September, 2014 Volume 22 Number 9 Mailing address: P.O. Box 50428, Mesa, AZ. 85208 Visit at: www.azbigtrains.org Marcia & Ennis Thompson Bonneyville Mills Railroad IN THIS ISSUE President s Message Treasurer s Report Calendar of Events September Membership Meeting For Sale Items
President s Message September 2014 Gazette Last month s meeting at CCMC sparked some interesting discussion about upcoming events. We discussed the next modular event at the McCormick- Stillman RR Park and passed around the sign-up sheet. So if you are interested in helping out at this event, you can still sign the list at this month sgeneral meeting. Also at the August meeting, Steve Lewis gave a very interesting and informative PowerPoint presentation on the topic of switches. His notes are available for download. See details elsewhere in this newsletter. Thank you, Steve, for doing a great job! Our club has a lot of talented members, and I appreciate it when they volunteer to share their knowledge with the rest of us, especially during the hot summer months when we meet indoors. Please let me know if you want to do a presentation when those hot months roll around again! On September 20 th, we will be meeting at the home of Steve and Judy Lewis for brunch at 9:00 AM with the meeting starting 10:00. Please RSVP to Ken Hawkins. I would like to see a really good turnout at this meeting as the Board needs your input for future events for the rest of this year and beyond. Pat and I finished out our summer travels at Big Bear CA with our son, his wife, and their three children. We thought we would be escaping the congestion and crowds of our Valley traffic, but not so. That mountain community is packed with people on the last big holiday weekend of the summer. I think I m probably getting too old to be zipping down a hill in an alpine sled and careening around a Go-Kart track, but the grandkids loved it! John Meyers Chief Engineer Steve Lewis notes from the August 23rd meeting will be emailed to all members under a separate attachment. 2
CONTENTS THE ABTO GAZETTE President s Message..2 Calendar of Events. 3 Treasurer s Report..3 August Meeting Minutes... 4 & 5 If I Could Do It Over Steve Lewis... 5 September Meeting Information 6 ABTO Module Event Information..6 Directions to the September Meeting 7 Upcoming Events... 7 For Sale Items......8 SIGs and Board of Directors...9 CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday. Sept. 17 6pm Board Meeting at John and Pat Meyeres Residence Saturday, Sept. 20 9:00am Steve and Judy Lewises Residence Saturday, Sept. 27* 10:00am Christmas Open House Meeting @ Cardon Children s Medical Center, Ocotillo Room Friday, Oct. 10 TBA Set up Modules at Railfair at McCormick Stillman RR Park Saturday, Oct. 11 10am-5pm RUN TRAINS Sunday, Oct. 12 10am-4:30pm RUN TRAINS Sunday, Oct. 12 4:30 pm Teardown Modules Wednesday, Oct. 15 6pm Board Meeting at John and Pat Meyeres Residence Saturday, Oct. 18 10:00am Membership Meeting at Ken and Kris Hawkins Residence Saturday, Nov. 1 TBA Roundabout at Tucson * Date change 3
ABTO Membership Meeting---August 23, 2014 held at Cardon Children's Medical Center John Meyers, President opened the meeting at 10:20am Treasurer's report was accepted as published in the August Gazette. Helen Rabbit asked what the balance sheet total was and Mike T. reported $56,000.00. Steve Lewis also asked what the expenses were for the Library event and they were $170.25. New Business: A. Mesa Library Event: Mornings were busy and afternoons were slower but feel that it was successful.. The coloring papers were very popular. Also, the new Dioramas were very popular. It was suggested to have a person designated for each event to be in charge. Mike T. suggested to have the switching layout put in front of the room. Steve Lewis suggested to have small wooden trains available for smaller children to play with while at the event. B. "Beat the Heat": The only ABTO members that attended were Roy Towne, Terry Haas and John Meyers, they also attended the open houses. John mentioned mostly O and HO gauge items were for sale, some G gauge items. Steve Lewis had mentioned that the Paradise & Pacific Railroad club had chartered a bus and charged $60.00 per person and they attended the swap meet and then went to the layouts. Steve thought maybe the club should look into chartering a bus for "Beat the Heat" next year in Prescott. There was discussion if we should change our August meeting, 2015 for members to attend the swap meet. Tabled until a future meeting. C. "Railfair at McCormick Stillman RR Park: A sign-up sheet was passed out to members. Also, mentioned to bring your trains to run and we will have a 50' tent and that leaves 10' sticking out. Tony Vacek suggested we spend money to build some more dioramas. Roger Crooks suggested to have a couple of 2' or 4' sections and bridges and to have the Modules Coordinator make up a proposal with the price, etc. and then vote on it. Would like to have a Modules Meeting in the near future. D. "Roundabout @ Tucson: Will be held November 1st and there will be 5-6 layouts to visit and have lunch at the Mitchell s residence and end up at the layout of the Martins'. More information in the near future. E. SIGs: Plan to activate in the Fall. F. Christmas Banquet: Sunday, December 7th. John M. has reserved a room (which can be cancelled) at The Old Spaghetti Factory, McDowell and Central, Phoenix. The cost will be between $15.00 and $20.00. Alcoholic beverages will be available. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at 4pm and dinner at 5pm. Brian Casull had suggested the Gordon Busch Restaurant, Scottsdale and he offered to assist in the arrangements and activities. G. Christmas Open House meeting will be Saturday, September 27th at 10am in the Ocotilla Room at Cardon Children's Medical Center. Same room that the membership meetings have been held. Bring your ideas to the meeting. H. Odds and Ends: 1/ Arizona Toy Train Show, December 6. The membership voted and we will attend using the red track. Christmas Open House information will also be on display. 2/ G-Scale train sales from Gary Martin will be listed in the September Gazette. 3/ Occupy a downtown Mesa free space: After discussion, it was decided to get more information. 4/ Teresa Mathews (David's widow) wants to host an Open House for ABTO and other friends. Would like to have volunteers prior to the Open House to help getting the trains operating and with set-up. Roger Crooks is co-ordinator of Gandy Dancer and will work this event and also will help anyone that needs assistance. Steve and Judy Lewis had visited Dave & Teresa Mathews layout prior to Dave's death and he also spoke to Teresa and volunteered to help Teresa with the railroad at anytime. Additional Items from the floor: Helen Rabbitt suggested other venues to advertise the COH. Brian Casull spoke about Facebook and Rebecca, his wife would volunteer to take over Facebook. Will discuss at the next meeting. Helen also suggested getting involved with Make-A-Wish with the Christmas Open Houses. ABTO worked in the past with Make-A- Wish and there was a problem dividing the money. Mike T. also brought up problems with using an outside source. Further discussion will be brought up at the COH meeting. Roy Towne told the members that the Kiosk at Cardon is broken and will be reinstalled next week. Anyone is wel come to see what to do with a power bump and Roy will show how to repair. John M. talked about COH and said that he does not care about the number of people showing up at his layout, he enjoys meeting his neighbors and friends. John M. also spoke about his trip to Massachusetts and got to visit the USA trains stockroom. Also discussed Aristocraft and thought they were in trouble and the company has been turned over to Scott. Daryll Smith mentioned that there will be an additional "In the Heat RR Swap Meet" November 22nd at the Baptist Church, more information will be in the Gazette. Steve Lewis and Daryll Smith would like ABTO to attend the "Scout O Rama" at the University of Phoenix Continued on page 5 4
Additional Items from the floor: THE ABTO GAZETTE Continued from page 4 Steve Lewis and Daryll Smith would like ABTO to attend the "Scout O Rama" at the University of Phoenix Stadium and take the smaller module. One request, try to be located away from the music. Steve Lewis showed a sample of a sign to use at membership meetings to be displayed outside. Steve will get a quote and present at next meeting. Door Prizes were won by Jack Johnson, Mike Temenski and Mike Quaintance. Raffle winner was Daryll Smith Meeting was adjourned at 11:20am Minutes submitted by Ginny Morris, Secretary Christmas Open House Meeting DATE CHANGE: Date: Saturday, September 27 Time: 10:00am Location: Cardon Children s Medical Center, Ocotillo Room Coordinator: Mike Quaintance rotormike45@yahoo.com IF I COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN By Steve Lewis As many of you know, Judy and I are re-assembling our layout which is larger than last year. There are days that I often think about John s question to all club members. what would I do different if I had to do it over again. There are only three things that we would change in our layout: It would be to use 10 or larger diameter curves to handle larger or longer rolling stock, It would be an island style layout for better viewing and accessibility, It would be dual track to all the running of two trains simultaneously. There are probably several of you are who thinking, well if you are re-assembling your layout, why didn't we do these things. The explanation is easy we had to use all of the elevated frame work that we purchased last year, and therefore; all we could do was lengthen our layout in certain areas. The thing that we will not change is the elevated track work system as the layout can be moved with minimal effort and it provides a convenient height for working on the track, structures, and scenery. Adding scenery to the elevated track work has been challenging because of the need to attach items to the frame work. We have worked out a simple system that seems like it is going to work well but only time will tell. Our layout is still definitely a work in progress as there are many features that we want to add such as more buildings and animated items. 5
SEPTEMBER MEMBERSHIP MEETING Saturday, September 20, 2014 Location: Steve and Judy Lewis 925 E. Saddleback Place San Tan Valley, AZ. 85143 605) 660-6911 Schedule: Breakfast: 9:00am Meeting: 10:00am Food: Scrambled eggs, egg & potato casserole, biscuits with gravy or butter and jelly Members please bring: A-M Juices/fruit N-Z Donuts or other Pastries/Breakfast Dishes or Goodies Coffee, Water, plates, cups & silverware will be provided Speaker: RSVP: KEN HAWKINS @ knkdesertrail@cox.net 623-640-6446 by Wednesday, September 17, 2014. PLEASE BRING CHAIRS DRIVING DIRECTIONS ON PAGE 7 ABTO MODULE EVENT RAILFAIR at McCormick Stillman RR Park October 11th & 12th 10:00am-5:00pm All Aboard!! This free event features model train displays and exhibits, the park s award winning Model Railroad Building displaying O, N, and HO scale trains, moonwalks, and other entertainment. Free tours through the Roald Amundsen Pullman car, a former presidential car. Many of the park s seldom seen railroad equipment will be on display. Train and carousel rides are $2.00 each. Children under three ride free with a paying adult. Sign up sheet will be available at the September meeting. 6
STEVE and JUDY LEWISES DIRECTIONS TO THEIR RESIDENCE FOR SEPTEMBER MEETING: Directions for those club members that live east of the 202 in Mesa, Apache Junction or Gold Canyon, see alternate route below. Please note that this symbol ~ means approximately Somehow you will need to get onto the Loop 202 and then go to EXIT 34 near Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (Old Williams Field). This is a new exit near Ray Road and S. Hawes Road. Take exit 34 East on AZ Highway 24 to Ellsworth Road. Turn Right on Ellsworth Road and drive ~ 14.5 miles South on Ellsworth Road which turns southeast and becomes Hunt Highway at Empire Road to Johnson Ranch Blvd. Turn Right (You cannot turn Left) at the light onto Johnson Ranch Blvd. and drive ~ 0.8 Miles to Indigo Sky Blvd. Turn Left (You cannot turn right) on Indigo Sky Blvd. (You cannot turn Right here) and drive.5 miles to Castle Rock Drive on the Left and turn left. (Maravillia Drive is on the Right). Drive 2 blocks and turn Right on East Saddleback Place (you can not turn Left). We live in the 3rd house on the Right and watch for signs. (#925) Directions for club members living in Eastern Mesa, Apache Junction and Gold Canyon: Please follow these directions: Take Ironwood Road/Ganzell Road South from the US 60 and drive ~ 16 miles tp Bella Vista Road. Turn Right on Bella Vista Road and drive ~ 1 mile to Hunt Highway. Turn Left on Hunt Highway and drive ~ 1 mile to Johnson Ranch Blvd. Turn Right (You cannot turn left) at the light onto Johnson Ranch Blvd. and drive 0.8 miles to Indigo Sky Blvd. Turn Left on Indigo Sky Blvd. (You cannot turn Right here) and drive.5 miles to Castle Rock Drive on the LEFT and turn left (Maravillia Drive is on the Right). Drive 2 blocks and turn Right on East Saddleback Place (You cannot turn left). We live in the 3rd House on the Right and watch for signs. (#925) Please note, if you have an older GPS or have not up-dated your GPS in several years, you will not be able to fine their address. SWAP MEETS & SHOWS Saturday, October 11 & Sunday, October12 McCormick-Stillman RR Park Railfair Saturday, November 1 Adobe Mtn. Model Train Show Saturday, November 22 In the Heat RR Swap Meet. More info in the near future. UPCOMING ABTO EVENTS Oct. 11 Railfair at McCormick Stillman & 12 RR Park Nov. 1 Roundabout at Tucson Dec. 6 Arizona Toy Train Show-more info in the near future 7
FOR SALE ITEMS The following items are for sale by Jack Johnson, 480-732-9619 7 5 ft. track NEW UV ties $3.00/foot 4 5 ft. track Used $2.00/foot 3-3 ft. track New UV ties $3.00/foot 3 2 ft. track LGB Used $3.00/foot 1 3 ft. track LGB Used $3.00/foot 8 1100 LGB curves Used $4,00/foot 10 1 Aristo curves Used $2.00/foot 25 Ft.- NRRR-P/N21532 Alum. $1.50/foot 6 1 Aristo Track $2.00/foot 2 Aristo RH 11200 New Man. $30.00 each 2 Aristo RH 11200 Remote $35.00 each 2 Aristo 10 foot Radius Man. New $60.00 each 1 Aristo 10 foot Radius Man. Used $40.00 1 LGB 1236 2x30 R-600 $70.00 2 Aristo LH 11210 Switches Used $20.00 each 1 LGB LH 1210 30º R600 Remote Used $25.00 1 LGB LH 210 30º Man. Used $25.00 1 LGB RH 1200 30º R600 Man. Used $25.00 FOR SALE: Kirk Lander 520-665-9820 member of Tucson Club Bachman Shay Battery 460 Big Hauler Bachman w/ Berry s motor conversion--battery 450 Bachman anniversary edition--battery 949 LGB with power tender battery 060 Bachman bash built from 460 battery 4 tenders 3 with RC, 1 on Futaba controller, 2 on CVP products RF 13000 digital throttle Rolling stock, mine cars, flat cars, gondola Gandy dancer hand car with trailer track power CVP products RF 13000 digital throttle Misc. hand built buildings Misc. parts Misc. figures, various scales 7 trestle bridge 5 trestle bridge 8
2014/2015 Board of Directors President: John Meyers 602-841-7564 jtprmeyers@cox.net Vice President: Ken Hawkins 623-640-6446-cell knkdesertrail@cox.net Secretary: Ginny Morris 480-248-9130 putterm@cox.net Treasurer: Mike Temenski 480-659-8410 mtemenski@cox.net Directors at Large Daryll Smith 602-402-9458-cell dpsmith710@cox.net Steve Lewis 605-660-6911-cell srlewis47@cox.net Mike Quaintance 480-721-7745 rotormike45@yahoo.com Photos of August Meeting New SIGs and their Coordinators 1/ Modules Jim Kangas & Daryll Smith 2/ Painting/Airbrushing has been renamed to ART &? Jim Gardner 3/ MTH 1/32 Scale Roy Towne 4/ Gandy Dancer Roger Crooks 5/ Operating Sessions Glenn Saber 6/ Cardon Children s Medical Bob Rauperstrauch & Don Halver 7/ Euro Trains David Kitchin 8/ Live Steam Stan Cornforth 9/ Model Building John Meyers 10/ Photography Mike Quaintance 9
Arizona Big Train Operators 1633 E. Lakeside Drive Unit 1 Gilbert, AZ 85234 ARIZONA BIG TRAIN OPERATORS OBJECTIVES Membership in Arizona Big Train Operators (ABTO) is open to anyone with an interest in gardening and the creation & operation of large scale model railways. At our meetings, items of mutual interest associated with the hobby are discussed and demonstrated. Meetings are typically held at member s homes, where they have the opportunity to showcase their railway creations. General meetings are usually held on the third Saturday of the month. ABTO BOARD MEETINGS ABTO MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION The renewal fee is $30.00 per year and the new membership fee of $35.00 per year entitles you to attend all meetings and events, to receive the monthly newsletter, and to have one name badge created for you. Additional badges may be purchased for $7 each. ABTO CONTRIBUTIONS Members are encouraged to contribute articles, letters, illustrations and/or photographs related to garden railroading for inclusion in the newsletter and/or posting on the club web site. Board meetings will be held on Wednesday prior to the general meeting of each month. Board meetings are open to members who are current on their dues and have an item for the agenda. If you plan to attend, call a Board member to confirm location, time and date Members who have hobby-related items for sale or trade may submit an advertisement for publication and/or posting at no charge. Please limit each ad to a maximum of four lines. Accompanying photos will be considered for publication as space allows. 10