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Re: Fast Tracks 3-Way Fixture
Dan: ?Try a kit-bash. ?I used Micro Engineering L-R Code 70 number 4’s. ?Took lots of selective tie and rail cutting, and filing for the third frog, but looks great and has been in faultless service for 30+ years. ?Bob Olds ?Hope what seems to be a really big photo comes out OK
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Jan Wescott (1940-2020)
With great sadness I convey the passing of Jan Wescott. Jan and I met in the late 90's when I hosted meets here in the valley, Jan and Bob her husband wanted to see the division flourish so they asked what they could do to help. We started talking and came up with some many ideas to help the division. When I was putting on the PSR convention for 2001 Jan and I teamed up to host the convention, little did we know what was about to happen that week. Jan and I formed a great friendship then and after the convention, having her over for Thanksgiving dinner before she moved east was a real treat for her and myself. We kept in touch and had communication over the years and just two months ago we talked about old times and what we both were doing this year. I was looking forward to an email exchange during this Holiday season to "catch up" but it did not happen. I will miss you my friend. Ed Hall +++++ Here is what was in the NMRA E-Bulletin: In Memoriam Jan Wescott (1940-2020) Jan Wescott, one of the driving forces in the NMRA during the decade of the 2000s, passed away on Christmas Day, 2020.? Her 80th birthday was less than a week away. Wescott had spent her career in human resources at a leading hotel chain and thus had a keen interest in what made people tick.? She became interested in the NMRA in the 1990s when her husband Robert built a model railroad in their Las Vegas home. Wescott was soon hosting Cajon Division meets at her house, and brought new life and energy to the Division by instituting a myriad of activities. Her energy and enthusiasm didn't go unnoticed by NMRA National, and in the early 2000s the late John Roberts, then NMRA president, appointed her chair of the NMRA's Education Department.? In 2005 she was made chair of the Membership Services and Promotion Department (MSP) where she developed several new programs, including membership contests and the first NMRA news eblasts, which were sent to Region Presidents and Division Superintendents.? She received an Honorary Life Membership in 2009, and when the MSP Department was divided and absorbed by other departments in 2010, Wescott retired from service to the NMRA. After her husband Robert's death, Wescott moved first to Tennessee and then to rural Alabama. |
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San Diego Division Virtual Meet (Jan. 9)
San Diego Division Virtual Meet (Jan. 9) San Diego Division/Pacific Southwest Region/NMRA Virtual Meet Saturday, January 9, 2021 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST) via Zoom DIRECT ALL QUESTION TO THE SAN DIEGO DIVISION AT THE E-MAIL ADDRESS BELOW ? SCHEDULE ? SHOW & TELL Have a modeling project you have been working on that you would like to share? Take some photos and place them in a short PowerPoint. We would like three or four volunteers, for a three to five minute segment each. ? To show off your modeling project at the upcoming meet, let us know in your RSVP you want to share. You will be invited to practice your share on Zoom ahead of time. ? LAYOUT TOUR Our Layout Tour this month will be the Coyote Pass & Northern RR which is a freelance HO RR by Dick Trotter of Lakeside, CA.? It features 4 train routes based loosely in the Southwest with towns like Tucson, Yuma, and Santa Fe, but not necessarily connected to any major lines like the SF or UP. It centers around a two level mostly visible staging peninsula. Dick and his crew operate regularly, providing action for 5-6 operators.? The RR has many well-integrated kit-bashed and scratch-built structures. This is a visually striking and highly functional railroad designed for switching operations. See the SD Division website for more details. You will not want to miss this tour! ? CLINIC Electronics Part II, by Tim Foote. This clinic is packed with lots of good information for those who are new to electronics and people who would like a refresher course. Topics will include how Digital Command Control works, DCC Decoders, amp draw stall test on an engine motor, using a multimeter to troubleshoot your layout, and tips on soldering. ? Please RSVP by Thursday, January 7: Send your name, email address, and city &/or NMRA division to: publicity@... [publicity AT sandiegodivision.org] Please put SD Virtual Meet in the subject line. Indicate in your message if you would like to participate in Show & Tell. Zoom link and password will be sent by Friday January 8. Please do NOT forward the pass code to others. We are also planning to Livestream the event on YouTube. |
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Night Photoshoot: Southern California Railway Museum (Jan. 23)
Night Photoshoot: Southern California Railway Museum (Jan. 23) Information courtesy of Diane Boss. Please contact the Museum with your questions. Bob Chaparro Hemet ++++ Saturday, January 23 at 5:00 PM PST to 9:00 PM PST Southern California Railway Museum (Formerly the Orange Empire Railway Museum) Tickets: Participate in a unique night photoshoot experience - whether you are a rail fan, photographer, or just love Southern California Railway Museum, this is something you won't want to miss! On January 23, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., SCRM is opening its doors after-hours for a unique Night Photoshoot experience. Space is limited to twenty-five photographers, and reservations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. This photoshoot will use Open Flash Photography to capture two classic train engines in a magical way, our Santa Fe 108 and Union Pacific 942. Lighting provided by Steve Crise. All skill levels are welcome, and the experience will walk you through step-by-step on how to capture some stunning images. Capacity is limited to ensure we create a unique experience for all involved, so reserved your spot fast! The fee for members is $80, and for non-members $100. Reservations are required and can be made on the website. Visit: for information and to reserve your spot. If you would rather have your photo taken than take photos, we will also be hosting a Mini Photoshoot on Broadway. This shoot will feature one of our iconic LARy Trolley Cars. Sessions are reserved in 20-minute increments. Again, capacity is limited to ensure a positive experience - details coming |
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San Diego Division Virtual Meet (Dec.12)
San Diego Division Virtual Meet (Dec.12) Information from the San Diego Division/Pacific Southwest Region/NMRA Bob Chaparro Moderator Model Railroads of Southern California ++++ Virtual Meet via Zoom Saturday, December 12, 2020 1:00 pm Pacific Standard Time (PST) ? SCHEDULE Show & Tell Holiday Modeling Contest. Since we can’t get together to celebrate the holidays with a shared meal and reindeer games, as we have in the past, this year we will host a Holiday Modeling Contest.? Here are some ideas to get you thinking. - Create & photograph a winter scene - Create & photograph a holiday train - Recreate & photograph a scene from your favorite holiday train greeting card It doesn’t have to be one of these subjects, but you get the idea.? We will award prizes by popular vote of those in attendance.? The winners will receive their prize in the mail following the event. Make something fun during the quarantine for a chance to win a nice prize! To show off your Holiday Model at the upcoming meet, let us know in your RSVP you want to enter the contest. ? DAN LEWIS MMR LAYOUT TOUR The December virtual layout tour will feature Dan Lewis’ N-scale layout which follows the prototype of the North Montana Line of the Milwaukee Road in central Montana in the fall, 1953. The basement layout is 18x25’ and not only depicts the actual RR, but operations are a regular part of a round robin group of modelers in the North Central Region, of the NMRA (north of Detroit). Dan is probably the most prolific N scale author in the hobby, with over 100 articles in the model press. ? CLINIC The layout tour will be followed by Dan’s clinic, entitled “Just Roofs,” which will feature different roofing styles, materials, modeling, and finishing effects (useful in all scales). Dan’s work was most recently published in Model Railroader magazine (June 2020), Railroad Model Craftsman (August 2020), NMRA Magazine (October 2020) and the new NMRA Calendar (2021). A few years back, one of his photographs was deemed among the 10 best photographs in Model Railroader Magazine history. ? Please RSVP by Thursday, December 10: Send your name, email address, and city &/or NMRA division to: publicity@... [publicity At sandiegodivision DOT org] Please put SD Virtual Meet in the subject line. Indicate in your message if you would like to participate in the Holiday Modeling Contest. Zoom link and password will be sent by Friday December 11. Please do NOT forward the pass code to others. We are also planning to Livestream the event on YouTube. |
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URGENT: PCR 2021 Convention Needs Your Registration!
URGENT: PCR 2021 Convention Needs Your Registration! From the Pacific Coast Region/NMRA: Yellow signal ahead! Registrations for PCR's 2021 convention are well below normal levels. We need your registration today to avoid canceling the convention. Please click here to visit the convention registration page today and register: If the convention is canceled due to county health orders, a 100% refund of registration fees is assured. (Everyone who registered for 2020 and requested a refund has received one.) But we have to have you registered and booked for 2021 to avoid cancellation for "lack of interest." PCR's deadline for decision on this basis is SOON. Please support PCR and register today--even if you're still thinking about whether to attend. Thank you! |
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Ken Kirkwood's Diorama Featured In Model Railroader
Ken Kirkwood's Diorama Featured In Model Railroader Once again local model railroader Ken Kirkwood of Yucaipa has a scene from his 1930s era Ma & Pa K Railway diorama featured in?Model Railroader?in the Trackside Photos Section (October 2020, Page 64). Ken also had photos in the Trackside Photos Section in June 2018, January 2017 and November 2009. There may have been one other as well. And, a photo from Ken's layout won grand prize in Walther's Cornerstone Modular Modeling Contest a few years back. Nice work, Ken. Bob Chaparro Hemet, CA |
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San Diego Division Virtual Meet - July 11
San Diego Division Virtual Meet - July 11 Information from Ryan Di Fede, Superintendent, San Diego Division, PSR-NMRA. Note that the meet will remain posted on YouTube. Bob Chaparro Hemet, CA ++++ San Diego Division’s July 2020 Virtual Meet When: Saturday, July 11 Time: 1:00 PM YouTube Live Stream (will remain posted after the meet) SCHEDULE “SHOTGUN TOM” KELLY’s HO Model Railroad This month’s tour will feature Los Angeles and San Diego radio personality, Shotgun Tom Kelly and his HO model railroad. Shotgun Tom's layout was masterfully crafted by Lloyd’s Layouts in Paramount, CA. The tour will begin with a short video professionally created by producer Jhani Kaye followed by a live look at the layout narrated by Shotgun Tom himself. His father was an engineer for the ATSF and the layout features several of the engines that he regularly operated. There are also many scenic elements that feature Shotgun Tom’s career in broadcasting. This beautiful layout can be electrically lowered from the ceiling onto the pool table that it rests on. You won’t want to miss this awesome model railroad. Weathering Clinic, by Pete Steinmetz Weathering is something many modelers are good at and others feel intimidated.? This clinic will teach some easy methods to achieve realistic weathering.? There will also be ideas for the more advanced modeler. Pete plans on weathering a freight car, but the techniques can be applied to locos and structures. He will use Pan Pastels, Ammo of Mig and AK Pigments, Tamiya Washes, and AK Weathering Pencils. He will show how to fade paint, apply rust, teach how to use washes and pigments. Weathering with an airbrush will be discussed but not demonstrated. He will try to use materials that are available locally. There will be a list of materials used and sources. Everybody will leave the clinic knowing more than when they entered, guaranteed. This is a popular clinic that Pete has given over the years, but each presentation is a little is different as new materials become available and techniques improve. ? |
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Los Angeles Area Prototype Modelers Meet - Bellflower (October 3)
Los Angeles Area Prototype Modelers Meet - Bellflower (October 3) Information from Jeff Smith... "The Next LAAPM meet is still scheduled for Saturday Oct 3, 2020. Same location* same time as last year. We are working with the church location, and hope that with this COVID-19 stuff that we will be 100% to do the meet." * Encounter Christian Church 10012 Ramona Street Bell?ower, CA Facebook: Bob Chaparro Hemet, CA |
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PCR Introduces Buddy Program
Just passing this on. Bob Chaparro ++++ PCR Introduces Buddy Program PCR officers Frank Markovich MMR and Chris Palermo, and new member Larry Osorio, recently met online to define a Buddy Program for PCR. Newer to NMRA or PCR, or need better connection to other members or programs, or just have questions? We'd like to connect you to someone who can answer or assist. For full details, read the Buddy Program description here (138 Kb PDF). |
Bob Chaparro