December 2013 Issue - Page 1 Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club s Newsletter Since April 1993 Another EXCELLENT TLRC Train Show Pictures by Rex Welker and Story by Marlan Woodside The coming of old man winter has NOT slowed down the Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club (TLRC)! The recent efforts of the TLRC Caboose Repair crew cer- tainly paid off with this top center winter scene captured by Maureen and Phil Cornyn. Looks like the roof is holding up quite well! But the headline story of this issue is the success of the TLRC November train show. Mike Schmitt (TLRC Paymaster) reported that Not only was the train show successful in terms of great train enjoyment and good crowds, it was also a financial success as well. The bake sale and raffle brought in much needed revenue and a couple of vendors that paid to have a table at the event added to the revenue. It is always great to have vendors such as Gold Coast Station, owned and operated by Hans and Rachel Kahl and appearing in the lower left picture and Mod- el, Train, and Travel owned and operated by Anton Seckler ap- pearing at the show. These vendors add additional variety for the public to see at each show. Also at the show was the G Scale group from Lancaster, Lancaster Northwestern Railroad and an expansion of the TLRC N scale layout conducted by TLRC member, Dean Smith. It was also great to have a booth that represented the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD) and for them to allow the TLRC to park the TLRC caboose in front of the depot to draw attention to the November train show. As you will see inside this edition of the TRLC Loop, all of the Scales that are an active part of TLRC were represented at the show and the consignment, baked goods, and promotions tables gave those attending the event a feast for their eyes as well as their bellies! Great Job TLRC!.
December 2013 Issue - Page 2 Another EXCELLENT TLRC Train Show (concluded) Pictures by Rex Welker and Story by Marlan Woodside What makes a TLRC show a success? Taking a look at the pictures Rex Welker provided, let s take a look. In the picture immediately below to the left is TLRC s faithful consignment table host Ann Tuma. Then taking a look at the right is the promotions table while not staffed in this picture it is the result of TLRC member Maureen Cornyn s efforts. In the center below, first row is the Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD) table providing information about the depot and hosted by two of FOTD s members Sheryl Pickard and Perry Payne. Below those two is a depic- tion from the Lancaster Northwestern Railroad G Scale club. Hopefully you are noting a trend of the variety of offerings that are available to guests attending the show. While most displays appeal to the older audience, you can see from this one that Thomas the Train is featured. Next in the line up is one of the N scale offerings that was presented by TLRC member Dean Smith. Actually there were two N scale presenta- tions at the show and Dean s was meant to show how easily a plain table can be turned into a miniature railroad empire. Dean is modeling in both N and HO scale trains and has plans to provide future pictures and articles that chronicle his journey through developing a home N scale layout. Of course as editor of the TLRC Loop, I am looking forward to those contributions much like those of Rick Passalacqua on the G Scale front. In the lower left of this page, you can see what is known as the Hospital Layout (named for where it was first displayed in the early years of the TLRC) and TLRC member Chris Howard at the controls. TLRC member Doug Pickard has been the caretaker of this display over the years and his specialty is Toy Trains. In the lower right corner is the wooden variety of trains that have become a tra- dition of TLRC Train Shows and is always popular with the younger set as they are virtually indestructible. Thanks to Rex Welker for providing the pieces and for the spaciousness of the Westpark gym, the TLRC has a nice space to allocate to this display. Parents visiting the train show are able to catch a seat on the bleachers shown at the upper left of the picture and rest their feet as their children oper- ate their trains. What I did not have a picture of is of the bake sale table that always pleases the visitors of the show and adds a nice revenue stream for the TLRC treasury. Thanks to those they supported the event!!
East Kern G Scale Railroaders Story by Rick Passalacqua December 2013 Issue - Page 3 You may have noticed I changed the name of our group to G scale instead of the previously used title of G gauge. According to our bible Garden Railways magazine there is no such thing as G gauge, but rather gauge 1. So even thou the scales range from 1.8 to 1.32 they are all known as G scale and all can run on gauge 1 track. Even USA Trains supplier Charles Ro Supply Company advertised incorrectly as a popular supplier of a complete line of G gauge. Our last get together was at Rex Welker s house. John Bell and I car pooled there. Jerry Kreipl from the Lancaster Northwestern Railroad Club was there when we arrived, and shortly thereafter Dennis Keck showed up. Rex had purchased some gravel for roadbed and had some unconnected track laid out as a pattern for the railway. We picked some track up and leveled the dirt. We then covered the track with lots of gravel. Then we picked up the track again, watered the gravel, packed the gravel with a tamper and watered again to help the gravel settle. We wanted to attach rail clamps but didn t have very many clamps. Rex and Cathy Welker then provided us with a nice lunch. We also toured Rex s place which was very interesting. Especially the two model T automobiles in his garage that looked like they came out of a Laurel and Hardy movie. He also has a model A and other vehicles. When I dropped John off back at his house, I saw his almost complete indoor Christmas display. It is bigger and better than ever and he stated that it will be his last year for an indoor display. I would definitely recommend young and old to see it in person. It is fantastic! It takes him over a month to complete it. Our next get together will be back at Rex and Cathy s home on Thursday Dec. 19 th at 10am. I believe Rex will get some rail clamps and John and I are going to also bring some, so hopefully we can finish the laying Rex s track. His address is 4248 Backus Road on the south side of Backus Road right across from 42 nd St. It s about a quarter of a mile east of Tropical Road. His telephone number is (661) 256-2147. If anyone wants to carpool from Tehachapi, let me know. My phone numbers are (661) 821-7277 or 972-5069. I hope to see you there! If not, hope you all have a happy holiday season. Rick November 2013. Editor s Note: Certainly sounds like Rex greatly benefitted from the November visit by the East Kern G Scale Railroaders. This is another example of how TLRC membership benefits others by the TLRC club members sharing not only their skills and talent, but their labor alone must be considered priceless. Each of these adventures certainly reflects what a good time was had by all that participated. What better way to learn more about what has successfully worked for others than to have them apply their talents in a hands on fashion. I will bet by spring time the TLRC will have several G Scale layouts that will be worthy of an in person tour! Once again we have no pictures of these activities, but in order to give the readers some insight as to the informal leader of this group, take note of the picture at left. This is Rick Passalacqua and his wife Judy while they were taking a ride on the Mesa Grande Western Railroad in the month of October. The layout is located in the hills surrounding the Valyermo California area. It is rumored that another event will be coming in April 2014.
December 2013 Issue - Page 4 TLRC Business Meeting Stationmaster s Report November 2nd, 2013 at Kelcy s Restaurant 1. Superintendent Rex Welker called the meeting to order at 10:00am. 2. Members/Guests: 16 members were present and no guests. 3. Stationmaster s Report: Marlan Woodside noted that there will not be a meeting on December 14, 2013, it will the Christmas party instead. With this change, Doug Pickard made a motion to approve the October 2013 Stationmaster s Report. Mike Bruno seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Paymaster s Report: Ron Snyder made a motion to approve the October 2013 Paymaster s Reports. Chris Howard seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. 5. Committee Reports: A) Conductor: Anna Tuma: withdrew as Conductor. Chris Howard volunteered to take over the position. He will be responsible for keeping the club inventory and other duties as directed. Membership approved. B) Hospitality: Cathy Welker, per Rex, nothing new, no known needs. C) Historian: Rex Welker will bring the binders to the November show so that visitors can view them. Chris Howard has an article about the high-speed train that he will bring to the show to give to Rex. D) Loop Editor: Marlan Woodside appreciates Rick Passalacqua s faithful contribution to the monthly newsletter. He also thanked Maureen Cornyn for the 5. Committee Reports: (Continued) D) Loop Editor (Concluded): article on the reroofing of the caboose and Mike Bruno s article on the HDMMRC s exhibit at the Renaissance Fair in California City. He encourages others to contribute to provide variety to our newsletter. E) Membership: Theresa Bruno reports that we currently have 36 members. She will be contacting members who have not paid their yearly dues. She also needs someone to step up and take over the membership duties. After the meeting, Rick Passalacqua agreed to take on the duties of Membership. F) Promotions: Phil Cornyn stated that Maureen is ready for the show. G) Publicity: Mike Schmitt has contacted the newspapers and distributed flyers. We will be parking the caboose in front of the Depot with a sign advertising the show H) Show Coordinator: Wilson James is out of town, but Rex Welker reports that everything is set for the show. Set up will be at the usual time. HDMMRC will not be joining us for this show. Lancaster Northwestern Railroad (G Scale) club will be bringing their layout. FOTD, Gold Coast Station, and a tour service will be present. i) Bake Sale: Please let Theresa Bruno know what you will be bringing ii) Food: Theresa and Maureen will be preparing Penne with marinara sauce and garlic bread for members to purchase 6. Scale Chair Reports: A) N Rex Welker will pick up the club s layout to evaluate for repairs. If fixable, he will bring the layout to the show. Chris Howard will bring ( Stationmaster s Report continued on next page )
December 2013 Issue - Page 5 TLRC Business Meeting Stationmaster s Report (Continued) November 2nd, 2013 at Kelcy s Restaurant 6. Scale Chair Reports: (Concluded) A) N (Concluded): a track-only layout to the show. B) HO Mike Bruno says the layout is ready. C) Toy Trains Doug Pickard, all set. Would like to be set up next to the FOTD table.. D) G The Lancaster Northwestern Railroad Club will be attending. Everyone is welcome to bring their trains and run. Rex Welker will not be at the show on Saturday afternoon 7. Old Business: A) By-Laws Review: Marlan Woodside has the effort on hold until after college football season has concluded, check back in January 2014. B) Web Design Committee: The Facebook account should be up and running. Need to check to see if it can be moderated. The website redesign is on hold until January. C) Christmas Dinner: Debra Howard will contact Domingo s to see about pricing and report back to board. D) Caboose Roof: Finished. See article in October newsletter. 8. New Business: A) Caboose in Christmas Parade: Mike Schmitt will submit our application and $20 entrance fee to put the caboose in the Tehachapi Christmas Parade on December 7, 2013. Phil Cornyn will pull. 8. New Business: A) Caboose in Christmas Parade (Concluded): the caboose. B) Supporting Humanities, Arts, Recreation, Education and Sports (S.H.A.R.E.) Card at Save Mart: Marlan Woodside encouraged everyone to use their card and tell others about it. Cards will be available at the promotions table at the November show. Mike Schmitt reported in November that the TLRC received our second check from S.H.A.R.E. in the amount of $96.54 (Nov 2013) which when combined with our first check in the amount of $27.24 (Aug 2013), brings our total S.H.A.R.E. revenue to $123.78. Thanks to those that are faithfully shopping at SaveMart and remembering to use the S.H.A.R.E. card each time they shop for groceries. If you know of anyone that shops at SaveMart, ask Mike Schmitt or Maureen Cornyn for a S.H.A.R.E. card so we can get you friend hooked up. They do not have to be an active member of TLRC to participate and the TLRC can certainly use the extra funds generated thru this program. And at NO COST to the TLRC. Thanks for your help. 9. Roundtable Discussion: A) No discussion to report. 10. Upcoming Events: A) December 8 th and 9 th Great Train Expo Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014-2216 B) December 14 th Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club Christmas Dinner Saturday 6:00 PM, City Slicker s Restaurant, 110 West Tehachapi Boulevard, Tehachapi, CA 93561 ( Stationmaster s Report continued on next page )
December 2013 Issue - Page 6 TLRC Business Meeting Stationmaster s Report (Concluded) November 2nd, 2013 at Kelcy s Restaurant 10. Upcoming Events: (Concluded) C) January 11 th 2014 Monthly Meeting 10:00 am at Kelcy s Restaurant. D) January 11 th and 12 th 2014 Great Train Expo Saturday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802-3415 E) January 18 th and 19 th 2014 All Aboard For Train Days Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, San Bernardino County Museum, 2024 Orange Tree Lane, Redlands, CA 92374 F) February 8 th Monthly Meeting 10:00 am at Kelcy s Restaurant 11. Superintendent: Rex Welker adjourned the meeting at 10:39am. Bonus Train Show Coverage The Stationmaster has left me some column space to share a few more of Rex s pictures. Below is TLRC member Rick Passalacqua taking time to view the Toy Train display being operated by TLRC member Chris Howard Bonus Train Show Coverage The train show does not happen without some coordination and direction. The TLRC shows have benefitted from the able Train Show Coordinator talents of TLRC member Wilson James shown below behind the HO scale layout classification yard of the modular layout Train Show Raffle Winner Thanks to Karl Jelleschitz for participating in the TLRC train show raffle. Doing so generates some needed revenue for the TLRC as well as further pro- motes the hobby of model railroading. I followed up with Karl to congratulate him and he shared that while the train set will provide hours of entertain- ment for his grandkids, he himself has an avid interest in model railroading through ownership of several trains of varying scales. Of course I extended an invitation to join TLRC and share in the fun of the TLRC!
From the desk of the Paymaster Mike Schmitt, the following reports are provided for your review December 2013 Issue - Page 7 TLRC FINANCIAL REPORTS Balance Sheet - As of 11/27/2013 (Includes unrealized gains) You are reading a special edition of the Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club newsletter. (You didn t want to read our financials anyway, did you?) We hope you enjoy reading about our activities and hope your interest in our club has been ignited such that you might consider joining in the fun with us! We are a non-profit organization that fosters the interests of our members in the hobby of railroading and modeling of railroads as well as seeking out railroad adventures to further our understanding and love of trains. We put on an occasional show or two as well over at West Park in Tehachapi and meet the second Saturday of each month at Kelcy s Restaurant (across the street from the Depot) in Tehachapi. Stop on by we d love to have you join us. To learn more, visit our website, send us an email or contact one of our board members or any member of the club! All this information is displayed on page 8 of this newsletter.
TLRC OFFICERS Superintendent Rex Welker 661-256-2147 Dispatcher Theresa Bruno N/A Stationmaster Debra Howard 760-559-7380 Paymaster Mike Schmitt 661-821-5271 1st. Inspector Wilson James 661-823-1665 2nd. Inspector Marlan Woodside 760-373-4765 ADMINISTRATORS/CHAIRPERSONS Activities: Scale Chairs: Conductor Chris Howard N Chris Howard Historian Rex Welker HO Wilson James Hospitality Cathy Welker Toy Trains Doug Pickard Loop Editor Marlan Woodside O Vacant Membership Rick Passalacqua G John Bell Web Designer Prospect Design Studio John Schuler Promotions Maureen Cornyn Publicity Mike Schmitt Ways & Means Vacant Event Coordinator Wilson James Website Address: www.tehachapilooprailroadclub.org TLRC Email Address: tlrc_club@hotmail.com December 2013 Issue - Page 8 Loop Editor s Corner Forgive my misplaced priorities and missing the highly successful November TLRC train show. Due to the efforts of the many bakers, promotion and consignment table hosts and participants and the variety of vendors to include our sister group Friends of the Tehachapi Depot (FOTD), the show had plenty to offer our guests. I talked to the raffle winner and he was excited to have been a part of the show and expressed some interest in possibly joining us in the future. Looking back over the year the club may not have grown in population much, but the dedicated group of active members have certainly accomplished a lot. When you check out the TLRC website and read through pass Loop newsletters you will see all of the activities that beg for more potential members to become a part of. The various shows, crew change dinner, and holiday dinner are all good examples of the fun shared by all TLRC members. Happy Training and Merry Christmas and New Year!!! Marlan Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club Monthly Newsletter of the Tehachapi Loop Railroad Club Post Office Box 876 Tehachapi, CA 93581 Table of Contents TLRC Train Show...Page 01 Show Coverage Concluded...Page 02 Kern G Scale Railroaders...Page 03 Stationmaster s Report (SR).Page 04 SR Continued...Page 05 SR Concluded & Bonus Pix..Page 06 Paymaster Report...Page 07 Officers & Contacts...Page 08 Next Meeting Date, ANNUAL TLRC CHRISTMAS DINNER: 14 December 2013 @ 6pm (No MORNING BUSINESS MEETING) Location: City Slicker s Restaurant, 110 West Tehachapi Boulevard