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Folks,

On Mon Mar 26, 2012 "Ellen" ejshelton@... ejshelton wrote:

A sad commentary on Zers out there. Not too many years ago we had a very impressive show of Z in Cincinatti. Its a real shame we can't get anyone at all to Grand Rapids.

I agree with Ellen and Thom. It's really sad. Cincinatti was impressive and so was Anaheim. I am committed to Z, although I do not have any modules (yet). I have a small layout that is dedicated to running at shows and a T-gauge layout. The T-gauge is so that when people look at my Z and say "That's so tiny" I can point to the T and say, "No it's not, THAT'S tiny."

CheerZ,
-- Malcolm Z
MCZ Models

Fair Warning!!!!! This is going to be a rant so please feel free to not read it or delete it if you so desire.

I have been asking if any Z scale module groups were planning to display their modules at the NTS in Grand Rapids, Michigan this year. I have received information that David George (Mister Dave) will have the only Z scale layout there. I love Mr. Dave's layout and enjoy seeing it every time I can. Mr. Dave has represented Z scale very well at every NTS I've been to. You should take any opportunity you find to see this layout if you haven't yet. I have been building
Z scale layouts and trains since 1972 when Marklin introduced the scale here in the United States. I used to display a 3-module Z scale layout at some of the local G.A.T.S.(now GTE) shows in the early 90's. I stopped and dismantled my layout due to lack of interest from other people and loss of the vehicle I used to transport the modules.

Having said that, here is my problem. There are 20 Z scale module and interest groups listed in Ztrack Magazine, the MidweZt HaulerZ being one of them. Of the 20, I know that one is just one person who has brought his modules to 1 show with us and joins us when he can at other local area shows and one other group which is listed as being in Germany. Of the remaining 18 there are: 5 on the west coast, 1 in Utah, 2 in Wisconsin who won't talk to each other, 1 in Ohio which is pretty much inactive, the MidweZt HaulerZ here in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana, 5 on the east coast and 3 in Texas. It seems to me that the groups on both coasts can't or won't come over their respective mountain ranges to do any shows (Denver is still way up in the mountains). The module groups had a very good showing in St. Louis in 2001 where I volunteered to help since I was unaware that any module groups even existed until I read in Ztrack that they were looking for volunteers at the show. There was a phenomenal showing in Cincinatti in 2005 when it was accompanied by the Z scale convention in Columbus. I was sadly disappointed 2? years ago when the NMRA celebrated it's 75th anniversary in Milwaukee. This should have been the one place and time all Z scale model enthusiasts should have come together with the largest possible layout. Instead there were the 2 module groups from there with their own little spaces, since they won't talk to each other. Neither group thought to invite other module owners to join them for that show...at least I didn't see anything. The MidweZt HaulerZ have done numerous shows in: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio and Missouri. Ellen and I even took our modules to Florida to set them up for John Mui and Uncle Will in Florida. I'm REALLY upset that nobody from Michigan or either of the groups in Wisconsin could find the time to try to organize a layout in Grand Rapids this year. Randy Smidt has always said that he would help
as much as he could if someone wanted to organize a layout at the NTS and didn't know where to start. I don't believe that the MidweZt HaulerZ should have the sole responsibility of bringing Z scale to all of the states between the mountains, the Great Lakes and Texas, although, it looks like we've done pretty well so far. I realize that the people I know of in Michigan don't have any modules but one of them could have taken the initiave to find out what needs to be done to start something and started the ball rolling. I would have been able to bring all 3 of my modules to join the group...if there were one. I might have even undertaken the task of organizing a layout in Grand Rapids myself this year if I had known much earlier and if I weren't unemployed and living on what's left of my savings.

It doesn't surprise me that major manufacturers don't want to take the chance of making Z scale versions of the models they do in other scales. I applaud the manufacturers who have taken the chance on Z scale and I buy what I can when I can to help support their efforts. Maybe we could get a better response if the NZSC were the weekend before or the weekend after the NTS and near the NTS location.


That should be the end of my rant. Thanks to those of you who read it all.
This should not be taken as a personal assault on any one person or group.I just wanted to vent my frustration.

Thanks again,
Thom Welsch

From: Ellen
Sent: Monday, March 26, 2012 12:58 PM
To: Z-Bend_Track@...
Subject: [Z-Bend_Track] Re: Z-Bend Modules at 2012 NTS?

Ellen, maybe you and Thom can show the advantages of Zbend to all those Z scale Michiganders that are sitting on their hands. Its too bad. I know theres a large group of them.
John
A sad commentary on Zers out there. Not too many years ago we had a very impressive show of Z in Cincinatti. Its a real shame we can't get anyone at all to Grand Rapids.

--- In mailto:Z-Bend_Track%40yahoogroups.com, "rvn20012000" <rvn20012000@...> wrote:

The answer appears to be NO!!!!!

--- In mailto:Z-Bend_Track%40yahoogroups.com, "rvn20012000" <rvn20012000@> wrote:

Hi group,

Will there be any Z-Bend modules at the 2012 NTS in Grand Rapids this year? It's close enough that I'd like to bring my modules and participate.

Thom Welsch

A sad commentary on Zers out there. Not too many years ago we had a very impressive show of Z in Cincinatti. Its a real shame we can't get anyone at all to Grand Rapids.

The answer appears to be NO!!!!!

Hi group,

Will there be any Z-Bend modules at the 2012 NTS in Grand Rapids this year? It's close enough that I'd like to bring my modules and participate.

Thom Welsch

Metro Milwaukee Z Scale
will be at

Domes Train Show

All Scale Weekend
Saturday and Sunday
Febuary 25th and 26th
9 AM to 5 PM
at
The Domes(Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory)
524 S. Layton Blvd.
Milwaukee Wisconsin

President's Day Sale
15% Most items
February 18, 19, & 20th

Hobby Crafts N More

The sponsors of the Kronenberger Grant are very excited to announce that we
have approved our first grant request. Loren Snyder, on behalf of the
Southern Oregon Z Model Engineers will be receiving $120 to help cover travel
expenses as they attend the World's Greatest Hobby Show in Portland. The show
will be held February 25-26th. More information on the show can be found at:



More information on the Grant can be found at:



Robert Kluz



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
Distributor American Z Line
Authorized MTL, Full Throttle and Tenshodo dealer
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
www.ztrackresale.com
6142 Northcliff Blvd
Dublin OH 43016
(614) 764-1703

Bryan,

You know, maybe you can use some of the grant money for an open house or
activity that will help the club grow. I would be happy to send out an invite
to Z scalers in your region at no cost to your club. Club growth is
definitely another goal of the grant. Let me know!

Rob



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
Distributor American Z Line
Authorized MTL, Full Throttle and Tenshodo dealer
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
www.ztrackresale.com
6142 Northcliff Blvd
Dublin OH 43016
(614) 764-1703

Thank you Rob. This is a wonderful idea, and I hope you get lots of
participation.

I'd apply for a grant for the DC chapter myself, except what we really need
(active members with free time) can't be purchased, unfortunately. We're having
trouble just getting enough bodies to schedule a show............but enough of
my bellyaching.......

Thanks again to you and MTL, and best of luck with the grant. BillK would be
proud.

Randy,

Thank you. Like you, I can't believe it has been 5 years. I have been
toying with this idea for some time. In talking with Jeff Merrill and Don Fedjur,
I realized that we need to do more for clubs and individuals that promote
Z. I can't think of a better way to honor Bill and meet these goals. Ben
Thielman of MTL has been instrumental at helping create the framework for the
Grant and matching our contribution to get it going.

Rob



Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
Distributor American Z Line
Authorized MTL, Full Throttle and Tenshodo dealer
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
www.ztrackresale.com
6142 Northcliff Blvd
Dublin OH 43016
(614) 764-1703

Rob,
?
Thanks for setting this up.? What a great way to commemorate Bill K., the Daddy of of the Z scale ambassadors out there.? I can't believe it has been 5 years already.
?
I always love seeing the photos of Bill smiling with his Z.
?
Thanks,
Randy Smidt

In the past, similar grants from Z Track and possibly elsewhere were used predominately for covering transportation of modules, renting a UHaul truck to transport to NTS for example.? People tend to be easier to get to shows than modules are.? ;-)
?
Randy Smidt

Correct. We know many in our groups that are very limited income and for example, could not make something NTS or the say the Z Convention. There are others that have donated literally thousands of dollars in time/travel and/or material to better grow this scale.


Jeff M
SF Bay Area Z

Thanks for the comeback Rob.

It is hard to know what to ask for when it comes to asking for monies.

Whenever I fill out a registration form for a GTE or WGH show in Portland or
anywhere, the form asks if I want re numeration or not, and I always put
down, 'not necessary, but would surely be appreciated as I travel several
hundred miles and have to pay for lodging and gas'.

I've been fortunate so far and have received assistance for the shows.
Folks who travel and bring their layouts do give a lot for the sake of the
hobby and while they have fun doing it, never the less, the expenses are
considerable. Now if only I were a millionaire........

So I guess it stands to reason that applying for a grant for the upcoming
WGH show in Portland in February makes sense.

Any consideration would be greatly appreciated and I would make mention of
it of course if assistance is given. I am not going to put down a
particular amount when I fill out the application and will leave it entirely
up to you to do as you feel best.

The idea is sound and is appreciated by those who give it there all.

All the best,
Loren

Loren,

That is entirely up to you. You request what you feel you need. We will be
capping some expenses such as lodging and gas. The goal is to help offset
costs and cover them when we can. Every request will be reviewed and funds
allocated as best as we can for the particular need. This is not an unlimited
fund nor will we automatically give monies. We do have a set budget to work
with. We do hope to be able to help as many clubs and individuals as
possible. Spread the wealth per se! In order to do so, we plan to be more
conservative at first.

We are looking at 2012 as a test for the grant. After the year is over, we
will review what worked and what needs refinement.

Rob

Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
Distributor American Z Line
Authorized MTL, Full Throttle and Tenshodo dealer
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
www.ztrackresale.com
6142 Northcliff Blvd
Dublin OH 43016
(614) 764-1703

Rob,
This is a great gesture and way to honor one of the best in Z scale.

Only question is how does one know how much to request without sounding
greedy or perhaps asking for much less than would be available?

Thank you,

Loren
SOZME

In January of 2007, Z scale lost a friend and promoter, Bill Kronenberger.
Bill was a consummate promoter of Z scale, actively attending shows,
establishing the Z-Bend Track standards, educating Z scalers and sharing his
passion. To honor Bill’s memory, we have created the ‘Kronenberger Grant For Z
Promotions’. The goal of this grant is to provided funds for clubs and
individuals who are actively promoting Z scale by attending shows, events and
functions.

We understand that many of you have made major commitments towards the
promotion and growth of Z scale, and we hope the funds that the grant can prov
ide will help offset costs and encourage further involvement in shows and
events. Grant monies will be available for such costs as travel expenses, fees,
and layout enhancements that further the visibility and promotion of Z
scale. To apply for a grant, please contact Rob Kluz at Ztrack Magazine.

An application form can be found and submitted on Ztrains.com:



Ztrack Magazine and the sponsors will provide free of charge promotional
media for shows and events. All requests for media should be made three to
four weeks prior to the event.

If you are interesting in contributing to the grant, please contact Rob for
further information. Thank you for helping us honor Bill and his legacy.

Please visit the Grant site page of additional information and updates:



Robert Kluz, Publisher

Ztrack Magazine Ltd.
Distributor American Z Line
Authorized MTL, Full Throttle and Tenshodo dealer
www.ztrack.com
www.ztrackcenter.com
www.ztrackresale.com
6142 Northcliff Blvd
Dublin OH 43016
(614) 764-1703

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Now that Layout Tour #27 is history I am working on the next Southern California layout tours.

The Ventura-Santa Barbara Tour is November 19. This will include several layouts in western Simi Valley as well.

A High Desert Tour (Hesperia and Victorville area) will take place in February 2012.

Orange County tours are being planned for April and May 2012. Because of the large number of layouts in this area there probably will be separate tours on separate dates covering South Orange County, North Orange County and Central-West Orange County.

Those of you with operating layouts in these areas are invited to participate. If you have friends with layouts give them a nudge and ask them to show their layouts.

I can be contacted at: chiefbobbb@...

As always, the tours are free and self-guided with maps available through the Model Railroads Of Southern California website.

Bob Chaparro
Moderator
Model Railroads Of Southern California