North Raleigh Model Railroad Club

News & Information

TRAKing Ahead, the Club's former Newsletter, etc., that are of current relevance to Members and others. Check through the topics; you may find something of particular interest for you! Perhaps even some humor. Click on the subject title below to go straight to that section.

Highlights of the Club's May Meeting
Cary, May 7, 2008

Twelve members attended the Club's May meeting, hosted by Brian Sadler — thanks Brian.

President Wallis called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for April was presented and approved. Seven members have not yet paid their club dues for 2008. The Club's cutoff date for dues is the end of March (per our Bylaws); these seven members will be sent a final notice; revocation of membership will occur at the June meeting for any who have not paid.

A number of train shows were discussed.

• The Spencer Rail Days show on April 26 and 27, 2008 turned out to be a challenge, yet overall was enjoyed by all. The space assigned was smaller than we had been told so Superintendent Dave Thompson's first task was to re-size the layout to fit the space; a few modules were not used. His next challenge was legs for the Club corners, which were left in the storage shed; this was solved by a visit to Lowe's. The final challenge was the uneven floor, thus setup took significantly longer than usual as we aligned the Schaefer blocks.

• The Springmoor Nursing Home show was again very successful and enjoyed by the residents. Eight members participated in setting up the 8' x 12' layout and running trains. We have already been invited back next year.

• The National NTRAK Convention is scheduled for Louisville, KY in June. Details of the Eastern N Lines loop, of which we are a part, are close to final. Draft 3 of the DCC Design Specification has been released and is considered virtually final; this draft can be accessed at www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/3rd_Draft_DCE_DCC_Design_Spec.pdf. The convention hotel is almost sold out so anyone still needing to make a reservation should do so as soon as possible. More information, including setup dates and times, will be sent via email.
  
  Module owners have been asked to prepare module names and descritpion so signs can be made to attach to the modules in Louisville.
  
  John Wallis will construct some additional Powerpole-to-Cinch-Jones cable adapters.
  
  The June program will feature a Preview of the Derby City Express. Bill Royse and John Wallis will also have a decoder programming station so that attendees can have their locomotives programmed to their registration number; bring your locomotives.

• A Great Train Expo Show will be held at the NC State Fairgrounds (Exhibition Building) on September 13 and 14, 2008. Our layout application (20' x 60') has been received by GTE.

Standards Committee projects were discussed.

• Linwood Wells has agreed to modify the Mountain Turnaround Corner module to remove the turnaround loop, add a normal Mountain corner track and add a mine spur replacing the turnaround track. No schedule has currently been set.

• One of the inside corners built by Don Cariss, named Wreck Corner, was complete and used in the Spencer show; minor scenery details, removal of excess ballast and relocation of the LocoNet connector boxes are needed to complete the module. Don is working to complete the second inside corner and hopes to finish within a couple of months.

• John Wallis has contacted Tom Fredenberg to arrange transfer of Anderson Farm to the club, and Brothers and Traxtown Ridge modules to Tom. The Club will need to construct a 2' bridge module to replace Traxtown Ridge. Once Anderson Farm is collected John Wallis will prepare a Statement of Work (SOW) for its rebuild. Following Louisville John will do the track and wiring work already approved for Anderson Transition then solicit a volunteer to finish the scenery. The same approach will be used for Anderson Farm once the SOW is approved.

David Derway has received the order for Club shirts, and will bring them to the June meeting for delivery and payment. Prices are:

The business meeting ended at 7:58pm.

Following the break Brian Sadler presented a program on "Photography & Model Railroading". Thanks, Brian.

NRMRC Train Show Participation
Cary, May 8, 2008

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

Standards Committee Projects Underway
Cary, May 8, 2008

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

Highlights of the Club's April Meeting
Cary, April 2, 2008

Thirteen members and one guest attended the Club's April meeting, hosted by Pete Slugg — thanks Pete.

President Wallis called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for March was presented and approved. Member Dave Koss actually paid his 2008 dues in April rather than his more normal October!!

A number of train shows were discussed.

• Spencer Rail Days are scheduled for April 26 and 27, 2008. Dave Thompson is coordinating the NTRAK layout, which will be in a different Roundhouse location from last year's layout. The layout will be DCC controlled with an analog option on request. Members attending this show are reminded to make their hotel reservations as soon as possible, as rooms are generally tight the weekend of Rail Days. Additional information on setup and transport of modules will be via email from Dave Thompson.

• We have been invited back to Springmoor Nursing Home for a one day small layout on Saturday, May 3. Setup will begin at 8:00am with tear down starting by 4:00pm. The layout will be 8' x 12'. Don Cariss will provide more information via email.

• The National NTRAK Convention is scheduled for Louisville, KY in June. Details of the Eastern N Lines loop, of which we are a part, are close to final. Draft 3 of the DCC Design Specification has been released and is considered virtually final; this draft can be accessed at www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/3rd_Draft_DCE_DCC_Design_Spec.pdf. The convention hotel is almost sold out so anyone still needing to make a reservation should do so as soon as possible. More information, including setup dates and times, will be sent via email.

• A Great Train Expo Show will be held at the NC State Fairgrounds (Exhibition Building) on September 13 and 14, 2008. Our layout application (20' x 60') has been received by GTE.

• Don Cariss advised we have been invited to participate in this year's Selma Rail Day on October 4. Our layout will be in the same location, and same size as last year. As in previous years we will operate on Friday October 3 for local school children.

Standards Committee projects were discussed.

• Dave Thompson reviewed the status of the update to Raleigh Yard. The address and programming problems encountered were traced to a power supply that did not provide its stated voltage output, causing the DS64s to reset to factory defaults; replacing the power supply resolved the problem. Trackwork on the T-module and yard sections has been reworked by David Derway so that joiner tracks are no longer required between the section of the T-module and the yard modules.

• Linwood Wells has agreed to modify the Mountain Turnaround Corner module to remove the turnaround loop, add a normal Mountain corner track and add a mine spur replacing the turnaround track.

• Don Cariss advised that one of the inside corner modules will be ready for the Spencer show. Only scenery completion and adding Powerpole connectors are left to do.

• Tom Fredenberg will porivde the Anderson Farm module so we can rebuild it. In turn he would like to retrieve his own modules (Brothers and Traxtown Ridge). Since Traxtown Ridge is in the Spencer layout we have asked Tom to delay return until after that show. The Club will need to construct a 2' module to replace Traxtown Ridge.

Pete Slugg led a discussion about future meeting programs and 5-minute modeling tips. Some topics and dates need to be confirmed, but firm topics are shown in the "Next Meeting" section below. Of particular note is the addition of a Program on Building an NTRAK Module by Joel McCurry at the July 9 meeting. Depending on interest this program may be followed by a hands-on module construction session.

The Club previously approved the construction of a plastic frame for displaying the great new vinyl signs first shown in New Bern. There was some discussion about the frame material to be used, but dimensions are required before anything can go forward. It is desired to have the frame complete for the Louisville Convention.

David Derway provided information via the email list re a new order for Club shirts and hats. Anyone wanting a shirt should respond to Dave's email with their order.

The business meeting ended at 8:20pm.

Following the break Pete Slugg presented a 5-minute modeling tip on "How to Make Dirt" and Rick Dellafave presented a program on "Steam Locomotive Tune-up". Thanks, Pete and Dave. During the break we also had the opportunity to visit Pete's beatiful HO layout.

Great Train Expo & Greenberg Shows — Schedule
Cary, April 2, 2008

The following table lists future Great Train Expo (GTE) and Greenberg (GNBG) Shows planned for the Carolinas and Southern Virginia:

Club Apparel for Sale
Cary, April 2, 2008

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.

Highlights of the Club's March Meeting
Chapel Hill, March 5, 2008

Sixteen members and one guest attended the Club's March meeting, hosted by Mark Blaustein — thanks Mark.

President Wallis called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for February was presented and approved.

A number of train shows were discussed.

• The New Bern Show was great, and enjoyed by all.

• We have been invited back to Springmoor Nursing Home for a one day small layout. Don Cariss is working with the staff at Springmoor to schedule a date.

• Spencer Rail Days are scheduled for April 26 and 27, 2008. Dave Thompson is coordinating the NTRAK layout, which will be in the same Roundhouse location as last year's layout. See separate email.

• The National NTRAK Convention is scheduled for Louisville, KY in June. Details of the Eastern N Lines loop, of which we are a part, are continuing to evolve, and the DCC Design spec is undergoing review. Information about this convention continues to become available, and members are encouraged to check the Convention web-site on a regular basis.

• A Great Train Expo Show will be held at the NC State Fairgrounds on September 13 and 14, 2008. Our layout application (20' x 60') has been sent to GTE.

Standards Committee projects were discussed.

• Dave Thompson reviewed the status of the update to Raleigh Yard. Address and programming problems are being worked.

• Linwood Wells has agreed to fix the electrical problem on the Anderson Corner/Rudy Valley modules encountered at New Bern, and to replace the damaged turnout on the Blue-to-Alt. Blue tracks on Rudy Valley.

• Track has been laid and wiring completed, less Powerpole connectors, on the two inside corners being constructed by Don Cariss. Scenery still needs to be completed.

• Gerry Foster indicated that Thompson legs have been added to the former Edelman module along with the base of the Mountain Division track. This track needs to be installed, then scenery completed. Finally 12 Gauge track buses with Powerpole connectors, the White and Brown buses, and the LocoNet bus needs to be installed.

• It was agreed that we no longer need the Mountain turnaround modules. The 4' corner module will be converted into a regular 4' corner with Mountain track. The turnaround straight module will be stripped and converted to a normal 4' module. Timing not decided.

Pete Slugg led a discussion about future meeting programs and 5-minute modeling tips. Some topics and dates need to be confirmed, but firm topics are shown in the "Next Meeting" section below.

The Club approved the construction of a plastic frame for displaying the great new vinyl signs first shown in New Bern.

David Derway will provide information via the email list re a new order for Club shirts and hats.

The business meeting ended at 8:10pm.

Following the break David McDowell and David Derway presented a program on Track Laying and Ballasting. Several techniques of doing both were discussed and displayed. Thanks, Dave and Dave.

Highlights of the Club's February Meeting
Wake Forest, January 7, 2008

Fourteen members attended the Club's February meeting, hosted by Dave Koss — thanks Dave.

President Wallis called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for January was presented and approved.

A number of train shows were discussed.

• There will be a World's Greatest Hobby on Tour show in Hampton Roads VA on February 16–17, 2008. RANTRAK is coordinating the NTRAK layout for the show.

• The New Bern Show is scheduled for February 23 and 24, 2008. John Wallis is NRMRC coordinator. Show and layout status was reviewed, a sign up sheet for show attendance and Saturday evening dinner attendance was circulated, and logistics were reviewed. Further communications re this show via the email list.

• Spencer Rail Days are scheduled for April 26 and 27, 2008. Dave Thompson will coordinate the NTRAK layout, but so far no additional information has been received from the NCTM.

• The National NTRAK Convention is scheduled for Louisville, KY in June. Information about this convention continues to become available, and members are encouraged to check the Convention web-site on a regular basis.

• A Great Train Expo Show will be held at the NC State Fairgrounds on September 13 and 14, 2008. John Wallis will send our layout application to the GTE folks.

Standards Committee projects were discussed.

• Dave Derway and Dave Thompson reviewed the status of the update to Raleigh Yard. The yard should be ready for the layout at New Bern.

• Linwood Wells has completed the refurbishment of Harker's Corner.

The Club approved the purchase of two vinyl signs 2' x 3.5' in size and with lettering essentially the same as our club business card.

The business meeting ended at 8:15pm.

Following the break Dave Thompson presented a program on Building Lightweight NTRAK Modules. As well as the handout at the meeting this clinic is also available on our web site. Thanks, Dave.

The meeting ended with a visit to Dave Koss' ACL Spartanburg Division layout.

Highlights of the Club's Annual Meeting
Raleigh, January 9, 2007

Fourteen members three new members and eight guests attended the Club's Annual Meeting, held at the Golden Corral Restaurant on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh.

President Royse called the meeting together at 7:15pm. The Treasurer's Report for December and the 2008 Budget were presented and approved.

Nominations for Officers positions for 2008 were opened. As no new nominations were offered the Club voted to elect those previously nominated. New Officers and Director are:

Outgoing President Royse then passed the gavel to incoming President Wallis.

Several items were briefly discussed, with further discussion planned via the email list:

• Members volunteered to host meetings for 2008.

• Participation in Festival 2008 at UNC-TV

• The New Bern Show is scheduled for February 23 and 24, 2008.

• The visit to Garner Station and status

• The train show at Marble Kids Museum will be a weekend in July.

• The artwork for the banner sign is being worked; it will closely follow our business card.

• Progress on the renovation of Raleigh Yard was reviewed.

• Convention and Hotel reservations can now be made for the Derby City Express convention in Louisville, KY in June.

Following the break our annual gift exchange was held. This was an enjoyable event with several "steals".

After the Annual Meeting a brief meeting of the Officers and Directors was held.

Highlights of the Club's December Meeting
Raleigh, December 5, 2007

Twelve members and one guest attended the Club's December meeting, hosted by Monty Smith — thanks Monty.

President Royse called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's Report for November was presented and approved.

A number of train shows were discussed.

• There will be a World's Greatest Hobby on Tour show in Hampton Roads VA on February 16–17, 2008. John Czarny is coordinating the NTRAK layout for the show. He has asked for the support of the Eastern N Lines groups.

• The New Bern Show is scheduled for February 23 and 24, 2008. John Wallis is NRMRC coordinator. No further action since last meeting.

• Convention and Hotel reservations can now be made for the Derby City Express convention in Louisville, KY next June. Joel McCurry has asked that anyone who did not commit modules at last month's meeting, and who want to take their module to Louisville send him an email.

Standards Committee projects were discussed.

• Bill Royse showed a planned work schedule for updating Raleigh Yard, sending it to all members via the email list. Anyone who can help during any of the times mentioned should contact Bill directly.

Education Chairman Pete Slugg reviewed the planned schedule for 2008 meetings..

Bill Royse mentioned the possibility of obtaining space for club modules at Garner Depot. A meeting will be held at the Depot on Sunday, December 9 at 3:00pm to view the site and discuss arrangements. This may also provide a place to hold our meetings; selection of meeting hosts for 2008 was deferred until the next meeting.

Nominations for Officers positions for 2008 were opened. The following positions are open. People nominated are listed:

Additional nominations made be made up until voting takes place at the Annual Meeting in January 2008. The Annual Meeting was confirmed for Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at the Golden Corral on Glenwood Avenue, beginning at 6:30pm. A formal notice will be sent via the email list.

The business meeting ended at 8:05pm.

Following the break John Wallis presented the Annual Prototype Railroad Questionnaire. Pete Slugg was the winner and will select last at the Chinese Gift Exchange at the Annual Meeting.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 7:30pm

Host: Monty Smith

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. Meetings generally include a business meeting, a program topic (see below) and socializing.

Meeting Hosts for 2008

5-Minute Modeling Tip

2008 Program Topics

For more information go to:
The Derby City Express web site.

June 25 – 29, 2008

The Derby City Express
2008 National NTRAK Convention
Louisville, KY

Kentucky International Convention Center
The Galt House Hotel

Presented by:
The Kentuckiana Society of N Scalers (KSONS)
and the N Scale Collector Society

In Association with
The 2008 National N Scale Partnership
and
World's Greatest Hobby On Tour

Here are some of the great features of The Derby City Express:

• Major Downtown Convention Hall — 146,000 square feet

• 1200 Room Convention Hotel — The Galt House, $99 per night.

• Huge NTRAK Layout — 50,000 square feet.

• Layouts in All Scales — 25,000 square feet.

• Major Manufacturers and Vendors.

• World's Greatest Hobby on Tour coordinates the vendor show.

• Nationally Renowned Clinicians — we’ll even have a day of non-scale-specific clinics.

• Layout and Prototype Tours — bring your camera, be inspired.

• Live Steam Excursions — L&N Pacific #152 and L&N varnish.

• Family Activities: Entertainment District, Museum District, Art Galleries, Waterfront Park, Churchill Downs, Belle of Louisville Steam Boat, The Bats AAA Baseball, Huge Malls, Kentucky Kingdom Amusement Park, Great Restaurants, My Old Kentucky Dinner Train, Bourbon Tours, Wineries and Much, Much More!

The following organizations are the members of the 2008 National N Scale Partnership: Central Ohio N-Trak (Columbus, OH); Dayton N-Track (Dayton, OH); French Broad e'N'pire NTRAK Club (Hendersonville, NC); The Kentuckiana Society of N Scalers (Louisville, KY); Lake Erie N Scale; Milwaukee Area NTRAK (Milwaukee, WI); The N Scale Collector; Nashville Ntrak (Nashville, TN); North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (Raleigh, NC); NTRAK Modular Railroading Society, Inc.; Tri-State N-Trak (Cincinnati, OH); The World's Greatest Hobby On Tour.

Watch this space for more details as they become available.

This is a listing of prototype excursions scheduled in the near future and departing from locations within a few hours drive of the Research Triangle Park area.

There are no excursions currently scheduled for this area
Please check back from time to time.

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.