THE HotBox - North Central Region

THE
HotBox
$3
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION, NATIONAL MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION
VOL. 53, NO. 1
SPRING 2012
RAILFANNING the
Great Northern of
Bob Truax
NCR ELECTION
BALLOT
REFRESHING YOUR
MODEL RAILROAD
PROTO-TYPE ACTION
PLUS- RR History, Timetable, NMRA-NCR-Division News & more!
HotBox Editorial
The
HotBox
Spring, 2012
Vol. 53, No. 1
EDITOR
Barry Hensel
43642 Lotus Dr
Canton, MI 48188
734-397-5182
[email protected]
Editorial Advisers
Jack Watson
Dave McMullian
Tim Fisher
Proof Readers
John Beres Marty LaForte
The HotBox is published quarterly by the
North Central Region of the National
Model Railroad Association. Publication
dates areSPRING, Mar 1
SUMMER, June 1
FALL, Sept 1
WINTER, Dec 1
The HotBox is available online at-
www.ncr-nmra.org
All material, articles and advertising must
be submitted to the Editor. All material
should be electronic, preferably MicroSoft
Word or Powerpoint. Pictures should be
in Jpeg format and color. Material can be
emailed or sent via US Mail on cd-rom.
Materials will not be returned, unless
return postage and envelope are
included. Material submission deadline is
60 days before publication date.
Business ads1/2 page $20 per issue or $65 per year
full page $30 per issue or $100 per year
business card $10 per issue or $35 per
year -or- free business card for exchange
of websites and/or sales of HotBox
Pike ads- $15 small, $30 double and
$60 quad for a 3 year period!
NCR Division Event ads- FREE
To pay for any ad space... send your
payment to the Editor. All checks/money
orders need to be made out to "The North
Central Region, NMRA"
Barry Hensel, Editor
HI and Happy New Year!
Yes, hard to believe that it’s a new year, 2012! With the new year
comes another great opportunity for us in the NCR. The NMRA National
Convention comes into our “back-yard” for the second time within five
years. GRAND RAILS 2012 is only 7 months away- July 29-August 4,
2012. The National Train Show also rolls into town on Saturday-Sunday,
Aug 4-5, 2012 (for general public). For registration information you need
to go to the NMRA website or convention website- www.GR2012.org
Also with a new year, comes (hopefully) more model railroading time!
But before we get to more building, operating and modeling, we do have
some business to take care of – NCR ELECTIONS! Please see the NCR
BALLOT in this issue (page 14) of the HotBox! Please feel free to copy
this page (or tear it out), fill it out and mail it in!! I know it appears to be a
“slam-dunk” election, but we do still need to have your vote, so please
send it in!
Now, it is time to say HELLO to ALL of our NCR NMRA members! Yes,
all, because everyone is getting this issue as our annual edict to keep
you informed. Thus at least one issue of the HotBox gets sent to ALL
NMRA-NCR members. From time-to-time, we may instead opt for a
smaller “newsletter” style of a notice to all of the membership. It really
depends on what and how much information we have to share. So again,
WELCOME to you and I hope you enjoy the HotBox. Now go vote!!
Well, time to do some model railroading…
Thanks for reading… Barry
MODEL RAILROADING
IS FUN!
HOTBOX CORRECTIONS
NCR "OOPS"….
Always striving to be correct is something we will do with the HotBox.
But, we are human and mistakes can/will happen. Please forgive us,
these are NOT intentional! Corrections for the December 2011 edition of
the HotBox are- a few spelling errors here and there and few grammar
issues. Hope you didn’t notice.
Send address corrections to the
RegistrarMarty LaForte
44370 N. Umberland Cir
Canton, MI 48187
[email protected]
FRONT COVER PICTURES- Bob Truax GN layout tour; Refreshing Your
Model Railroad by Saul Kalbfeld; NMRA logo; Grand Rails 2012 logo,
proto-type heavy duty flat w/load
Feel free to contact the Editor via email,
with any comments, questions or
corrections.
REAR COVER PICTURES- GR 2012 logo, ballasting by Bill Neale, Jim
Mull’s layout as part of Grand Rails 2012
2
the HotBox SPRING 2012
NCR - NORTH CENTRAL REGION
BOARD MEMBERS & DIVISION LEADERS
President
Jack Watson 586-598-7407
[email protected]
Resident Agent
Uwe Thormaehlen 586-949-1878
[email protected]
Division One
Fred E Lux 419-350-9197
[email protected]
Vice-President
Dave McMullian 419-878-4888
[email protected]
NMRA Vice-President
Dave Thornton 248-879-6806
[email protected]
Division Three
Dick Moessner 260-637-7609
[email protected]
Secretary
Larry Wolohon, MMR
734-454-4816
[email protected]
NMRA Central Director
Peter Magoun MMR
231-941-1669
[email protected]
Division Four
Skip Luyk 616-363-3453
[email protected]
Treasurer
Dean Pyers
586-979-7319
[email protected]
Model Contests
Joel Goldberg, MMR
248-514-3207
[email protected]
Registrar
Marty LaForte 734-459-5173
[email protected]
Directors
Chuck White 260-760-1666
[email protected]
Bill Neale 248-477-7875
[email protected]
Photo Contests
POSITION OPEN!!!
WE NEED YOU!!!
Achievement Program
Larry Wolohon, MMR
734-454-4816
[email protected]
Division Five
John Hartmann 517-290-8948
[email protected]
Division Six
Howard Andrews 734-728-4697
[email protected]
Division Eight
John Jackson 248-642-4825
[email protected]
Division Ten
Donald Harbin 810-238-0703
[email protected]
Tim Fisher 313-881-2607
[email protected]
RAILROADING "WHAT THE ???"
NCR HUMOR
You know you're a serious Model Railroader if.........
You look at your cat's litter box as a source of ballast (non clumping, of course)
You refer to your wife's recipes as scratchbuilt, kitbashed, or "shake-the-box"
Your idea of Hell is a hobby shop filled with Cox, Tyco and pre-Proto LifeLike engines and rolling stock
You think John Allen's birthday should be a national holiday and George Sellios is your hero
You can't understand why your wife won't let you extend the layout through the bathroom
You have more pictures of the prototype and your modeling work than you do of your family
You name your cats "Chessie" and "Peake"
You refer to your wife as the Bureau of Land Management, VP/Finance Management, or other such terms
You know the difference between a “switch” and a “turnout”
You believe that if you live a good life, when you die you go to George’s Trains/Caboose Hobbies
Your desk is piled so high with photos, slides and books that you can’t write a check for that newest model
Your wife has no nail files left because you use them as sanding sticks (the dollar store is your best friend)
Walthers, George’s and Valley View Trains all have you on their Christmas card list
The CTC system on your layout is better than the CTC on most Class 1 lines
SPRING 2012
the HotBox
3
PRESIDENTS OBSERVATION
Another quarter of a year……….has passed
already? Time flies when you’re having fun! As
usual, I’m overdue at writing another “HOT-BOX”
column, should start by welcoming all the National
Model Railroad Association members! This is the
annual issue of the North Central Region’s
publication, which is sent out to all members of the
NMRA residing in the borders of the NCR. There
are several reasons why you are the recipient of
the magazine, first it insures that contact has been
made with the membership, and that they receive
the latest Regional news and other information
about what is going on in the Region
The second reason for receipt, is that it is 2012,
and as such there is a Regional Election. The
information about who is running and for what
offices is herein! Please avail yourself to
participate in the election, by using the enclosed
ballot found in this issue! Make a few choices
regarding the leadership of the Region! All of the
candidates are well qualified, experienced office
holders, and all are excellent choices, for all the
positions, which they are willing to work! Be
advised that this is a Volunteer Organization, it is
strictly because of their dedication to the Region,
they are willing to serve!
Another reason for your receipt of this information
packed periodical, is that you need to know where
and when the Division Meetings happen,
4
the HotBox SPRING 2012
by Jack Watson
and more information
NCR
about the upcoming
2012 National
Convention, Grand
Rails 2012 being held
JACK
WATSON
in Grand Rapids,
Michigan this summer!
You do realize that it
is July 29th thru
August 4th, not too far
in the future, time to
make plans now! This is your big chance to attend
a NMRA National Convention, this will probably be
the last affordable opportunity to attend one of
these shin-digs, and it is within reasonable driving
distance!
Now is your chance, get out there and give
participation a try, be it at a Divisional level or even
a Regional level or even at the National level, you
won’t be sorry!
THE
As always, I am available for discussion and
comments, please feel free to contact me anytime
586-598-7407 or [email protected]
I may be slow, but I will get back to you! So stay
safe, remember to have fun with model railroading
and membership has its benefits…!!
NMRA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Your NMRA membership entitles you to bunch
of benefits, plus the fellowship and assistance
of nearly 20,000 members across the globe.
Kalmbach Memorial Library- One of the world's
largest "railroads-only' libraries that contains
prototype and modeling books and magazines, outof-production kit instructions, and more.
www.nmra.org/library Call: 423-892-2846 Fax:
423-899-4869 Email [email protected]
Achievement Program (AP)- The AP helps
modelers get more out of the hobby by providing an
incentive to learn and master the skills necessary.
Those who've completed the AP receive Master
Model Railroader (MMR) certification.
www.nmra.org/education/achievement
Email
Paul Richardson, MMR: [email protected]
Contact your Region or Division Achievement
Program Manager
www.nmra.org/regions/
NMRA Online Archives- Over 10,000
photographs, slides, plans, drawings, erection
elevations, paint schemes, and more, with
additional scans being added all the time. High
resolution files are available for download at a
discount to members. www.nmra.org click
"Online Archives" button
Conventions - National and Regional- The
annual National convention runs one week and
usually features about 100 clinics, over 50 layout
tours, and dozens of prototype tours. The National
Train Show runs for the final three days of the
convention. Regional conventions vary in duration
from two to five days. Many feature prototype and
layout tours, plus clinics and other activities.
www.nmra.org/convention
www.nmra.org/regions/
"Members-Only" website- This portion of
www.nmra.org contains content exclusively for
NMRA members, including reprints of Region and
Division newsletter articles, newly updated Data
Sheets, reprints of articles from classic NMRA
magazines, downloadable calendar photographs
and screensavers, and much more. This area is
constantly being updated so check back often!
www.nmra.org click on "Members Only”
NMRA Company Store- The NMRA's Company
Store offers many items, from apparel to mugs to
gauges, available only to NMRA members.
NCR INFORMATION
www.nmra.org, choose "online store,' then
"Members-Only Company Store”
NMRA Magazine- NMRA Magazine is the monthly
publication of the NMRA, and features news about
the organization and its Regions and Divisions,
along with modeling articles, product conformance
reviews, and other information. Because the
subscription rate/postage depends on where you
live, check www.nmra.org for your rate. To
subscribe: Email HQ: [email protected] Write
HQ: 4121 Cromwell Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421
Call HQ: 423-892-2846
Liability insurance for clubs- $1 million liability
insurance is available at no extra charge to model
railroad clubs in which every member is an NMRA
member. $50 administration fee and completed
application required.
www.nmra.org/regions/100club/100club.html
Email: [email protected]
Liability insurance for meets and shows- This
insurance covers liability claims for all Region,
Division, and NMRA SIG-sponsored events up to a
specific limit of liability provided for in the policy.
(For clarity and assurance of coverage, we prefer
that SIG events be co-sponsored by National, a
Region, or a Division.) Please see the website for
important details.
www.nmra.org/national/insurance/insurance.ht
ml Email John Roberts: [email protected]
Collection insurance- This service offers NMRA
members group property insurance for collections,
layouts, live steam, tools, slides and photographs,
books, magazines, railroad memorabilia, and more.
This insurance also covers an individual's property
if it resides on a club layout. Members receive
NMRA Group Rates. Free quote or brochure,
contact J.A. Bash & Co: 1-800-654-2256 or 300
Mt. Lebanon Rd., Suite 225, Pittsburgh, PA, 15234.
And many more benefits, including: Modeling
With the Masters; Beginners' webpages;
"Ask the Masters" Online Help; Standards and
Conformance; Discounts and advance reservations
on KML Library books; Clinic slides, tapes and
DVDs; Local Divisions; Annual NMRA calendar;
Howell Day Museum; Pike Registry; Standards
Gauges, Data Sheets CD ROM and turnout
templates
SPRING 2012
the HotBox
5
RAILFANNING the GN of Bob Truax
NCR GOES TRACKSIDE
right- Life is good at the Truax Lumber Co.
Enough logs at the mill to keep them busy today.
left- Congested street in the
town of Riley, darn those
bicyclists for holding up
traffic.
below-left- GN H7
#1382 waiting for the main
line to open up at Griffin with
loaded hopper cars.
Bob’s Great Northern Railroad was started in 1988, is
26’ by 30’ and is now complete. The scale is HO and
the era is the early fifties with the branch line taking you
back into the 1930’s and 40’s. The GN has been open
for four Regional conventions plus the 2007 NMRA
National and was published in Rail Model Journal
Magazine in the October 2007 issue.
cover photo- the silence at the high trestle will soon be
broken with the local freight when it comes through.
above- Big industry on the GN - Foerch Industry & Montana
Paper.
left- It's a busy train station at Wyenot today, hope that train
is not late. Not the GN!
6
the HotBox SPRING 2012
RAILFANNING the GN of Bob Truax
NCR GOES TRACKSIDE
right- GN H7 #1376 unloading
oil at the Wyenot GN Engine
terminal.
below- Fenmore Bros. Coal.
You need coal, we got coal.
On Bob’s GN the vast majority of the track is hand
laid on Central Valley tie strips using Code 83 rail on
the main line and Code 70 rail in yards and sidings.
Switch motors are Tortoise. The railroad was
changed to DCC from CMRI cab control and has CTC
signaling using DCCOD cards for block detection.
right- GN N3 #2023 being turned at the Wyenot GN
Round house. Ready for the mountain run.
below- Co. Engine #1942 Backing in some empties
at the Truax Minning Co.
below-right- GN & NP share this engine house at
Griffin. Griffin also has a busy railroad station.
SPRING 2012
the HotBox 7
8
the HotBox SPRING 2012
NCR N-SCALE NEWS
I have been asked to be the coordinator for the
NTRAK layout at the 2012 National Train Show in
Grand Rapids, Michigan, held in conjunction with
the NMRA National Convention, Grand Rails 2012.
The National Train Show will be held at the DeVos
Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids on
August 3-5, 2012. For information about the
convention, go to www.gr2012.org or mail to GR
2012 Registrar, 4165 Costa NE, Grand Rapids, MI
49525. While it is encouraged, you donʼt need to
attend the convention to have your module(s) in the
train show.
Modular move in and set up starts at noon on Wed.
Aug. 1. It is scheduled to continue until 6pm
Wednesday, resume on Thursday between 8am
8:30pm and finish up on Friday between 7am-9am.
Show times are: Friday, 9 - noon for the Industry
trade show and Convention attendees, noon to 6
pm for the public; Saturday the show runs from 10
am until 6 pm and Sunday from 10 am until 5 pm.
Move out is Sunday from 5:30 pm until 9:30 pm.
NCR INFORMATION
Our space is about 80ʼ x 80ʼ, the layout design is
yet to be determined and will be somewhat
dependent on the modules that are coming.
We do have one yard already scheduled, but are
looking to have more. Modules from both clubs and
individuals are welcome. Modules should have
already been part of a large show layout and need
to be fully compliant with N Trak standards.
Modules should have scenery.
Please send your request to be part of this layout to
Mark Cowles at [email protected] or mail
to 514 Aberdeen Way, Howell, MI 48843.
Please include the following information: the size
and number of modules, general information about
the module, ie. yard, city, specific industry, port,
and type of scenery- city, country, small town,
mountains and so on. Also indicate if it is an inside
or outside corner, and its dimensions, if has a
mountain line, or if it is an entry gate type module,
Deadline for accepting modules in April 30, 3012
Please contact me if you need more information or
have questions.
Thanks, Mark Cowles, NTRAK Coordinator
CALLING ALL N-SCALERS
We have an exciting N-Scale club and layout building
in-progress and we would like to invite you to join our
membership. We are called the Society of N-Scalers
(SONS), a 100% NMRA membership club, and are
located at 23309 Dequindre in Hazel Park. We are
open for your review and information each Monday
and Wednesday from 5PM to 9PM. Feel free to stop
by and visit us. As an incentive to join our club, we
are offering your 1st month’s dues ($25) free of charge!
We have several activities from building various
sections of our new layout, Club Open Houses, to
participation with our modules in various Train Shows
about the local areas. There is great camaraderie with
the present membership and are looking for new
members who enjoy N-Scale and wish to further
develop their skills. Yes, you can also work on your
NMRA Achievement Program Certificates within our Club if you wish as well. For further information contact:
Dr. R. B. Trombley, MMR (SONS Vice-President) at 248-767-7451 or [email protected] Visit our website at
www.societynscalers.com
YOUR article could be appearing RIGHT HERE!! Please consider writing an
article for a future issue of the HotBox!! Fame, Fortune (not really) and points
toward your MMR await you when you write a HotBox article!
SPRING 2012
the HotBox
9
HotBox NEWS "BETWEEN THE RAILS"
NCR INFORMATION
Here is where your news items, rumors, and gossip of just about anything in the Model Railroading hobby can
be reported. Whatever it is, send it to us and we'll let everyone else know!
BTR#1- I would like to invite you and your region to participate in the Mid-Central region convention this April
26-29, 2012 in Greentree, PA (near Pittsburgh). Please visit our website www.highlinetopittsburgh.org for
more information or contact me directly for more information at [email protected] I look forward to
meeting you at the convention. Sincerely yours, Susan Werner, Superintendent, Keystone Division and
Convention Chairman
BTR#2- We have received several emails on a model railroad factory closing in China, apparently due to
mismanagement. In the interests of keeping their customers informed, Rapido Trains has sent out an email
saying that a "A large Chinese supplier of model trains closed down today. This factory employed 3000 people
and was a major producer for North American manufacturers." No one likes to hear of massive widescale job
losses but this will have ramifications for future orders. The price pressures caused by the demands of the
customers no doubt has much to do with this. Margins may be better in other industries. Reportedly this
company also supplies Athearn. Check out this website for more infohttp://cprailmmsub.blogspot.com/2012/01/chinese-manufacturer-of-model-trains.html
On a related note, there was the email that had this link to a website showing the insides of a model railroad
factory in China – interesting views! Apparently a Bachman factory.
http://www.bachmannchina.com.cn/bbs/dispbbs.asp?boardID=2&ID=15361&page=1 -or百万城火车模型产房---开达玩具厂[百万城会员专用论坛]
BTR#3- It is with the utmost sadness that we report that Lew English, Sr, co-founder of Bowser Manufacturing
Company passed away on Feb 3, 2012. He was 93 years old. Lew is survived by his wife Shirlee, four
children, ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grand children and 3 great great grandchildren. Lew was the
inspiration for what is now the Bowser Manufacturing Company of Montoursville, PA. He was one of the
pioneers in the model train business and was entered into the Model Railroading Hall of Fame just a few years
ago. In 1961, Lew and Shirlee began the business in their basement in their home in Muncy, Pennsylvania,
when they purchased not only the name but several steam engine kits from Bill Bowser in Redlands, California.
Lew will not only be missed by his family but by all of the industry contacts that he made throughout his career.
Bowser Manufacturing will continue under the direction of Lee K. English, current Bowser CEO.
BTR#4- Another email received had a link to a cool video on signaling. While about 15 minutes long, it’s well
worth the look as this is classic stuff!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Sow8O1_ZNA&feature=youtu.be
BTR#5- As many of you know, Woodland Scenics recently had a fire at one of their buildings. No one was hurt
and the building was a loss, but production should not be lost or delayed. For the story, check out this sitewww.lakenewsonline.com/news/x550247171/Fire-destroys-Linn-Creek-business-displaces-area-residents
BTR#6- It was not a hugely popular publication, but it was unique in that it did not have the normal modeling
articles. As the name said – MODEL RAILROAD NEWS was all about the news of new products and anything
else industry and hobby related. Unfortunately, MRN has ended it’s publication. Here’s the storywww.modelrailroadnews.com/lead-news/model-railroad-news-to-cease-publication/3133ba0170.html
DISCLAIMER!!- While we will try to verify most stories, the HotBox, HotBox Editor, NCR Board of Directors, its
agents and representatives will not/can not be held responsible for mis-information presented in this column!
WE NEED YOU!! DO YOUR PART!!
VOTE IN THE NCR ELECTIONS!!
SEE PAGE 14 FOR YOUR BALLOT & SURVEY
10
the HotBox SPRING 2012
NCR TIMETABLE
NCR DIVISION meetings
NCR INFORMATION
Division One (Toledo and Ohio area)
Meets at Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Blvd. at Floyd Street, near downtown Toledo.
Division One is a 100% NMRA membership organization.
www.divisiononencr.com
Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area)
Meets on the third Monday (NEW DAY) of the month year-round at the Community Christian Reformed Church
3434 Lahmeyer Road, Fort Wayne IN. (0.7 mi south of Stellhorn Road.) Meetings begin at 7:00 PM.
www.hoosierdiv3nmra.org
Division Four (Grand Rapids and western Michigan area)
Meets quarterly with other special events thrown in. For additional information contact Skip Luyk, 616-3633453 or [email protected]
Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area)
Meets at 1pm, on the SECOND Saturday of each month in the basement of the Capital Area District Library, at
the corner of South Capital and Kalamazoo Streets, Lansing.
www.div5.ncr-nmra.org
Division Six (Wayne County, Michigan)
Meets at 7:30pm, on the THIRD Friday of each month at the Livonia Senior Center, 15218 Farmington Road,
one mile north of the I-96 Jefferies Freeway, Livonia.
www.div6-ncr-nmra.com
Division Seven (mid-upper Michigan area)
Division Seven is currently inactive. Any Volunteers?? Dave Comer with Whistle Stop Hobbies in Harbor
Springs is interested in hearing from you if you are in upper Michigan! Phone is 231-526-9024. Whistle Stop
Hobbies 275 East Main, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties)
Meets at 7:00pm, on the THIRD Thursday of each month at Troy Christian Chapel, 400 East Long Lake Road,
between Rochester and Livernois Roads, Troy.
www.div8.ncr-nmra.org
Division Nine (Washtenaw County)
Unfortunately, there are no more meetings for Div 9. With a low membership and low meeting attendance, Div
9 has again disbanded. THANKS to Dave, John and all the other model railroaders in this area for activating
Div 9 again, even if only for awhile! www.div9.ncr-nmra.org
Division Ten (Flint and Saginaw area)
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at 7:00pm at Woodside Church at 1509 E. Court St, just east of Mott
Community College. Ample parking behind the church, enter by back east side entrance. (Exit to northbound
Dort Hwy and then left (west) on Court St. about 8 blocks or exit I-475 to east bound Fifth Street, about 8
blocks). Church is on north side of street with driveway on west side of church.
www.ncr_division10.tripod.com
OTHER GROUPS meeting in the NCR AREA
There are over 60 different model and proto-type groups within the Michigan area of NCR. They can be found
at www.michiganrailroads.com
YOU should join and attend your local NMRA – NCR – Division meetings and
activities! Get the most out of our hobby – participate often!!
SPRING 2012
the HotBox 11
NCR and HOTBOX NEWS
HELLO to all NCR-NMRA members!! (and to any
others who may be reading!) This issue is your
2012 yearly notice on what is happening in the
NCR- North Central Region. It is our commitment to
you to send you a HotBox issue once a year, or
another publication of some type, to keep you
informed. We hope you enjoy this issue and find it
informative. Here is our report for the start of 2012ELECTIONS!! Here is a reminder that we DO
need your ballots for the election now underway!
Please see page 14 for the ballot and a few quick
questions to answer to help us serve you better!
HotBox Reminder: When you renew your NMRA
dues, you only have to pay the $10 NCR
SUBSCRIPTION fee, IF you want the HotBox
mailed to your house. There are NO NCR dues! If
you enjoy looking at the HotBox online (and in
COLOR) then you do not have to pay the $10. Of
course, there is a slight downside to the free
HotBox – printing costs! No, it does not cost to
“print a free” HotBox, but as more members opt for
the free HotBox, the numbers of copies we print
and mail goes down. We then reach a point where
the subscription fee is not enough to cover the
NEARBY MODELING EVENT
NCR INFORMATION
costs of printing. We are very near that point, so if
possible, please renew your subscription!
ALSO- Many Pike Ads are up for renewal with this
issue. The HotBox staff will contact you on
renewing your Pike ad. THANKS for your support!
Registrar Report: We have 50 Life members in
the NCR. Total membership is approx. 806. Our
numbers continue to dwindle, unfortunately.
Treasurer Report: There are about 300
subscribers to the HotBox, which means we are
about running break-even in costs. The NCR board
is working on ways to reduce production and
distribution costs of the Hot Box while maintaining
access for all members, improving content, and
fulfilling NMRA communication requirements. Due
to changes in the 501c non-profit rules &
procedures, the Divisions have lost their non-profit
status. The NCR is preparing the forms and
covering the cost to reinstate their non-profit status,
and will give Divisions instructions they will need to
maintain it using the new system. The NCR bank
account is in good standing, but we our researching
other banking companies in search of better
interest rates and lower fees.
SPECIAL EVENT
The 5th annual Michiana Model Railroad Symposium will be Friday-Saturday April 13th-14th at the National New
York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart, Indiana. The symposium consists of clinics, hands-on workshops,
and guest presentations put on by some of our hobby's best and most well-known modelers. The symposium
is for learning to improve your model railroading skills, get motivated, meet great modelers and see a large
model display. Bring your models to place in the model display! The Symposium is open 8AM-10PM both days
with activities starting at 9AM. There is group dinner Friday evening followed by some presentations. Railfans
have many railroads nearby as the area is a choke point for railroads heading into Chicago. You may register
upon arrival or pre-register and save $5 by emailing me at [email protected]. The Michiana Model Railroad
Symposium is sponsored by the Michiana Division of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). NMRA
membership is NOT required for attendance and participation. See you there! Jim Six Millersburg IN
NATIONAL TRAIN DAY
NCR SPECIAL EVENT
Hello, National Train Day supporters, We are gearing up for NTD 2012.
National Train Day Toledo May 5, 2012
9:30 am - 4 pm
Toledo Amtrak Station / Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza
415 Emerald Avenue / 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
NEW Featuring: the Amtrak 40th Anniversary Exhibit Train !!
Help us spread the word: please click “like” on the National Train Day Toledo page on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/National-Train-Day-Toledo/202352789798010?sk=wall
Contact us if you would like information about volunteer, display booth, or sponsor opportunities. Thanks!
Diane Reamer-Evans Transportation Project Mgr 419-241-9155 x117 [email protected] www.tmacog.org
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SPRING 2012
the HotBox 13
NCR 2012 ELECTION BALLOT
NCR BUSINESS
NATIONAL MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION
NORTH CENTRAL REGION
2012 ELECTION BALLOT and SURVEY
This is the OFFICIAL Ballot for the 2012 election of officers for the NCR – North Central Region of the NMRA –
National Model Railroad Association. Please follow these rules –
a) You may copy or tear out this ballot for mailing.
b) Your Ballot must be mailed and post-marked by April 15th, 2012.
c) Mail your ballot to:
NCR ELECTIONS 31683 Hiddenbrook Dr Chesterfield Twp, MI 48047
d) You may only vote ONCE.
e) Sorry, there are no write-in candidates. Candidates needed to be approved by the Election Committee
prior to the ballot publication (as was mentioned in the last HotBox).
Your candidates arePresident – Dave McMullian
Vice President – Scott Kremer
Secretary – Marty LaForte
Treasurer – Larry Wolohon
Directors – vote for two
Skip Luyk
Chuck White
Note- Jack Watson, out-going NCR President, is defaulted to a Director’s position. Ballots will be counted and
the results will be posted in the next issue of the HotBox, JUNE 2012. THANKS for voting!!
NMRA No. _______________________________
I attend meetings at Division _________
I do not attend Division meetings
Suggestions for NCR Registrar _______________________________________________
The Registrar position is not an elected position, we are asking for your help in finding someone who is
qualified and interested. If you know someone who may be interested, please write down their name and we
will contact them.
What do you like about the NCR?
What do you NOT like about the NCR?
What do you like about the HotBox?
What do you NOT like about the HotBox?
14
the HotBox SPRING 2012
SPRING 2012
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REFRESHING YOUR MODEL RAILROAD
By Saul Kalbfeld
I returned from the NMRA convention in Milwaukee
with some ideas on how to refresh my layout. It
goes without saying convention layout hosts spent
days preparing their railroads for visitors from
around the world. My own layout was last seen by
visitors other than members of my own division in
2007 when the convention was in Detroit and since
has received limited upkeep and looks a little
shabby in comparison.
By refreshing, I mean getting fussy about broken or
missing details, unfinished scenes, dirt and grime,
rodent calling cards and long dead insects. At first,
this might seem to be an overwhelming task, but
the key is to isolate one particular area and
concentrate on that space until you are satisfied
with the result, whether it takes hours or days.
Don’t rush--there is no time limit and at your next
open house, you can concentrate on operations
and not how unfinished an area appears to your
visitors. All this is separate from the maintenance of
track, control and electrical systems that require
regular attention.
I figured working in a three square foot section
would be a good space to concentrate on but soon
realized a square foot allowed better focus. First
dust and vacuum the area. Use a crevice tool
covered by a piece of screen or panty hose to keep
loose details from being sucked up. If necessary
loosen dust with a small brush or a stream of air
from your airbrush. This alone will go a long way to
brighten up a layout. Unless you have a room air
filter, dust is a constant problem especially if your
basement is unfinished.
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the HotBox SPRING 2012
NCR SPECIAL REPORT
Move loose structures to your bench for cleaning
and repair. Add signage and repair lighting, paint,
patch and weather to improve a structure’s
appearance. This might also be the time to
consider replacing a structure that is old, damaged,
wrong for the scene, or doesn’t measure up to your
current modeling skills.
Add ground cover to “thin” areas using scenic
materials of your choice. If you’ve never tried some
of the newer products and techniques, now is the
time to start. Thin areas are places where the
scenic base may be correctly colored but still has
an unfinished appearance. Add a sign or an
additional utility pole or some other details in your
work area. Most layouts, especially those that
feature urban scenes cannot have too many signs
and billboards. We live in an economy that relies
heavily on advertising. Position your signs logically.
If this means the sign is facing away from the
viewer, so be it. Just make sure the back of the
sign is accurately detailed.
Repair cracks and separations on your streets with
Aileen’s or Canopy glue. These dry differently than
white glue, as they don’t shrink or settle as much
and dry clear. Once dry, cover with a color of paint
that matches an actual tar repair. Add other
patches and street repairs. Add more vehicles but
make sure they fit your era. Sidewalk details such
as hydrants, mail boxes and people add to the
interest of the scene.
REFRESHING YOUR MODEL RAILROAD
By Saul Kalbfeld
Larger industries may have a utility pole with one or
more electrical transformers next to the building.
Adding wires is a plus, but not a necessity, since
the pole itself creates enough of an illusion. Place
the pole at a very slight angle off the vertical to
imply the weight of the wires. These details are
available in kit form or you can fashion your own.
NCR SPECIAL REPORT
Try to finish a particular task in a single session.
This lessens the possibility of leaving something
uncompleted. Work on consistency. Don’t have
heavy vegetation on one side of a track and little on
the other. Think small and gradually everything will
knit together.
Finally, I’m currently rethinking lighting. My hanging
fluorescents are ugly. They flicker and have the
wrong color temperature. Most are cheap fixtures
and have a high ballast failure rate. One of the
layout hosts in Milwaukee converted to energy
efficient daylight fluorescent flood lights in dual
outdoor fixtures connected by ½ conduit and #12
copper wire. These provide soft distributed light that
can be positioned and at a fraction of the cost of
incandescent lighting. The result was impressive. I
am planning this project for later in the year.
Refreshing your layout is not a quick project but the
result can be you seeing your model railroad in a
“new light”.
RAILROAD HISTORY
by Don Watson
NCR HISTORY
WHEN TRAINS MUST TRAVEL ON ANOTHER RAILROAD'S TRACKS (part one)
At the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861, the oldest
possible. But the difference in track gauge
railroad in the US (the B&O) was only 31 years
frequently caused a monumental slow down.
young. During those 31 years many other railroads
During the war, President Lincoln took the first step
had made their appearance. For the most part, all
by selecting 4 feet, 8 1/2 inches as the standard
of the railroads in existence in 1861 were small
gauge.
operations. Yes, some were a lot bigger than
In spite of President Lincoln’s selection, little
others, but there were no great giants in 1861
progress was made. If you owned a railroad that
compared to today standards.
wasn’t standard gauge, may-be your railroad
In those days every railroad President was King of
couldn’t afford the conversion cost. Even though
his railroad, and if any passenger or goods had to
Railroad A and Railroad B were both standard
travel over his tracks, the King figured that the
gauge and had an interchange track, it wasn't
passenger or goods must travel over his tracks on
practical to interchange freight cars because the
his rolling stock. In addition to the King’s personal
two railroads used different couplers, or perhaps
feelings on the subject, there was a very necessary
one coupler was three feet above the rail and the
reason as well. There was no standard track gauge
other was two feet above the rail.
in force in 1861. So if passengers or freight had to
When the Civil War ended and peace returned,
travel from a city on one railroad to a city on
manufacturing grew and the demand for moving
another railroad, chances were great that the other
freight ever great distances continued to plague the
railroad was a different track gauge.
railroads. About this time the companies that
The Civil War was the first major conflict in which
manufactured rolling stock for railroads formed
railroads were called upon to play a part. The
“The Master Builders Association”. This group very
generals of both North & South wanted to move
slowly began to suggest certain manufacturing
their armies and supplies by train wherever it was
standards.
(continued next page-)
SPRING 2012
the HotBox 17
RAILROAD HISTORY
by Don Watson
NCR HISTORY
WHEN TRAINS MUST TRAVEL ON ANOTHER RAILROAD'S TRACKS (part one)
As manufacturing companies began to grow and
tracks. By 1905, the railroad world had changed
prosper, more and more railroads converted to
since the Civil War. Except for a small number of
standard gauge. The railroad Kings however, still
narrow gauge railroads, all tracks were the same
couldn't seem to get the idea through their heads
gauge and all the couplers and air brake equipment
that if all railroads were the same track gauge and
matched. If Railroad A’s tracks were flooded out, or
used the same type of brakes and couplers, that all
snowed under, or suffered earthquake damage, A's
railroads would get more business.
trains could be re-routed over another standard
gauge railroad.
In 1871. there were no fewer than 23 gauges,
ranging from 3 feet up to 6 feet on the railroads of
In 1905, the American Railway Association adopted
the United States. Most all of the railroads south of
a “Standard Form for Detour Agreement” which
the Mason-Dixon line were a 5 foot gauge. The
railroads could sign to govern operations over each
South felt that it had to change gauge but delayed
other’s lines. Though modified over the years, this
action dreading the expense. There were 13,000
modest document, printed on both sides of a single
miles of main line track, 1,500 miles of sidings,
sheet of legal-size paper, continues to control most
1,800 locomotives and 40,000 cars to be
detour movements today. Under the Detour
converted. A staggering task. The Illinois Central
Agreement the railroad desiring to detour its trains
showed the way. On the evening of August 1, 1881,
(called the Foreign Company) notifies the railroad it
it threw a big force into action, by torchlight and
wants to use (the Home Company) why it needs to
changed the 600 miles of track south of Illinois by
detour, what part of the Home. Company’s lines it
noon the next day.
wants to use, how many trains it wants to detour,
“and such other information as may be required by
It was nearly four years before. the next conversion
the Home Company”. The Home Company has
was made when the Mobile & Ohio converted its
complete discretion to accept or refuse requested
472 miles of track on July 8, 1885. This conversion
detours. As a practical matter though, railroads
prompted the remaining southern railroads to
rarely refuse detour movements, because no
convert on the weekend starting on May 29, 1886.
carrier ever knows when it will need the favor
By now. the only non-standard railroads left were
returned.
narrow gauge railroads located in Colorado, Maine
and the East Broad Top in Pennsylvania.
When a detour is accepted, the Foreign Company
normally will operate trains over the Home
The remaining incentive to standardization arrived
Company with its own crews and using its own
when Congress passed the Railway Safety Act of
locomotives. However, the Detour Agreement
1893 requiring all railroads engaged in interstate
requires the Home Company to provide a pilot
commerce to use air brakes and automatic
(usually an engineer or conductor) for safety
couplers. Now the ability to interchange freight cars
reasons, because the Foreign Company’s crew will
really got underway. The building of belt railroads
not be familiar with the Home Company’s line or
around all big cities made the interchange of freight
signals. If the detour is a long one, covering several
cars a daily, profitable business. “What goes
crew districts, the Foreign Company may ask the
around, comes around”. In the old days, when a
Home Company to supply crews over the middle
new railroad wanted to lay its tracks across the
portion of the route. The Foreign Company may
tracks of a railroad already there, it frequently
also require additional locomotives from the Home
resulted in armed confrontation resulting in death
Company, usually when helper units or locomotives
and injury. Now the shoe was on the other foot and
with cab signals are required to get over the
crossings were welcomed as long as there were
railroad. (part two in the next HotBox!)
interchange tracks provided.
By 1905. the freight business of the railroads had
increased dramatically and the Railroad Kings
welcomed all other railroads freight cars on their
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the HotBox SPRING 2012
Division 6 member Don Watson, gave these lessons
nearly every month and they always entertained and
informed. After Don’s passing at the age of 90, his family
presented them to Div. 6 and the NCR.
HotBox PROTOTYPE PAGE
NCR INFORMATION
Big Transformer
Here is the big transformer we had to get by rail. It took over a
week to come from Cannonsburg, PA to Detroit. Transformer
is a 60000/80000/100000 KVA unit. Weight is 206,425 lbs.
Car capy is 378,200 lbs. The radiators and bushings were
shipped by truck. For us, (The Detroit Edison Co.), this is an
emergency spare unit. It is a 120KV to 24 KV configuration.
While we are calling this a big transformer I have installed
much bigger units at major sub-stations and power plants.
Transformer/car went from Conway yard to Bellevue, then to
Ft. Wayne, then was interchanged to the CSXT at Rougemere
Yard in Dearborn, MI. CSXT delivered the car to the Laramie
Crane & Trucking Yard located on the West Belt in Detroit,
MI. CSXT switches this line Tuesdays and Fridays. Since this
is an emergency spare unit it was trucked to the main Detroit
Edison storehouse at Livernois and Warren Ave in Detroit. If
this was a smaller unit it would come by truck in two days.
Ken Borg, Jan 2012
Here is where top of hold down rod connects to transformer. Holes were cut into the car with a torch for the
steel rods that go to the top of transformer. That is one of four lifting ears. To the right of the nuts is a place
to put in the handrail stanchion for when we work on top of unit. Gauge is main body oil level gauge. Also
here are a few shots of the steel welded to the car so transformer does
not move. All of the rusty steel will be cut off by our welder.
The eyebolts belong to the car.
SPRING 2012
the HotBox 19
NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS
NCR INFORMATION
Division Ten (Flint and Saginaw area)
Division 10 was back after the holidays in January with an update on what members are busy with. About eight
of us came out on a cold night. Member Ken Johnson showed photos of his staging yards and work being
done on the helix between levels. Division Super showed some vehicles that were a recent detail project. The
usual lively discussions and a DVD made for an enjoyable meeting. (submitted by Don Harbin, Superintendent)
Division Nine (Ann Arbor area)
Division 9 is inactive again. We had low membership, low interest and low meeting turnouts. After new
elections of officers failed to turn-up any candidates, it was then voted on by those present to dis-band Div 9.
Members would be encouraged to join Div 6, which has meetings in Livonia, about the closest to us. Members
could also join Div 1 or Div 5, depending on their location. It has been a pleasure being part of Div 9 history
and the NCR. I will be around to help out on special projects and the NCR website. Thanks!
(submitted by: David Simmons, Superintendent)
Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair Counties)
Division 8 members and friends enjoyed the Division’s fall layout tour in October. Three layouts were featured
including: Brook Stover’s Buffalo Creek & Gauley in S scale, Rad Jones’ MIO System in N scale and Bill
Gawthrop’s Coal & Coke Railroad in HOI scale. Two interesting clinics were given in the quarter including:
“Layout Lighting Systems” by Marv Linke and “How I Picked My Model Railroad Theme and Name” by Larry
Wolohon. Model of the Quarter Winner for the Fourth Quarter 2011 was Dave Thornton for his O scale gondola
with load. Dave decorated the gon for the LE&S and weathered it. (submitted by Bill Gawthrop, Secretary)
Division Six (Wayne County, Detroit area)
At the printing of the last HotBox, our annual Fall Show had not yet happened. Well, we can now report
another successful event! With 120-140 in attendance, many Boy Scouts earning their Merit Badge, lots of
raffle prizes awards, modeling questions asked and answered – we did good! We also held our annual Model
Contest and expanded to include photos (I even won a couple). Div 6 continues with our monthly meetings,
where fun and information rules. Show & Tell subjects are chosen by trying to match-up the planned clinic for
the evening. Then Bill’s Tool Time and Larry’s Modeling Tips are always welcome, along with a History lesson
from Norm. See the TimeTable in this issue for our meeting time and place. ALSO- welcome to our Div 9
members who may now be attending and joining our Div 6 roster.
(submitted by Barry Hensel, Newsletter Editor)
Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area)
After hosting a successful Region Convention, Division 5 is getting back to its regular schedule. Decemberʼs
show and tell featured baggage and other headend cars. R.B.Trombley MMR, presented a clinic on the SP
Daylight trains and John Bussard hosted the layout tour. Januaryʼs show and tell was snowplows. Andy
Keeney was the scheduled clinician, but some scheduled surgery sidetracked him and John Bussard stepped
in with a variety of scenery subjects. Karl Scribner hosted us at his HO Kentucky Southern layout. February
was our annual make it with wood and take it clinic at Olivet College. Terry Davis guided us through making a
wooden bridge, followed by a visit to Doc Flemingʼs On3 Nehi RR. March and April meetings will feature stock
cars and facilities and cranes and derricks with clinics by Dan Lewis and Pete Maguoun MMR. Finally, the
monthly email Division 5 Journal continues to improve, usually running about 10 pages or so, in color and
featuring the show and tell models, the layout visit and other modeling and prototype photos and information. If
you’d like to be put on the list to receive a pdf copy, email the Division Clerk at [email protected].
(submitted by- Mark Cowles, Div. 5 Clerk)
Division Four (Grand Rapids and west Michigan area)
As July looms large on the horizon many Division 4 members are working hard to get ready for this years’
national, Grand Rails 2012. You can see the fruits of their labor at www.gr2012.org. Notice will be going out
soon for the election of officers for the division so any of you Div. 4 readers interested in becoming an officer
contact the Div. secretary, Tim Scott at [email protected] (submitted by-Skip Luyk, Superintendent)
…more Division News on page 26
20
the HotBox SPRING 2012
FREIGHT HOUSE METAL ROOF
by Joe Berger
NCR HOW-TO-DO
In an email, passed on by Chuck White, we find that Joe had acquired some scale 2x2 and found a great use
for them- New freight house Standing Seam Metal Roof....the new home of those 2x2's...
I thought you might appreciate where those 2x2’s you so graciously picked up for me when I ran out, ended
up. I had plenty in the one envelope to get the job done. Here’s the final roof.
The freight house is a DPM. The roof substrate is flat styrene sheet. I used Krazy glue to glue the 2x2’s on the
roof, and used a piece of brass shim stock to set the spacing and alignment. When all the verticals were in place,
I placed metal foil duct tape over them, and trimmed off the excess with a fresh razor blade. I applied it down the
length of the roof, so the seams between tape pieces ends up at the bottom of one of the batten strips, where I
trim off the excess right at the corner after it’s burnished down. Then I used a ‘big’ piece of stripwood about 1/4 x
3/8 to burnish the foil down into the crevices, and followed up with a pencil lead to stretch and push it into the
crevice of the battens. You have to go slow and steady on that step. If you go too fast, the metal will crack....but
keep going, just flatten it as much as you can. Finally, it cut a thin piece, folded it and applied it to the ridge.
After all that, you have a nice shiny roof. I used 91% Isopropyl and a stiff brush to try to get the oils off. Then I
took Acher (Radio Shack) Echant solution, and SLOWLY painted down the sheets with a long brush, repeatedly.
At first it blobs up, then it will start to stick, and finally it will eat away at the metal. After it looks really bad, I
washed the whole thing off with a LOT of water and a brush, dried it with a paper towel, and while it was still
damp, painted the sheets down with some dark rust weathering solution. Then I hit it with a hair dryer to dry it all
off. (I know, I know, I should have taken progress photos...). You know I had about 1/2 of the front (long) roof
done when I ran out of 2x2. I did the rest of the roofs and the finishing last night in about 2 hours – so it’s not a
real time-consuming process. Maybe it’s just me, but I think it looks pretty good for a ‘quick’ (compared with
shingling or tarpaper) roof! I really like the contrast between the still-shiny metal and the flat rusted or weathered
parts. I have been debating trying this as an overlay on a car roof..... Joe
SPRING 2012
the HotBox 21
NMRA NEWS & INFORMATION
The HotBox staff received this information after our
December publishing date. While it is a bit older, it
is still good news. Here's the end-of-the-year
NMRA news:
This year registration for Grand Rails 2012 will
be handled in a new way. Instead of the large
registration package inserted into NMRA Magazine,
the full package can be downloaded from
www.gr2012.org. Those who prefer a printed
piece can send their request, along with their name
and address to: GR 2012 Registrar, 4165 Costa
NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. There will also be a
registration form and ad appearing in an upcoming
issue of NMRA Magazine.
Speaking of the convention, even though Grand
Rails 2012 has over 200 clinic slots filled, they're
still looking for more. If one of your members is
interested in presenting, go to www.gr2012.org
and click on the clinic application page. In addition,
there's still some space left for modular layouts at
the National Train Show. If some of your members
would like to participate, have them visit the
convention's website and click on the "Contact us"
link and tell the Convention Committee what you'd
like to bring.
Cruise Convention news: Some of our
members think the NMRA "invented" the idea of a
cruise convention. The fact is, we're just catching
up! Hobby and professional groups have been
doing it for quite a while, so if your members are
interested in seeing the great time others are
having, check out these links:
Adobe Photoshop Cruise:
www.insightcruises.com/top_b/pf05_top.html
Harley Davidson Cruise:
https://www.highseasrally.com/
American Medical Association Cruise:
www.continuingeducation.net/pastprograms.php
Scrapbooking Cruise:
http://www.cruiseandcrop.com/SB_Cruise.htm
Genealogy Cruise:
http://www.whollygenes.com/Merchant2/merch
ant.mvc?screen=CRUISE
NCR INFORMATION
NMRA ELECTIONS ARE COMING UP SOON.
The official ballot was prepared by the National
Nominating Committee according to the procedures
laid out in the Regulations and the Executive
Handbook (available at www.nmra.org). It will
appear as an insert in the center of the February
issue of NMRA Magazine, which will be mailed to
all voting members. Ballots must be returned to
NMRA headquarters, "Attention Ballot Committee,"
and must be postmarked by April 10, 2012 and
received by April 15, 2012.
Here are the job titles and candidates as they
appear on the ballot.
President:
Charles W. Getz, IV, HLM
Vice President - Administration:
Howard Goodwin
Clark Kooning, MMR
Dave Thornton
Vice President - Special Projects:
Bill Kaufman
James "Lump" Lupfer
At-Large North American Director
Mike Brestel
Miles Hale, MMR
Eastern District Director
John Roberts, MMR, HLM
Pacific District Director
Mike Bartlett
Kelly Loyd
Rob Peterson
If you have any questions or comments about any
of the above, please send them directly to
a Director or Officer. You'll find those addresses at
www.nmra.org or in NMRA Magazine.
And if you're changing email addresses, please let
me know at this email address:
[email protected]
Have a happy holiday season!
Gerry Leone, MMR
NMRA Communications Director
NMRA-NCR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM
NCR INFORMATION
We did not have any NCR members receive awards since the last issue of the HotBox. However, we have
quite a list of pending awards! Once these are awarded, we will report on them here!
AP QUESTIONS: If you have questions about the AP program or requirements, start with your local or Region
AP manager, Larry Wolohon MMR. If you still have questions, contact Frank Koch at [email protected]
or write Frank at 4769 Silverwood Drive, Batavia, OH 45103.
22
the HotBox SPRING 2012
HOBBY SHOP & BUSINESS CORNER
29026 Warren Rd
734-422-4464
Westland, MI 48185
OTHER HOBBY SHOPS in the NCRGreat Lakes Hobby, Uitca, MI
Rainy Day Hobbies, Ferndale, MI
First Place Hobbies, Bluffton, IN
Phil's Hobby Shop, Fort Wayne, IN
The Gladieux Train Depot, Oregon, OH
Jackie’s Trains & Gifts, Erie, MI
Whistle Stop Hobby, St Clair Shores, MI
Whistle Stop Hobbies, Harbor Springs, MI
Rider’s Hobby, Grand Rapids, MI
Rider’s Hobby, Flint, MI
Rider’s Hobby, Ann Arbor, MI
West Point Hobby, Redford, MI
Please visit your local hobby shop!
YOUR BUSINESS ad could be here!!
Low cost – lots of exposure!!
SPRING 2012
the HotBox 23
NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS!
NCR INFORMATION
NOTE- Events listed have been compiled from listings on www.trains.com, website for Model Railroader
magazine. If you have an event you want listed, it’s FREE, but information must be submitted to the Editor at
least 60 days in advance of our publication dates!
Saturday, March 3- Toy Train / Collectible Show, Train Show and Sale
Ken Frecker Arena 620 West Lincoln Hwy New Haven, IN 46774
11am to 3pm $4.00 adults and children 12 and under free
All Gauge :G-gauge thru N-gauge Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Information- Mike or Diana Bauman 260-692-2445 or 260-692-2446
Sunday, March 4 - Gratiot Valley Train Show & Sale Presented by Macomb Gratiot Valley Model
Engineers, Inc. Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center 14500 E 12 Mile Rd Warren, MI 48088
10am – 4pm
Admission $6 - Children 12 & under FREE Discount Coupon at www.gvrr.org
MACOMB COUNTY'S LARGEST ONE DAY TRAIN SHOW & SALE Over 400 Dealer Tables; Door Prizes;
Lots of Operating Layouts; Free Kids Raffle; Food & Refreshments Available; Free "How-To" Modeling Clinics;
Free Parking; Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Information- Show Flyer, Dealer Information Package and Table Application available on our website,
or call 586-468-4877.
Website: http://www.gvrr.org
Sunday, March 11; Sunday, April 15 – T.T.O.S. Wolverine Division Toy Train Show
United Food & Commercial Workers Hall 876 Horace Brown Drive Madison Heights, MI 48071
10am to 2pm
$3.00 per person
Food & Refreshments available
Contact Information- Bob Burgee 586-662-0225
Sunday, March 11 - Ray Nikolai’s Railroad Memorabilia & Model Train Show
Taylor Town Trade Center 22525 Ecorse Road Taylor, MI 48180
10:30am to 3:30pm $4.00 per person- Children under 12 Free Family $6, Early Bird $10
Presented by Bluewater NRHS and Society of N-Scalers Model RR Club
Operating Layouts; Railroad Collectibles; Art; Toy and Model Trains; Clinics ; Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Information- John Moore 248-541-1000 [email protected] or Wayne Burling 734-377-0696
[email protected] Website- http://www.societynscalers.com/trainshow/showpage.html
Sunday, March 11, - Greater Toledo Train & Toy Show
Premier Complex (former Gladieux Meadows) 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614
11am to 4pm "Early Birds" 9am to 4pm
$6.00 "Early Birds": $8.00 Children 12 & under FREE
Toledo's largest and only train and toy show! Exhibitors/vendors representing all gauges and manufacturers of
trains and collectible toys! Train parts, troubleshooting and appraisals on site! Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Information- Randy Ramsey [email protected] 419-389-0753/cell 419-215-4181
Website: http://toymasters.org
Saturday-Sunday, March 17-18, April 21-22, May 19-20
BMRC Open House
Blissfield Model Railroad Club 115 E. Adrian St (US 223) Blissfield, Midwest, MI 49228
11am to 4pm
Free, but donations are accepted
View several model trains running over 1,500 feet of track through miniature towns, coal yard, rivers,
mountains, and tunnels. The layout is based in part on the Chesapeake & Ohio and Clinchfield RR of Kentucky
and West Virginia. No Strollers please
Contact Information- 517-486-2223
Website: http://www.blissfieldmrc.org
Sunday, March 25 - 32nd Annual Mid-Michigan Model Train Show
Finch Fieldhouse Campus of Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
11am to 4pm
Adults: $4 Kids under 10: Free
Contact Information- Betty Lewis 989-386-6987
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the HotBox SPRING 2012
NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS!
NCR INFORMATION
Sunday, March 18 - Trainorama Extra 2011
Presented by the Redford Model Railroad Club
Costick Community Center 28600 11 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI
10am-4pm $5 per person, children under 12 free with paid adult
Operating layouts, railfan films, model railroad and rail memorabilia show and sale.
Contact Info- Pierre Willermet c/o Redford Model RR Club PO Box 40225 Redford, MI 48240
email- Pierre@hbc or call 734-953-2546
Sunday, March 25 - Flag City Train Show
Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc. 11600 County Rd. 99 @ I-75 Exit #161 Findlay, OH 45840
10am to 4pm $3.00 Free for children 12 & younger, with paid adult
Our 9th annual show features model trains, toy trains, and railroad memorabilia. Operating HO and Lionel train
layouts, as well as static displays of a full-scale motorcar and antique Erector sets. Enjoy a quarter-scale livesteam train ride, the only one of its kind in northwest Ohio, for an additional $2.00 adults, $1 children. The train
ride will stop at our 1920s era B&O caboose for an inside tour. Food and beverages available. Parking is free.
Building is handicapped accessible.
Contact Information- Mary Russell Cell 419-721-1175 [email protected]
Website: http://www.nworrp.org
Sunday, April 29 – Monroe Model Train Show
MBT Expo Center 3775 Custer Rd. (M-50) Monroe, MI 48161
11am to 4pm $6.00 for adults. Children 12 and under Free with an adult. FREE PARKING
This Train Show has something for everyone. The show features over 200 tables of merchandise including
new and used model train items from Z to O scale, as well as Rail Road memorabiia. Several operating
displays will there as well as a Kiddy Land featuring Riding Thomas trains and other toys for the younger
generation to have fun with. This is a real Family Train Event. Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Information- Al or Yvonne Mitchell PO Box 1259 Adrian, MI 49221 517-264-5705
Website: [email protected]
Sunday, April 29, 2012 - Firelands Model Train & Toy Show
Erie county fair grounds 3110 Columbus Ave. Sandusky, OH 44870
10am - 4pm Adults 18 and up. $5.00 Under 18 FREE!!!!
All scales, running layouts, toys, antique toys, collectables, parts, videos, books, pictures, etc., Ample FREE
parking, Food and drink Available Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Information- FSOMR 7622 Main St. Box 11 Flat Rock, Ohio or call Rick at 419-318-0980
Website- http://www.fsomr.com
MAY – NOVEMBER 2012 Saginaw Railway Museum - Saginaw Valley Railroad Historical Society
900 Maple St. PO Box 20454 Saginaw, MI 48602
989-790-7994
Open the First and Third Saturday of each month from 1pm-4pm. Closed holidays. Opening day is MAY 5th.
We will be having Railroad Safety Days again this year and we will be celebrating our 30th anniversary this
year!!! Details coming soon on both! Website- www.saginawrailwaymuseum.org
Sunday-Saturday, July 29 – August 4, 2012 – GRAND RAILS 2012 77th NMRA National Convention
Hosted by- The Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society
Located at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan
All the details are available on the website- www.gr2012.org
Sunday-Saturday, August 3-4, 2012 – GRAND RAILS 2012 National Train Show
Hosted by- The Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society
Located at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and the Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan
All the details are available on the website- www.gr2012.org
Event listings are FREE!! email us your event information 60 days before our publication dates!
SPRING 2012
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NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS
NCR INFORMATION
…continued from page 20…
Division One (Toledo, Ohio area)
Division One is steaming right along. Average meeting attendance is around 30 people, or about 35% of the
total membership on record. We have taken in 2 new NMRA members so far this year. Programs have focused
on “how to” this year, with clinics on how to scratch build and kit bash, how to build a home-made tree foiliator,
and how to build a home-made static grass applicator. A convention preplanning committee is working on the
format for the 2014 regional convention and investigating available venues. Their work, hopefully, should be
complete by summer, with a format, venue, and dates locked in. Then the real work will begin.
(submitted by- Fred Lux, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 1)
Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area)
Division 3 is shifting away from monthly meetings. Instead specific activities will be held as they come up and
meeting dates, times and locations will be announced in the Div3 Dispatcher newsletter. The next activity will
be a meeting the day of the Maumee Valley RR Club swap meet, and will be held in a meeting room in the
same building as the swap. The meeting date is February 25, 2012. The tentative meeting time is 1 PM. The
swap and meeting will be at Coliseum Bingo, 911 West Washington Center Rd., Fort Wayne. The meeting is
being hosted by Chuck White and Mark Wilson. Come to the swap meet, grab a hot dog at the concession
stand, and join us for the meeting! The next activity will be a layout tour. Date and time is yet to be established.
The Div3 Dispatcher is changing from monthly to every other month publication. It is available at the Div3
website, http://www.hoosierdiv3nmra.org/(submitted by- Dick Moessner, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 3)
NCR HotBox PIKE ADS
NOTICE- the HotBox Staff will be contacting
many Pike Ad owners very soon, to renew
your Pike Ad. YES, it’s been 3 years already,
since the first ads were started again. Please
renew your ad when contacted. THANKS!
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SPRING 2012
NCR HotBox PIKE ADS
South Oakland County
Model Railroad Club
Hazel Park, MI
Meets Tues & Fri at 7:30pm
New Members Welcome
Call Ron McCreight
248-879-0956
www.socmrrc.org
SPRING 2012
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Permit Holder:
National Model Railroad Association
The North Central Region,
c/o Uwe Thormaehlen
48266 Pheasant St.
New Baltimore, MI 48047
in the next issue of THE
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LIVONIA, MI
Permit No. 1230
HotBox –
MORE LAYOUT PHOTOS
MORE HOW-TO-DO ARTICLES
MORE INFORMATION
.... stay tuned!
NCR ELECTION RESULTS