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Z Scale Layout On Long Beach-South Bay (CA) Layout Tour ¨C May 18
Model Railroads of Southern California's thirty-eighth layout tour takes place on Saturday, May 18. Lindley Ruddick's modular Z scale layout in Rancho Palos Verdes will be on this tour.
This will be a self-guided tour of eleven layouts at ten locations in the Long Beach-South Bay area. Altogether there will be five HO scale layouts, one N scale, one S scale, one O scale, one Z scale and two garden railroads. The S scale club layout has both standard gauge and Sn3 operations and one HO layout, also a club, has both standard gauge and HOn3 operations. The Los Angeles Division/PSR/NMRA will be operating a "Hospitality Tent" at one layout location, offering free coffee and sweets. And for you bargain hunters, the Belmont Shore Lines and Angels Gate Hi-Railers clubs also will have a swap meet from 8:00 to 12:00. This is a free event and you may bring relatives and friends. The basic information for this tour is displayed below. If you would like layout descriptions and a tour map showing the general locations of all layouts, please e-mail me OFF LIST at: chiefbobbb@... Lastly, one of the model railroad hobby shops in the tour area is offering a store-wide ten percent-off coupon to members of Model Railroads of Southern California only. This coupon is available in the group's files section. If you join the group you will have access to the coupon. Persons taking this tour assume all risks and liability for their personal safety. Although I am the Moderator of Model Railroads of Southern California, I am not responsible for personal loss or injury to persons taking this tour. If you cannot make this tour more tours are scheduled including: ? All Southern Calif. ¨C September 1 ? Central Coast Railroad Festival ¨C October 10-14 ? Banning Train Festival ¨C October 19 & 20 Layout tours for 2014 are now being considered and a 2014 tour has been scheduled as an official event of the PCR/NMRA Convention in San Luis Obispo, CA. Bob Chaparro Moderator Model Railroads of Southern California +++++ Model Railroads of Southern California Layout Tour No. 38 Saturday, May 18, 2013 Angels Gate Hi-Railers (O) Belmont Shore MRC (N) 10:00 to 4:00 3601 South Gaffey Street San Pedro (Angels Gate Park) Mary Barstow (G, HO) 10:00 to 4:00 6930 Clovercliff Drive Rancho Palos Verdes Inland Terminal Model RR Club (S, Sn3) 10:00 to 3:00 4734 West 152nd Street Lawndale Steve Kin (HO) 11:00 to 4:00 4923 Verdura Avenue Lakewood Los Angeles Model Railroad Soc. (HO/HOn3) 10:00 to 4:00 14005 South Crenshaw Boulevard Hawthorne John Polen (G) 10:00 to 4:00 5365 Middlecrest Road Rancho Palos Verdes Lindley Ruddick (Z) 10:00 to 2:00 28042 Acana Road Rancho Palos Verdes Jeff Smith (HO) 9:00 to 3:00 6143 Adenmoor Avenue Lakewood Ron Varnell (HO) 8:00 to 7:00 2741 Plaza Del Amo Suite 211 Torrance Hospitality Tent Open At This Location 8:00 to 11:00 Persons taking this tour assume all risks and liability for their personal safety personal safety. |
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Home Layouts Needed For Banning, CA, Train Festival (October)
This is the first call for layouts for the Banning Centennial Train Festival on October 19th and 20th.
The Festival will feature railroad history and artifact exhibits, children's train rides, displays of current railroad and transit operations, model railroad presentations, hobby clinics, modular model railroads, a model train and railroad collectible/antique swap meet and exhibitor booths for historical, hobby and community groups. We're looking for operating layouts in any scale in the area in and around Banning, including Beaumont, Calimesa, Cherry Valley, Redlands and Yucaipa. The public generally is not familiar with Z scale so here is an opportunity to spread the word. Owners may elect to be open either or both days. As always, this will be a free, self-guided model railroad tour sponsored by my Yahoo group, Model Railroads of Southern California. The tours are designed to promote the hobby and allow layout owners to showcase their work. All owners need to do is operate their trains. I will do all the planning and publicity, as I have done for thirty-eight other tours since 2006. Please contact me OFF LIST at chiefbobbb@... if you are interested in displaying your layout or know someone who may be interested. Thank you. Bob Chaparro Moderator Model Railroads of Southern California Festival Website: |
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Re: [BAZ_modules] Z Module Club Expanding Track Offer
We have reviewed the Rokuhan R031 Expanding track. Very similar to the Kato N-scale version, it works well.
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? For those that build their modules with Rokuhan or Micro-Trains sectional roadbed track, this is a winner, maintaining track and ballast look across the module sections.?However, for those that are using roadbed-less track (classic M?rklin or MTL's Flex), the cork or underlayed roadbed that extends from the track setback to the edge of the modules (2-1/8"), you cannot use these and must stay with the M?rklin 8592 or cut-track pieces. Same as if you place your track directly on the surface (without roadbed). The middle rails are cut in half, length-wise to allow side-by-sdie parallel expansion/compression. The electrical contact is maintained by sliding through a middle-mounted rail joiner (clever) and also?retains?mechanical strength.??A 're-railer' in the middle helps wheels stay in place, for sure.? I tested many wheel types and there is *no* chance of the wheels slipping into the thinner rail head, if the section is expanded. ? A 'Toot-Toot' from?us (Engine moving forward !) Jeff SF Bay Area Z --- On Tue, 11/27/12, Robert Kluz <ztrack@...> wrote:
From: Robert Kluz <ztrack@...> Subject: [BAZ_modules] Z Module Club Expanding Track Offer To: "Z_Scale" <z_scale@...>, ZoCal@..., Z-Bend_Track@..., BAZ_modules@..., greatlakes-Zscale@... Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2012, 7:46 PM Z Scale Module Clubs We'd Like Your Opinion On The New Rokuhan Expanding Track? The adjustable Z scale track section from Marklin (Marklin 8592) has long been an essential price of track for Z scale module clubs. These track sections have always commanded a premium price due to their engineering and Rokuhan has now released their own version of an expandable track section (Rokuhan R031). To help Z scale modular clubs, Ztrack is offering module clubs in the United States two (2) free sections of Rokuhan adjustable track sections for use and review. We would like to hear back from clubs regarding these Rokuhan sections, primarily if they are a good replacement for the Marklin adjustable track. If these new Rokuhan track sections are determined to be a good alternative to the Marklin adjustable track, Ztrack will further assist clubs with special pricing for these new Rokuhan track sections. Clubs may apply for Bill Kronenberger Grants to cover the cost of these track sections. To receive your two (2) free Rokuhan R031 track samples for club evaluation, send an email to: rob@.... Please include your club name and address. We look forward to hearing your feedback on these new track sections.? Rob www.zscaletrack.com Ztrack Magazine Ltd. Distributor American Z Line Authorized MTL, Full Throttle, Rokuhan and Tenshodo dealer www.ztrack.com www.ztrackcenter.com www.ztrackresale.com www.zscaletrack.com 6142 Northcliff Blvd Dublin OH 43016 (614) 764-1703 |
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Z Module Club Expanding Track Offer
Z Scale Module Clubs We'd Like Your Opinion On The New Rokuhan Expanding Track
The adjustable Z scale track section from Marklin (Marklin 8592) has long been an essential price of track for Z scale module clubs. These track sections have always commanded a premium price due to their engineering and Rokuhan has now released their own version of an expandable track section (Rokuhan R031). To help Z scale modular clubs, Ztrack is offering module clubs in the United States two (2) free sections of Rokuhan adjustable track sections for use and review. We would like to hear back from clubs regarding these Rokuhan sections, primarily if they are a good replacement for the Marklin adjustable track. If these new Rokuhan track sections are determined to be a good alternative to the Marklin adjustable track, Ztrack will further assist clubs with special pricing for these new Rokuhan track sections. Clubs may apply for Bill Kronenberger Grants to cover the cost of these track sections. To receive your two (2) free Rokuhan R031 track samples for club evaluation, send an email to: rob@.... Please include your club name and address. We look forward to hearing your feedback on these new track sections. Rob www.zscaletrack.com Ztrack Magazine Ltd. Distributor American Z Line Authorized MTL, Full Throttle, Rokuhan and Tenshodo dealer www.ztrack.com www.ztrackcenter.com www.ztrackresale.com www.zscaletrack.com 6142 Northcliff Blvd Dublin OH 43016 (614) 764-1703 |
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Z scale General Shed with Shingle Roof
Z Scale General Shed with Shingle Roof
Great Lakes Models This is our new product for September available at www.greatlakesmodels.com General Shed with Shingle Roof Z Scale 010 002 190 004B $17.95 1 Shed Kit We are now also offering a second craftsman version of the General Shed that is modeled off of an actual one in the Town of Holland, Wisconsin. It can be used on a farm or by railroad tracks in a yard. The real one was used on a farm for many different uses over the years. From storage, to a chicken coop, etc. It has gone through many changes and different states of repair and disrepair. This kit where the kit is constructed out of laser etched styrene but on top of the plastic sheathing you attach a fiber shingle roof to give this versatile building and older look. Glues together quickly and easily. Enamel or acrylic paint safe. Z Scale Z Gauge 1:220 Scale Great Lakes Models www.greatlakesmodels.com |
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Re: Module scenery power
mark2playz
Thanks for the input. After giving your comments some thought I don't have any new questions.
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You might want to consider updating the ZBT document in the future: including how you do things today and possibly about the time Rokuhan comes out with their variable track. Mark --- In Z-Bend_Track@..., Don Fedjur <donfedjur@...> wrote:
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Re: Breaking NTS News
Loren Snyder
Once again Z scale has spanked the rest. Makes us all feel good to be
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involved with the best scale. Too bad the other guys don't realize it yet. Yes, I'm highly prejudiced.......sorry. Not really sorry. -------Original Message-------
From: ztrack@... Date: 8/3/2012 4:15:05 PM To: z_scale@...; Z-Bend_Track@... Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] Breaking NTS News I received the following from Mister David George: Mister Dave won a First Place and ,,,also the Best of Show award for the two modules entered in the Modular Layout Competition at the NTS in Grand Rapids this afternoon. Congratulations Mister Dave! Rob Ztrack Magazine Ltd. Distributor American Z Line Authorized MTL, Full Throttle, Tenshodo and Rokuhan dealer. www.ztrack.com www.ztrackcenter.com www.ztrackresale.com www.rokuhan-store.com 6142 Northcliff Blvd Dublin OH 43016 (614) 764-1703 ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Breaking NTS News
I received the following from Mister David George:
Mister Dave won a First Place and ,,,also the Best of Show award for the two modules entered in the Modular Layout Competition at the NTS in Grand Rapids this afternoon. Congratulations Mister Dave! Rob Ztrack Magazine Ltd. Distributor American Z Line Authorized MTL, Full Throttle, Tenshodo and Rokuhan dealer. www.ztrack.com www.ztrackcenter.com www.ztrackresale.com www.rokuhan-store.com 6142 Northcliff Blvd Dublin OH 43016 (614) 764-1703 |
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Re: Module scenery power
Mark,
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You are reading into all of this too deep for this low voltage application. Run a simple two wire red/black buss line. I run bare copper through aircraft screws with the little hole through the bolt head. A parallel buss line spaced 1/2 inch apart. Clip pin or solder your wires to the buss where ever you need lighting or power from the buss. Use spiral wire wrap if you are worried about the exposed bare copper wire buss. And if you are really, really, really worried about smoking anything, put an inline fuse in on the buss. You don't need rocket science here. And.........having your own buss keeps it isolated to your module, then you do not have to worry about what is in the main wire harness. Good luck, get started, time kills all energy. Don Fedjur -----Original Message-----
From: mark2playz <mark.markham@...> To: Z-Bend_Track <Z-Bend_Track@...> Sent: Tue, Jul 31, 2012 12:01 am Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] Re: Module scenery power Jeff, Don: Thanks for the input; it sent me back to the ZBT document to make sure I understood it. Having done so I think my questions are more along the lines of what the document says vs. how it's used. Referring back to pages 27 & 28, it seems that the 12V line is not continuous but interrupted at least every 9th module with a 3A "buffer". I read "buffer" as a tracking supply that senses the accessory line from the left and drives that voltage at full power on the right. My take on this is that for my high power module(s) I would connect a 12V feed adapter on each end and drive DC-DC converters on module for specific voltages. Continuing on to the emergency shutdown, the spec does not specify the shutdown apply to the 12V, only the tracks. So the response to "I smell smoke" is press shutdown, then run around the layout turning off the 12V. Using tracking supplies allows a central shutdown. Also can you point me in the direction of a shutdown circuit? So, how far off am I from what you guys actually do? Mark --- In Z-Bend_Track@..., Don Fedjur <donfedjur@...> wrote:
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Re: Module scenery power
Mark, way over thinking. This is not a absolute, just exemplatory guide, written many many years ago, things change over time. Seriously, just connect to the Acc bus and enjoy. You will never reach the common overall power limit. Besides, at any given set up, no one has the power supply ! So, just supply your own. We can always take the 2 wires off your module and put a $5 switching supply on it. Especially when you need 16 volts. Why search or build some obscure converter when you can just buy a $10 120VAC line powered supply for it? That 16v supply can also *easily* supply the 12 or other DC volts with 50c parts.
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Jeff M SF Bay Area Z -----Original Message-----
From: "mark2playz" <mark.markham@...> Sender: Z-Bend_Track@... Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2012 07:01:10 To: <Z-Bend_Track@...> Reply-To: Z-Bend_Track@... Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] Re: Module scenery power Jeff, Don: Thanks for the input; it sent me back to the ZBT document to make sure I understood it. Having done so I think my questions are more along the lines of what the document says vs. how it's used. Referring back to pages 27 & 28, it seems that the 12V line is not continuous but interrupted at least every 9th module with a 3A "buffer". I read "buffer" as a tracking supply that senses the accessory line from the left and drives that voltage at full power on the right. My take on this is that for my high power module(s) I would connect a 12V feed adapter on each end and drive DC-DC converters on module for specific voltages. Continuing on to the emergency shutdown, the spec does not specify the shutdown apply to the 12V, only the tracks. So the response to "I smell smoke" is press shutdown, then run around the layout turning off the 12V. Using tracking supplies allows a central shutdown. Also can you point me in the direction of a shutdown circuit? So, how far off am I from what you guys actually do? Mark --- In Z-Bend_Track@..., Don Fedjur <donfedjur@...> wrote:
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Re: Module scenery power
mark2playz
Jeff, Don:
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Thanks for the input; it sent me back to the ZBT document to make sure I understood it. Having done so I think my questions are more along the lines of what the document says vs. how it's used. Referring back to pages 27 & 28, it seems that the 12V line is not continuous but interrupted at least every 9th module with a 3A "buffer". I read "buffer" as a tracking supply that senses the accessory line from the left and drives that voltage at full power on the right. My take on this is that for my high power module(s) I would connect a 12V feed adapter on each end and drive DC-DC converters on module for specific voltages. Continuing on to the emergency shutdown, the spec does not specify the shutdown apply to the 12V, only the tracks. So the response to "I smell smoke" is press shutdown, then run around the layout turning off the 12V. Using tracking supplies allows a central shutdown. Also can you point me in the direction of a shutdown circuit? So, how far off am I from what you guys actually do? Mark --- In Z-Bend_Track@..., Don Fedjur <donfedjur@...> wrote:
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Re: Module scenery power
Mark,
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Use a switching power supply. Rated 12V and minimum 750 MA per. These are high quality, constant output, perfect for LED. $3.00 each in quantities of 10 at; You can put one onto each module or at least your lighted modules. Maybe you just want to create a simple 12 volt buss to go from one module to the next. Use the Z-Bend standard and incorporate into the master wiring harness. You can even use a temporary power feed to connect into the harness with a 25 pin intermediate connector designated to simply tap into only the accessory feed. Me personally, I like a dedicated buss to tie into from module to module. Choose a larger power supply if you want to go a greater distance or say up to 2-3 amps. Hope this helps you out. Don Fedjur -----Original Message-----
From: mark2playz <mark.markham@...> To: Z-Bend_Track <Z-Bend_Track@...> Sent: Mon, Jul 23, 2012 5:42 pm Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] Module scenery power Hi, I'm working on a new layout using the Z-Bend Track spec. I'm to the point of working on the electrical design. I find myself unsure about the 12VDC scenery power. Spec allows 300mA per module. If I need more than that I need a "power booster" (as also specified for the 9th module). What is the power booster? If one needs more than 12V (such as for the 16V Viessmann 4551 slow motion unit) do you use a DC-DC converter or just wall wart? Thanks, Mark [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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Re: [Z-Bend] Module scenery power
mark2playz
Jeff,
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Thanks for the input. I don't know if I'd ever show my modules, but I don't want to do anything to prevent me. Likewise, I do want to do anything that precludes running either DC or DCC. I don't really have an issue with the total current, but 300mA for a module doesn't allow for much, maybe a lighted crossing and control circuitry. What I was thinking of is connecting the an analog buffer (about 3-5A) to the 12V line and driving the high power modules and running DC-DC converters as needed off the buffer. It allows me to minimize the number of under module cords and to piggyback off the ZBT 12V for power shutdown. BTW: is there a published circuit for power shutdown? This may be overkill, but I can only imagine a rat's nest of wall warts and control circuitry under the module otherwise. --- In Z-Bend_Track@..., "Jeff" <sjbazman49@...> wrote:
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Re: [Z-Bend] Module scenery power
The Act is wired with the same #18 wire (or should be !!!) so should be able to supply several Amps. However, as a courtesy or guide to assure multiple modules survive.
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Since the BAZ BoyZ and ZoCal groups set up large modules and use many Tortoise and other Acc devices, we supply 5 Amps or more on the Acc bus so one just has to ask if its ok to suck up a few ;) You could spend $5-10 and buy a well regulated, power efficient and light weight swirching supply (wall-wart or line cord) and self power your own 12V (but don't connect to the ZBT wiring). This means of course that you need a power cord. You could use Diode isolation so you could use either but miswired polarities could cause issues with other's modules. As for that HO power Viessman, you could easily order a 16v wall-wart for <$15 from many places. Not easy to step up 12VDC. Jeff M SF Bay Area Z -----Original Message-----
From: "mark2playz" <mark.markham@...> Sender: Z-Bend_Track@... Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2012 00:42:18 To: <Z-Bend_Track@...> Reply-To: Z-Bend_Track@... Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] Module scenery power Hi, I'm working on a new layout using the Z-Bend Track spec. I'm to the point of working on the electrical design. I find myself unsure about the 12VDC scenery power. Spec allows 300mA per module. If I need more than that I need a "power booster" (as also specified for the 9th module). What is the power booster? If one needs more than 12V (such as for the 16V Viessmann 4551 slow motion unit) do you use a DC-DC converter or just wall wart? Thanks, Mark ------------------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Links |
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Module scenery power
mark2playz
Hi,
I'm working on a new layout using the Z-Bend Track spec. I'm to the point of working on the electrical design. I find myself unsure about the 12VDC scenery power. Spec allows 300mA per module. If I need more than that I need a "power booster" (as also specified for the 9th module). What is the power booster? If one needs more than 12V (such as for the 16V Viessmann 4551 slow motion unit) do you use a DC-DC converter or just wall wart? Thanks, Mark |
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Z Scale Storm Sewer Grates
Z Scale Storm Sewer Grates
Great Lakes Models This is our new product for July available at www.greatlakesmodels.com Z Scale Storm Sewer Grates #010 002 415 002 6 Sewer Grates $2.25 These are modeled off of an actual Storm Sewer Grates in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The same style has been used since the turn of the 20th Century through present day; throughout the Midwest and east coast, from big cities to small towns. These Sewer Grates feature intricate details to allow for a more custom fit to your layout. Options for use: 1) Sewer Grate next to curb. 2) Sewer Grate in alley 3) Anywhere storm water needs to drain. Great Lakes Models www.greatlakesmodels.com |
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Show Your Layout During The PSR 2012 Convention (So. Calif.)
In September the Pacific Southwest Region/NMRA will hold its annual
model railroad convention in Oxnard, CA. Layout tours will take place on Wednesday, September 5, through Sunday, September 9. Tours will take place in area from Santa Barbara down through northwest Los Angeles County. If you have an operating layout we would like you to consider showing your railroad during the convention. You do not have to commit to a specific day(s) at this time. And you do not need to be an NMRA member to show your layout or participate in the convention. Participating in a layout tour is a great way to share your work and meet your fellow model railroaders. You've probably worked hard on your layout so you might as well receive recognition from people who will truly appreciate your efforts. All you need to do is operate your trains and chat with visitors. We will do all the necessary planning and publicity. If you have any questions before committing to the tour, please ask. In any event, please let me know ( chiefbobbb@... <mailto:chiefbobbb@...> ) in the next few weeks if you are interested as I am starting to arrange the tour line-up. I hope you'll join with other area layout owners and show your layout to your fellow model railroaders. Thank you. Bob Chaparro Layout Tour Chairman PSR 2012 Convention |
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Re: Z-Bend Modules at 2012 NTS?
I was being sarcastic.
My point was that there are many more reasons than "not wanting to promote Z anymore" that prevent one from exhibiting at a show. Which it -sounded- like you were implying. I should have kept my mouth shut. Kindly let this drop, or, if you must, reply offine. Sincerely, Tedlamar@... Sent from my personal cellular communication device; Please excuse my brevity. On Mar 28, 2012, at 10:30 AM, "rvn20012000" <rvn20012000@...> wrote: Ted, [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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Re: Z-Bend Modules at 2012 NTS?
Ted,
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We almost never get paid one red cent when we do shows. I realize that not everyone can afford to do shows but I would never expect any show promoter to pay airfare, lodging and lost wages for me to display at their show. Thom --- In Z-Bend_Track@..., Ted LaMar <tedlamar@...> wrote:
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Re: Z-Bend Modules at 2012 NTS?
The economy isnt what it was like for those shows either. What's sad is there is noone throwing around airfare and lodging at the show location and re-imbursement for lost wages during the show.
Frankly your emails make as much sense as mine. T On Mar 27, 2012, at 8:44 AM, Malcolm Cleaveland <mcleavel@...> wrote: Folks, [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] |
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