Quick recap
The meeting began with introductions and discussions about model train layouts before focusing on website updates and new NMRA branding guidelines. The group reviewed logo requirements and discussed regional branding considerations, while also addressing membership trends and strategies for attracting new members. The conversation ended with presentations on railroading operations and modeling techniques, including discussions about interchange operations, freight facilities, and safety considerations.
Action Items
- Jens Hensel: Send survey to all members later today
- TJ Stratton: Confirm clinic schedule, particularly May open house date
- Reach out to Kalkaska High School electronics class next week about Division 2 and potential student involvement
- Bill Horning and Ernie Berry: Determine availability for open house in April or May, most likely May given conflicts with other NCR events in April.
- TJ Stratton: Follow up with Dave Capron for clinic commitment in April or May
- Paul Anderson: Implement website rebranding changes by January 1st deadline
- Division leadership: Make decision on logo and color scheme by end of December meeting
- Paul Anderson: Negotiate with Dave about reimbursement for $79 PDF plugin expense
- Paul Anderson: Send graphic standards presentation to Marshall and Barry for NCR coordination
- Paul Anderson: Post meeting resources and video clips to website within next couple of days
- Keith Aleo: Provide October enrollment numbers for review
Railroad Hobbies and Region Updates
The meeting began with introductions, welcoming Rich Mahoney, the President of the North Central Region, who is in his final year and will be succeeded by a new director. Several members discussed their model train layouts, including various railroads and scales, and shared personal experiences related to railroads and hobbies.
NMRA Website and Branding Updates
The group discussed upcoming website updates and changes to accommodate the new NMRA branding. Paul, the assistant superintendent and webmaster, demonstrated new features on the website, including searchable old PDF newsletters and video extracts for meetings. He also explained upcoming website posts for meetings and clinics. The group discussed the new NMRA logo and graphic standards that will impact their branding. Paul mentioned that resources from the meeting would be available on the website in the coming days.
The team reviewed new branding guidelines for their logo, which includes specific color combinations and spacing requirements. They discussed how the logo will be combined with regional names, with the option to use one or two logos on a page instead of three. The team was informed that the new branding needs to be deployed on the website by January 1st, and they noted that the current logo may not work well with the new guidelines due to space constraints. They also discussed the possibility of creating a new logo that better fits the new branding requirements, but the group likes the current logo and would like to retain it if possible.
Here’s a video of this portion of the meeting:
Revitalizing NMRA for Modern Hobbyists
The group discussed the current state of the model train hobby and the NMRA’s relevance in the modern era. Participants noted that while the hobby is healthy and manufacturers are thriving, few attendees at trade shows are NMRA members. The group agreed to focus on attracting new members by reaching out to younger audiences and showcasing the benefits of NMRA membership. They also discussed plans for an upcoming open house event, deciding to make it a two-day event (Saturday and Sunday) rather than three days, with specific invitations to certain groups for Saturday.
NCR Review and Convention Planning
The meeting discussed several key topics, including the status of the NCR committee’s review of Gordy’s written recommendations, which was progressing positively with a four-person committee examining the issues. The group explored future directions for conventions, considering changes to format and pricing structures, with a focus on reducing costs and making events more accessible. There was also discussion about the AP program’s progress, with Pete reporting that he was waiting on the magazine editor to publish information from the chief medical officer. The conversation ended with a reminder about keeping records of OP sessions for future reference.
Convention Success and Leadership Planning
The meeting covered several topics, including the success of the recent convention. The Rich Mahaney, NCR President, discussed financial matters, including excess revenues from the convention and potential donations to divisions. They also addressed the need for new leadership positions and the process for nominations. The group discussed upcoming conventions and events, including one in Toledo. The president mentioned the importance of promoting Division 2 and collecting names for the newsletter mailing list.
Clinic – Five Busy Locations on Your Model Railroad
Rich Mahaney, current NCR president, gave a clinic on five different features for model railroads that are usually busy and can create a lot of operations activity and interest.
There is a dedicated page for this clinic, with video, in the Clinics archive.
Show and Tell
Several members presented show-and-tell items, including undecorated model train cars, a 3D-printed toolbox, and an O-scale interurban car.
Quest for Undecorated Cars
TJ Stratton gave a quick talk on obtaining undecorated cars now that most manufacturers no longer make them.
3D Printed Tool Chest
Kevin Predmore showed off (and provided samples for attendees, thank you) a 3D printed tool chest that he printed at home. Here’s some video of a painted version of the tool chest.
Narrow Gauge Contest Results
Ernie Barry gave a quick report on our fellow member David Zolnierek’s awards in a model contest in the narrow gauge show down in Illinois. Watch the video to hear Ernie report the results.
Here is a video of the National Narrow Gauge Convention summary that has pictures and awards for the contest models. Dave Zolnierek’s efforts were awarded between minute markers 7:20 and 8:25.
Trolley Model
Mark Albert showed off one of his favorite trolley cars, which he recently found at a show in O Scale.
Using Paper for Brick
John Campbell showed off two products with printed brick texture on paper. Ernie mentioned that he used this same product for the brick platform at his Raton station.
Closing
The meeting ended with a reminder about the upcoming December 20th meeting, which will feature a presentation by Doug Tagsold on his terminal project.