North Raleigh Model Railroad Club

Meeting Notes Archives
2012

Highlights of the Club's Annual Meeting
Raleigh, January 11, 2012

Twenty members and seven guests attended the Club's Annual Meeting held at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Raleigh. We welcomed John Czarny from Chesapeake, VA who attended his first Annual Meeting.

President Derway called the meeting together at 7:10pm. The Treasurer's report for December was approved (Motion: Blaustein/Second: Wallis).

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

President Derway opened nominations for Officers and a Director for 2012. Gerry Foster volunteered to be Vice President. A motion was made to close nominations (Motion: Wallis/Second: Koss). There being only one candidate for each position, the following were declared elected:

Two train shows were discussed:

• Train Collectors Association, February 5, 2012
  Members expressed interest in participating in this show. Don Cariss is Superintendent; more information via the Email list.

• New Bern, March 3 – 4, 2012
  We will have the same layout space as last year (16' x 44") plus space for a T-TRAK layout (7' x 20'). Module and people commitments were made. A draft layout design will be prepared in the next few days. It was noted that we must scale back our inside the layout "picnic" from last year.

Construction on our Apex diorama for the Raleigh Convention Center continued last Saturday. Paul Ohegyi provided a report on buildings for the diorama, their state of construction and what additional buildings are necessary (2 more). Some minor dimensional changes were made, plus it was determined that some selective compression will be needed for some buildings. Some additional photos of downtown Apex were taken to assist in finalizing the street and building configuration. The next construction session will be February 18.

John Czarny brought a T-TRAK module that contains a mountain division track. This module will be evaluated with a view to establishing mountain division standards for club T-TRAK modules.

Gerry Foster indicated we have a 5-Minute Tip and a Program for the February meeting, but that he will be soliciting volunteers for the remaining months in 2012. Hosts for all meetings in 2012 have been identified.

The meeting adjourned at 7:40pm.

Following the meeting and break John Wallis conducted the Annual Chinese Gift exchange. Ten of the 22 gifts in play were stolen at some time, and two gifts were stolen the maximum three times. The event was enjoyed by all.

As required by the North Carolina Non-Profit Corporation Act a meeting of the new Officers and Directors was held.
 

Highlights of the Club's February 2012 Meeting
Raleigh, February 1, 2012

Sixteen members attended the Club's February 2012 Meeting hosted by David McDowell. Thanks David.

President Blaustein called the meeting together at 7:28pm. The Treasurer's report for January was approved (Motion: Derway/Second: McCurry).

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

Several train shows were discussed:

• Train Collectors Association, February 5, 2012
  The Club will have two tables for our T-TRAK layout. Set up begins at 8am, and the show will be open to the public from 10am to 3pm. Module commitments are complete. Don Cariss is Superintendent.

• New Bern, March 3 – 4, 2012
  We will have the same layout space as last year (16' x 44") plus space for a T-TRAK layout (7' x 20'). Module and people commitments were made, and transportation capabilities reviewed. A draft layout design has been prepared; only one module is questionable, and substitutes are available. We have been advised we cannot bring food or drink into the Sudan temple; they must be kept in the parking lot. Superintendent Mark Blaustein to determine start time for layout setup on Friday, March 2.

• Springmoor Retirement Center
  Don Cariss will contact Springmoor to arrange for a date in the April/May time frame.

• Selma In Spring, May 2012
  Don Cariss will contact the folks in Selma to see if the Spring celebration will take place, when and whether they would like our layout to be part of the event.

• Spencer Rail Days 2012
  The NC Transportation Museum has not yet announced dates for the 2012 Rail Days, usually scheduled in June.

Construction on our Apex diorama for the Raleigh Convention Center will continue on February 18.

Transfer of ownership of Don Cariss' trailer to the NRMRC is essentially complete. The new license tag has been acquired, and the tires and broken light replaced. It was decided that based on the age of the trailer not to purchase collision insurance. Bill Royse will store the trailer between uses.

Several items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• T-TRAK Timesaver Modules
  There was discussion over whether to construct T-TRAK modules based on John Allen's Timesaver switching layout. it was agreed to determine the costs of constructing the modules. Dave Thompson will provide a cost estimate for the module bases (three double-wide modules that are 12-3/8" deep) and John Wallis will estimate the costs for the tracks necessary.

• Larger Radius T-TRAK Corner Modules
  There has been discussion of designing and construction T-TRAK corner modules that will provide larger radius curves to handle larger locomotives and passenger cars. These include a module that will hand;le the next size of of Unitrack, a 1.5 sized module and a double size module. The issue is these corner modules make the spacing too wide for a standard banquet table. Discussion continues.

• Digitrax Duplex DT402D Throttle Firmware
  Digitrax has released firmware update 1.5a for DT402D throttles. All members should update their DT402D throttles. This can be done at New Bern. Experience at recent trains shows by other clubs indicates that this release resolves several problems.

• Email Hijacking and Passwords
  Two members have had their Email accounts hijacked recently. John Wallis will issue guidelines to club members on how to create strong passwords that are very difficult to crack.

Gerry Foster passed around a sign up sheet for 5-Minute Tips and Programs for the remaining months in 2012.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

Following the meeting and break Jim Kalenowski conducted the 5-Minute Tip on Soldering Track Feeders to the Rails. Using recommended tools and techniques Jim showed how to solder feeder wires. Tools specifically mentioned were a 15 watt Radio Shack soldering iron with a small tip, Tix Flux (Micro-Mark), and needle nose pliers with a bend in the tips. Jim stressed the importance of applying flux to the rail, and tinning both the feeder wire and the tip of the soldering iron. Thanks Jim.

Andy Zimmerman presented the program "A Day in the Life of a T-TRAK Module", which he did via Skype from his home in Florida, using both charts and videos in his presentation. The charts are available in the Files section of our Email list (Meeting Program Notes/2012). The presentation technique was very successful, and members enjoyed the program with its many hints and tips on constructing a T-TRAK module. Thanks Andy.
 

Highlights of the Club's March 2012 Meeting
Chapel Hill, March 7, 2012

Fourteen members attended the Club's March 2012 Meeting hosted by Mark Blaustein; two of these members attended via Skype. Thanks Mark.

President Blaustein called the meeting together at 7:50pm. The Treasurer's report for February was approved (Motion: Foster/Second: Koss).

The minutes of the February meeting as posted on the Club's web site were approved, as corrected (Motion: Foster/Second: Cariss).

Several train shows were discussed:

• Train Collectors Association, February 5, 2012
  The Club had two tables for our T-TRAK layout. Our layout worked well and we had lots of spectators. We did, however, not do a good job of leveling the modules.

• New Bern, March 3 – 4, 2012
  This was an outstanding show with virtually no problems encountered with either the layout or the DCC control. See the Superintendent's Report. There was some discussion about better handling of the number of trains simultaneously on the layout; not having Raleigh Yard contributed to this problem. The T-TRAK layout performed well; Dave Thompson constructed a simple measuring block to ensure the modules were level and at the correct height.

• RANTRAK Operating Session, March 31 – April 1, 2012
  RANTRAK has developed an improved plan for operations on their layout in their clubhouse in Ashland, VA. The plan is to start operations each day at 9:00am and run until we drop. There will also be some free running times.

• Springmoor Retirement Center, April 28, 2012
  Don Cariss will meet with the Director to determine location and the availability of banquet tables rather than the card tables we used last year.

• Selma In Spring, May 2012
  This event has been canceled.

• Spencer Rail Days 2012
  The NC Transportation Museum has not yet announced dates for the 2012 Rail Days, usually scheduled in June.

Construction on our Apex diorama for the Raleigh Convention Center will continue on March 17. Planning for the display of the various model scales will be started.

Transfer of ownership of Don Cariss' trailer to the NRMRC is complete. Repairs have been completed, and the trailer was successfully used for carrying modules to New Bern. New locks for the trailer will be purchased.

A new lock for the storage shed will be obtained, as the existing lock is wearing out. It was agreed that club-owned modules in the storage shed would be prominently labeled for ease of identification when selecting modules to go to a show layout.

Several items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• T-TRAK Timesaver Modules
  The club approved the construction of the T-TRAK Timesaver modules. (Motion: Foster/Second: Condon). This will be used primarily for club members rather than the Junior Engineer program. Gerry Foster and Joe Peacock will make a proposal for other solutions to accommodate the Junior Engineer program

• T-TRAK Module Names/ID
  At New Bern photographs were taken of all T-TRAK modules. These modules need to have a name or other ID so that the photos can be used for future planning of T-TRAK layouts. The print of these has been provided to T-TRAK module owners to submit names/ID.

Gerry Foster passed around a sign up sheet for 5-Minute Tips and Programs for the remaining months in 2012.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40pm.

John Wallis presented the program "Exploring the NRMRC Web Site". He reviewed how a web page is constructed and the use of styles to ensure a uniform presentation of the web pages. Then he went through the information contained on the web site, emphasizing where members should go to find a wealth of information about NTRAK modeling, and about DCC for NTRAK and T-TRAK. Thanks John.
 

Highlights of the Club's April 2012 Meeting
Wake Forest, April 4, 2012

Fourteen members attended the Club's April 2012 Meeting hosted by Dave Koss. Thanks Dave.

President Blaustein called the meeting together at 7:40pm. The Treasurer's report for March was approved (Motion: Condon/Second: McCurry).

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

Several train shows were discussed:

• RANTRAK Operating Session, March 31 – April 1, 2012
  Four members attended the RANTRAK Operating Session. The new operating scheme essentially had engineers either dropping off or picking up cars, but not both. Significant DCC issues with both simplex and duplex throttles were encountered during the weekend. The problems are being documented for submission to Digitrax.

• Springmoor Retirement Center, April 28, 2012
  Our T-TRAK layout will be on two 8' banquet tables in a "T" configuration. Superintendent Don Cariss will email the group for module commitments.

• Spencer Rail Days 2012
  The NC Transportation Museum has not yet announced dates for the 2012 Rail Days, usually scheduled in June. No response yet to emails sent to our contact at the Museum.

• New Unidentified Show
  With the real potential of no Spencer Rail Days this year and the next show not being until Danville in September there was discussion of finding a venue where we could set up a layout to run trains. Members will make contact with various organizations to determine if there is interest in hosting a layout.

Construction on our Apex diorama for the Raleigh Convention Center will continue on April 14. Trackwork is essentially complete and the emphasis is now on getting all the needed buildings constructed; a volunteer for one building (firehouse) is needed. Planning for the display of the various model scales will be started.

Several items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• T-TRAK Timesaver Modules
  Dave Thompson completed construction and painting of the three double-wide module bases for the Timesaver modules. He also constructed end plates for transportation of the modules. Steven Cox donated several items of Kato Unitrack, especially No. 6 turnouts. A determination of remaining items needed for the module will be made and sent to members via the email list. Once all donations are received the remaining items will be ordered.

• T-TRAK at NRV, November 2012.
  In a discussion with George Lasley of NRV, our T-TRAK layout at NRV this November will be in the aisle area at the end of our NTRAK layout, and can be moved into place as soon as the aisle is closed to vehicles.

Gerry Foster discussed 5-Minute Tips and Programs. These are set through the July meeting. Joe Peacock will document some suggestions he has for the Junior Engineer Program.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.

Jim Kalenowski presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip on Gauging Wheels on Atlas Locomotives. Almost all Atlas locomotives come new with their wheel gauge slightly narrow according to the NMRA N scale gauge. Jim showed how a slight twist with a flat-blade screwdriver between the back of the wheel and the truck frame will cause the wheel to "pop" into the correct spacing. Thanks Jim.

Dave Koss presented the program on Tips for Operating Sessions, using his own N scale railroad, the Atlantic Coast Line, Spartanburg Division. He showed how he uses car cards for routing freight cars, a schedule to run trains on the railroad, the use of Form 19 train orders and switch lists. Thanks Dave.
 

Highlights of the Club's May 2012 Meeting
Carrboro, May 2, 2012

Twelve members attended the Club's May 2012 Meeting hosted by Terry Baker. Thanks Terry. Two members also participated via Skype.

Past-President Wallis called the meeting together at 7:30pm, pending the arrival of President Blaustein who was delayed due to the grade crossing collision of The Piedmont (Train 74) with a dump truck north of Charlotte. Due to the absence of Treasurer Cariss the Treasurer's report for April was tabled to the June meeting.

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

Several train shows were discussed:

• Springmoor Retirement Center, April 28, 2012 (T-TRAK)
  Eight members participated in this show which featured a T-TRAK layout set up in a 6' x 8' rectangular configuration. Residents enjoyed seeing our layout, which operated with no problems using wired throttles, radio throttles and WiThrottles. Some observations related to the layout:

• It was noticed that some operators attempted to operate Kato turnouts in the same manner as Peco turnouts by moving the points rather than by sliding the lever. Manually moving the points can damage the Kato turnouts.

• Members must remember not to use T-TRAK modules for support when rising from a kneeling position, as this causes the T-TRAK module to twist, and can damage the module.

• Care must be taken to fully protect the rail ends which project beyond the module ends during transport and storage. Two modules had damaged rails — one rail was bent upwards and the other was bent downwards. These must be repaired prior to their next use. Unfortunately these sections of Unitrack are glued to the module.

• Train Collectors Association, NC State Fairgrounds, May 5, 2012 (T-TRAK)
  We just became aware of this show a couple of days ago, as it is not listed on the TCA web site. Don Cariss to contact TCA to determine if we can participate.

• Amtrak National Train Day, May 12
  President Blaustein will contact the appropriate people to determine if we can display a small T-TRAK layout at either Cary or Durham stations on the Amtrak National Rail Day on May 12.

• Spencer Rail Days, June 2 – 3, 2012 (NTRAK)
  The NC Transportation Museum has now announced 2012 Rail Days. However, the announcement mentions many attractions, but not model railroads nor dealers. We are contacting the NCTM to determine if we can bring our NTRAK layout to Rail Days.

• Train Collectors Association, NC State Fairgrounds, August 12, 2012 (T-TRAK)
  Don Cariss to contact TCA to arrange our participation.

• Lynchburg Rail Day, August 11. (NTRAK)
  Some of our members participate in this show with our colleagues in the Lynchburg Area N Scalers.

• Chapel Hill Senior Center
  Mark Blaustein will meet with the staff of the Center in a few days. This is more likely to be a fourth quarter event.

• NMRA National Convention and Train Show, July 14 – 20, 2013, Atlanta
  The organizers of the NTRAK layout have requested input on attendance and modules that could be in the layout. The following is the current view:

Construction on our Apex diorama for the Raleigh Convention Center will continue on May 12. Our contact at the Raleigh Convention Center has requested a description of the diorama plus some pictures for review by the Convention Center staff. Rob Rousseau of CPD 13 will be presenting a program on the Durham & Southern RR at the May 22 CPD13 meeting. Since our diorama is based on the D&S in Apex, plus Rob supplied the track configuration of the D&S for us, we will display our Apex Diorama at the CPD13 meeting on May 22; Joe Peacock will transport the module. A motion was made by John Wallis and seconded by David Derway to reimburse Paul Ohegyi $69.05 for purchase of detail items for the diorama; approved.

Two items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• T-TRAK Timesaver Modules
  The addition of the Timesaver tracks to the module bases constructed by Dave Thompson is complete, and wiring is complete. Due to space limitations at Springmoor we were not able to test the overall set of three modules.

• Digitrax Wireless Issues.
  Frank Fezzie has conducted some tests and found significant results that should assist Digitrax in the resolution of the current problems with Digitrax wireless throttles.

Gerry Foster discussed 5-Minute Tips and Programs. These are set through the July meeting. Joe Peacock has constructed a 2' x 4' layout for the Junior Engineer program. He will display and discuss this at the June meeting.

President Blaustein has volunteered that the club with present T-TRAK to the CPD13 members as one of their monthly meeting programs, probably in July or August. As well as a presentation we would set up a small one-table T-TRAK layout. John Wallis to prepare the presentation.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05pm.

Terry Baker presented the program on Buildings Made from Matting Board, describing his techniques, the material used and showing several examples. One of the buildings for the Apex Diorama, the Freight Station, was built from matting board. His presentation will be sent to Members via the email list. Thanks Terry.

Jim Kalenowski presented the 5-Minute Modeling Tip on Shimming Guard Rails in Turnouts. This involves gluing a 0.010" thick by 0.060" height by the appropriate length piece of styrene (painted black) to the rail side of the guard rail in Peco turnouts, which improves the ability of trains to pass through the turnout without splitting the frog. Thanks Jim.
 

Highlights of the Club's June 2012 Meeting
Raleigh, June 6, 2012

Eleven members attended the Club's June 2012 meeting hosted by Joe Peacock. Thanks Joe. One member and one guest also participated via Skype.

Vice-President Foster called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's reports for April and May 2012 were reviewed and approved (Motion: McCurry, Second: Reske).

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

Several train shows were discussed:

• Spencer Rail Days, June 2 – 3, 2012 (NTRAK)
  NCTM informed the Club there would be no layouts at this year's Rail Days. We subsequently learned that there were three layouts — S-Gauge, HO and O. We will pursue again for next year's Rail Days.

• Chapel Hill Senior Center (Robert & Pearl Seymour Center), June 23 and July 21, 2012 (T-TRAK)
  T-TRAK module commitments were obtained for the June 23 layout. Updated club brochure and new T-TRAK brochure prepared.

• Train Collectors Association, NC State Fairgrounds, August 12, 2012 and December 1 – 2 (T-TRAK)
  Don Cariss to contact TCA to arrange our participation.

• Lynchburg Rail Day, August 11. (NTRAK)
  Some of our members participate in this show with our colleagues in the Lynchburg Area N Scalers.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Day, September 22 – 23, 2012 (NTRAK).
  Initial organizational email sent to ENL and NRMRC email lists. Clear indication that operating sessions should not be held during periods the show is open to the public. Have requested information on hotel special rates for the ENL attendees.

The Apex Diorama was successfully displayed at the CPD13 meeting on May 22, in support of a presentation by Rob Rousseau about the Durham & Southern RR. It was decided to end our potential exhibit of the Diorama at the Raleigh Convention Center; we are now investigating potential sites for display in Apex and nearby areas. Joe Austin was appointed as the single point contact to work with various organizations for display of the Diorama; the club will develope guidelines for exhibiting the Diorama for use by Joe in discussions leading to an exhibit commitment.

Construction of the Diorama will continue on July 14, hosted by Joe Peacock. Track ballasting is complete. A track joint mismatch needs to be repaired and a preliminary check of locomotive operation under DC control needs to be made. For the July 14 session all buildings are required; these do not have to be fully complete, but the building shell is required (no cardboard mock ups); this is so final placement can be made and construction of the street and sidewalks can begin.

Two items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• T-TRAK
  Now that John Wallis has a complete T-TRAK layout at home he will be testing his locomotives and passenger cars for successful operation over the curves and turnouts of our normal T-TRAK modules. The results will be be provided to all members.
  
  As we are adding more and more T-TRAK modules, and we are controlling turnouts on those modules with DCC accessory decoders it is becoming necessary to keep a master list so to ensure that all turnouts have unique addresses. An initial listing is being prepared and will be sent to members.

• Digitrax Wireless Issues.
  Based on testing by Frank Fezzie Digitrax has released an upgrade to the UR92 Duplex Radio Transceiver that appears to solve the duplex problems being experienced over the past few years. Full testing will continue at Danville.

Gerry Foster discussed 5-Minute Tips and Programs. These are set through the August meeting. Joe Peacock has constructed a 2' x 4' layout for the Junior Engineer program, which he displayed at the meeting. Members discussed scencing the layout with Joe.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.

Joe Peacock presented the 5-Minute Tip on Constructing a FRED. He showed several examples ranging from the use of available home-made parts to commercially purchased FREDs to a decoder-controlled FRED in a caboose "booster". Thanks Joe.

Ed Beamish of EDB Enterprises presented the Program via Skype on the Model Railroad Inventory Database that he designed and sells. Full information is available at http://www.edb-enterprises.com/Pages/ModelRailroadServices.aspx. Thanks Ed.
 

Highlights of the Club's July 2012 Meeting
Raleigh, July 11, 2012

Twelve members attended the Club's July 2012 meeting hosted by Joe Peacock. Thanks Joe. Three members also participated via Skype.

President Blaustein called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's report for June 2012 was reviewed and approved (Motion: Derway, Second: Condon). It was noted that final notices have been sent to five members who have not yet paid their 2012 dues.

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

Several train shows were discussed:

• Chapel Hill Senior Center (Robert & Pearl Seymour Center), July 21, 2012 (T-TRAK)
  T-TRAK module commitments were obtained for the July 21 layout. The Center has prepared a poster advertising the show as well as publicity.

• T-TRAK Presentation to CPD13, July 24, 2012
  NRMNRC will present the program to CPD13 at their meeting on July 24 covering T-TRAK. As well as the presentation we will have a one-table operational T-TRAK layout.

• Lynchburg Rail Day, August 11. (NTRAK)
  Some of our members participate in this show with our colleagues in the Lynchburg Area N Scalers. Travel arrangements to be worked out between those attending.

• Train Collectors Association, NC State Fairgrounds, August 12, 2012 and December 1 – 2 (T-TRAK)
  Don Cariss to contact TCA to arrange our participation.

• 2012 N-Scale Weekend, Bedford, PA, August 25 and 25, 2012.
  Several members expressed interest in attending this show. Additional information and discussions via the email list.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Day, September 22 – 23, 2012 (NTRAK).
  Hotel information sent to ENL email list for both the Holiday Inn and the Comfort Inn. Initial layout information and plans forthcoming.

• 2013 NMRA National Convention, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 20, 2013
  Members planning to attend were advised to visit the Convention web site in the next two weeks as advance registration discounts expire on August 4, 2012.

The next work session for the Apex Diorama will be Saturday, July 14 beginning at 8:00am, hosted by Joe Peacock. The emphasis at this session will be on final placement of all buildings, as well as planning for completion of the diorama, discussion of venues and dates for exhibition and the plan to eventually convert the diorama into an NTRAK module.

Al Guckes volunteered to do a 5-Minute Modeling Tip at the September meeting on "Dentistry and Model Railroading". Additional 5-Minute Tips are required for October through December, and Programs are required for September through November.

Three items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• T-TRAK
  The TDP Associates TrainSpeed speedometer mounted on the Green River T-TRAK module worked very well at the Seymour Center on June 21. The Club is now looking for a suitable speed measuring device for our NTRAK layout.

• Raleigh Yard Turnouts.
  Jim Kalenowski discussed the upgrade of turnouts in the yard part of Raleigh yard. This includes replacing the Peco insulfrog turnouts with modified electrofrog turnouts, and connecting the points to Hex Frog Juicers. This would provide improved electrical continuity though the turnouts and lessen the need for frequent cleaning of the points. Jim will put together a detailed written proposal with cost estimates for review by members via the email list. He will also provide the option of adding the Hex Frog Juicers while retaining the insulfrog turnouts.

• With the availability of the Junior Engineer layout built by Joe Peacock the Club agreed that we no longer need the two-oval test layout. This will be scrapped and the Unitrack components retrieved and made available for other uses.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20pm.

Mark Blaustein presented the 5-Minute Tip on Constructing a FRED. He showed an example from an Evans Design kit. Thanks Mark.

John Wallis presented the Program on Digital Command Control, based on the topics requested by members. This topic continues at next month's meeting. Thanks John.
 

Highlights of the Club's August 2012 Meeting
Raleigh, August 1, 2012

Fourteen members attended the Club's August 2012 meeting hosted by David McDowell. Thanks David. Two members also participated via Skype. The Club voted to renew the fee for the Skype video conference capability (Motion: McDowell/Second: McCurry). The Club also voted to renew our liability insurance at a cost of $425 (Motion: Wallis/Second: McDowell).

President Blaustein called the meeting together at 7:30pm. The Treasurer's report for July 2012 was reviewed and approved (Motion: Derway/Second: McCurry). It was noted that four members who have not yet paid their 2012 dues have been removed from the Roster; the status of two additional members is under review

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

Several train shows were discussed:

• Lynchburg Rail Day, August 11. (NTRAK)
  Some of our members participate in this show with our colleagues in the Lynchburg Area N Scalers. Travel arrangements to be worked out between those attending.

• Train Collectors Association, NC State Fairgrounds, August 12, 2012 and December 1 – 2 (T-TRAK)
  John Wallis contacted Ken Mitchell and requested 3 tables for our T-TRAK layout. Thompson, Blaustein, Cariss, Foster and Wallis to bring modules for the layout on August 12.

• 2012 N-Scale Weekend, Bedford, PA, August 25 and 25, 2012.
  Several members expressed interest in attending this show. Additional information and discussions via the email list.

• Danville Old 97 Rail Day, September 22 – 23, 2012 (NTRAK).
  Layout plan completed and filled with modules from five different clubs. Next is to plan the DCC install for the layout and the DCC testing to be done at Danville. Any hotel reservations not yet made should be done as soon as possible.

• Selma Rail Day. Selma NC, October 5 and 6, 2012 (NTRAK and T-TRAK)
  The Town of Selma has confirmed our participation in their Rail Day on October 6, with trains running for school children on the 5th. Setup will be the 3rd. Due to the flexibility of the furniture arrangements in the welcome center and the availability of tables a T-TRAK layout will be set up as well as our NTRAK layout. The NTRAK layout will be turned 90 degrees to provide more side aisle space. Don Cariss will coordinate planning the layouts via the email list.

• Neuse River Valley Show, Fairgrounds, November 3 and 4, 2012 (NTRAK, T-TRAK, Junior Engineer)
  No information yet.

• 2013 NMRA National Convention, Atlanta, GA, July 14 – 20, 2013
  Members planning to attend were advised to visit the Convention web site as advance registration discounts expire on August 4, 2012. The National Train Show is July 19 – 21 with setup on the 18th.

Paul Ohegyi will advise the list of the next work session for the Apex Diorama, Current efforts are directed at completing the base for the downtown buildings including the sidewalk, plus trees. The Apex Historical Society will be holding an exhibit on October 14 at the Halle Center. Joe Austin and John Wallis will attend a Board meeting of the historical Society on August 14 where we will offer the Diorama for display (on an 8' banquet table) and a two-table T-TRAK layout.

5-Minute Modeling Tips are required for October through December, and Programs are required for October and November. Volunteers should contact Gerry Foster.

Three items from the Standards Committee were discussed:

• Raleigh Yard Turnouts.
  Jim Kalenowski was authorized to improve the electrical connections of the yard throat turnouts using a simple slide switch approach. This will be complete for the NRV show.

• At the July meeting the Club agreed that we no longer need the two-oval test layout. This has been scrapped and the Unitrack components retrieved. These will be made available to members for other uses; a list will be posted.

• The Ampere Station module built by Don Cariss, and now owned by the Club, needs to be refurbished and upgraded. Joe Peacock offered to undertake the task, and will coordinate with Bill Royce on the necessary work.

The Club agreed to present clinics at the Chapel Hill Senior Center on September 29, October 20 and November 17. Topics for the three sessions are:

• September 29 — Model Railroading Overview — John Wallis

• October 20 — Constructing a T-TRAK Module — Dave Thompson

• November 17 — Scenicking a T-TRAK Module — TBD

A box of N scale trains was donated to the club by a lady in Chapel Hill. Thank you.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25pm.

John Wallis presented the Program on Digital Command Control, based on the topics requested by members. This topic continues at next month's meeting. Thanks John.
 

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