Quick recap
The meeting began with administrative matters including introductions, financial updates, and discussions about membership and publications. The main focus was on a detailed presentation about building model train car kits, including tools, materials, and assembly techniques, with T.J. Stratton providing comprehensive instructions and sharing his personal collection. The conversation ended with various discussions about maintenance, career experiences, and upcoming presentations, while also touching on the value of preserving and repairing older items in today’s society.
Action Items
- TJ to obtain and distribute the Resin Car Works gondola kits to members who signed up.
- TJ to create an email group for everyone involved in the resin car project to facilitate communication.
- TJ to complete building his demonstration resin car and update the PowerPoint presentation.
- TJ to provide the Kadee part number information to members for the tapping tools.
- Jens to post the resin car PowerPoint presentation on the division website.
- TJ to organize a follow-up session where members can bring their completed resin cars.
- Al to follow up with the member whose email bounced back.
- TJ and Jens to attend the NCR Board meeting on November 1st in the Lansing area.
- Pete to continue following up on John’s article submission with Cynthia for publication
Club Updates and Financial Overview
The meeting began with introductions and a discussion about free modeling supplies available for members. Two guests joined online: Alta (Keith) and Bill McCary. Updates were provided on the Yardminster, with TJ reporting that most clinics for the year are covered. David shared the club’s financial status, noting a total balance of $2,298.79. Al mentioned sending a letter to a lifetime member who has been unresponsive, possibly due to personal circumstances.
NCR Board Meeting Updates
The attendees discussed the upcoming meeting in Lansing and the surplus funds from the national convention, proposing to offer a 50% discount for new members. Pete reported on the status of the Achievement Program, awaiting an article from Cynthia for publication. The group also discussed the need for content for various publications and considered hosting a party once the certificate is received. Finally, they addressed the sale of leftover model train supplies from a closed store, with plans to contact Bob about potential sales and hours of operation.
Resin Car Clinic
TJ Stratton presented a clinic on building a resin railroad car, explaining that while the kits were not yet ready due to the manufacturer’s shortage, he had secured new orders and expected them to arrive within a month. He gave a PowerPoint presentation on building the kits and encouraged participants to reach out with questions. The clinic will proceed as planned, with TJ offering to share his progress and additional materials via email.
There is a separate post for this clinic, with the presenter’s slide presentation and video, in the clinics archive.
Preserving Value in a Throwaway Society
The meeting included a discussion about various topics, including a personal story about a flight experience with Iceman, reflections on career transitions, and the challenges of maintaining and repairing older items like a dryer. There was also a conversation about model railroads, their construction, and the satisfaction of working on them. The group discussed the durability of items in a “throwaway society” and the value of preserving and repairing older objects. The conversation ended with a reminder about a show-and-tell session scheduled for 11:25.
Resin Car Collection Show-n-Tell
Ernie Barry shared details about his collection of resin car kits from Sunshine Models, which he uses for his Santa Fe-themed layout. He explained the process of building and weathering the models, as well as the challenges of adding marker lights to the cabooses. The group also discussed the benefits of building kits compared to buying pre-assembled models.
Odds and Ends
The conversation ended with an announcement that Rich Mahaney will be presenting on November 15th.