This Month`s Activities - Bay Area Garden Railway Society

Transcription

July 2015
Trellis
and
Trestle
This Month’s Activities
 BAGRS Open house tour - July 26th , Santa Clara, San Jose districts
 National Garden Railway Convention in Denver, July 6-11, 2015,
http://www.ngrc2015.com/
 National Summer Steamup 2015, July 15-19, 2015, Lions Gate Hotel &
McClellan Conference Center, McClellan, CA
If you even think you MIGHT be open for the National Convention here next Summer . . .
Please fill in a layout registration form NOW at http://ngrc2016.org/Layouts/RailwayHost
This will allow us to plan better in the months ahead. Note that you CAN change this information later as the
need arises. It is especially important to know if your street/layout can handle a bus of 50+ people. We have 31
layouts registered so far.
Comments and submissions on the
newsletter?
Please email
newsletter@bagrs.org
Copyright ©2015 Bay Area Garden Railway Society
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The Prez Says . . .
Dear Members,
As you are reading this
I’ve
most
likely
traveled through Utah
and I’m somewhere in
Colorado on my way
to the 31st National
Garden
Railway
Convention in Denver.
I’ve decided to make
getting to the convention a Daddy/ Daughter epic
road trip as my youngest and I plan to take eleven
days and stop at Seven National Parks along the
way. We’ll travel through our eighth, Rocky
Mountain National Park, on our way back to
California. It’s not all National Parks though as we
got to fit some train stuff in, so we have tickets to
ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge
Railroad on July 2nd. I also plan to drive the Gold
Belt Byway, a gravel road that traces the original
route of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad,
up to the town of Cripple Creek for their Fourth of
July celebrations. This drive up Phantom Canyon
Road is one of eleven scenic byways in Colorado
and should be a bumpy, dusty but fun adventure.
GOOGLE maps say that it should take us a little
over two hours to drive the 39 miles but that doesn’t
include stopping to take photos; and you all know I
like to take photos! We’ll end up in Colorado
Springs that evening with a plan to visit the three
layouts on the pre-convention tour on Sunday.
Monday we have to make sure we get to the Denver
Airport to pick my wife Jenifer up as her flight
arrives at 2pm. It’s her birthday that day so I’ll have
to find a good steak house to take her to after
checking into the convention hotel. Quite a few
BAGRS members are making the trip to Denver
this year and we’ll try and get together over the
course of the convention to compare notes. It is
important that our 2016 Convention Committee
knows what everyone likes and dislikes so that we
can plan a fantastic convention of our own. Look
for the committee members in the bright orange
NGRC 2016 shirts.
I’m a little disappointed that this year’s NGRC will
only have 3 layouts open on Sunday, mostly
because they didn’t announce that fact ahead of
time. Heck, only two are in Colorado Springs and
the other is 20 minutes North near Monument.
Information like that is important to know ahead of
time when you’re planning a trip. We will have
over a dozen layouts open during our 3-day
July 2015
Northern California pre-convention tour next year
and we will make that information known on the
NGRC 2016 website as soon as everything is
confirmed. That is why it is imperative that
everyone who would like their layout to be
considered for the tours fill out the online
questionnaire. This will allow us to start putting
together the tour maps and arranging the tour
booklet. I know some of you are holding off on
filling out the questionnaire because you’re still
making changes. Please fill it out now as the
information can be updated at a later date, just save
the link given to you after you submit the forms or
contact us and we can access your info. Speaking
of info… There is a multipage report in this edition
of the T&T giving the latest status of the 2016
NGRC now that we are at one year to go. A big
thanks to Bill Ralph for compiling all of the
information and putting this together. When you
read it you will see that the entire NGRC 2016
committee has been working very hard to bring to
the Bay Area the very best National Convention.
Just yesterday, Richard Murray and I met with our
representative from Roaring Camp Railroads,
Leatha Brown, for over an hour to clarify our plans
for the BBQ and Train Ride. It looks like
everything is on track for a fantastic early evening
event. Terry Paullin has been in contact with many
vendors and promises me he’ll have the halls sold
out a month after Denver so if you want a booth
contact him now. Remember, we are offering
BAGRS members first choice along with a discount
so take advantage if you can. Once he gets to
Denver there will be no stopping him!
I saw many of you enjoying the weather during the
valley tours this past month. It was great to see the
progress as many of our members are working
diligently to get their railroads looking their best for
the national next year. I handed out our NGRC
promotional Orange shirts to many members who
will be attending the convention in Denver or other
model railroad events this upcoming year. All I ask
in exchange is that you answer questions about the
2016 NGRC in an informative and positive light.
To stay informed, please read the report in this and
future issues of the T&T and keep up on the
bulletins that are posted on the convention website.
Also, search me out after Denver so that I can fill
you in on the latest and greatest news. I plan on
being on this month’s tour through Greater San Jose
so I’ll see you then.
Russ Miller, President
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the waterfalls. Many scratch built buildings are also
included.
Directions: Take I-280 north or south to Hwy 85
North. Take the first exit, (Fremont Avenue), and
turn left. Turn left again at Belleview Way, which is
the first street off of Fremont. Turn right at the first
street, which is Albion Court.
From U.S. 101 take Hwy 85 south, take the
Fremont exit, and turn right. Turn left on Belleview
Way. Turn right at the first street, which is Albion
Court.
≠≠≠
Our garden railway tours this month
First Time Open
Roger Allen, 963 Azalea Dr., Sunnyvale 94086
C &G RR
Description: Started 2 years ago the C&G RR is a
grandfather’s gift to his grandson. 300+ feet of
aluminum rails are set on an elevated frame work
of interlocking circles as dual mainlines with spur
and passing sidings. The railroad is a work in
progress effort and currently is capable of
supporting track, battery and live steam operations.
Directions: From 101, exit south on Lawrence
Expressway until you cross over the railroad tracks.
At the bottom of the RR overpass turn right at the
light on to Reed Avenue. Continue on Reed Avenue
to the third stoplight turn right on to Sequoia Drive.
Continue down Sequoia Drive until it “T’s” to form
Azalea Drive. Turn left on Azelea, 2 nd house on the
right. From 280 exit to Stevens Creek Blvd, turn
left to underpass, keep in left lane. At underpass
turn left to go north on Lawrence Expressway
crossing over El Camino Real (overpass) and
continue to the second stop light. Reed Avenue
(controlled left turn). Turn left onto Reed Avenue.
Continue on Reed Avenue to the third stoplight,
turn right on to Sequoia Drive. Continue on Sequoia
Drive until it ends at Azalea Drive. Turn left on
Azalea, 2nd house on the right.
≠≠≠
Mitchell Gooze, 1296 Albion Ct. ,Sunnyvale 94087
Water Bottle Junction
Description: The layout has been downsized but
still ranges over an area of about 500 square feet)
incorporating various villages, farms, and ranches.
There are eight fully-grown redwood trees and a
large pond and waterfall. A 16 foot bridge with no
center support crosses the pond in front of one of
July 2015
John Herbert, 3920 Freed Ave. ,San Jose 95117
B & J Railway
A branch line interchange-railroad in the West
consisting of a loop stretched across the rear of the
property with a 15’ trestle, a snow shed, a waterfall,
and bridges. Most structures have been customized
to include lighting. Recent additions include a
crossover track to allowing reversing the direction
of train travel, and an along-the-fence train storage
yard with about 70’ of track. Both use air-powered
track switches. Maximum grade is 4%; minimum
radius is 3’. The RR features scratch-built structures
as well as commercial kits and uses DCC control.
Directions: Take CA 17/US880 to exit
#25/Hamilton Ave - go 0.1 mi. Take right fork onto
E. Hamilton Ave. Go 1.1 mi. Turn right on San
Tomas Expy(CR-G4 N) - go 0.5 mi. Turn left on
Payne Ave - go 0.3 mi. Turn right on Topaz Ave go < 0.1 mi. Turn left on Freed Ave - go < 0.1 mi.
to 3920 Freed Ave. on the left.
≠≠≠
Larry Hull, 3303 Thompson Ave., San Jose 95118
C & H Railroad
Description: C & H Railroad is run by Larry Hull
and Joe Cerbone and consists of approximately 250
feet of track. There are 3 separate loops. The
largest loop runs through an old western town, a
German Alps area and a Route 66 town. The
second loop runs around the Route 66 town. The
third loop, which is movable, is an oval that we use
as a test track. We will be running 3 separate trains
(God willing) and an Alpine Tram on the 26 th.
Directions: From East Bay, take 680 to 87 to
Capitol Expressway which turns into Hillsdale
Avenue. Then West to Jarvis, left to Shaw and
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right to Thompson. 3303 is on the corner of
Thompson and Shaw.
From the Peninsula take 280 to 87 to Capitol
Expressway which turns into Hillsdale Avenue.
Then West to Jarvis, left to Shaw and right to
Thompson. 3303 is on the corner of Thompson and
Shaw.
From 101 take 101 south to Capitol Expressway
which turns into Hillsdale Avenue. Then West to
Jarvis, left to Shaw and right to Thompson, 3303 is
on the corner of Thompson and Shaw.
≠≠≠
First Time Open
Paul Blondefield, 485 Sioux Ln. ,San Jose 95123
Four Corners Rail Road
Description: The Four Corners Rail Road was
started as collaboration between Four Countries.
Wonderland, America, Germany, and England. It is
in the beginning stages of development, with 3
loops, and one point to point (I didn't want the RR
to be pointless). It currently rest in a 14'x30' right of
way, with 268' of track. The primary features are
the mountains, a waterfall, and a covered bridge.
The four countries are currently in negotiations over
structures that will be integrated in into the RR in
the future. Small RR with lots of fun. I look forward
to seeing you here at Four Corners RR. Where we
very rarely get off track, and never cut corners.
Directions: From 680 South exit to 101 South. Exit
101 South at Blossom Hill Rd, turn right on
Blossom Hill Rd. towards the Santa Cruz
Mountains. Turn left on Snell Ave. Exit Snell
Avenue at Snell Way (becomes Cheyenne Lane),
Take right on Crow Lane, then take first left which
is Sioux Ave. ,485 Sioux Ln is on right.
From 880 South exit to 87 South. Proceed south on
87 to Hwy 85 exit to 85 South. Stay on 85 to
Blossom Hill Road, exit. Cross Blossom Hill Road,
becoming Blossom Hill Ave. Take Blossom Hill
Avenue to Gettysburg Drive, turn left. Gettysburg
Drive ends at “T”, turn right onto Comanche Drive.
Go one block, turn left on Sioux Lane. 485 Sioux
Lane House on left.
≠≠≠
Keith Johnson, 684 Tarrytown Ct., San Jose 95136
SBG (Small But Growing RR)
July 2015
Description: The SBG railroad (Small But
Growing) is a new railroad designed to be built in
three stages. The first is about 110 feet of track in a
basic circle around a large mulberry tree.
Civilization is being established along the track
with several commercial buildings and a residential
neighborhood. A center point of the SBG is a wine
tasting room with a new vineyard behind it. It is
currently operational and the landscape is being put
in. This phase 1 is nearing completion. Phase 2 calls
for the track to be extended over an existing pond.
This will entail building a large free standing trestle
and is planned for next year. Phase 3 may extend
the railroad over an existing deck and down a side
yard. So if you want to see a railroad under
construction and offer ideas about extensions, this is
the one to see. All ideas are welcome.
Directions: From Interstate 680 south, continue on
to Interstate 280 North. Go South on highway 87 to
Capital Expressway. Turn left at the signal (Capital
Expressway), go under highway 87 and turn right at
the first signal (Narvaez Ave.). Turn left at the next
signal (Branham Lane). Continue on Branham Lane
less than a mile, turning right on New Compton.
Turn right at the second right turn onto Tarrytown
Ct.
If you are coming south on highway 85, exit at
Almaden Expressway, turning left onto Almaden.
Turn right at the third signal, Branham Lane.
Continue past Pearl Ave (1st signal), past Narvaez
Ave (2nd signal) to New Compton. Turn right on
New Compton, then the second right turn onto
Tarrytown Ct. 684 Tarrytown Ct.
≠≠≠
Bill Mead, 2209 Renfrew Court, San Jose 95131
Snowden Valley Railway
Description: The loop-to-loop Yosemite Valley RR
runs 3/4 perimeter of the backyard,170 ft wide. A
scene replicating the Durango & Silverton & Royal
Gorge railways of Colorado greets you as you
approach from the entrance gate. Bottom loop is
directly on the ground flanking a couple of rivers
and does a continuous climb to table top level
where most of the track & RR yards run. A real
world train station houses the RR yards and
provides shelter for the various rolling stock. 300'
high mountains adhered to the fence are made
chiefly of stucco with strategically placed pockets
of dirt for plants, buildings, scenes, rocks etc. Final
layout will feature remote controlled on-board
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battery powered trains with a loop track powered
for guest trains. Era is targeted at the end of steam,
mid 1960's. An extensive trolley line, ski gondolas,
and hopefully a cog rail line are planned in final
stages. Under construction
Directions: From Northbound 680; exit Hostetter
Rd., left at bottom of ramp, 1st left (Four Oaks Rd),
2nd left (2209 Renfrew). From Southbound 680;
exit Hostetter-Capitol Ave., left at fork in ramp
dumps you onto SB Capitol Ave., right at Hostetter
Rd. Go under freeway again and make 1st left (Four
Oaks Rd), then 2nd left (Renfrew Ct.)
≠≠≠
SOCIAL!!
Informal social 3:30-5PM at the end of your
day of touring at Blondfield’s house. Come,
relax, enjoy some treats, and share your
day's experiences with fellow members..
One of the first steps in organizing layout tours
for the National Convention next summer is
getting a list of layouts for each day, figuring
out driving times, and planning for bus tours.
Soooo . . .I need you to register your
willingness to be open next summer - ONE day
between July 4-9 for South of the Golden Gate
bridge and July 2-3 for North of it. Even if you
are not sure, PLEASE REGISTER anyway. It
is much easier to drop someone later than insert
a new layout later. Only 31 have registered so
far.
http://ngrc2016.org/Layouts/RailwayHost
The registration form will ask for a layout
description and directions (and several other
things). These can be changed later, so don’t
worry if you aren’t sure if Project X will be
done in time. For now I need to know your
willingness to be open and whether a bus can
get to your house or not. Don’t procrastinate.
Thanks for your support. Together we will
make this the best National Convention ever.
Ray Turner
July 2015
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Thomas Witt moved to the Bay Area last year and
decided to expand his train collection to include G
scale and build a garden train in his back yard. So
he did a little Google-ing, found us, and, voila!
Another BAGR. Welcome aboard, Thomas! Let us
know if you have any questions about constructing
your layout.
1155 Johnson St., Redwood City, 94061
775-901-1288
≠≠≠
Well it's about time.....Steve Shyvers has been
hanging around our Live Steamers since '98. He
knows all of them by name. When asked why he
finally joined, all he said was "Melinda". 'Nuff
said. Welcome aboard Steve. See you at Roaring
Camp.
4965 Vanderbilt Dr., San Jose, 95130
408-370-9371
≠≠≠
Well, not really NEW new. Maybe just Renewed
new. Loran Courpet was with us for a while, but
then he dropped out in 2009. I guess that "Once a
BAGR, always a BAGR". He plans to dust off his
garden railroad and, who knows? He just might be
on the tour for our National Convention next year.
Welcome back Loran and Keeth!
1083 Grape Ava., Sunnyvale, 94087
408-733-1110, thecourpets@comcast.net
BTW, Loran is downsizing his RR and has about
3500 lbs. of rocks - reddish in color, with lots of
holes in them - he’s like to sell. More details:
http://www.bagrs.org/page-73696/3391240
≠≠≠
Ta-Daahhh......... We now have a new
"Southernmost" member: Terry Werdel. From
Bakersfield. Terry has had a G scale set up in his
playroom for a while; but now that he is moving to a home with a real back yard - he is going to
relocate his railroad to the great outdoors, where it
belongs. He knows that there is much to learn about
doing this; and since he often visits his daughter in
San Ramon, he decided to join us and pick our
brains a bit. Welcome aboard, Terry. (PS...Your
daughter needs a garden train also. :-)
500 Vista Verde Way, Bakersfield, 93309
661-831-7744
≠≠≠
Eric and Suzanne Beck saw their first live outdoor
garden railroad while in Alaska a couple of weeks
ago. His tour in Skagway included a stop at Jewel
Gardens, where there was a G scale layout ....but it
wasn't running. So Eric, being an experienced Nscaler, offered his help and got it going for them.
But then Suzanne said "Hey! We can do this." So
they came home, found us on the Internet, and
stopped by Terry Paullin's open house. They plan
on building their own garden railroad; and, who
knows? Maybe they will be on the tour next year.
1557 Hollyhock St., Livermore, 94551
925-245-1281
≠≠≠
July 2015
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the Claim Jumper Expedition through the red rock
spires of a western amusement park of the1950’s. A
visit to Porcupine Gulch is intended to provide a
nostalgic, immersive and entertaining environment
with blurred boarders between reality, fantasy and
scale, and for guests to share an experience
reminiscent of the park visits of our childhood.
From Sid Emison: You may remember my scratch
built 1832 B&O Atlantic nick named the “Grass
Hopper”. After 20 plus years some of the parts
began to fail and in time the LGB drive motor died
and into storage until this spring fellow member
Bob Guinan came across several old horse drawn
coaches that are exactly like the ones used by the
Atlantis and converted to rail. The gift inspired
me to dig out the parts of the original unit and build
a new 1835 model Atlantic. It is coming along great
and hopefully will be ready for the North Bay open
house tour.
≠≠≠
From Bill & Sandy Ralph
Coming Soon to Porcupine Gulch: Calico Saloon!
If you have visited our western themed backyard in
Fremont you will know that we pay tribute to the
old western amusement parks including Knott’s
Berry Farm, Frontier Village, Calico, Pollardville
and others. The focal point of our yard, of course, is
the Porcupine Gulch Railroad that intertwines with
July 2015
Our next project is to add a saloon facade to our full
size ghost town. In order to accommodate the new
structure in our small yard we needed to move our
Porcupine Gulch diorama to a space on the side of
the house along the entrance to the yard. The
reconstructed diorama is built from small western
buildings that were salvaged about 10 years ago
from the former Millers Outpost department store at
South Lake Tahoe.
Although not an exact copy of any particular
building, The Calico Saloon will have the
characteristics of many of the structures that were
found in the old parks, particularly Knott’s Berry
Farm Ghost Town. Construction has begun with a
completion target of our Halloween open house and
also giving us plenty of time for final preparations
for the 2016 National Garden Railway Convention.
≠≠≠
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Bill Eldredge wirtes: I am enclosing photos of the
drydock facility at Jane's Shipbuilders. Detailing is
ongoing of the scratch build buildings, docks and
boat. It makes a nice addition to the pond area on
our layout.
June’s Open House tour photos
Kermit Paul’s outdoor RR - new concrete walls
Bob Waal’s hillside RR
≠≠≠
July 2015
Bob Waal’s rack RR ascent
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Richard Murray running at Glen Simpson’s
A couple of Terry Paullin’s custom buildings
Glen has a garden RR too
Terry Paullin’s church & cemetary
Live steamers at Glen Simpson’s
Terry has a hobo community living under a bridge
July 2015
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Nancy Norris and son Lake are working building
their garden railraod and plan to be open for our
2016 NGRC next summer.
≠≠≠
On a sadder note . . .
Jerry Fogel’s fine rockwork & bridges
PG&E crew restoring power on Jerry Fogel’s RR
Jerry Fogel’s train storage
≠≠≠
July 2015
Large scale model railroaders have lost a great
friend. After an extended period of declining
health, Tom King passed away in the last week of
May. As many of you may know, Tom was
receiving chemotherapy for cancer and had endured
a number of complications. Despite his ongoing
battle, Tom managed to attend several of Dan
Liebowitz’ steamups. He also attended Dan’s
memorial steamup in July of last year. As far as I
know, that was Tom’s last steamup.
There was a heartfelt memorial held for Tom at Rob
Lenicheck’s home on June 13, 2015. Rob delivered
a wonderful reading of Peter Jones’ final
“Scribblings on a Workshop Wall” from the
August, 2009 issue of Garden Railways. Some of
those in attendance shared personal stories of how
they met Tom and how he welcomed them to our
family of steamers. It was a wonderful way to help
us remember how much he touched each of our
lives. His good nature and dedication to helping
and encouraging others will be sorely missed.
Tom was a fixture at the National Summer Steamup
and was largely responsible for the trouble free
track time we all enjoyed. He spent hours before
and during each steamup adjusting and improving
the track alignment. Tom was someone that
seemed to prefer to stay out of the limelight.
However, he could not resist joining the Shay-up at
the National Summer Steamup each year and could
usually be seen grinning from ear to ear throughout
the entire run. He liked a variety of locomotives
and his roster included models as diverse as a
custom built Garratt, an early copy of the Cricket,
and a coal fired Aster JNR C62. The rolling stock
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was equally varied and often featured Gumby, and
particularly, Pokey as operators and passengers on
Tom’s trains. Tom’s unique sense of humor helped
remind us to not take our play time too seriously.
Tom did not talk much about himself. From what I
understand he was born in the Midwest, possibly
Michigan, and was a medic in the army in the early
60s. Besides the model train bond we all share with
him, Tom also had a passion for food. He provided
some great treats for those lucky enough to be in
attendance when he made a birthday dessert for
Gary Broeder at one of Gary’s steamups. I
remember a particularly good crème de mint
cheesecake on one such occasion.
Gary’s
association and friendship with Tom began through
a local train shop called Nut n' but Trains in
Morgan Hill over 20 years ago. Gary was in need
of someone to build switches and told the owner to
spread the word. Tom responded to the need and
ultimately worked with Gary at Llagas Creek
Railways for the next 23 years. Virtually all of the
turnouts sold under the LLagas Creek label were
assembled by Tom. His work will continue to
provide many with great enjoyment for years to
come.
many of us. Most of all make sure you convey that
the trains are just a means to an end – it’s really all
about the people we are fortunate enough to call our
friends and acquaintances.
-- Michael Martin, June, 2015
Some photos from Nancy Norris
BAGRS Members looking forward to the
mountain climb at Roaring Camp and Big
Trees: Henner Meinhold, Russ Miller, Bill Allen,
Richard Murray, Kristy and Dave Kennedy, and
Amy Herman
Scott Kennedy, was engineering during Father's
Day and Roaring Camp
Towards the end, Tom was convalescing in the VA
hospital and reached out to his circle of friends
through Gary Broeder, Mike O’Rourke, Paul
Gamlin, and others. He wanted them to pass along
a “hello” to everyone, but chose to not have
visitors. A great way to honor Tom’s memory is to
welcome someone new to the hobby by offering a
helping hand. Perhaps all you really need to
provide is a friendly, “Hello!”, as Tom did for so
July 2015
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Robin Lapin watches the first run, Lake Phillips'
Accucraft Forney, on her almost done railway
June open houses - Bobby Waal's Alps Railway
displayed some great retaining wall work
≠≠≠
Jim and Dot Maley’s European railroad trip
Northern Europe Railroad Adventures
Anniversary Trip - My wife Dot and I celebrated
our anniversary by flying to Copenhagen and
visiting various Baltic/North Sea cities by land and
by sea. Two attractions of high interest were to be
Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany and
the All Russia in Miniature Grand Maket Museum
in St. Petersburg, Russia. Unfortunately, we could
not
make
either
of
these
fabulous
attractions
because of
time
problems
(Hamburg)
and
visa
July 2015
problems (Russia) respectively. But two great
railway experiences were available and I will
briefly overview them in case you have a chance to
visit this part of the world.
Flam Railroad Bucket List Ride – This was one
attraction we did make and a great one. Dot and I
rode the Flamsbana Railway from the city of Flam
Norway to the high mountain region of
Vatnahalsen. This
railroad is world
famous and a feat
of
superb
engineering. This
was especially true
of the portion we
rode from the city
to near the Myrdal
Plateau. Our trip
was only about
three hours and
terminated at a
hotel
at
Vatnahalsen
(coffee and waffles served) and then back. The line
included a twisting tunnel wending its way through
several levels. Apparently, a number of these
tunnels along the way were cut by hand at the tune
of 1 meter per month. The line we took had a total
of 20 tunnels. This train took some steep inclines
and the Norwegians claim that almost 80% of the
line features a gradient of 1:18. Makes you
appreciate things just a little more with these
engineering facts.
As expected
in Norway
there were
many, and I
mean many,
waterfalls.
They were
all great but
the one at
Kjosfossen
and a train
stop was really spectacular by any standard. I was
off to one side and heard this strange and haunting
music. Occasionally we would see in the distance, a
beautiful blond woman in a flowing red dress
dancing in a "now you see her, now you don't"
fashion. The legend of the Huldra was reenacted for
us and apparently it's a Norwegian “mermaid of the
forest” thing beckoning to men. It was pretty exotic,
but I didn’t bite.
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Our train was so smooth, you hardly knew you were
flying up and down the solid tracks of Flamsbana.
What a great experience. It concluded with a walk
through the Flam RR Museum with many pictures
of men toiling in the mountains battling the heavy
snow. The museum also had many artifacts from
the old engineering days and a full HO scale model
of part of the railroad. It was a very nice conclusion
to our day in Flam.
The Denmark National Railroad Museum – Near
the end or our trip, we went to Odense seeking
Hans Christian Andersen attractions. We didn’t get
too much Andersen, but a whole lot of trains were
found at this fine museum and a highlight of this
city. This museum included many actual trains on
exhibit including steamers. Kids were everywhere
climbing up and down and all around. Great seeing
the next generation interested in trains. There were
two model train layouts, with the indoor being at
HO Gauge and the outside at G Gauge. Both were
functioning. Of special interest and a focus of the
museum were exhibits showing the progression of
technology combining train and ferry travel
(necessary in this neck of the woods). Some
Americans I met were going to Germany via
Ferry/Rail and I thought this was something new.
Not really, as they showed pictures and models of
this in the early part of the 20th Century. To top off
the museum experience, they had one room full of
outstanding ship models. Wow, this museum
combined my two favorites, trains and ships under
one roof. I loved it!
Many more full size photos are hosted at:
https://plus.google.com
Login with this e-mail and password:
BAGRSvideos@gmail.com
Porter%040
Click on “Photos” on the left-hand side,
then “Albums” along the top of the
page.
Here are some sedums that can survive/thrive on
very little water - important in this time of drought
and water restrictions in many parts of the Bay
Area.
Sedum Kant
Sedum Pacyhclados
Sedum Oreganum
July 2015
13
are located in Roanoke VA at a restored Norfolk
and Western Railway station called the O. Winston
Link Museum. Rather than write a lot about this
great photographer, why not just read a summary
from Wikipedia from the url below and just take in
a few of his great photographs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._Winston_Link
Life of O. Winston Link
Railway Art
General – I have been in Northern Europe for a
long vacation and anniversary celebration, so this
article is a bit short. Two separate 2015 Tracks
Ahead TV programs, featuring both railroad photo
art and then railroad art paintings, inspired it. What
a great program this TV series is and hope you are
enjoying it too.
Rail Road Photography – Last year, proceeding
up the Feather River Canyon on an excursion train
offered by Trains & Travel International, I had a
chance to see “die hard” Railfans up close and
personal from the Silver Lariat Car Observation
Deck. I was impressed with Railfan photographers
hanging on for dear life against the rocks as the
train made its many curves up to the mountain town
of Portola. I was quite taken with the fact that they
risked “life and limb” to get just the right shot of
this historic train. So here is a little information
about a couple of notable Railfan artists.
O. Winston Link Celebrated Photo Artist – The
work of Link was featured in Tracks Ahead 903:
Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. O. Winston Link
was a twentieth century railroad photographer
widely considered the master of the combining
steam railroading and rural culture. His photographs
July 2015
14
Railroad Museum in Green Bay. WI. Steve’s life
and work can be reviewed at:
http://www.trainartist.com
As you can see, he is still going strong. Here is a
sample of his fine artwork.
Below is a very colorful advertisement featuring a
book on railroad photography.
http://railfan.com/grp/grp_contents.php - Great
Railroad Photography
Looks like I have just scratched the surface on this
media subject and more at a later date.
Steve R. Krueger WI - Art Paintings – Tracks
Ahead 905: Saxon Taura Holiday Park focuses on
this working artist. He is a retired railroad man who
still stays in touch through his wonderful painting.
He does commissioned art and creates art of his
choosing for sale. This includes an array of fine
train art for the young ones and aren’t they the
future? His work is featured at the National
July 2015
There are other great railroad painters out there and
again more in a future article.
Follow Up? – Yes these capsule size photos and art
pieces do not do the artists justice. I guess you will
just have to visit the O. Winston Link Museum in
Roanoke or the National Railroad Museum in
Green Bay. I plan to do just that over the rest of
2015 & 2016 in separate road trips. Through the
sites listed, I am sure you can order photos and
paintings. I hope you can see the two TV segments
on Tracks Ahead Series 9 directly or archived. As
Spencer Christian says at the end of each TV show.
“Well that’s all for this episode …”
-- Jim Maley
kkupdj@me.com
15
connections. Every time someone new came to the
steamup, they had to take a look at the problem. It
was embarrassing. How come there’s seldom as
much interest when something works the way it
should? All ended quietly when Rob graciously
offered to make up some proper quick-connects.
A BUSY MONTH
-- Richard Murray
Being a steamer can be more than a hobby. For a
steam junkie it can be a lifestyle.
On June 3 a call from our trailer storage facility said
that our club’s trailer had to be moved to make
room for a 50 foot trailer. I got to make a trip to the
facility to unlock the trailer hitch. Then I had a
lengthy wait until their fork lift came along to move
the trailer.
The next day I went back to the trailer facility
because a new member, John Nichols, offered to be
a driver for the trailer. We both wanted to be sure
his pickup connections would mate with the trailer.
After his purchase of a new ball connection, the
pickup and trailer will mate just fine. John agreed
to haul the trailer back from Roaring Camp. Bill
Allen had already agreed to haul the trailer to
Roaring Camp.
On June 6 I traveled to Napa with Russ Miller to
ride a train around many acres of grapes and a
private lake. Each of us got to pilot the engine for
as long as we wanted. I have been going to this
event for about 25 years, and it has become one of
my favorite events of the year. One of the
highlights of the day is being served fresh ice cream
made with the help of a 20 foot water wheel. The
power of the water wheel is transmitted by old style
belts and pulleys to an old fashioned ice bucket
with an ice cream maker.
On June 13 Rob Lenicheck asked a few friends over
for a steamup. I proudly brought along a brand new
engine which I expected might create some interest.
Unfortunately, all the interest that it did attract was
for the wrong reason: It failed to run. Water
transfer to the boiler failed. As fast as I could pump
water from the tender, the water was squirting onto
the ground. It seems there were some leaky
July 2015
George Crabb’s Mallard made by Wuhu
An exception to the above lament was when Bill
Allen showed off his new scratch built Garrett.
Because of the complexity of the engine, he
complained that he had to spend up to 4 months to
build it. Most of us wouldn’t even attempt to try to
build it. Those talented souls who might try would
probably need 2 years to build something as
difficult as this project. We all had high praise for
Bill’s craftsmanship.
One of the reasons that Rob hosted the steamup was
to honor the passing of Tom King. Many of us
recalled his generous help in making sure switches
and track were always working smoothly. I asked
Mike Martin to write a memorial about Tom King,
and it appears elsewhere in this issue of the Trellis
and Trestle. Thanks to David Wegmuller and Mike
Martin for photos of Rob’s steamup.
On June 14 BAGRS held open houses in the East
Bay. Melinda and I played steam engineers most of
the day for Glen and Chris Simpson. Gary Whaley
and Harlan Barr also played steam engineers.
Thanks to Chris, we were given an entire banquet to
feast on, including pulled pork. Before I left, Glen
agreed to haul the trailer for both the Ardenwood
show and the Just Trains show in Concord.
Furthermore, he agreed to replace the bent jack on
the trailer.
An uncommonly seen Maxwell Hemmens Porter
from 1990. It belongs to Bob Armstrong.
16
Also on June 14, Nancy Norris let me know that the
article I wrote to help promote our 2016 National
Garden Railway Convention would be the cover
article for "Garden Railways.” Thanks to Russ
Miller for the cover photo. In addition, both Jack
Verducci and Dart Rinefort have let me know that
they would be willing to write articles about their
layouts to help promote our National Convention.
Check out Russ Miller’s article in this issue
detailing how the many hundreds of hours of work
have resulted in so much getting done for our
National Convention.
On June 18 Bob Trabucco agreed to haul the trailer
for the Los Altos History Museum steamup.
Rose and Bob Armstrong smile in front of the
Dixiana Shay at Roaring Camp
On June 20-21 we set up our steam track at Roaring
Camp on our continual journey of attracting
converts to BAGRS. We also found some people
who wanted to attend our National Convention.
Attendance was so high that Roaring Camp had to
run some extra trains. Thanks to David Kennedy,
Mike Martin, and Bob Armstrong for photos.
Meanwhile, Russ and I talked with their banquet
organizer about having our 2016 National
Convention BBQ and train ride at Roaring Camp.
A number of questions about the proposed contract
were clarified. We may be able to close the deal
soon.
July 2015
David Kennedy has some fun with the kids
Recently, I wrote an article titled “Steamer is
Gone.” That one article about the loss of our
faithful dog generated more emails, letters, and
personal comments than all the 40 columns together
that I have written for the "Trellis and Trestle.”
Thanks to all who commented. Your condolences
were much appreciated.
It was a busy month indeed.
The big daddy Heisler and the little baby Heisler
17
Bill Allen’s Algerian Garrat has completed its first
tests on the track and runs great. You can watch the
loco on youtube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkxIZX7uTwo
The Cossart valve gear in slow motion is
impressive. The build log can be found here:
http://forums.mylargescale.com/18-livesteam/46450-streamlined-garratt-build-log.html
Previously Dennis printed the axle boxes with his
3D printer and cast them in Zamac. As they would
have needed quite some clean-up, I decided to have
them printed in plastic by Shapeways. They came
out pretty good and I could even add all the holes to
attach them. The frame/truck mounting plates were
laser/water-jet cut. Everything came out so precise,
that the tiny holes for the 00-90 screws between
truck plate and axle boxes lined up perfectly. Here a
picture of the axle boxes:
Bill plans to build a rake of coaches for this loco.
Dennis is currently busy designing them in
AutoCad:
The sheet metal parts will be water-jet cut, the
trucks probably 3D printed.
After a long idle period I restarted building flatcars
for my Guinness loco. I designed them using the
Alibre software but could not open the files any
more when my laptop died. I finally bit the bullet
and bought the successor of this software “Cubify
design”. Here is the car as a 3D model:
The total cost of these 36 axle boxes was about $24
including shipping/handling.
The wood parts were cut on my little table saw and
some intricate curves milled with Dennis’ CNC
mill. Here the “kit”:
July 2015
18
in handy. The part on the right is the former proper;
the other one is a pressure pad, and the copper sheet
is sandwiched between the two. It was quite some
adventure to flange 1/8” copper!
Currently I am working on a steel mold for casting
the wheels in Zamac. We will see if it works.
Even my Climax saw some progress. The upper and
lower tube sheets have been flanged and the mud
ring bent:
Eric cut all the wood for the frame. The A-Climax
was designed as a “throw-away” loco, so this frame
was made of wood. Here a test assembly (The
engine will eventually sit lower):
The cab was held by stakes, so the next step is to
attach the stake pockets. Then the frame goes back
to Eric for distressing/weathering. A build log for
this loco can be found here:
Dennis made the former(s) for me on his big lathe.
He had a chunk of acrylic lying around, which came
July 2015
19
http://forums.mylargescale.com/18-livesteam/26243-skew-bevel-gears-ride-climaxbuild.html
As usual, more information here:
http://wegmuller.org/gallery/index.php/
-- Henner
Porter%040
page.
Roving Railroad planned events
Next display: Ardenwood for Labor Day
Anyone who would like to help can contact Nancy
Norris for our next work party. Call 925-408-9402
or nunorris@aol.com.
What have you learned building your railroad that
might help another member? What plant worked
well for you? Or went wild all over your tracks?
Have you found a tool that was especially helpful?
Or a source for some hard-to-find item?
July 2015
20
Here’s some photos Mort Grosser sent of the May
open house at Bill Allen’s.
New members Roy and Kathy Klebe with
president Russ Miller
A large tree fell onto the G&O garden railroad on
December 30, 2014 during a windstorm. The tree
damaged the bridges crossing Norris Falls and part
of the roof of the Depot that houses the San
Leandro Historical Railway Society. The City of
San Leandro started the Depot roof repairs in late
May and they are nearly finished as shown in these
photos. This is the last step that is needed to get the
G&O back to full operation.
The G&O Outdoor Railway will be open the
weekend of August 8 & 9, 2015 during the San
Leandro Historical Railway Society’s 2015 summer
open house. Please see the Upcoming Events of
this newsletter or the website (SLHRS.org) for the
schedule.
Dennis Mead’s live steam K.BAY.STS.B.
Krauss-Maffei S 3/6 Pacific
Bill Allen’s live steam PLM/CFA 4-6-2 + 2-6-4
streamlined Garratt
≠≠≠
From Joe Barker:
July 2015
21
The G&O Railroad is located at 1302 Orchard
Avenue, in Thrasher Park, at the corner of
Orchard and Davis Street, in San Leandro. The
show schedule is Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5
p.m.).
There will be a mega “Train Sale” on Saturday,
August 8 with a large selection of G gauge trains
for sale. Please mark your calendars to visit the
G&O on August 8 and pick up some trains at
bargain prices.
≠≠≠
Nothing here this month. Why don’t you send me
something?
Look who is on the cover of the next Garden
Railways magazine! Great promotion for next
summer’s NGRC here.
Porter%040
page.
July 2015
22
Last month’s Where is it?
This is the Georgetown Loop railroad. Take a
ride while you are in Denver. Congratulations to
F. John LaBarba for recognizing it.
Here is this month’s Where is it?
In June Ellen and I spend a week in the Sierras
visiting the National Parks: Kings Canyon, Sequoia,
Yosemite - also Mono Lake, Bodie (ghost town),
and Calaveras Big Trees. The mountains are
awesome and the weather was perfect (except
Murphys which was 108 degrees in the parking lot).
No trains on the trip, but then Denver is next week.
The first person to correctly identify this location to
newsletter@bagrs.org wins their name in next
month’s column.
Then the whole family came to visit. Our house,
which normally holds 2, now had 14 people living
in it 24/7 including 6 granddaughters under the age
of 8. Chaos! But lots of fun and we survived; the
house I’m not so sure about.
Deer are really dumb animals. As I write this we
are repairing the damage a deer did when she ran
through a plate glass window and into another one
breaking the glass on both.
-- Ray
Broken glass a deer ran through it
July 2015
23
TOP TEN REASONS TO GET MORE
ACTIVE IN GARDEN RAILROADING
10. It keeps you young.
9. You bought the stuff ..... use it!
8. If you don't, you'll have to
paint the house.
7. Lots of new, neat G scale stuff
on the market.
6. Reacquaint yourself with nice
people.
5. First step in committing to
2016 NGRC !
4. Your District Supervisor misses
you.
3. It'll keep you out of the bars.
2. What else ya gonna do in
retirement?
but the #1 reason is ..........
1. It's FUN, remember?!
- T. P.
July 2015
Items for Sale
Are you aware that BAGRS members can - and do list items for sale on our BAGRS web site.
http://www.bagrs.org/page-73696
The advantage is a quick, local transaction, and, for
the buyer, it’s a chance to see something before you
buy it. I see that there are a number of structures for
sale right now. You can also request an e-mail
whenever something is added.
ALL MEMBERS -- Please check and
update your personal and railroad
information on the BAGRS web site.
We use this information to communicate with you
and to provide descriptions and directions to
railroads open on our tours, so please update as
needed.
Login to www.BAGRS.org and click on “View
profile” in the upper right corner. Then click on the
“Edit profile” button at the upper left of your
personal data. You can now edit any of your
personal data. There are two places for your photo
in the BAGRS database, “Member Picture” and
“Personal Photo”. A good photo is a close-up of
you which is roughly square. Crop it close on the
face.
24
Other 2015 Events of Interest
 National Model Railroad Assn. (NMRA) convention, Portland, OR, August 2329, 2015, http://www.nmra2015portland.org/
 National Narrow Gauge Convention, Houston, TX, Sept. 2-5, 2015,
http://www.nngc-2015.com/
 BAGRS Roving Railroad at Ardenwood, Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2015
 BAGRS Roving Railroad at Just Trains, Oct. 4, 2015
 Central (California) Coast Railroad Festival, October 8-11, 2015,
http://www.ccrrf.com/index.html
 National Garden Railway Convention (NGRC 2016), July 4-10, 2016 in Santa
Clara sponsored by BAGRS
July 2015
25
Railroad Photo of the Month
Photo copyright by Matthew Malkiewicz with permission to use in Trellis & Trestle. Visit his web site for more
great railroad photos. http://www.losttracksoftime.com/
July 2015
26
2015 BAGRS Open House Schedule
March
April 19
Sunday
Intra-district social gatherings (Date determined by Superintendent)
East Bay (Alameda Co. West of the Hills), Bill Ralph, billralph42@gmail.com ,
Fremont, 510-651-8928
May 24
Sunday
May 24
Sunday
June 14
Sunday
June 14
Sunday
July 26
Sunday
July 26
Sunday
Aug. 15
Saturday
Aug. 15
Saturday
Sept. 13
Sunday
October 18
Sunday
Mid Peninsula (Los Altos North to San Carlos), Don Watters,
h20z@earthlink.net , Los Altos, 650-941-0322
North Peninsula & San Francisco (Redwood City North to San Francisco),
Don Watters, h20z@earthlink.net , Los Altos, 650-941-0322
Tri-Valley (East Alameda & Contra Costa Cos. S. of Walnut Creek), Terry
Paullin, frontrowcn@aol.com , Livermore, (925) 371-4409
Diablo Valley (Contra Costa Co., Walnut Creek North), David Mease,
david@mease.com, Martinez, 925-381-3252
San Jose/Milpitas (San Jose, Milpitas, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga), Jim
Goss, wvc505@yahoo.com , San Jose, 408-531-9374
Sunnyvale/Santa Clara (Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mt. View, Cupertino), Bob
Crum, rjcrum@comcast.net , Sunnyvale, 408-733-6069
Santa Cruz - Monterey Co. (Santa Cruz & Monterey County), Superintendent
TBD
S. Santa Clara & San Benito Co. (Morgan Hill South), Dale McAnally,
dalemcanally@verizon.net , Gilroy, 408-848-1440
Golden Gate (North of the Golden Gate and North & East of Contra Costa Co.),
Steve Smith, steve@thefamilysmith.org, Corte Madera, 415-924-4106
Intra-district social gatherings(To be planned by District Superintendent)
Scheduling Coordinator: Mike Paterson, mpaterso@yahoo.com , Santa Clara ,408-241-8462
If you would like to be open, contact your District Superintendent (above).
≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠
July 2015
27
Renew Your BAGRS Membership Online
Go to the www.bagrs.org website, log in and click on “view profile” under your name. Once on your profile
page you’ll see the “renew until . . . ” button near the right side.
BAGRS-Logo’d Clothing -- The Baggage Car
If you would like to purchase BAGRS Logo items, please go to the MEMBERS SECTION area of
www.bagrs.org , scroll down almost to the bottom and click on the link for: MEMBER SERVICES/INFO 
Baggage Car: Logo Apparel.
Need a BAGRS Name Badge?
Send a $15 check, payable to BAGRS, for each badge ordered. Be sure to print the name(s) for the badge(s)
clearly. Send to: BAGRS Member Badges, 6 Boies Ct., Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523
BAGRS On-line Photo & Video Library
Refer to instructions elsewhere in this issue.
BAGRS For Sale by Members
List items you have for sale or items you want. You’ll find it in the “Members Section” menu near the end. Log
in is required.
BAGRS members For Sale items
BAGRS Board and Contacts
President: Russ Miller
Vice President: Glen Simpson
Secretary: Mike Martin
Treasurer: Jim Goss
Scheduling Coordinator: Mike Paterson
Live Steamers: Richard Murray
At-large board member: Jim Anthony
Website and Database Manager: Jim Anthony
Outreach and PR: Nancy Norris (ex-off.)
Membership: Frank Lucas (ex-off.)
Newsletter: Ray Turner
president@bagrs.org
vp@bagrs.org
secretary@bagrs.org
treasurer@bagrs.org
OpenHouse@bagrs.org
livesteamers@bagrs.org
jaanth@comcast.net
administrator@bagrs.org
nunorris@aol.com
membership@bagrs.org
newsletter@bagrs.org
Copyright ©2015 The Bay Area Garden Railway Society. Trellis & Trestle is published monthly. Permission is granted to other garden
railway non-profit groups to quote or reprint material from this publication, except where reserved to individual contributors by copyright
notice. Please contact the author and credit the publication. Submissions may be in any format, though emailed computer files are
preferred. Line drawings and photographs are encouraged. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.
July 2015
28
One Year and Counting!
Status Update 6/18/15
32nd NATIONAL GARDEN RAILWAY CONVENTION
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA 2016
July 4 - 10, 2016
Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Host Hotel is the adjacent Hyatt Regency Santa Clara
Progress is well underway as we begin the countdown to July 2016. Most of the critical positions have been
filled, the primary venue and host hotel have been secured, Western Event Services has been selected to
manage our vendor hall, potential open house sites are being identified, social events planning is nearing
completion, registration is preparing to go “live”, vendors are being signed up, multimedia promotion is reaching
a large audience and the BAGRS 2016 convention contingent is preparing to head to Denver.
The first 2016 NGRC newsletter was sent out in May to our extensive email list as an attachment for ease of
forwarding as the second newsletter nears completion. There is a link on the convention website to get on the
newsletter email distribution list. Our YouTube video has received 2343 views and a second, more informative
video is in process. The video has been posted to forums on MyLargeScale.com, gscaletrainforum, gardenrails,
and Large Scale Central. A German version of the video has been posted on the Buntbahn website (over 1500
views!). The Del Oro Pacific group displayed our banner and gave away NGRC postcards at the Big Train show
in Ontario and were interviewed in a news report on KTLA. They also passed out 2016 convention postcards at
Railroad Days in Fullerton with over 35,000 in attendance. The BAGRS Live Steam group talked up the
convention and passed out post cards at the Maker Faire in San Mateo that was attended by more than 145,000
people!
First runs of bright orange convention polo and t-shirts have been completed and distributed to BAGRS
members attending the 2015 convention in Denver. We will be staffing the 2016 NGRC convention booth in
Denver as well as advertising in their convention booklet. The orange shirts will help us stand out from the
crowd so that interested parties can find us and ask questions about 2016. Free promotional t-shirts will be
distributed to early 2016 registrants. The Denver convention committee has been very communicative and
helpful in keeping us posted on their efforts, successes and challenges. With just a few weeks remaining they
have 435 registrants covering 940 attendees, at least 2 sold out hotels, and 127 vendor booths sold with 200
vendor personnel attending. They also have a waiting list of 65 people hoping to grab one of the 250 sold out
spaces for their BBQ at the Colorado Railroad Museum.
Our initial 1/6 page ad appeared in February and April 2015 issues of Garden Railways Magazine followed by a
half page ad in the June (convention) issue and a 1/4 page ad will run in the upcoming August issue. In
exchange for a one page ad in our convention program, Garden Railways has promised us a side banner in 2
email blasts and 3 months for a banner on their website to be started after the Denver Convention. A multipage
article by Nancy Norris and cover featuring Don and Sue Waters Lake Tahoe & Truckee Railroad appeared in
the April issue of GRM and several additional BAGRS member submissions will appear in the magazine prior to
July 2016. The August 2015 issue will feature Richard Murray’s layout and includes the cover photo! Other
BAGRS members have or will be submitting articles on their Garden Railroads.
Convention Chair: - Russ Miller (510) 733-2557 f1ram@comcast.net
Convention Vice Chair: Bill Ralph (510) 651-8928 billralph42@gmail.com
July 2015
29
Convention Facilities Coordinator: Richard Murray (650)583-9995 steamer060@sbcglobal.net
Vendor Coordinator: Terry Paullin frontrowcn@aol.com
Convention Treasurer: Christine Simpson c.e.simpson65@gmail.com
Website Coordinators: Jim Anthony (925) 355-1989 jaanth@comcast.net
Convention App. Developer: David Meese
Security Coordinator: Pete Peterson
Graphic Design and Printing Coordinator: Jenifer Miller (510) 733-2557
Advertising and Promotion: Russ Miller
Model Contest Coordinator: Gary Whaley (510) 614-9397
gngrlway@aol.com
REGISTRATION (Jim Anthony)
Jim Anthony is working on the registration pages and then will migrate the entire NGRC website over to Wild
Apricot for hosting as their registration software seems to work the best for us. We expect to go live with
registration prior to the Denver Convention.
EXHIBIT HALL (Terry Paullin)
We have completed the agreement with David Best, president of Western Event Services to manage our exhibit
hall. Under our direction WES will be responsible for decorating, furniture, labor, electrical, materials and
handling and related needs that may arise during the installation, duration and dismantle of the show. The cost
works out to approximately $100 each with a 75 booth minimum. WES has already supplied us with Exhibitor
Service Kits for all exhibitors. Internet will be available through Smart City Networks to vendors on a daily basis
at a cost of $75 per day.
Terry Paullin has sold 21 vendor booths already at $500 for first booth and $450 for additional booths.
Confirmed Exhibit Hall operating layouts include: BAGRS Live Steamers, BAGRS Roving Railroad, Del Oro
Pacific (Dennis Packer djpacker@gmail.com )
It’s still to be decided if we include a children’s layout particularly for the public day. A potential exhibitor is Tom
Stephenson with his modular wooden railway. REGRS also has a floor level children’s layout that we are
considering. We may get a sense of interest at Denver’s public day.
LAYOUT TOURS (Ray Turner):
July 2015
30
Ray is in the process of receiving responses to his email questionnaire from BAGRS members who are
interested in displaying their railroads during the convention.. Next steps include identifying potential layouts and
establishing schedules and bus routes. We are trying for a maximum of 10 layouts per day.
SOCIAL EVENTS (Russ Miller, Richard Murray, Bill Ralph)
Accucraft - Parking lot party, warehouse and museum tours. Checking with Ghirardelli for their Ice Cream Carts
and possible food trucks set up at their venue. Russ is in discussion regarding Accucraft insurance requirements
with Robert Sarberenyi. Marketing Director, Accucraft Trains. (510) 324-3399 rob.s@accucraft.com
Roaring Camp BBQ - Awaiting final agreement paperwork from Roaring Camp for 400 people for steam train
ride, entertainment and steak dinner BBQ at a cost of $49.00 per person. We will alternate 200 people each for
the train ride while the other 200 are enjoying dinner and live musical entertainment.
Potential evening speakers/presentations: Katrina Parks (“The Harvey Girl’s” talk and film). Bruce MacGregor
(South Pacific Coast Railroad), Michael Campbell (Walt Disney’s Carolwood Pacific), Dave Connery (Sierra
Railroad), Jack Burgess (Yosemite Short Line). Speakers in downstairs Banquet Hall.
Banquet: Eric Lynxwiler, Knotts Berry Farm historian and author of “Knott’s Preserved” will be the keynote
speaker at the convention banquet with a presentation on the Railroads of Knott’s Berry Farm. Purchase of
autographed copies of his book will be available. Eric Lynxwier (310) 614-1341 lynxwiler@aol.com
CLINICS (Rob Lenicheck with Bill Allen)
The goal is to have three simultaneous clinic rooms upstairs each with their own “Track”. Example: One room
will concentrate on Landscape, another on Modeling and the third on Live Steam.
CONVENTION CAR (Russ Miller, Jenifer Miller)
USA Refrigerator Car with plastic wheels, 200 -300 order. Cost is $55 each Graphics are underway by Jenifer
Miller.
GREAT WESTERN RAIL ADVENTURE
Chris Skow of Trains and Travel International will be hosting a pre-NGRC 8 day West Coast tour of nearly 30
railroads and rail related attractions from June 24 through July 1 ending up at the Santa Clara Hyatt Regency
Hotel. Cost is $1995 per person, double occupancy. Shared promotion will benefit both activities and Chis will
be generously splitting 50% of his profits with BAGRS. http://www.traintrips.biz/2016-Tours/Great-Western-RailAdventure-2016
BUDGET AND FINANCES
The BAGRS CD came up for renewal in June and the board decided to transfer the funds ($145K) into a high
yield liquid savings account separate from the BAGRS checking account so that the funds wouldn’t be tied up as
we enter a period of having convention expenses. The NGRC committee will do it’s best to anticipate expenses
and will contact the board to transfer funds to the NGRC checking account at the Mechanics bank that is
overseen by Christine Simpson. A balance of about $10,000 will be maintained for cash flow purposes. We have
$5328 in the account now with a payment of $3606.75 to the SCCC due by the beginning of July. Funds will
July 2015
31
need to be transferred shortly as we will need 50% deposits for the USA Trains Convention Car and Roaring
Camp RR for the BBQ. We will also be paying Wild Apricot up front for the website soon.
OPPORTUNITIES
There are still opportunities to fill open positions for this exciting event. Please contact Russ Miller if you are
interested in leading or assisting as: Event Coordinator, Convention Store/Merchandise Coordinator, “Goodie
Bag” Coordinator, Steam-up Coordinator, Children’s Area Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Hospitality
Coordinator.
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 1, 2 & 3
Preconvention BAGRS, REGRS and Shasta GRS tours in the North Bay
Monday, July 4
Registration desk open
South County self-guided garden railway tours
Model contest (entries only)
Special welcoming clinic
Local Independence Day Celebrations
Tuesday, July 5
Diablo Valley and Northern East Bay garden railway bus tours / self-guided
Model contest (entry and viewing) /Clinics
Evening Industry Speaker
Wednesday, July 6
Sunnyvale, Saratoga and Santa Cruz garden railway bus tours / self-guided
Model contest (entry, viewing, voting) /Clinics
BBQ / Train Rides at Roaring Camp in Felton
Thursday, July 7
580/880 Corridor garden railway bus tours / self-guided
Exhibit Hall open
Afternoon Social Event at Accucraft
Model contest (viewing and voting) /Clinics
Friday, July 8
July 2015
32
Registration open
South 101 Corridor garden railway bus tours / self-guided
Exhibit Hall open
Model contest (viewing and voting)
Clinics
Saturday, July 9
North 101 Corridor garden railway bus tours / self-guided
Exhibit Hall Public Day 10:00am - 4:00pm (exit exhibit hall by midnight)
Model Contest Awards
Banquet
Business meeting following banquet
Sunday, July 10
Encore day - Post convention self-guided tours of layouts that choose to be open
Monday and Tuesday, July 11 & 12
Post-convention self-guided garden railway tours in the Sacramento Area
July 2015
33

This Month`s Activities - Bay Area Garden Railway Society

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