THE HotBox

THE
HotBox
$3
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION, NATIONAL MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION
VOL. 51, NO. 4
WINTER 2010
2010 NCX CONVENTION WRAP-UP
2011 LANSINGS LEGACIES CONVENTION NEWS
RAILFANNING THE MICHIGAN SOUTHERN
PLUS- RR History, Timetable, Division News & more!
HotBox Editorial
The
HotBox
Winter, 2010
Vol. 51, No. 4
EDITOR
Barry Hensel
43642 Lotus Dr
Canton, MI 48188
734-397-5182
barry76Lt@wowway.com
Editorial Advisers
Jack Watson
Dave McMullian
Tim Fisher
Proof Readers
Marge Hensel
Marty LaForte
John Beres
The HotBox is published quarterly by the
North Central Region of the National
Model Railroad Association. Publication
dates areSPRING, Feb 1
SUMMER, May 1
FALL, Aug 1
WINTER, Nov 1
The HotBox is available online at-
www.ncr-nmra.org
All material, articles and advertising must
be submitted to the Editor. All material
should be electronic, preferably MicroSoft
Word or Powerpoint. Pictures should be
in Jpeg format and color. Material can be
emailed or sent via US Mail on cd-rom.
Materials will not be returned, unless
return postage and envelope are
included. Material submission deadline is
FIVE weeks before publication date.
Barry Hensel, Editor
HELLO ! ! It certainly has been a very busy few months for me. While this
issue of the HotBox has been in my mind, the recent NCR-NCX convention
has been fore-front. Plus I‟ve been working on the railroad, my railroad that
is, getting it ready for the convention as well. Simply amazing what an event
deadline will do to get items on that “to do” list completed!
These are the reasons that the HotBox is late (again). I‟m sorry for this,
but I find that I‟m getting slower in multi-tasking and a major event like the
convention just did not give me enough time to have this issue near ready
to go. AND, we certainly wanted to give you ALL the information from the
convention, including contest results and as tradition has it, the Best in
Show winning photo on the cover of this issue! Congratulations to Bill
Gawthrop for that photo and awards!
Keeping on my “convention hat” just a bit longer… it was a great event!
We have a wrap-up article later on in this issue, so more of the details will
be there. But let me say that I and the Planning Team do greatly appreciate
all of the comments that have been directed our way. We are very happy
with our event and that YOU had a great time attending. More later…
Back to being the Editor- which means that another NCR convention is
being planned for 2011 by Division 5 in Lansing. You will find some of their
information in this issue as well. We look forward to much more information
in the coming issues on their convention plans and progress.
Once again let me say THANKS for the kind comments you have given
me on my efforts with this publication! They are greatly welcomed and
warm my heart. I hope to continue to be Editor for as long as I can and as
long as articles and information is passed on to me by YOU, the NCR
membership. This is YOUR magazine, so please consider contributing an
article. Thanks for your support and encouragement!
Thanks for reading… Barry
Business ads- business card size,
$20 per issue, multiple sizes possible
Hobby Shop ads- FREE business card
ad for exchange of web links
Train Show ads- 1/2 page $20 for one
issue, $40 for two issues; full page $30
for one issue; $50 two issues.
Pike ads- $15 small, $30 double and
$60 quad for a 3 year period!
NCR Division Event ads- FREE
To pay for any ad space... send your
payment to the Editor. All checks/money
orders need to be made out to "The North
Central Region, NMRA"
Send address corrections to the
Registrar- Marty LaForte
44370 N. Umberland Cir
Canton, MI 48187
lafortes@gmail.com
Feel free to contact the Editor via email,
with any comments, questions or
corrections.
MODEL RAILROADING
IS FUN!
HOTBOX CORRECTIONS
Always striving to be correct is something we will do with the HotBox. But,
we are human and mistakes can/will happen. Please forgive us, these are
NOT intentional! Corrections for the May 2010 edition of the HotBox are* Oh-oh… we have no notes of any corrections for the last issue!!
FRONT COVER PICTURES- Best of Show picture NCX convention by Bill Gawthrop
REAR COVER PICTURES- Lansing area photos from Div 5 newsletters
2
NCR "OOPS"….
the HotBox WINTER 2010
NCR - NORTH CENTRAL REGION
BOARD MEMBERS & DIVISION LEADERS
President
Jack Watson 586-598-7407
jwatson1212@sbcglobal.net
Resident Agent
Uwe Thormaehlen 586-949-1878
u.thormaehlen@yahoo.com
Division One
Fred E Lux 734-856-6489
fred@fredlux.com
Vice-President
Dave McMullian 419-878-4888
Davemcmullian@earthlink.net
NMRA Director
Dave Thornton 248-879-6806
dthorn5552@aol.com
Division Three
Dick Moessner 260-637-7609
Rb_train@comcast.net
Secretary
Larry Wolohon, MMR
734-454-4816
Larrywolohon@comcast.net
Model Contests
Joel Goldberg
248-514-3207
joelgoldb@yahoo.com
Division Four
Skip Luyk 616-363-3453
heluyk@yahoo.com
Photo Contests
POSITION OPEN!!!
WE NEED YOU!!!
Division Five
John Hartmann 517-694-8925
oakandco4@aol.com
Achievement Program
Larry Wolohon, MMR
734-454-4816
Larrywolohon@comcast.net
Division Six
Glenn Joppich 734-464-6004
steambigot@yahoo.com
Treasurer
Dean Pyers
586-979-7319
dpyers@aol.com
Registrar
Marty LaForte 734-459-5173
lafortes@gmail.com
Directors
Chuck White 260-760-1666
railcarman@verizon.net
Bill Neale 248-477-7875
wneale@twmi.rr.com
Tim Fisher 313-881-2607
tafisher@comcast.net
Division Eight
Jerry Shanek 248-321-6097
jerry_shanek@yahoo.com
Division Nine
David Simmons 734-662-9807
david@aarailfan.com
Division Ten
Donald Harbin 810-238-0703
donaldeharbin@gmail.com
RAILROADING "WHAT THE ???"
NCR HUMOR
“Okay, 5701, bring „em back.”
“5 cars to couple”
“2 cars to couple. Ease „em up.”
“1 car to couple. Ease „em WAY
down!”
“Half car. EASE „EM UP RIGHT
NOW!!!!!”
“That‟ll do, 5701. THAT‟LL DO!!!!”
Craaaaaaaaash, screech, grind.
“Aw @#$%!.”
“Okay, 5701, we‟ll make the joint
at the next car and wait here for
the Trainmaster.”
WINTER 2010
the HotBox
3
PRESIDENTS OBSERVATION
Well, you missed it again! The 2010 North
Central Region Annual Convention has come and
gone!! Brought to you by Division Six, the North
Central Express was an excellent gathering of
model railroaders. Ideas were put forth, techniques
were discussed and everybody had a terrific time!
Were you there? About one-quarter of the Region
Membership was! As usual there were more things
available to do, than one could possibly partake
of!!! Hard to fathom where the rest of the members
were?
Honors Corner, CONGRATULATIONS are in
order again, three of our North Central Region
family were awarded the “Golden Spike” at the
National Convention in Milwaukee this summer;
Donn Craig of Battle Creek, Michael Orlando of
Paw Paw and Don Stokes also of Battle Creek!!!
Other Achievement Program awardees include
Glenn Joppich of Livonia who earned the
Association Official and Fred Rockwell of Redford
has earned the Association Volunteer Certificate!!
Congrats gentlemen, give these folks a large „pat
on the back‟ when you see them, it really does take
some effort to reach the goals to qualify for these
awards! Also on the Congratulations and thankyou list is Dan Lewis, for his work as the NCR
Photo Contest Chairman for many years. Dan has
to resign due to “a higher calling” but we are
grateful for the time he has served! THANKS Dan!!
(hint-hint- position available!!)
by Jack Watson
Another item of
NCR
news and note; the
Board of Directors at
the recent meeting in
Livonia, aka the North
JACK
WATSON
Central Express BOD
Meeting, approved a
donation to the
National to help fund
the new
“Diamond Program” they are undertaking. What is
it? A program to computerize the NMRA Archives
into digital, and make these items available to both
the membership and the public. Eventually
you will be able to sit at home at two in the
morning, looking at all the photo‟s, paint schemes,
logo‟s etc. from the NMRA Archive. You will then be
able to purchase copies on the internet, members
will pay a low very reduced rate, while the general
public will pay a much higher price for this service!
Rightly so – there should be value in membership!
The funds produced will be used to convert
more of the hundred-thousand items to digital, and
it could also serve to cause non-members to join
the NMRA just to receive the reduced rate, so it
could pay-off twice!!
Please have a wonderful and safe holiday season
this year! Remember comments are always
welcome, feel free to contact me, anytime 586598-7407 or jwatson1212@sbcglobal.net
THE
RAILROADING "WHAT THE ???"
NCR HUMOR
Trains have been delayed due to a minor points
failure……………
Unit 8877 is unavailable for service because it is
undergoing a modification program…….
4
the HotBox WINTER 2010
RAILFANNING the MICHIGAN SOUTHERN
NCR GOES TRACKSIDE
The fuel rack at Detroit Caddy Yard is very busy as
DS193 and the Grain X are being put together on
the departure track.
Track maintance is being done by a Michigan
Southern crew in the Ford Yard in Livonia.
The MICHIGAN SOUTHERN is owned by Division
6 member Norm Logan. The railroad was
available for tours and OPS sessions during the
recent NCX convention.
Scale: HO (1:87.1) Proportion
Layout Size: 25x25 feet
Prototype: CP, CN, GTW, CR, BO, CO, DTI,
DTS, NW, UP, BN, IC, SOU, LN, Missabe and
Western, Detroit Pontiac and Mackinaw, and the
Michigan Southern
Locale: Michigan to Tennessee
Period: 1970‟s
Layout style: 3 Level linear walkaround
Layout height: 34” Lower level, 46” Middle Level,
60” Highest level
Bench work: ¾ plywood
Roadbed: Cork and Roof paper
Track: Code 100 Flex track
Length of Main: Detroit to Coalmonte 460 feet.
As the theme of the Michigan Southern is the Auto industry, steel
making and delivery is key to the operations on this layout.
WINTER 2010
the HotBox
5
RAILFANNING the MICHIGAN SOUTHERN
NCR GOES TRACKSIDE
UP's IN33 is making a pass under the Southfield
Expressway with the SOO's "Twin City" coming
off the DPM's conecter from Pontiac.
The layout features three decks with a helix.
This switching layout is basically a point-topoint single track main containing lots of
operation in each of its 13 towns. 26 working
interchanges with other railroads lead to much
foreign engine power appearing each
operating session. 20 car drags and 15 car
locals are normal during operation. There is a
full painted backdrop on all levels.
The Michigan Southern's #2252, "Plymouth Local"
is switching out the Plymouth Produce this
summer of 1970.
This overall shot of the
Michigan Southern,
shows the three level
design and the "selective
compression" of
operation and scenic
elements used to max
out all available space.
6
the HotBox WINTER 2010
NCX MODEL/PHOTO CONTEST RESULTS
NCX WRAP-UP
Following are the official Photo Contest results for the Hotbox. Sorry I couldn't be at the Awards Breakfast on
Sunday morning, but I'm sure that Joel Goldberg filled in for me very well. Thanks! I enjoyed the convention!
Dan Lewis, Photo Contest Chair
Here are the results of the Model Contest for the NCX convention. Great models! Thanks to our Judges: Ed
Black, Dick Dittus, Bill Gawthrop, Pete Magoun, John Wissinger Joel Goldberg, Model Contest Chair
PHOTOS/SLIDES
BEST of SHOW and PEOPLE’S CHOICE
"The B&O Tower, Nova, Ohio" (Bill Gawthrop)
PROTOTYPE COLOR PRINT
1st - "Storm Over the Rails" (Sue Parry)
2nd - "Canadian Pacific" (Marie Ware)
3rd - "Caboose Reflections" (Sue Parry)
MODEL COLOR PRINT
1st - "Pere Marquette" (Jay Qualman)
2nd - "Autoparts West" (Bill Gawthrop)
3rd - "Along the Wheeling" (Bill Gawthrop)
MODEL BLACK/WHITE PRINT
1st - "Steam Loco" (Rick Ware)
2nd - "Western Maryland" (Bill Gawthrop)
3rd - "Loading Western Maryland" (Rick Ware)
PROTOTYPE BLACK/WHITE PRINT
1st - "Nickplate #765" (Rick Ware)
2nd - "Servicing Canadian Pacific" (Marie Ware)
3rd - "Ore Trestle" (Rick Ware)
HONORABLE MENTION
"Night Lady" (Sue Parry)
"Ready Track" (Sue Parry)
"Saginaw Potter Street" (Jay Qualman)
Best of Show model, Sue Parry’s 1st place photo
MODELS
BEST OF SHOW AND PEOPLE’S CHOICE
Cannery (Greg Rich) 117 points
STRUCTURES:
1st - Fenton Feed Mill (Dan Lewis) 116 points + Gold Award
2nd - Drug Store (Howard Andrews) 90 points
3rd - Port Costa Station (Bill Robarth) 88 points
CARS/CABOOSE:
1st – Bobber Caboose (Greg Rich) 112 points + Gold Award
CARS:
1st place tie Auto Car (Doug Hughes) 88 points
Z Braced Ore Car (Rick Ware) 88 points
1st place caboose &
Jay Qualman Honorable
mention model photo
WINTER 2010
the HotBox 7
RAILROAD HISTORY
THE FIRST TRAIN DISPATCHING BY
TELEGRAPH
Sometime in the fall of 1987, a major earthquake
struck Tokyo, Japan during a TV News Broadcast.
Even though that disaster took place almost on the
other side of the world from Detroit, it was only a
matter of a few hours before every TV station in the
Detroit area was not only broadcasting the news,
but showing the pictures of the TV News Broadcast
made in Tokyo as the quake struck. It is very
difficult for the railfans living in 1988, to realize that
on May 24, 1844 communication took it's first
gigantic step forward, as there were some 9000
miles of railroads operating in the United States
with no instant communication at all. All railroads in
the country at this time were short lines and single
track and operated on the principle shown below.
The distance between cities A and C might be 40
miles apart.
Each operating day (which excluded Sundays and
Holidays) a train left city A, while another train left
City C. Both trains were headed for city B.
Whichever train reached city B first (which was the
only place where the two could pass) must wait for
the other to pass before it could continue on it's
way. Since equipment was unreliable at this time
and there was no communication (other than word
of mouth, or letter) between the three cities, the
delays at city B were frequent and possibly of long
duration.
In 1843. Samuel Morse had developed a machine
that could send messages (by means of a code)
over wires to another machine located somewhere
else. Although it worked at his laboratory. to be
successful, he had to make it work out in the real
world, He formed the first Telegraph Company and
began stringing wire between Washington and
Baltimore (a distance of 40 miles). We must
remember that in 1843 there were no roads (as we
know them today) in the United States, merely
trails. The closest thing to a road in those days was
a railroad right of way. So Morse made a deal with
a local railroad and strung his wires along the
railroad right of way. By the spring of 1844, Morse
sent his first message. Now for the first time, man
could send a message a long distance in a matter
of minutes.
Although the telegraph was an immediate success,
there were problems to be overcome. At the time of
the first message, there were probably less than 6
8
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by Don Watson
NCR HISTORY
men that understood the Morse code and all
messages had to be sent in that code.
Also, the Morse code had to be sent over wires and
the only such wires in 1844 were between
Baltimore and Washington. Seven years later,
1851, numerous changes had taken place. There
were a lot more telegraphers. There were many
more railroads and many more miles of track and
almost every railroad right of way included
telegraph wires. The T rail had replaced the strap
iron rail. The locomotives and equipment were
larger and heavier. The little railroad that only
served cities A B & C was now a larger railroad and
served cities A B C D E & F. Instead of 2 trains a
day, that had to meet
and pass at city B, there were now 6 trains a day.
and could meet and pass at cities B C D & E.
There is a saying that everyone in this room has
surely heard, "You can't teach an old dog new
tricks", Although seven years had passed by since
Morse sent his first message over the telegraph
wires and most of the big railroads had telegraph
wires on their property, it had never occurred to
anyone to use the telegraph to speed up train
operation.
On September 21st. ,1851 Charles Minot, the
general superintendent of the Erie Railroad, was
riding the west bound express train as a passenger.
The train, under the rule then existing, was to wait
for an east bound express to pass it at Turner's (47
miles from New York). That train had not arrived
and the westbound train would be unable to
proceed until an hour had expired, unless the tardy
east-bound train arrived at Turner's within that time.
Charles Minot was in a hurry because he had
important business to transact in Port Jervis (42
miles further down the line). There was a telegraph
office at Turner's, and Superintendent Minot telegraphed to the operator at Goshen, 14 miles further
west, and asked him whether or not the east-bound
train had left that station. The reply was that the
train had not yet arrived at Goshen, showing that it
was much behind schedule. Supt. Minot
telegraphed as follows:
To agent and operator at Goshen: Hold east-bound
train # for further orders. Chas. Minot, Supt.
The Superintendent then wrote an order and
handed it to the conductor of the west-bound
express: To conductor and engineer of the
westbound Day Express: Run to Goshen
regardless of opposing train. Chas. Minot, Supt.
RAILROAD HISTORY
The conductor, W.H.Stewart, took the order and
showed it to the engineer, Isaac Lewis who read it.
The surprised engineer handed the order back to
the conductor and said, "Do you take me for a
damn fool, I won't run by that thing". The conductor
reported back to the Superintendent who went
forward and talked to the engineer, who still refused
to honor the order. So Supt. Minot climbed aboard
the locomotive and took over as engineer.
Meanwhile, the engineer jumped off the locomotive,
climbed aboard the last car on the fly and sat in the
last seat. The Supt. ran the train to Goshen. The
east-bound train had not yet reached Goshen.
Supt. Minot telegraphed ahead to Middletown,
another 8 miles further west and learned that the
oncoming train had not yet arrived. Again the Supt.
issued similar orders and the train proceeded to
Middletown. At Middletown the same logic was
used and the train went on to Port Jervis. Both
trains arrived at Port Jervis on the passing tracks at
the same time. Over an hour had been saved by
the west-bound train and the question of running
trains on the Erie by telegraph was once and
forever settled.
It would seem logical, after Minot's demonstration
of the proper use of the telegraph that all railroads
would start using the telegraph to speed up
operations and warn trains of trouble ahead.
However, that was not the case. Many railroads did
learn to use the telegraph to their advantage, but
others continued to operate under the old ways.
Nearly 20 years later to the day, disaster struck on
the Eastern Railroad of Massachusetts. This
railroad had telegraphic installations in nearly all of
its stations, but its independent superintendent,
Jeremiah Prescott would have no truck with them,
sticking to his rules and timetables. 'The telegraph
by Don Watson
NCR HISTORY
was left to such members of the public that wanted
to send telegrams.
On a humid, foggy evening in August, 1871,
obstinate attention to Prescott's rules made it
possible for one badly delayed branch-line train
from Lynn to cause a pile-up of three crowded
passenger trains at Everett Junction; the Lynn train
had broken down, which no one knew, but nothing
could move onto the branch until the train made its
belated appearance. The blockade at Everett in
turn held up a north-bound main-line-local, a fact
not realized back in Boston and, worse still,
unknown to the engineer of the Bangor Express,
heading north at high speed on the same track. In
the meantime, the log jam at Everett Junction had
been cleared up but nobody warned the engineer of
the Bangor Express that the local ahead of him was
running extremely late. Pounding through the fog
several minutes later, the engineer suddenly saw
two dim red lights (they had no reflectors) dead
ahead and close at hand. They were the rear lamps
of the local unloading at Revere. The engineer
whistled for brakes, (this was before the day of air
brakes) reversed his engine and dove out of the
cab. He survived, but 29 died and 57 were injured all because the Superintendent would not allow the
telegraph to be used for railroad messages.
The Eastern Railroad of Massachusetts never
recovered from the infamy or the lawsuits and
eventually became a part of the Boston & Maine.
After this disaster, the majority of the remaining
railroads still operating without the use of the
telegraph saw the "Handwriting on the Wall",
realizing that it was cheaper to use the telegraph
than suffer from lawsuits.
Don Watson Jan. 22, 1988
YOUR article could be appearing RIGHT HERE!! Please consider writing an
article for a future issue of the HotBox!! Fame, Fortune (not really) and points
toward your MMR await you when you write a HotBox article!
NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS
NCR INFORMATION
Division Ten (Flint and Saginaw area)
Beginning in January, 2011, Division 10 will be moving to a new location and new date and time for our
meetings. We will be meeting at the Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley Street on the 3rd Thursday of the
month at 6:30 PM. Mark your calendars! We have donated $75 to NMRA to help with the digital photo project.
(submitted by Don Harbin, Superintendent)
WINTER 2010
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9
HotBox NEWS "BETWEEN THE RAILS"
NCR INFORMATION
Here is where your news items, rumors, and gossip of just about anything in the Model Railroading hobby can
be reported. Whatever it is, send it to us and we'll let everyone else know!
BTR#1- The annual Toledo Train shows have moved!! Instead of being at the Lucas Co Fairgrounds, they will
now be held at MBT Expo Center in Monroe, MI. At the MBT Expo Center, there is plenty of FREE parking!
The first events at the new site will be on December 18 and 19.
BTR#2- Guessing you‟ve seen the great new article on Rod Stewert‟s layout in the new Dec 2010 Model
Railroader magazine. Now see part of Rod‟s interview on Jimmy Kimble Live where they talk model railroading
- Cool…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOvnhiFxRjA&feature=player_embedded!
BTR#3- CONGRATULATIONS to several NCR area modelers!!! To Brooks Stover for his layout article in
Great Model Railroads 2011, to Mark Olstyn former Div 6 member from Grosse Point Farms for his layout
design article and Bob Chapman of Midland for articles in the latest Model Railroader Dec 2010. NICE WORK!
DISCLAIMER!!- While we will try to verify most stories, the HotBox, HotBox Editor, NCR Board of Directors, its
agents and representatives will not/can not be held responsible for mis-information presented in this column!
Peter R. Magoun, MMR For NMRA Central District Director
The NMRA is divided into districts for governance purposes. We're in the
Central District, (central area of the USA and all of Canada) that the seat
comes open next year and I'm standing for the seat in the 2011 election.
As the NMRA savors the successes of its first seventy-five years, it faces a
number of challenges for the future. Among them, the average age of the
membership is increasing, a host of other activities competes for limited
hobby time, and younger generations are demanding “instant gratification”
in a now-digital world. It is imperative that the organization move forward
to address these challenges in a business-like manner, yet retain the
camaraderie, standards and educational offerings that draw members.
Self-employed for over twenty-five years, I hold an MBA and have board
level and officer experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
I‟ve been able to work well with both paid staff and volunteers and have held leadership positions including
board president. I‟ve used the knowledge and experience I‟ve gained to resolve in those organizations many of
the issues currently confronting the NMRA. In 1998 I bought a nearly defunct hobby shop and have turned it
into a thriving destination that draws visitors to my community. I have an excellent working relationship with
many of the manufacturers and distributors who support the hobby. In short, I have the skills necessary to
guide the NMRA into the new decade.
I joined the NMRA in 1973, have been a life member for over fifteen years, am a member of the LDSIG and
OPSIG, earned my Master Model Railroader (#396) designation in 2007, have been both an “outsider” and an
active member of a Division, have given clinics and judged contests at the Division, Region and National
levels, have had articles published in the hobby press and have been active in promoting the hobby in other
ways for over thirty-five years. Since my “local” Division meets three hours away from my home I understand
the challenges related to geographic isolation from the mainstream membership. I value the camaraderie and
educational opportunities provided by the NMRA and am grateful for the benefits of the standards,
recommended practices and conformance warrants set forth by the NMRA.
As we move forward, I‟d like to see the NMRA make better use of its Brand to cement relationships between
model railroaders and the organization. The Web and various kinds of social media can and should be key
elements of building relationships. The Web can and should provide a platform for documents and templates
for Region and Division officers to use in planning activities, finding out what “works” and what doesn‟t, and
ensuring that members fully understand the answers to the “What‟s in it for me?” question.
The pledge I made to continue to serve the NMRA when I received my MMR is important to me. I want every
NMRA member to experience the benefits the NMRA has to offer. I ask for your support in this effort.
10
the HotBox WINTER 2010
NCR TIMETABLE
NCR DIVISION meetings
NCR INFORMATION
Division One (Toledo and Ohio area)
Meets at Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Blvd. at Floyd Street, near downtown Toledo.
Division One is a 100% NMRA membership organization.
www.divisiononencr.com
Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area)
Meets on the second Tuesday of the month year-round at the Community Christian Reformed Church
3434 Lahmeyer Road, Fort Wayne IN. (0.7 mi south of Stellhorn Road.) Meetings begin at 7:00 PM.
www.hoosierdiv3nmra.org
Division Four (Grand Rapids and western Michigan area)
Meets quarterly with other special events thrown in. For additional information contact Skip Luyk, 616-3633453 or heluyk@yahoo.com
Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area)
Meets at 1pm, on the SECOND Saturday of each month in the basement of the Capital Area District Library, at
the corner of South Capital and Kalamazoo Streets, Lansing.
www.div5.ncr-nmra.org
Division Six (Wayne County, Michigan)
Meets at 7:30pm, on the THIRD Friday of each month at the Livonia Senior Center, 15218 Farmington Road,
one mile north of the I-96 Jefferies Freeway, Livonia.
www.div6-ncr-nmra.com
Division Seven (mid-upper Michigan area)
Division Seven is currently inactive. Any Volunteers??
Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties)
Meets at 7:00pm, on the THIRD Thursday of each month at Troy Christian Chapel, 400 East Long Lake Road,
between Rochester and Livernois Roads, Troy.
www.div8.ncr-nmra.org
Division Nine (Washtenaw County)
Meets at 2:30pm, on the FIRST Sunday of each month except for July and August, at Keller/Williams Reality,
2144 South State Street, North of Briarwood Mall towards downtown, Ann Arbor. Use upper level entrance to
the building, look for NMRA sign at reception desk.
www.div9.ncr-nmra.org
Division Ten (Flint and Saginaw area)
Meets at 7:30pm, on the THIRD Tuesday of the month at Woodside Church, 1509 East Court Street Flint.
Beginning in January, 2011, Division 10 will be moving to a new location and new date and time for our
meetings. We will be meeting at the Flint Public Library, 1026 E. Kearsley Street on the 3rd Thursday of the
month at 6:30 PM. www.ncr_division10.tripod.com
OTHER GROUPS meeting in the NCR AREA
There are over 60 different model and proto-type groups within the Michigan area of NCR. They can be found
at www.michiganrailroads.com
YOU should join and attend your local NMRA – NCR – Division meetings and
activities! Get the most out of our hobby – participate often!!
WINTER 2010
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NMRA & NORTH CENTRAL REGION NEWS
NCR INFO
SCANNING OF THE KML BEGINS
By Gerry Leone, MMR
NMRA Communications Director
If you‟re a subscriber to NMRA Magazine
(formerly Scale Rails) you‟ve seen the
“Timeframes” series of photographs printed on the
magazine‟s last page. Those are all shots taken
from the Kalmbach Memorial Library (KML)
archives. The fact is, our NMRA Library has over
100,000 images, negatives, slides, plans and
drawings, and only a handful have ever been seen
by NMRA members because it would have entailed
making a trip to HQ in Chattanooga, to flip through
the files.
Soon that will all change, thanks to the NMRA‟s
Diamond Club. The Diamond Club is a fundraiser
specifically designed to support adding enhanced
content to our website at www.nmra.org. The first
item on the list of is scanning those 100,000
images and making them available for download.
The good news is that scanning of the
photographs has begun! In August of 2010,
Historical Archives Services (HAS), the firm the
NMRA Board of Directors hired to do the scans and
design the photo website, began receiving and
cataloging shipments of photographs from KML.
HAS estimates that the first batch of photographs
will be available for viewing online sometime in the
first quarter of 2011, after a short period of beta
testing late this year.
Putting the entire library online will be a costly,
time consuming task, since each photo‟s listing will
also contain highly detailed, searchable metadata,
which is being added by the railroad experts at
HAS. This detailed metadata will make it easier and
faster for users to find exactly the photograph
they‟re looking for. Current plans are to make the
low-resolution thumbnails of the photographs
available to everyone via the website around the
clock. Users will be able to download highresolution files, and NMRA members will receive a
substantial discount. Proceeds from the scans will
help fund the remainder of the project and future
Diamond Club web projects.
The Diamond Club DID reach its projected goal of
$75,000 but more is always welcome! If you haven‟t
contributed to this worthy cause, please send your
donation now to The Diamond Club, NMRA, 4121
Cromwell Road, Chattanooga, TN 376421, or do it
online at www.nmra.org/diamondclub.
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the HotBox WINTER 2010
Railroading experts at HAS begin the daunting task
of scanning the Kalmbach Library‟s massive
collection. The first photos should be available
online in early 2011.
All 100,000 photos in the KML must be digitized,
and important metadata added to each scan to aid
in fast, efficient user searches.
NEW LOOK FOR NCR WEBSITE!
Inspired by the NMRA website improvements,
David Simmons, superintendent of Division 9, has
rebuilt the NCR website. The new website,
http://ncr-nmra.org, continues to offer electronic
copies of The Hotbox, as well as an event calendar,
and other NCR information as it becomes available.
This is still a work in progress, so be sure to check
it out periodically for new content, or if you prefer,
you can follow it on Facebook or via Twitter by
clicking on the appropriate logo on the home page.
Another feature worth noting is the banner images
at the top of the website. If you hover your mouse
over the photo, you will also get a brief description.
Additional photos of models, prototype, or NCR
activities can be submitted to David at
david@aarailfan.com. These photos should be
about 940 pixels wide x 200 pixels high. All
submissions should include who shot the photo and
a brief description to speed getting them posted.
NMRA & NORTH CENTRAL REGION NEWS
NCR Board Meeting, 10/24/2010 at NCX.
Meeting was called to order @ approx.. 11:00 am by
NCR President Jack Watson. Jack had handout for:
What do you get for NMRA Dues.
New Business:
Dan Lewis has resigned from Photo Contest Chair,
Chuck White recommended Rick &/or Marie Ware as
new Photo Contest Chair.
Pete Magoun, MMR, talked about running for
Central Director. Pete owns Trains & Things Hobbies.
Pete was interviewed for this position by NMRA
president, Mike Brestal for taking over from Dave
Thornton after Dave was appointed for NMRA Vice
President. Pete went over his qualifications. Pete
wants to better use of volunteer time. Very few NMRA
members vote, 10 – 15% vote, so a high turn out of
NCR voters, may help get Pete elected.
Registrar‟s report, 808 NCR member, 375
subscriptions with 333 paid.
Jack talked about CD with the NMRA manual on it.
Marv Linke will be looking for Divisions‟ financial
reports for the year end of 2010 for reporting to IRS
for 2011.
Uwe talked about Rules of Operation, get the final
1/3 rewriten. Uwe would like to have the rules voted
on by email as an option. The motion was made by
Chuck White, seconded by Larry Wolohon &
approved.
Budget: region gets money from head-tax from
Region Conventions, $7/convention attendees,
$2/NMRA member when they renew & subscription
fees to HotBox. Should head tax be $5 rather than
$7? Discussion about if lowering $5 for NCX2010.
John Hartmann asked how much should NCR have in
bank? Jack answered approx 2 years of Hotbox
expenses. Lowering head tax will give Divisions a
break to put on Regional Conventions. Head tax was
voted to be $5 rather than $7 starting with 2011. No
regional convention for 2012. Proposed 2 conventions
for 2013, for Div. 9 & 10, or an OPS weekend for
2012 rather than convention since Grand Rapids is
hosting 2012 National Convention. Hotbox income
doesn‟t cover cost of Hot Box. How should we cover
this? Mass mailing of HotBox will take place next
August, for elections & to promote Lansing
Convention.
The meeting room for NCR board meeting has been
proposed to be paid by NCR rather than Convention
group. Fred Lux proposed: 1. Board Members are
responsible for the cost of their meal, if a meal is
served. 2. If an additional cost is incurred to secure a
room for the NCR board meeting, the fee is the
NCR INFO
responsibility of the Region, not to exceed $250. This
was discussed.
Another Proposal: NCR to cover the AV equipment
for regional conventions. This was discussed for a
while.
More New Business:
Future conventions discussed: A flyer for 2011
Lansing Convention, Lansing Legacies 2011 was
passed out. This convention will take place November
3-6 (Thursday-Sunday), 2011 in Lansing, Mi. Div. 5 is
ready to take $ for registration @ NCX2010 or mail to
the person & address on the flyer.
No Convention for 2012, board meeting in Jackson.
2013, Div. 9, 5 active people, don‟t think they can do it
2013, Div. 10 – not much activity, few members show
up to meetings, 5 or 6
2013, Div. 8, Jerry Shanek will bring up to
membership for approval to proceed.
2014 Toledo and 2015 Ft. Wayne
Clinics make & take draw in new people & modelers.
NMRA has the draw of insurance for various events.
Misuse of NMRA insurance & representation has
been discussed. NMRA insurance is for NMRA
members & guests, not people that claim to be
members that are not really members.
Donation to NMRA to Digitize photos/plans etc.
Diamond Club has been a runaway success, should
NCR make a donation? $1000 was proposed & voted
on & passed.
Jack thought that New officers will be needed soon
as a lot of the current officers are term limited.
However a later e-mail from Uwe, indicated that the
current officers took office @ GLX2007, so they
should be set for 2 more years.
NCR board meeting will be Friday, 9:00 am in
Lansing. Div. 5 will host 2011 regional convention.
Chuck White would like to get access to names,
addresses, etc of convention attendees.
Dave Simmons discussed using NCR website for
various items 2 gigabyte capacity.
More NMRADave Thornton asked about how the NCR board
members liked the new NMRA logo. Dave also said
that if there is a problem, get a hold of him rather than
put complaints on blogs, yahoo groups, etc. 14%
NMRA members live outside US. Dave noted that
there are sizeable Groups in Germany & Taiwan
interested in NMRA. Railpass retentions are 60%.
NMRA membership is roughly 19,000.Standards
group has been rejuvenated, couplers are being
looked at.
The meeting was adjourned @ approx 2:30 pm.
WINTER 2010
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LANSING LEGACIES 2011
NCR SPECIAL REPORT
WINTER 2010
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LANSINGS LEGACIES 2011
NCR SPECIAL REPORT
On behalf of the Convention Committee and Division 5 officers and members, we‟d like to introduce you to the
North Central Region‟s 2011 Convention that we‟re calling Lansing’s Legacies. The convention will start on
Thursday November 3 and run through Sunday Nov. 6 and will take place at the Lansing Ramada Inn West.
A good Region Convention generally consists of many parts. These
include layout visits, clinics, prototype tours, contests, a banquet and,
perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to connect with old friends and to
meet and get to know new ones.
Why is it called Lansings Legacies? Because Lansing still has much
railroad history to go with the 3 class one railroads, plus Amtrack, which
serve the city. Lansing still has a coaling tower, 3 historic passenger
stations, plus an Amtrak station, a relocated crossing tower, and a
repurposed freight station that appears to come right out of a Walther‟s
catalog. While many of the old, rail served, automotive factories are gone,
new, rail served automotive facilities have been built. Remnants of other rail
served industries can also be found, providing grist for the scratch builder
and modeler. Lansing still has 2 active diamonds. CN‟s former Grand Trunk
Western line and CSX‟s former C&O, (ex-Pere Marquette) lines provide the
most traffic. NS‟s former NYC (ex-Michigan Central) line adds a train or two. Amtrak runs its Chicago Port
Huron train on the ex-GTW line with a station in East Lansing. There are even the remnants of an old Lake
Shore and Michigan Southern line. Two local industries and MSU have their own locomotives to service their
facilities. Traction fans can also find a few sections of the old R-O-W and a couple of structures in the area.
Layouts:. Attendees will have the chance to visit at least 20 home layouts ranging from Z to G, including
narrow gauge and traction layouts.
Clinics: The Convention will have over 40 clinicians presenting more than 80 clinics. Almost all of the clinics
will be presented at least twice, so that if two that you want to see are side by side, you will still have a chance
to see all of the clinics you want. Clinic topics include scenery, scratch
building, layout design, operations, history and rail fanning. Featured
clinician and Dinner speaker will be Miles Hale Master Model
Railroader. He and his wife Fran, also a Master Model Railroader, will
be presenting numerous clinics on scenery, weathering and adding
details to your layout.
Ops Sessions: Several layouts will be available for operating
sessions, starting Thursday evening and running throughout the
convention. These include Andy Keeney‟s huge Nashville Road layout
designed and built to feature operations. Club layouts will also be
featured. LaNtrak‟s N scale layout will be at the show, as will several
other layouts in a variety of scales. The Lansing Model Railroad Club
will have their layout open in an 1890‟s vintage, Grand Trunk Western depot.
Prototype: Plans are being made to provide tours to several local industries and rail sites. More information
to come as the plans develop and are confirmed.
Contests: Several different contests, of the type usually found at an NMRA convention will be available both
for participants to enter models, and for the rest of the attendees to see.
Saturday evening, will have an extra fare dinner, followed by awards and well known
guest speaker Miles Hale MMR.
Registration & Lodging: Registration is $50, with an early-bird rate of $45 if you register before Sept. 1,
2011. Your spouse may join you in visiting the home layouts at no extra cost. Rooms at the hotel are
reasonably priced at $79 per night with a full buffet breakfast. The area around the hotel has numerous
restaurants, as well as the option of dining at Clara‟s in the former Lansing Union Station, or in its adjoining
passenger car. The hotel is convenient to area freeways and arrangements can be made to pick up those
arriving by train. Check our website, lansinglegacies2011.org. We hope to see you at Lansings Legacies,
the 2011 North Central Region Convention November 3 - 6, 2011.
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NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS
NCR INFORMATION
Division Nine (Ann Arbor area)
Division 9 is very active. (submitted by: John Wissinger, Div. 9 Clerk)
Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair Counties)
Division Eight continues its string of strong meeting participation in 2010! During the quarter participants have
enjoyed a flee market (August) and a clinic on the Cajon Pass (September) Marv Linke won the Division 8
Model of the Quarter contest for his N scale transfer warehouse. Division 8 had a very strong representation at
the recently completed NCR Regional convention with more than 35 members registered.
(submitted by Bill Gawthrop)
Division Seven (mid-upper Michigan area) Division 7 is currently inactive. Any Volunteers??
Dave Comer with Whistle Stop Hobbies in Harbor Springs is interested in hearing from you if you are in upper
Michigan! Phone is 231-526-9024. Whistle Stop Hobbies 275 East Main, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
Division Six (Wayne County, Detroit area)
Our Division meets every month, year round! Even though we just finished a great event, the NCX convention,
we‟re right back in the thick of things with our annual Fall MODEL RAILROAD SHOW & WORKSHOP which
will be the Sunday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 28th. It's a great event that promotes our hobby and helps teach
the art of model railroading! We are a dues free division and welcome everyone! Our monthly meetings are
interesting, informative and fun.
(submitted by Barry Hensel, Newsletter Editor)
Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area)
October's meeting started with a show and tell regarding models and projects tackled over the summer.
Several members had models to display, while others discussed the projects on their home layouts that they
had had time to work on over the summer. Master Model Railroader Larry Wolohon then presented his clinic
on having freight cars from other roads on one's layout. The meeting was followed up by a visit to Mark
Frechette's very large HO layout. A real learning experience and a lot of fun was had at the Division 5
September kick off meeting for the 2010-2011 season. Under the tutelage of Pete Magoun MMR, many
Division 5 members built their very first laser cut wood kit. Earlier in the summer, Div. 5 members visited a
several Div. 9 layouts in the Dexter area, the White Creek live steam layout in Cedar Springs and Huckleberry
RR during Railroad Days. (submitted by- Mark Cowles, Div. 5 Clerk)
Division Four (Grand Rapids and west Michigan area)
Division 4 members were invited to participate in a "Modelers Challenge" during this years Holland Trail Show
sponsored by the Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society. Though the participation was low The
GRMRHS said they would do it again next year.The crowd attending the show liked what they saw and had
many conversations with the modelers. Gift certificates from three hobby shops (4 purchased by the GRMRHS
and one donated by Cobblestone Hobbies in Holland) were awarded to the participants based on popular vote.
Mark your calendar for the second Sunday in October next year and bring a model to talk about.
The Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society is working on the 2012 NMRA National convention.
(submitted by-Skip Luyk, Superintendent)
Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area)
Division 3 has moved its monthly meetings to Community Christian Reformed Church, 3434 Lahymeyer Rd., Ft
Wayne, IN. (2nd Tuesday of month, 7 PM) Our thoughts, best wishes and prayers go out to Div 3
Superintendent Dick Moessner and family as Dick‟s wife had a heart attack in early November. (Editor)
(submitted by- Dick Moessner, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 3)
Division One (Toledo, Ohio area)
Division One has nothing new to report!
(submitted by- John Roth, Division One Informer)
REMEMBER!!! We need YOU as a "DIVISION INFORMER" so that everyone else knows what your Division is
doing! We will need YOUR help for future issues of… the HotBox!
WINTER 2010
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HOBBY SHOP & BUSINESS CORNER
OTHER HOBBY SHOPS in the NCRGreat Lakes Hobby, Uitca, MI
P&D Hobby, Frasier, MI
Rainy Day Hobbies, Ferndale, MI
First Place Hobbies, Bluffton, IN
Riders Hobby, Ypsilanti, MI
Phil's Hobby Shop, Fort Wayne, IN
The Gladieux Train Depot, Oregon, OH
Jackies's Trains & Gifts, Erie, MI
Rider's Hobby, Taylor, MI
Whistle Stop Hobby, St Clair Shores, MI
Whistle Stop Hobbies, Harbor Springs, MI
YOUR BUSINESS ad could be here!!
Low cost – lots of exposure!!
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Please visit your local hobby shop!
HotBox PROTOTYPE PAGE
NCR INFORMATION
The many faces of the C&O- L to R;
Romulus, MI May ‟77;
Grand Rapids, MI July ‟73;
Ironville, Ohio Nov ‟73;
All pictures received via email, photographer unknown
"Almost a Mixed..." Alas, no GP-30‟s, but here is a
coming and going view of a northbound at Holly,
ferrying Office Car #25 to Saginaw, in June 1975. this
day as we chased this train north after catching a
glimpse of it passing through Highland a few minutes
earlier. I posted these pix on Trainorders last week and
speculated that if the car was actually occupied, the
train would technically qualify as an “Extra Mixed!”
WINTER 2010
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NCX CONVENTION WRAP-UP
WOW! Can it really be over? And so soon and
quickly! YES, the NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESS,
the 2010 NCR Convention is in the history books
and we believe has made it‟s mark in that book.
Near record attendance of 224 participants, 39
layouts to visit, 27 hours of clinics, 7 proto-type
tours, model and photo contests including
PEOPLE‟S CHOICE voting and awards, 110+ OPS
positions on 11 different layouts, plus a pancake
breakfast that was simply great! Add in Mr. Jack
Ellis, our keynote speaker, representing Bar Mills
Scale Models and his clinics and breakfast
presentation, 100+ door prizes given away, goodie
bags for everyone and 2 silent auctions of outstanding items… now you have the full picture of
our event! Maybe! Of course, you really HAD to be
there to get the full picture, excitement and fun of a
full weekend of model railroading.
The convention began on Thursday night with
OPS sessions on 7 layouts and more OPS
happened on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Then on Friday morning, very early, registration
opened and the participants poured in to get ready
for Proto-type tours of some very interesting
companies. They saw tank cars, steel coil cars, box
cars and road-railers! Later on Friday evening, the
clinics started along with layout tours and more of
those OPS sessions. Too much to handle?
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NCR INFORMATION
That was our goal in the event planning! Yes,
choices had to be made and it seems that everyone
made the choices that suited their interests,
another event goal achieved! We also had a great
first Silent Auction. The items selected for the
auction were the “cream of the crop” from
donations made to the event for door prizes and
specifically for the auctions. These auctions netted
$1100 and benefitted SRI – the Steam Railroading
Institute in Owosso, MI, home of Pere‟ Marquette
Berkshire #1225. The proceeds will be used to
refurbish their HO scale layout in the Visitor Center.
Saturday brought more of the same – clinics in
full swing, more door prizes being selected and our
second Silent Auction. The annual NCR Board of
Directors meeting also took place on Saturday. The
model and photo contest entries were judged and
awards given out. The afternoon and evening again
belonged to layout tours of some of the finest
layouts in the NCR and even the NMRA!! Many
comments were expressed on the quality of our
Division 6 area layouts! Thanks!
Sunday was again starting early with our pancake
breakfast at the HQ hotel. There were 128 people
at the breakfast where we heard from NCR
President Jack Watson, NMRA VP Dave Thronton
and Pete Magoun MMR as he vies for the NMRA
Director position. The highlight was Jack Ellis our
keynote speaker as he showed pictures of how Bar
Mills Scale Models makes the great kits that many
of us have enjoyed. The second part of his
presentation was of a display layout in the Bar Mills
HQ, completed in 13 months, just in time for a
narrow gauge convention in the area. More layout
tours happened on Sunday afternoon, as people
headed home after a great weekend!
MUCH THANKS to all of the Planning Team, Div
6 member volunteers, clinicians, layout owners and
anyone who had a part of this event.
Lastly, here‟s a few awards that we didn‟t get to
mention at the breakfast (my fault) and we want to
make sure these people get their due recognition.
FIRST REGISTERED – Pete Magoun
LONGEST DISTANCE –
Thomas Plesnarski, Clifton Park, NY 680 miles
Peter Davis, Columbia, MS 622 miles
THANKS to all who attended!
Barry Hensel, NCX Chairman
NCX CONVENTION WRAP-UP
NCR INFORMATION
Triple Crown photos by Tim Briney, all others by Howard Andrews
WINTER 2010
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MY NEW LAYOUT DESIGN
by Glenn Joppich
Well, like your Editor, Glenn too was quite busy
with the NCX convention. Both working and getting
his railroad ready for it‟s debut. He did not get a
chance to complete the last installment of his
Layout Design story for this issue of the HotBox.
Please tune in with the February 2011 issue for the
final installment of his story!
Editor
NCR LAYOUT DESIGN
One more picture from the NCX
convention – model photo by Bill
Gawthorp
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WINTER 2010
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NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS!
NCR INFORMATION
NOTE- Events listed have been compiled from listings on www.trains.com, website for Model Railroader
magazine. If you have an event you want listed, it‟s FREE, but information must be submitted to the Editor at
least 60 days in advance of our publication dates!
Saturday, Nov 27 - Train and Collectable Toy Show
Ken Frecker Auction Area 620 West Lincoln Hwy. New Haven, IN 46774
11am-4pm Admission Fees- $3; Under 12, free Tables: $12 each. 150 available on first come basis.
Contact Info- Mike and Donna Bauman P.O. Box 661 Decatur, IN 46733 260-692-2445 or 260-692-2449
Sunday, Nov 28 - Rails on Wheels 11th Annual Model Train Show & Sale
Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road Ann Arbor (Saline), MI 48103
10am-4pm Admission Fees- $3.00 per person, children under 12 admitted free with paying adult.
Our eleventh annual train show and sale featuring four operating layouts, over 100 sales tables, and trains kids
can run. Food is available on-site and parking is free. Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- Jeff Fryman c/o Rails on Wheels, 525 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 151, Saline, MI 48176,
734-944-9872, railsonwheels@yahoo.com Website- http://www.railsonwheels.com
Sunday, Nov 28- NMRA-NCR-Div 6 Fall Model Railroad Show & Workshop
Livonia Senior Center Five Mile and Farmington Rds Livonia, MI
11am-4pm $4 under 16 free! NOT a sale or swap meet!! Come and get your model railroading questions
answered. See demonstrations on all facets of model railroading. Hourly raffles for prizes and model contests.
Snacks-refreshments available. Barrier Free building! Website- www.div6-ncr-nmra.com
Sunday, Nov 28 and Sunday, Feb 6, 2011- S.S. Simon & Jude Usher's Club Toy Train Show
SS Simon & Jude Church Hall 32500 Palmer Road Westland, MI 48186
Noon till 4pm
$2.00 per person, $4.00 per family, early birds after 11am $15.00
Food and refreshments available
Contact Info- Norm Swope 734/595/8327 Noon to 10pm
Sunday, Dec 5- Western Michigan Model Railroad Train Show
American legion post 179 2327 Wilson Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49534
10 am - 3 pm
adults 4.00 kids 12 and under free
train for sale, door prizes and operating layout, Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- Rob Brown phone 616-299-2298 email wmmrrc@sbcglobal.net
Website- http://www.trainweb.org/wmmrrc
Saturday and Sunday, Dec 18-19 - Monroe County Train Show and Swap Meet
MBT Expo Center
3775 S. Custer Road (M-50) Monroe, MI 48161
9:30 am - 4:00 pm Early arrivals 9:30am - 4pm $8.00 Normal arrivals 11 am - 4 pm - $5.00
the show will feature several operating model railroad displays, a swap meet with over 250 tables as well as a
kids play area featuring several riding Thomas trains. Everything for both the young and the old train folks
Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- Al, Chad or Yvonne Mitchell PO Box 1259 Adrian, MI 49221 517-264-5705
Email- monroetrainshow@modelrailstuff.com
Sunday, Dec 19- The Glancy Trains Show
Detroit historical Museum 5401 Woodard Ave /at Kirby Detroit, MI 48202
Noon - 5pm Admission is FREE
Museum Event, Operating Exhibit, Swap Meet, Toy Train / Collectible Show, Train Show and Sale, Workshops
and Clinics. Annual show for model and toy train enthusiasts, Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- call Cash Benford at 313-675-5484 or Email: train_man44@yahoo.com
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NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS!
NCR INFORMATION
Sunday, Dec 19 and Sunday, Jan 9 and Sunday, Feb 13- TTOS Wolverine Division Toy Train Show
United Food & Commerical Workers Hall 876 Horace Brown Drive
Madison Heights, MI 48071
10am to 2 pm
$3.00 per person
Contact Info- Bob Burgee 586/662-0225 Website- http://ttoswolverine.org
Saturday, Jan 8 2011- Riverbend Train Show
The Home School Building 5625 Burlingame Ave. Wyoming, MI 49509
10:00 am to 3:30 pm Admission: Adults - $5.00, Children 10 and under – Free
19th Annual Riverbend Model Railroad Club Show. Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- email via the club website Website- http://rmrrc.org
Tables - $22.00
Sunday, Jan 16 2011- TROY TRAIN SHOW
Athens High School 4333 John R Troy, Midwest, MI 48085
10am - 3pm
Adults $3, Children 12 & Under FREE
Enjoy a fun filled family afternoon by attending Michigan's largest one day show! Show will feature over 375
vendors selling railroad themed merchandise, exhibitors displaying live operating layouts, door prizes, a youth
activity corner and much more! Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- Frank Lams 248-823-4052 email- flams2@troy.k12.mi.us
Website- http://www.troytrainshow.org
Sunday, Feb 20 - Ann Arbor 40th Annual Train Show and Sale
The Saline Middle School 7190 N. Maple Rd. Saline, MI 48176
10am-4pm $6, Scouts in uniform are FREE, Children under 10 free (with paid adult)
400+ Tables, Operating Layouts, Clinics by Fran and Miles Hale, MMR, Leslie Eaton, MMR. Food service,
Free Raffle - Vendor Bucks, Dealers from around the country Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- Fax 734-426-0829 anytime or 734-426-5100 Wednesday evenings info@a2trainshow.com
Website- http://www.a2trainshow.com/
Sunday, Feb 27 2011- Lapeer Model Railroaders 26th Annual Swap meet
American Legion Post #16 1701 W. Genesee St. Lapeer, Mid-Michigan, MI 48446
10am to 3pm
$3.00 per person, children under 4 free No early entry
Train show and swap meet, hobby supplies, books, railroadiana, new and used trains Wheelchair Accessible
Contact Info- Jim Wilson 962 Timothy Lane Lapeer, MI 48446 810-664-7881
Vern Sollman 810-441-0091 email: vsollman@yahoo.com
Saturday, Feb 26 - Train Show & Sale
Sponsored by NMRA-NCR-Division 3
Coliseum Bingo/Freedom Hall 911 W Washington Center Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
9am-2pm Adults $4, Families $6, Children 12 and under free
model railroad, toy train/collectible, railroadiana bargains, several operating layouts. Hands-On trains display
(for kids of all ages). Good food and plenty of free parking available. Handicap accessible.
This is the same day/weekend as the Tri State Railroad Celebration at Baker Street Station, from 10am-5pm
Contact Info- Chuck White 903 W Main St. #9 Van Wert, OH 45891 260-760-1666
railcarman@frontier.net
Saturday, Nov 27- Train and Collectable Toy Show
Ken Frecker Auction Area 620 West Lincoln Hwy. New Haven, IN 46774
11am-4pm
$3; Under 12, free
Contact Info- Mike and Donna Bauman P.O. Box 661 Decatur, IN 46733 260-692-2445 or 260-692-2449
Event listings are FREE!! email us your event information 60 days before our publication dates!
WINTER 2010
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BARRIER FREE BUILDING
NCR HotBox PIKE ADS
THIS SPACE FOR
RENT!
This could be
YOUR Pike Ad!
26
the HotBox
WINTER 2010
NCR HotBox PIKE ADS
South Oakland County
Model Railroad Club
Hazel Park, MI
Meets Tues & Fri at 7:30pm
New Members Welcome
Call Ron McCreight
248-879-0956
www.socmrrc.org
WINTER 2010
the HotBox 27
Permit Holder:
National Model Railroad Association
The North Central Region,
c/o Uwe Thormaehlen
48266 Pheasant St.
New Baltimore, MI 48047
in the next issue of
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LIVONIA, MI
Permit No. 1230
HotBox –
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