske, and the Program will be LED's by Joel McCurry.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.

John Wallis presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip Tuning Kato Unitrack #4 Turnouts for smooth operation. The key is to file the stock rails so the frog and firmly sit against and inset into them. Thanks John.

John Wallis presented the Program on using AnyRail Layout Planning Software. After describing the software he completed an example plan using Mark Blaustein's T-TRAK modules as a guide. Thanks, John. The PowerPoint presentation used in both the 5-Minuite Tip and the Program can be found on the Email list web site under the files folder.

Highlights of the Club's July 2013 Meeting
Raleigh, July 11, 2013

Fifteen members (3 via Skype) attended the Club's July 2013 meeting hosted by Joe Peacock. Thanks Joe.

President Foster called the business meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for June 2013 was reviewed and approved (Motion: Blaustein/Second: McCurry).

The minutes of the June meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved, with one correction. (Motion: Koss/Second: McCurry).

There was a lengthy discussion of a proposal by Kim Parker, the Train Buddy, for the Club to utilize space in the proposed new storefront of the Train Buddy. The facility was described and discussed, but the main topic was cost. The Club will need to pay rent to the Train Buddy to utilize this space. Two members of the Club, Gerry Foster and Don Cariss will arrange with Kim to visit the facility. Further discussion will take place off-line and via the club's Email list.

Several train shows were discussed:

• Clare Bridge of Cary, June 15.
  Clare Bridge is an Alzheimer's care facility on Chapel Hill Road near NE Maynard in Cary, Don Cariss, Bill Royse and John Wallis set up and ran John's T-TRAK layout. Good attendance by residents some of who stayed for an extended period of time.

• 2013 NMRA National Convention, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 20, 2013
  The National Train Show is July 19 – 21 with setup on the 17th and 18th. The NTRAK layout is well in hand. Digitrax will be supplying DCC spare equipment and a layout banner with the name (SE NTRAK) and club logos. Simplex, duplex and WiThrottle will be available on this layout.
  
  There will be a 30' x 50' T-TRAK layout which will include some NRMRC T-TRAK modules. There may be no duplex capability on this layout.
  
  Jim Kalenowski will bring the Speed Matching layout.

• Chapel Hill (Seymour) Senior Center, August 10, 2013
  Our T-TRAK layout will be set up starting from 9:00am through 2pm. The Club decided not to do any more shows this year at the Center due to out very tight show schedule, but we will consider dates in early 2014.

• Train Collectors Association, August 18, 2013
  This will be a T-TRAK show at the Scott Building, NC State Fairgrounds, from 10am to 3pm, with setup starting at 9am.

• NC Transportation Museum Model Train Show, August 24 – 25, 2013.
  The museum has confirmed our participation in the show and our 20' x 80' layout. The layout will be made up of modules from Central Carolina and Lynchburg clubs as well as NRMRC. A preliminary layout outline has been completed. More information via the Email list.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Days, September 28 – 29, 2013
  RANTRAK is coordinator. Second draft of layout out for review.

• Selma Rail Day, October 5, 2013
  The Town of Selma has confirmed our participation in this event.

• Grand Strand Model Railroad Club Show, Myrtle Beach, October 26 – 27, 2013
  We have advised GSMRC that we will need 4 tables for T-TRAK, we will bring our Junior Engineer layout, and an NTRAK layout similar to the New Bern layout.

• Neuse River Valley Train Show, November 9 – 10, 2013
  We have been advised that our space will be the same as last year.

• 2014 National N Scale Convention, Roanoke, VA, June 25 – 29, 2014
  Eastern N Lines will apply to bring a layout to this Convention.

• 2014 NTRAK East Convention: Capitol Limited, Chantilly VA, August 7 – 10, 2014
  Received official invitation and preliminary floor plan. We will participate officially as part of ENL, but members can also apply to have their modules in the multi-club layout.

Additional train shows though the remainder of 2013 and in 2014, to the extent known, can be seen below at Future NRMRC Train Show Participation.

The Joiner Track Box Committee consisting of David Derway, Jim Kalenowski and Joe Peacock has completed its work of creating and tagging new joiner tracks for the club. These will be used first on our modules in Atlanta. Special fixtures and tools were designed to assist in cutting the tracks to the correct length with the saw. Thanks for a great job well done. The club approved the expenditure of $60 to cover materials used by the Committee (Motion: Wallis; Second:Blaustein).

Gerry Foster, Joe Peacock and John Wallis will work together to create a web page covering our Junior Engineer layout. This will help meet our educational obligations as a 501(c)(3) corporation.

President Foster announced that 5-Miniute Tip and Program topics are complete through the end of the year.

The Club's August meeting will be hosted by David McDowell on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at 7:30pm. The 5-Minute Modeling Tip will be Tuning Kato #4 Turnouts by John Wallis, and the Program will be Using AnyRail Track Planning Software by John Wallis.

The meeting adjourned at 9;05pm.

Joe Austin presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip on Awnings for Buildings. Joe showed the use of an Excel spreadsheet and inkjet printer in the design of awning. He used buildings in the Apex Diorama as examples. Thanks Joe.

The planned program on Weathering, Part 2 was postponed to a later date.

Highlights of the Club's June 2013 Meeting
Raleigh, June 5, 2013

Sixteen members (3 via Skype) attended the Club's June 2013 meeting hosted by Joe Peacock. Thanks Joe.

President Foster called the business meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for May 2013 was reviewed and approved (Motion: Derway/Second: Blaustein).

The minutes of the May meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved, with two corrections. (Motion: Blaustein/Second: Derway).

Several train shows were discussed:

• Train Collectors Association, May 4, 2013
  This was a good show. Using Joe Peacock's junction modules indicated the need for two very short modules beside them to match the length required for the two tables at right angles. Joe's new inside corner module fitted in nicely and worked well. Our WiThrottle tests showed we could connect at least 10 devices simultaneously.

• National Train Day, May 11, 2013
  We set up a small T-TRAK layout along with our Junior Engineer layout in Durham Station for National Train Day. This was a very successful show with lots of spectators. We have been invited back next year, and will be set up in time for the arrival of the Carolinian from Charlotte, perhaps with a larger T-TRAK layout

• Windsor Point Retirement Home, Date May 18 – 19, 2013
  A very enjoyable show. We needed to take a little more time during setup to ensure correct module leveling and alignment, as several needed to be adjusted. Three modules clearly non-compliant to NTRAK and NRMRC standards caused some issues, and will not be allowed in future shows until brought into full compliance. We have been invited back for a future show. Room dimensions were taken so we can better plan our layout.

• Chapel Hill Senior (Seymour) Center, June 8, 2013.
  The layout will be open from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Setup will begin at 8:00am. This is T-TRAK, and will consist of four tables in a straight line.

• Clare Bridge of Cary, Date TDB
  Clare Bridge is an Alzheimer's care facility on Chapel Hill Road near NE Maynard in Cary, and would like to have us set up and run a T-TRAK layout. We will be set up on a 46" x 94" conference table; John Wallis will provide modules. Date to be negotiated.

• 2013 NMRA National Convention, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 20, 2013
  The National Train Show is July 19 – 21 with setup on the 17th and 18th. List of items to be taken finalized, with transportation to be discussed. We will substitute High Bridge, including Joe Peacock's new Mountain part, for Gerry Foster's module.
  
  A 30' x 50' T-TRAK layout has been confirmed for the show. A list of member T-TRAK modules has been submitted.

• NC Transportation Museum Model Train Show, August 25 – 25, 2013.
  The museum has accepted out NTRAK layout for this show. The layout will be made up of modules from Central Carolina and Lynchburg clubs as well as NRMRC. A preliminary 20' x 80' layout outline has been completed, and this space requested. More information via the Email list.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Days, September 28 – 29, 2013
  RANTRAK is coordinator. Second draft of layout out for review.

• Grand Strand Model Railroad Club Show, Myrtle Beach, October 26 – 27, 2013
  We have advised GSMRC that we will need 4 tables for T-TRAK, we will bring our Junior Engineer layout, and an NTRAK layout similar to the New Bern layout.

• Neuse River Valley Train Show, November 9 – 10, 2013
  We have been advised that our space will be the same as last year.

• 2014 NMRA National Convention, Cleveland OH, July 13 – 19, 2014
  Eastern N Lines has been invited to bring a layout to the 2014 National Train Show in Cleveland, OH from July 19 – 21, 2014.

• 2014 NTRAK East Convention: Capitol Limited, Chantilly VA, August 7 – 10, 2014
  Early registration form sent to club members.

Additional train shows though the remainder of 2013 and in 2014, to the extent known, can be seen below at Future NRMRC Train Show Participation.

There was an lengthy discussion about the need for new joiner tracks for our NTRAK modules, and how and when to manufacture them. A committee consisting of Jim Kalenowski (Chairman), David Derway and Joe Peacock was formed for the purpose of preparing an action plan for discussion at the next meeting.

A proposal to use 1/4"-20 carriage bolts to fasten NTRAK module transportation boards was totally rejected by the "no tools" crowd.

There is a potential problem with PSX and PowerShield circuit breakers when used in NTRAK layouts, whereby a certain wiring configuration could result in a short circuit not being detected. Details will be sent to David Derway who uses the PowerShield in Rockin' Toxin to be sure it is wired correctly.

Dave Thompson announced he has done work to the Cariss Corner/Gold Hill Corner package to reduce overall weight, and recessed the legs so they do not extend out beyond the module.

President Foster obtained volunteers for a 5- minute tip for December, and a program for November. For logistical reasons the Annual Prototype Quiz will take place at the November meeting rather than December.

Three topics were brought up under the "Other Business" category:

• It was decided not to take the Apex Diorama to the CPD13 Diorama contest at the June 25 meeting. Individual members can take T-TRAK modules or other scenes as dioramas.

• As an addition to the article and comments in the June Model Railroader magazine, John Wallis will provide details of our Apex diorama and photos of the diorama, especially the asphalt plant to the magazine.

• The Train Buddy will be moving to a storefront in the future; this storefront has a second story of 20' x 40'. The club has been asked if we would like to make use of this space. The club expressed interest, but felt we needed more information about access, using as a workspace, etc. John Wallis to discuss with Kim Parker.

The Club's July meeting will be hosted by Joe Peacock on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 7:30pm — note this is one week later than normal. The 5-Minute Modeling Tip will be Awnings for Buildings by Joe Austin, and the Program will be Weathering, Part 2 by Jim Kalenowski.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

David Derway presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip on Applying Cyanoacrylate Glues. David provided methods for applying the glue given its rapid drying time. Thanks David.

Paul Ohegyi presented the Program on Making Trees from Bamboo Skewers & Furnace Filters. The methods shown allow the creation of many trees at low cost, and in a relatively short period of time. Thanks Paul.

Highlights of the Club's May 2013 Meeting
Cary, May 1, 2013

Sixteen members and one guest attended the Club's May 2013 meeting hosted by Joel McCurry. Thanks Joel. Due to technical difficulties Skype was not available for this meeting.

President Foster called the business meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for April 2013 was reviewed and approved (Motion: Derway/Second: Ohegyi). Treasurer Cariss informed the Club that IRS Form 990 had been submitted (as required each year) and approved by the IRS.

The minutes of the April meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved, with one spelling correction. (Motion: Derway/Second: Cariss).

Several train shows were discussed:

• Springmoor Retirement Home, April 6, 2013.
  This show was a success and fun. We have been invited back next year.

• Train Collectors Association, May 4, 2013
  This show will feature our T-TRAK layout. It will be located in the Holshouser Building at the Fairgrounds. We will be doing some extensive testing of WiThrottle in preparation for the show in Atlanta in July.

• National Train Day, May 11, 2013
  We will set up a small T-TRAK layout along with our Junior Engineer layout in Durham Station for National Train Day. Setup will start at 8:30am with the layout running from about 9:00am to 2:00pm.

• Windsor Point Retirement Home, Date May 18 – 19, 2013
  Dates are confirmed. Setup will be May 17 after 3pm. Our layout can be 12' or 16' wide and 24' or 28' long. More info via the Email list. This is an NTRAK event.

• Chapel Hill Senior (Seymour) Center, Date June 8, 2013.
  The layout will be open from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Setup will begin at 8:00am. This is T-TRAK.

• 2013 NMRA National Convention, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 20, 2013
  The National Train Show is July 19 – 21 with setup on the 17th and 18th. Locomotive rules were sent by the Layout Coordinator, and members have requested their Loco IDs; anyone attending who has not submitted their preferred Loco IDs should do so ASAP.
  
  A list of attendees along with cell phone numbers has been submitted to the Layout Coordinator.
  
  Since Gerry Foster's module will not be ready for Atlanta we need to substitute a different 4' module.
  
  A 30' x 50' T-TRAK layout has been confirmed for the show. A list of member T-TRAK modules has been submitted.
  
  Our NTRAK layout will be located about 80' from a layout with NCE radio, so we can expect some interference with simplex throttles. We are planning on using WiThrottle as an alternative if necessary. This is resulting in some testing of WiThrottle at the TCA show on May 4.

• NC Transportation Museum Model Train Show, August 25 – 25, 2013.
  The museum has accepted out NTRAK layout for this show. The layout will be made up of modules from Central Carolina and Lynchburg clubs as well as NRMRC. More information via the Email list.

• Clare Bridge of Cary, Date TDB
  Clare Bridge is an Alzheimer's care facility on Chapel Hill Road near NE Maynard in Cary, and would like to have us set up and run a T-TRAK layout. Date to be negotiated.

Additional train shows though the remainder of 2013 and in 2014, to the extent known, can be seen below at Future NRMRC Train Show Participation.

President Foster indicated that 5-Minute Tips and Programs are set though September, but we are looking for volunteers for October, November and December.. Bill Royse volunteered to present the 5-Minute Tip in October and Terry Baker volunteered for November..

Two topics were brought up under the "Other Business" category:

• Jim Kalenowksi made a motion that Joel McCurry be reimbursed the $120 cost of the Digitrax BDL168 he provided for the Speed Calibration track. Second: Thompson. Passed.

• Mark Blaustein mentioned that CPD13 will be having a Popular Vote Contest for dioramas in an upcoming meeting. This is an opportunity to submit our Apex Diorama, as well as some T-TRAK modules. More information to come.

The Club's June meeting will be hosted by Joe Peacock on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 at 7:30pm. The 5-Minute Modeling Tip will be Applying Cyanoacrylate Glues by David Derway, and the Program will be Making Trees from Bamboo Skewers & Furnace Filters by Paul Ohegyi.

The meeting adjourned at 8:06pm.

Terry Baker presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip on Creating N Scale Screened in Porches, using a PowerPoint presentation. The presentation file will be posted to the Files folder on our Yahoogroups web site. Thanks Terry.

David Derway presented the Program on Flat Car & Gondola Car Loads — RTR, Kits & Scratchbuilt, using many real examples and a PowerPoint presentation. Again the presentation file will be posted to the Files folder on our Yahoogroups web site. Thanks David.

Highlights of the Club's April 2013 Meeting
Raleigh, April 3, 2013

Fourteen members, one guest and two "Skype" members attended the Club's April 2013 meeting hosted by David McDowell. Thanks David.

President Foster called the business meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for March 2013 was reviewed and approved (Motion: Blaustein/Second: Derway). Second notices were sent to members who had not yet paid their 2013 dues, with positive response.

The minutes of the March meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved (Motion: Derway/Second: McDowell).

Several train shows were discussed:

• Apex Halle Center, March 12, 2013
  The Club displayed our Apex Diorama, a small T-TRAK layout, and presented "Model Railroading: The World's Greatest Hobby" in the upstairs theater room at the Halle Center. Attendance was sparse, but the event was enjoyable for those who attended..

• Springmoor Retirement Home, April 6, 2013.
  This show will run from 8am to 4pm, with setup starting anytime after 7am. Module commitments are complete, and several members will attend. This is a T-TRAK event.

• Train Collectors Association, May 4, 2013
  This show will feature our T-TRAK layout. It will be located in the Holshouser Building at the Fairgrounds.

• Windsor Point Retirement Home, Date May 18 – 19, 2013
  Dates are confirmed. Setup will be May 17 after 3pm. Our layout can be 12' or 16' wide and 24' or 28' long. More info via the Email list. This is an NTRAK event. New modules going to the National Train Show in Atlanta must be in this layout for certification.

• Chapel Hill Senior (Seymour) Center, Date June 8, 2013.
  In addition to June 8 future shows will be arranged starting in August. This is T-TRAK.

• 2013 NMRA National Convention, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 20, 2013
  The National Train Show is July 19 – 21 with setup on the 17th and 18th. The NTRAK layout has been accepted for the show. T-TRAK modules from our club have been submitted to the T-TRAK coordinator.
  
  NRMRC members going to the Train Show will have free access to the layout and the Train Show floor. All other activities (clinics, tours, banquets, etc.) will require Convention registration.

• Grand Strand Model Railroad Club Show, Myrtle Beach SC, Date October 26 – 27, 2013
  Members expressed interest in participating in this show. Will pursue at a later date.

In addition to the above there is the possibility of participating in National Train Day events on May 11. Mark Blaustein is pursuing this opportunity.

Additional train shows though the remainder of 2013 and in 2014, to the extent known, can be seen below at Future NRMRC Train Show Participation.

President Foster indicated that 5-Minute Tips and Programs are set though July, but we are looking for volunteers for August and beyond. David McDowell volunteered to host the August meeting.

The Club's May meeting will be hosted by Joel McCurry on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at 7:30pm. The 5-Minute Modeling Tip will be N Scale Screened in Porches by Terry Baker, and the Program will be Flat Car & Gondola Car Loads — RTR, Kits & Scratchbuilt by David Derway.

The meeting adjourned at 7:54pm.

Jim Kalenowski and Joe Peacock demonstrated a test layout that can be used to speed match locomotives using a special script that is part of the JMRI suite. The track and components were mounted in a folding "briefcase" for transport. Jim and Joe are still working out the initial issues with using the layout and the JMRI script. They hope to be able to demonstrate its operation at the Windsor Point show. Thanks Jim and Joe.

David McDowell reprised the NRMRC Test Division Layout originally present in 2009. Due to technical issues it was not possible to display events on the test layout as David explained the steps used to program signaling and tun routs using JMRI. The presentation is available on the web site at NRMRC Test Division Layout. Thanks David.

Older Meeting Notes

To access Monthly Meeting Notes older than 6 months Click Here to access the Meeting Notes Archives page for 2013. For meeting notes in PDF format from 2011 — 2012 click on the desired date below:

 
For meeting notes older then 2010 please contact the Club's Secretary.
 

The following are future Train Shows in which the NRMRC is planning to participate:

David Derway is taking orders for Club shirts. Estimated price is $20 + shipping for shirts without an embroidered name and $25 + shipping for shirts with name embroidered. Different shirts available are:

• Blue denim shirt with long sleeves and pocket including NRMRC Logo, with/without embroidered name.

• Blue denim shirt with short sleeves and pocket, including NRMRC Logo, with/without embroidered name.

• Light gray Polo shirt with short sleeves, no pocket, including NRMRC Logo, with/without embroidered name.

The Standards Committee has a number of projects underway, as follows:

Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at 7:30pm

Host: Al Guckes

If you are visiting this area or you are a non-Member and would like an invitation and directions to this meeting, send us an E-mail.

NRMRC monthly meetings are normally held the first Wednesday of each month in various Members' homes, starting at 7:30pm. The Annual Meeting each January is normally a dinner meeting held at a local restaurant held the second Wednesday, and the July meeting is normally the second Wednesday to avoid the July 4th holiday. Meetings generally include a business meeting, a program topic (see below) and socializing.
 

September 28 – 29, 2013

Danville's Old 97 Rail Days
110th Anniversary

Danville Science Center
Old Pepsi Building
The Crossing at the Dan
677 Craghead Street
Danville, VA 24541
Phone: 434-791-5160
Web: dsc.smv.org.

Hours: Saturday: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Visit Danville Web Site

The Old 97, a Southern Railway mail train en route to Spencer, NC, derailed at Stillhouse Trestle near Danville, Virginia, on September 27, 1903, killing 11. The event served as an inspiration for songwriters and balladeers, and the result is the now-famous "Wreck of the Old 97". The Centennial Commemoration of the Wreck of the Old 97 was held on September 27, 2003 at the Crossing at the Dan. The event was organized by Lawrence McFall of the Danville Historical Society in conjunction with the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department of the City of Danville. The celebration has turned into an annual event to be held on the fourth weekend in September.

The show will feature an operating NTRAK layout (located in the old Pepsi Bottling Plant) and a display of railroad-related items and other model railroad exhibits. This event is sponsored by the Danville Science Center with the participation of Richmond Area NTRAK, Lynchburg Area N-Scalers, North Raleigh Model Railroad Club, New Jersey Southern and South Hampton Roads NTRAK.

For more information on the train show and other events during the Old 97 Rail Days go to the Visit Danville web site.

To read articles from TRAKing Ahead, the former Newsletter of the North Raleigh Model Railroad Club, click in the appropriate box below for prototype or model railroad oriented articles, or for stories of actual train trips taken by our Members.
 

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Last updated: Thuraday, September 5, 2013

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