$3 box - ncr-nmra.orgmkt green gs 312 green e f nyc/pc green te 4210 verdigris a g ... emailed or...

THE Box THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION, NATIONAL MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION

VOL. 58 NO. 3 AUTUMN 2017

LAST NEWS! NCR 2017 CONVENTION GRAND RAILS 2017

NEW MODEL PAINT CODES

DT&I Basic History PLUS- RR History, Timetable, NMRA-NCR-Division News & more!

$3

Floquil ColorNew

Man.Part # New Color Name Kind Sheen

Dust VA 70.820 #4 Offwhite A

Rail Brown VA 70.795 #216 Green gold A

Primer MM 1730 Flat Gull Gray E F

Engine Black MM 1747 Gloss Black E G

Reefer White MM 2720 Classic White E G

Reefer Grey TE 1233 Flat Light Aircraft Gray E F

Grimy Black VA 70.924 #94 Russian Uniform WW2 A

Railroad Tie Brown HU 10 Service Brown E G

Flat Clear MM 2015 Flat Clear L F

Aged Concrete VA 70.976 #120 Buff A

Weathered Black XF 56 Metallic Grey A F

Caboose Red 110020 MM 1705 Insignia Red E F

Flesh VA 70.928 #6 Light Flesh A

Tuscan MM 1701 Military Brown E F

Reefer Orange HU 18 Orange E G

Reefer Yellow MM 28104 Chrysler Yellow E G

Railbox Yellow MM 1708 Insignia Yellow E F

Brunswick Green XF 63 German Grey A F

Burlington Northern Green GS 66 Bright Green A F

Dark Green MM 1710 Dark Green E F

Light Green MM 1716 Pale Green E F

Depot Olive XF 5 Flat Green A F

Pullman Green HU 86 Matt Light Olive E F

Coach Green XF 71 Cockpit Green A F

Dark Blue TS 15 Blue A G

Light Blue XF 18 Medium Blue A F

Missouri Pacific Blue TE 1172 Flat Sea Blue E F

Missouri Pacific Lighter Blue VA 70.961 #67 Sky Blue A F

Missouri Pacific Grey HU 40 Pale Grey E G

Great Northern Sky Blue MM 2715 French Blue E G

Conrail Blue MM 2012 Cobalt Blue E F

Signal Red 1 MM 2719 Italian Red E G

Roof Brown (Orig) VA 70.941 #148 Burnt Umber A F

Dust MM 2010 Sand Beige E F

Boxcar Red XF 64 Red Brown A F

Earth MM 1706 Sand E F

Concrete MM 1726 Light Sea Gray E F

Mud XF 57 Buff A F

Foundation MM 1709 Radome Tan E F

Antique White VA 70.918 #5 Ivory A

Grime MM 1733 Camouflage Gray E F

Depot Buff HU 81 Matt Pale Yellow E F

Caboose Red 110088 HU 133 Satin Brown E F

Old Silver MM 2714 German Silver Metallic E M

Bright Silver MM 1402 Stainless Steel E M

Bright Gold HU 16 Gold E M

Brass MM 1417 Brass E M

Copper MM 2922 Champagne Gold E M

Gun Metal TS 38 Gun Metal E G

Graphite TS 40 Metallic Black E G

Southern Pacific Lettering Grey MM 1729 Gloss Gull Gray E G

Southern Pacific Lark Light Grey VA 70.884 #104 Stone Grey A

Southern Pacific Lark Dark Grey MM 1791 Navy Gloss Grey E G

Union Pacific Armour Yellow TE 2118 Deep Yellow E G

Southern Pacific Daylight Orange MM 2770 GO Mango E G

Southern Pacific Daylight Red VA 70.910 #27 Orange Red A

Southern Pacific Scarlet Red MM 2733 Ford Engine Red E G

Platinum Mist VA 70.883 #152 Silver Grey A

Union Pacific Armour

Yellow(faded)HU 103 Matt Cream E F

Union Pacific Harbour Mist Grey XF 20 Medium Grey A F

PFE Light Orange GS 109 Character Yellow E F

Southern Green MM 1764 European Green E F

Southern Freight Car Brown HU 186 Brown E F

Santa Fe Red TE 1150 Flat Red E F

Santa Fe Blue MM 1719 Insignia Blue E F

Santa Fe Yellow MM 2023 Blue Angels Yellow E F

Santa Fe Mineral Brown MM 1785 Rust E F

Reading Green HU 116 Matt US Dark Green E F

Tuscan Red TE 1140 Brown E G

Oxide Red MM 2009 British Crimson E F

Canadian National Orange #11 VA 70.911 #22 Light Orange A

Canadian National Orange #11 MM 4629 Chevy Engine Red E G

Canadian National Grey #17 XF 55 Deck Tan A F

Canadian National Yellow #12 MM 1707 Chrome Yellow E G

Canadian National Green #12 HU 1325 Green E

CNW Yellow MM 201 Cadmium Light Yellow E F

CNW Green XF 70 Dark Green A F

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Wisc. Central Maroon MM 28112 Honduras Maroon E G

TTX Yellow VA 70.949 #10 Light Yellow A

MKT Green GS 312 Green E F

NYC/PC Green TE 4210 Verdigris A G

CSX Grey TE 1226 Flat Dark Aircraft Gray E F

CSX Blue VA 70.809 #54 Royal Blue A

CSX Black TE 1147 Black E G

CSX Yellow MM 1707 Chrome Yellow E G

SOO Line Red HU 1321 Red E

Zinc Chromate Primer MM 2003 Skin Tone Warm - Tint E F

Aero Light Gray Primer MM 1728 Light Ghost Gray E F

Aero Base Black Primer MM 1749 Flat Black E F

Aero Base White Primer MM 1168 Flat White E F

D&H Blue MM 2940 Racing Blue E G

D&H Grey MM 1721 Medium Gray E F

HotBox Editorial Barry Hensel, Editor

Hello again! It is not easy to write an opening editorial, when it has to start with sad news. We have had two passing’s since the last HotBox and one was a friend. Past HotBox editor, Larry Wright passed away in May. Also passing away just a few days later, was Bennett Racheff, the paymaster of Div 10. We have a write-up on both of these men a few pages away. I know they will be missed by fellow modelers, friends and family. Sincerest sympathies to all who knew them. This is the last issue for information on the 2017 NCR convention – Runnin’ The Rails at Grand Rails 2017 !! I hope you are planning on attending what is looking like a great weekend of model railroading. This event is here... now... so I hope to see you there. As you read this, Autumn is almost here, kids are going back to school, vacations are mostly completed and activities are starting to turn indoors more and more. That means that model railroading also becomes more active and I’m hoping you get your share of the activity! Even a few NCR Divisions are returning from a summer hiatus, so jump in and do some modeling or operations. Gee.... that NCR convention sounds like just the place to get that modeling bug started..... Well, time to do some model railroading… Thanks for reading… Barry

MODEL RAILROADING IS FUN!

HOTBOX CORRECTIONS NCR "OOPS"….

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! The corrections for the June 2017 edition of the HotBox are - minor grammar and spelling!

FRONT COVER PICTURES- Grand Rails 2017 logo; Pere Marquette by the Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society; DTRR logo; DT&I

REAR COVER PICTURES- Lansing 2018 logo; Larry Wright’s Beaver Valley Railroad; DTRR logo

2 the HotBox AUTUMN 2017

The HotBox AUTUMN 2017

Vol. 58, No. 3

EDITOR

Barry Hensel 43642 Lotus Dr Canton, MI 48188

734-649-3056

[email protected] Editorial Advisers

Scott Kremer & the NCR Board

Proof Readers

Marge Hensel John Beres

Marty LaForte

The HotBox is published quarterly by the North Central Region of the National Model Railroad Association. Publication dates are- SPRING, March 1 SUMMER, June 1

AUTUMN, Sept 1 WINTER, Dec 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. Business ads-

1/2 page $20 per issue or $65 per year full page $30 per issue or $100 per year business card $10 per issue or $35 per year -or- free business card for exchange of websites and/or sales of HotBox 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- David Simmons 734-662-9807

[email protected]

Feel free to contact the Editor via email, with any comments, questions or corrections.

NCR - NORTH CENTRAL REGION, NMRA OFFICERS and DIRECTORS

President Scott Kremer 734-420-2314 [email protected] Vice-President Dave Capron, MMR 231-271-3352 [email protected] Secretary Norm Logan 248-348-2473 [email protected]

Treasurer Robert Baird 734-665-6408 [email protected] Registrar David Simmons 734- 436-1164 [email protected] Directors Jay Qualman 248-676-0234 [email protected] Dave McMullian 419-878-4888 [email protected] Rich Mahaney 269-214-4221 [email protected]

Resident Agent Dean Pyers 586-979-7319 [email protected] NMRA Central Director Bill Neale, MMR 248-477-7875 [email protected] [email protected] Photo Contests Howard Andrews 734-728-4697 [email protected] Achievement Program Larry Wolohon, MMR 734-454-4816 [email protected] Division One - Black Swamp Div Norm Cattell 419-377-3882 [email protected] Division Two– Tip of the Mitt Div Dave Capron 231-271-3352 [email protected]

Division Three– 3 Rivers Div Bob Jones 260-459-6339 [email protected] Division Four – Grand Rails Div Mark Baldwin 616-437-9851 [email protected] Division Five – Capital Div Andy Keeney 517-316-5660 [email protected] Division Six – Motor City Div Mark Ellis 734-421-2673 [email protected] Division Eight– Clinton River Div Phil Doolittle 248-375-2513 [email protected] Division Nine – SW Michigan Siv Frank Zajac 269-598-7107 [email protected] Division Ten – Ten Wheelers Div Don Westcott 810-513-5787 [email protected]

RAILROADING "WHAT THE ???" NCR HUMOR

This photo is from the Sept. 9, 1946 edition of the Spokane Spokesman-Review. Caption: “Squeeze Play”. This is what happened when two freight cars had an "argument" this morning near the Northern Pacific station. Railroad officials said a crew had "kicked" one car up one track and that it backed down and cornered a car on another track near the switch. A pair of trucks was derailed. No one was injured and damage was negligible.” Contributed by Div 6 member John Bopp

AUTUMN 2017 the HotBox 3

mailto:[email protected]




callto:+1810%20513-5787


PRESIDENTS OBSERVATION by Scott Kremer

How many times have I read a column like this that starts out “ The summer is over, time to get back to model railroading”? For most of us it is many times but I guess that is the case because to a large degree it is true. I hope you had a great summer and that it included some modeling activities. I spent some time on my layout but did enjoy quite a few operating sessions on several different layouts. Now I want to kick it into a higher gear. I have some operating sessions upcoming and I want to refine what I have been doing and work to make sure the layout runs as near to perfect as I can. I cannot think of a better way to gain inspiration for all that I want to do then going to the Regional Convention in Grand Rapids. As you read this I hope you have already registered to go. If not it is not too late to plan on going.

One of the best parts of model railroading is that you do not have to learn everything from scratch. You can get help from others. This does not mean that you have to follow everyone’s lead and do the same thing but it does mean you can easily ask questions and factor the answers into what you want to do. While clinics at the convention will help, and in some cases be exactly what you are looking for, talking to other modelers can also be beneficial. To me the sharing of our experiences is one of the best parts of the social aspect of our hobby. There are plenty of chances to do just that at the convention. We all spend a lot of time and effort on our layouts. Most people, who are not modelers, will never guess how much, and perhaps that is just as well. However, I cannot count the number of times I found something valuable to my hobby efforts just by listening. There will be a lot of people at the convention and many clinics to choose from. When you think about the convention, and why you should go, I hope you will consider that the value may be that it is a place where you can find the answer to a problem or the inspiration for something new on your layout.

Another thing I want to talk about in this same context is the model showcase. This will be the third convention since we eliminated the model contest. In the first year we had a good display. Last year it was much larger. I hope this year will

be even bigger and I encourage everyone to bring one or more models to share. I think this is part of the future for our organization. It is another opportunity for all of us to learn from one another. Yes, there will still be judges if you want your model judged, either for the achievement program or just because you want to know well you have done. The important thing is that we have addressed the often-heard complaint about competing against one another. The old idea of a contest seems to be contrary to the feelings of people today that they do not want to partake in a competition in what is supposed to be a leisure activity. This arrangement allows you to choose to be judged against a standard for the reasons I have listed or just have fun sharing what you have done. So, be brave, be generous, bring some models.

Finally, as part of the convention, the Board of Directors will have a meeting, as required by our By- Laws. The Board includes representatives of all parts of our region. As in most things in life, people are not always happy with the way an organization is run. That is OK and complaints are a part of the process. However, I feel strongly that the only way an organization can be great is if everyone takes the responsibility to help. This means if you think that something is wrong, or could be better, help us by telling those on the Board that can try to fix the issue do so. Please contact your Division Superintendent, or emailing me at [email protected], and we will do our best to have your issue on the agenda. I know we will not always resolve the issues to your satisfaction but I will guarantee to give the issue the best review and discussion we can and try our best to make it work for you.

So, get out there and enjoy the hobby, build something, operate a layout, talk to others, attend the convention. Scott Kremer, President, NCR


NCR MEMORIAM NCR INFO

It is sad to report two losses in the NCR over the past 3 months. While all losses are sad, one has really hit home a bit more than others. LARRY WRIGHT Born February 2, 1940 Died May 21, 2017 77 years old Loving husband of Naoko for 55 years. Adored father of Sheryl (David) Boye and Robert (Rosalind) Wright. Cherished grandfather of Carly, Alyssa, Alexa, and Nathan. Larry was a successful editorial cartoonist who worked for the Detroit News and Free Press for 45 years where his cartoon strips Wright Angles and Kit ‘N’ Carlyle were nationally syndicated. Larry also did political cartoons. Larry was also a proud Army veteran and a model railroad enthusiast who won national awards for his trains, even becoming an editor for the railroad magazine HotBox. Larry was an avid golfer and loved the Detroit Tigers. He will be missed dearly by family and friends. Additional notes on Larry from other NCR members.... During the Korean War, Larry served on Okinawa decoding North Korean military transmissions for the Army. It was there that he met his wife, Naoko. Larry was the past Editor of the HotBox for near 18 years, from 1988 to 2006. He was a member of the Midnight Pocatello Yardmasters round-robin group for over 35 years. Using his skills as an artist, he showed many of us how to improve our modeling skills. Larry’s model railroad was the HO scale Beaver Valley RR - his version of the MA & PA. (Larry’s layout will be featured in the next HotBox.) Besides model railroading, Larry loved cars. He went to many shows every year to photograph the cars for the on-line edition of the Detroit News. He was an avid golfer until his health started to restrict him. He loved baseball and was a pitcher for the News/Free Press games. Editors notes: Like several of you, I didn't get to know Larry real well personally, but he was always nice and helpful. He's the guy that turned me on to "Model Water". Both of his layouts were masterpieces, especially his last one in Canton. It is nice to know that many of his layout items will live on as part of others layouts. One of my favorite stories involving Larry was the one of his using tea on his layout as ground cover. The fun part of the story is that Larry used tea that had been exposed to cream and sugar. After a few days, the tea had fermented and Larry had a soft green "fog" on his layout in the area he had used the tea! The other great story that I remember is when he had his first heart attack and went to rehab class. The person giving the class was mentioning that now would be a good time to pursue a hobby, something to help you relax and stress free.... like model railroading!! I remember Larry saying that he said to himself... guess I got that covered. I have always loved to write... when I was asked to become the HotBox editor several years ago, it was like... wow... can I even do a 1/2 way job as good as Larry did? He was editor for 18 years and his issues were always informative and professional. I don't know how I am doing compared to Larry, but from now on, he will be even more in my thoughts with each issue. We will all miss Larry in our own ways. While we have lost a friend and colleague, we do know he is in a better place, now free from his pain and problems. I'm sure Larry and Dewey are together and planning a grand layout that we will all share in one day too. Rest well Larry!! Barry Hensel, Editor

NICHOLAS “NICK” RACHEFF born June 12, 1936 died May 25, 2017 80 years old Nick was a Navy man, starting service in 1954 and serving as a Navy air traffic controller for 25 years on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower. He served another 26 years in Washington DC. I am not sure how many of the membership has heard the news of the passing of Nick Racheff. Nick was a good personal friends as well a great friend and active member of the NMRA. He was our current Division 10 Pay Master. I am already missing him. Don W. Westcott

How about writing an article on your latest modeling project!

At the HotBox, WE NEED AND WANT YOUR ARTICLES!!


RAILFANNING the LAYOUTS OF DIV 4 NCR TRACKSIDE


Left, down then right.... Great Lakes Rail by: Deb Lynch and C&O, Shenandoah Div. By: Don Houston The Southern Belt By: Jim Shirreffs The Milwaukee Road By: Bill Heiden Northwest Michigan Railroad Franchise By: Ron Tennant and son RJ The C&O By: Thom Post The BNSF in HO scale layout by: Don Roede The Rio Grande Southern By Don Bergman

RAILFANNING the LAYOUTS OF DIV 4 NCR TRACKSIDE


The Sunset Valley Oregon System By: Bruce Chubb The Monson By Hank TenWolde The Bulldog Lines By: Jerry Hall. The White Creek Railroad By: Russ Eldred The BNSF Railroad By: Peter Burkey. The Ann Arbor Railroad By: Ralph Moxley Allegheny Northern By: Bruce Van Huis.

NEW LAYOUT PLANS BY JACK WATSON NCR FEATURE

Was e-mailing my good friend Barry Hensel, the topic was my breaking down, and building a new model railroad! So as the Editor of the "Hot Box" he immediately took that opportunity, and begged for a series of articles on starting anew!! So, here goes, seems we up and moved to Florida almost two years ago, it was difficult to give up on the old Boston & Maine, and because there are NO basements here at all, I never gave much thought to another railroad!! One can only visit the "Mouse" so many times, we actually live about 8 miles directly west of the Disney Animal Kingdom and are able to see the nightly fireworks most nights! What you do not prepare for, is the HEAT! It is early May as I start this and we have already had twenty-one days in the nineties, can hardly wait for summer! The heat tends to be unbearable, so you do things inside (A/C), I have done more reading than I had in the past twelve years!! Finally the thought of building a small, switching layout occurred, the basically unused bedroom is only 11'4" X 9'3" not much at all, then I was restricted further by the boss, I could remove some of it but a big roll-top desk, an end table and a futon have to stay, did I mention that there is also a closet in the way, inside the room? Very frustrating, and now I am down to a small 'L' shaped configuration, well it is probably only going to be for me? I have only met one other model railroader here, he is big on a 'N' scale club with two-hundred dollar a month dues, and I have been told that there is another in the next sub-division over, but have not yet met him!

So where do you begin? Start with what room you have available, an 11 X 9 L is very small, better use smaller equipment, a thirteen inch modern GE monster is going to look rather silly and so are fifty and sixty foot boxcars! What will look much better

are forty foot cars and small switchers! Plus you can fit more of these shorter cars on sidings etc. Also it does not hurt to pick on a railroad you know something about! Through process of elimination, most of the 'Big Guys,' were weeded out, it's hard to give proper justice to say the Wabash or even the Detroit, Toledo Shore Line in an 11 X 9 L and you certainly are not going to do Horseshoe Curve in that kind of space!

I’m a fan of the 'big city' scenery, there's Toledo Terminal, the Wyandotte Terminal and the Detroit Terminal Railroads!! Do some online research, there is a pretty fair amount of free information available, and if you set your era from 1951 to 1955 you should be in fat city, with the smaller equipment!! Much discussion with a few very knowledgeable model railroaders, and even more suggestions as to which railroad to choose, so I decided that the Detroit Terminal RR would work for my requirements, and it would be located in many areas of Detroit and its nearby suburbs, so I can build lots of brick buildings, and have tons of switching operation available! Quickly found a decent resource book (soft cover) by one Byron Babish, Chronicles of a Detroit Railfan, Volume 3 Detroit Terminal Railroad which was actually copyrighted in 2014, yet has a good history of the road from beginning to its demise! More importantly, it has lots of good clear pictures with many identifiable industries including their names!

Next episode: Finding and studying track plans Jack Watson was NCR President from 2007 to 2012, NCR Director and was also Div 6 Superintendent and a member for many years.


NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS DIVISION INFORMATION

Division One - Black Swamp Division (Toledo and Northwest Ohio area) These are exciting times for Division One, the Black Swamp Division. In June we had a fantastic tour at the Age of Steam Roundhouse in eastern Ohio. The day was perfect, the hospitality was gracious, and the facility was amazing! We had 46 members present, including family and friends, and we were delighted to have several NCR members from the Motor City and Clinton River Divisions join us. We will resume our monthly meeting schedule on September 29 in a new home: Proclaim FM radio station in west Toledo. The facilities and location could not be better, so we look forward to improving our meeting experience as well as potential for hosting some special events there. For more information on our meetings, activities, and location, check out our website at http://www.divisiononencr.com. (submitted by- Dave McMullian, Superintendent)

Division Two (Manistee to Iosco counties, to the Tip Of The Mitten at the Mackinac Bridge) We are all enjoying summer in the north country but that doesn’t mean that our hobby is stagnant. Several of our division members have outdoor layouts that are for summer time only. While our spring and falls can accommodate these landscaping treasures summer is the best time to run trains. Our two yard masters are already scheduling for this years upcoming yard events; clinics, Air brush training, make and takes and a special Saturday operating session are all in the planning. One of our BOD’s goals is to get as many members to the Regional Convention in GR this year. How about a little competition to see which Division can get the most attendance (based on percentage of members) to the convention? The National is next week and while we would all like to go, the logistics and cost prevents many from attending. That is why our NCR conventions are such a great deal and experience. So until September in GR remember if you are vacationing or visiting up north give me a call for a layout tour and some model railroad talk. (submitted by- David Capron, Superintendent)

Division Three - 3 Rivers Division (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area) Hopefully you have had a good summer of family fun, vacations and all the railroading you care to enjoy. In the upcoming months Division 3 will be working on numerous Public Relations Events in the hope of getting new members. We continue to have numerous ops sessions at various times and days throughout the Division. Hope to see you in Grand Rapids this September at the Regional Convention. (submitted by- Bob Jones, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 3)

Division Five – Capital Division (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area) The Capital Division has had a quiet summer as we don't have any scheduled events during June, July and August. However, we do hold a layout tour, visiting layouts that are too far away to visit after our regular monthly get gatherings. This summer, the group visited Dick Tomlinson's O scale layout, Larry Burk's O scale layout, Sandy Nelson's HO layout and the Detroit Model Railroad Club's O scale layout housed in the old Holly theater. While we are looking forward to the 2017 NCR Convention coming in Grand Rapids next month, we are continuing to plan for the 2018 convention that Division 5 will be hosting. Our regularly scheduled events resume at the Lansing Public Library on Sept. 9. You can subscribe to the monthly Division 5 Journal. Send a request to the editor, Mark Cowles, at [email protected] to be put on the list. For more information, please see the Division 5 website: div5.ncr-nmra.org (submitted by- Mark Cowles, Div. 5 Clerk)

Division Ten – Ten Wheeler Division (Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron Counties) The 10 Wheelers continue to have monthly meetings with a small but reliable core group of members and are currently meeting at various members homes until we find a suitable meeting location. We recently had a combined meeting with the Mid-Michigan Railway Historical Society that was well attended. Many of our members will be busy with Railfan Days and Time Out With Thomas activities at Huckleberry Railroad and Crossroads Village in August. We are planning to make several layout visits this fall, if you would like to show us your train layout, please let us know. We will be posting meeting location in the week preceding the meeting. Any questions can be answered by calling Div 10 Superintendent Don Westcott 810-513-5787 (submitted by Wayne Wilder, Chief Clerk Division Ten)


http://www.divisiononencr.com/

NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS DIVISION INFORMATION

Division Four – Grand Rails Division (Grand Rapids and west Michigan area) Grand Rails 2017 Runnin’ The Rails convention is coming up THIS month!!! If you have not registered yet please do so by going to www.grmrhs.org and click on the Runnin the Rails tab. Hope to see many of you at the convention. The location is at a newly renovated Delta By Marriott. (For mapping it used to be the Ramada) Please see the flyer for more information. (submitted by, Mark Baldwin, Superintendent)

Division Six – Motor City Division (Wayne & Washtenaw Counties) At Division 6, the Motor City Division... we meet all year long to keep our modeling interest going... all year long! Our summer meetings are a bit more lightly attended, but we are still averaging 40-45 members each month. We’ve started something new, borrowed from another Division (somewhere....) at some meetings. Instead of a formal clinic presentation, we have “Roundtable” discussions! One member is a moderator on a subject they are familiar with... and everyone sitting around the table then also contributes or asks questions! We did this for the first time back in May and it was a huge success! We are trying to do these every other month or so, with different subjects and sometimes the same subjects, so that members could sit in on different subjects! We’re also starting to plan for our 39th annual Fall Train Show & Workshop! Always on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, this event is to LEARN about model railroading!! The entire event is displays by Div 6 members, showing near all aspects of our hobby. We also have some raffles for some great prizes! See the TIMETABLE page for our meeting schedule. (submitted by Barry Hensel, Newsletter Editor)

Division Eight - Clinton River Division (Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair Counties) The Clinton River Division’ search for a new logo is drawing to a conclusion. Fittingly for Division 8, we have 8 proposed designs up on our web site, for review by the members. At our August meeting, we will have a “primary” election, reducing the candidates to the top three vote getters. The winner will be selected by a vote in September. Then it’s on to a professional graphics designer to turn the winning sketch into reproducible art for the web site, membership and business cards, digital letter head, shirt and/or patch embroidery, and whatever else we may wish to develop. (Car decals? Mugs? Stickers?) Recent presentations at CRD have included painting and weathering presented by Lee Turner, building resin kits presented by Larry Wolohon, and “Catenary: The Prototype and How to Model It” by our Regional President Scott Kremer. Next up will be “Tank Cars 101 given by Richard Mahaney. The Clinton River Division meets on the third Thursday of each month (including summer) at the Troy Christian Chapel on the south side of Long Lake Road between Livernois and Rochester Road. The meeting time is 7:00 pm. All NMRA members are welcome. Our meetings consist of a “Show and Tell” where members and guests get an opportunity to show off models, books, photos, or whatever related to a specified topic each month, or alternatively they may show and describe a current model railroad project. After the S&T we have a short meeting followed by a featured presentation of some sort. You can find out the upcoming Show & Tell theme and the presentation topic by visiting our web site, http://div8.ncr-nmra.org/ Come join the fun. (Submitted by Phil Doolittle - Superintendent)

Division Nine – Southwest Michigan Division (Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and VanBuren Counties) Following our April meeting, Division 9 members travelled to the home layout of Deb and Dale Killarney, Gobles, Michigan to tour their current layout as well as look at a new section under construction using structural steel as benchwork, expansive curves using spliced roadbed and beautiful handpainted scenic backgrounds. Our May meeting featured a well presented clinic by member Rich Mahaney on Tanks cars. Our June meeting was a scheduled visit to TOMAR Industries in the Benton Harbor area of Southwest Michigan as well as a visit to the owners layout. Due to a last minute development, the tour and activity had to be cancelled. Division 9 does not meet during the months of July and August. Monthly activities begin with a meeting at 10:00 AM at the Comstock Public Library, Comstock MI, followed by either a clinic or a planned layout tour usually on the third Saturday of the month. An informal optional breakfast at 9 AM at a nearby restaurant is also a part of our routine. (Submitted by Frank Zajac, Superintendent, Division 9)


http://div8.ncr-nmra.org/

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 email box had some more interesting links for you to view..... From a car club friend.... Bring Home #52 a local effort to return and restore a local Michigan RR diesel switcher http://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/local/port-huron/2017/07/01/railroad-society-raising-money-bring-no-52-home/445540001/ I came across this one, while looking at some other videos tonight, on the web. Some early Reading power, PRR & other trains shown from the 50’s and 650’s! Enjoy! Div 6 Joe Bliss https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLvqAubuKPRI4xB62TVcxU8Ri41tzDtdG1&v=krfzeNv4T78 Ever wonder how a steam engine gets re-railed… watch as they re-rail NKP 765 Div 4 David J Vinci https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzaI84GCFYk Here's a really cool site with plans for all kinds of farm buildings back in the 30's. Div 6 Ken Borg http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension-aben/buildingplans/ From a few friends at work - 1970s General Motors Railroad Logistics / Supply Chain https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTtcPxSag50&feature=youtu.be&t=152 BTR #2- MICHIGAN RAILROAD CLUB PROGRAM September 6, 2017 Andrew Waggoner with a presentation, "Vintage Lost & Found" research on old photographs which span from the 1890's to the mid-20th Century. Lots of good information for both railfans and modelers. October 04, 2017 Julien Wolfe with Detroit area and Windsor area railroads in the 60s, 70s and 80s. November 01, 2017 Open projector night. People can bring a short program of their material using slides, video, or digital. December 06, 2017 Gary Sample with a “Motown Christmas” video program. Meetings are held at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Mich. Meeting starts at 7 pm with program starting around 7:30 pm. We must be out of the library by 9 pm. I like to have a “Newsreel” before the main program so if YOU have slides, video, digital of a current event (from a month or two ago) why not share it with other members. Contact: Kenneth Borg 3512 Merrick, Dearborn, MI 48124

BTR #3- 14TH MICHIGAN RAILROAD HISTORY CONFERENCE September 23, 2017 9am to 5pm Maas Center Hope College 264 Columbia Ave., Holland, MI Featured Speaker– William “Bill” Howes – Director of passenger service, C&O/B&O until Amtrak, See website for other speakers and full program. http://www.michiganrailroads.com/MRHC/MRHC-Home.htm

DISCLAIMER!!- While we will try to verify most stories, the HotBox, HotBox Editor, NCR Board of Directors, its agents and representatives will not/cannot be held responsible for mis-information presented in this column!

DIVISION LOGOS & BACKGROUNDS NCR INFO

With each Division of the NCR, creating a nick-name and revising their logos, we thought it might be interesting to know how these logos came about and the story behind them. We’ll go in order, so Division Two is next.... NEW TIP OF THE MITT - DIVISION TWO LOGO When we started the process of creating a new division in the North Central Region of the NMRA I knew we would want a nickname and logo. Our division finalized on the top 20 counties of the lower peninsula of Michigan. As we looked at the map Scott Pandorf said we were the “Tip of the Mitt” of Michigan. We all liked it so a vote and we had a nickname. Now for a logo. that was easy for me as my son Jeff is a graphic artist so I gave the job to him. I knew he would come up with a few for us to pick from. As it turned out the first one he drew we all liked so we had our Division, a nickname and now a logo. We are all happy with both and after two years feel they fit us well.


http://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/local/port-huron/2017/07/01/railroad-society-raising-money-bring-no-52-home/445540001/

http://www.thetimesherald.com/story/news/local/port-huron/2017/07/01/railroad-society-raising-money-bring-no-52-home/445540001/

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/extension-aben/buildingplans/

RUNNIN’ The Rails

GRAND RAPIDS 2017

THURSDAY – FRIDAY – SATURDAY – SUNDAY September 14 thru 17, 2017

Welcome to Grand Rapids! Members of Div. 4 are pleased to host the

2017 North Central Region annual convention.

We have a fun weekend in store for you with layouts to see and layouts

to operate as well as clinics to attend.

The convention focus is operations and features clinics describing a

variety of operating schemes and layouts that demonstrate them.

For the modeler we have several clinics loaded with tips and

techniques to pique your interest.


Convention Highlights:

Operating sessions available all weekend including some in the afternoon!

Clinics Friday and Saturday

Model Showcase with Merit Award judging upon request

Get an extra door prize ticket for every model you bring in for the Showcase

NMRA photo contest and awards

Convention shirts available by pre-order (Order by 9/1/2017)

MOW convention car

Online registration

Awards breakfast Sunday with Keynote speaker

Convention site is the Delta By Marriott™ at 28th and East beltline

Door prizes Friday and Saturday

Special Clinic presented by Bruce Chubb Plus 12 hours of operation on the Sunset Valley Oregon System Thursday September 14, 2017


CLINIC TOPICS: This impressive list of experts will present a series of

clinics ranging from techniques for building better looking trees to tips and tricks to make building craftsman kits or scratch building easier and more fun.

You’ll also learn how to become a model railroad “operator” using many different operating formats and sample new and different techniques for car forwarding that will make operating your empire even more enjoyable.

Hear about and see one man’s effort to re-create in HO scale one of the areas most popular fallen flags including a demonstration of his landscaping techniques.

There are some relatively new electronic devices on the market today and one of our presenters will help you use them properly and efficiently.

Ever wonder how the real railroad handles certain car types and why they are placed in a specific part of a train? One presenter will clear that up for you.

How can you show your model railroad in four national conventions in three different cities? Attend this presentation and find out.

Enjoy the charm of narrow gauge railroading from dramatic scenery to prototypical operations. This presenter will show you what he has done

Clinician List:

David Capron

Don Bergman

Dan Hinel

Andrew Kenney

Richard Kubeck

Dan Lewis

Richard Mahaney

Fritz Milhaupt

Ralph Moxley

Hank TenWolde

Russ Venlos

David Vinci

John Young


TIME TABLE

No. 1

Thursday September 14, 2017 Registration & check-in will begin at Noon until 6:00 PM with Layout tours & Op Sessions beginning at 4:00 PM and running until 9:00 PM Special all day operating session on the Sunset Valley Oregon System hosted by Bruce Chubb.

Discount rate at the convention hotel will be available for convention registrants only.

Friday September 15, 2017 Registration & check-in will begin at 7:30 AM and be open until 10:00 PM Clinics start at 8:00 AM and continue through 2:00 PM with layout tours and operating sessions beginning at 1:00 PM through 9:00 PM Model Showcase entry open at 2:00 PM through 10:00 PM

Saturday September 16, 2017 Registration & check-in will begin at 7:30 AM and be open until Noon Clinics start at 8:00 AM and continue through 2:00 PM with layout tours and operating sessions beginning at 1:00 PM through 9:00 PM

Sunday September 17, 2017 Awards Breakfast 9:00 AM, Layout tours & Op Sessions 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Convention Site Grand Rails 2017 will be held at the all new

Delta by Marriott™ The newly renovated hotel is located on the corner of 28th Street and the East Beltline. We have a very special rate for convention registrants. Use this code when reserving your room: CGNMRA26 and call 616-949-9222 for reservations

NCR Board Of Directors Meeting The BOD meeting will be held at the hotel Friday September 15, 2017 beginning at 9:00 AM

Operating Sessions Advance sign-up for all Op sessions will be required. Many sessions will be available so everyone will get a chance to be Runnin’ The Rails

Layout Tours The list of layouts that will be open for this year’s convention is continuing to grow. There will be more than 20 first class layouts to see.

Awards Breakfast We are planning a terrific breakfast buffet for your enjoyment. Awards will be presented for the Achievement Program and for the photo contest winners. We are working on getting a very special guest to deliver our Keynote speech. Stay tuned for our announcement.

Runnin’ The Rails Day Pass A Day Pass for Saturday only will be available. All activities for Saturday will be available to pass holders.

Model Showcase You’re all invited to bring a model or more to display in the Model Showcase. Each model displayed will receive a door prize ticket enhancing your chances of winning a door prize.

Grand Rails 2017 Website The Grand Rails 2017 website will have all the information you’ll need to make your activity selections, memorabilia purchases and your registration.

http://grandrails2017.ncr-nmra.org

http://grandrails2017.ncr-nmra.org/

REGISTRATION FORM & INFORMATION SEPTEMBER 14 - 17, 2017

REGISTRATION - is per person for anyone over 18 years old that will be participating in the convention activities. Spouses are free if ONLY attending layout tours. Children under 18 years old are free for the weekend and welcome to attend convention activities with a paid adult.

Breakfast Buffet - Everyone (including children under 18) must pay for the breakfast. This also includes the Keynote Speaker and Awards presentation. Limited to 120 CUT-OFF DATE FOR THE BUFFET IS SEPTEMBER 11, 2017

Event t-shirts - are pre-shrunk 100% cotton with the Grand rails 2017 logo printed on the front. NOTE: SHIRTS ARE PRE-ORDER ONLY. CUT-OFF DATE FOR ORDERING SHIRTS IS SEPTEMBER 8, 2017. There will be NO shirts available at the convention.

Model Showcase Incentive - If you bring a model to enter in the Model Showcase, you will receive an additional door prize entry ticket. One ticket for each entrant.

Convention Car - Grey HO Accurail wood side 40' boxcar with Maintenance of Way lettering.

Pay with Check or Money Order made out to - NCR Division 4 Send Registration with payment by September 8, 2017 to – Wayne Baker PO Box 606 Comstock Park, MI. 49321


Quantity Total

11.00

18.00

18.00

18.00

18.00

20.00

20.00

19.00

TOTAL

t-shirt large $

t-shirt X-large $

t-shirt XX-large $

t-shirt XXX-large $

Convention Car $

EXTRA FARE

Breakfast Buffet $

t-shirt small $

t-shirt medium $

Name

Address

City

Phone

email

Quantity Total

$45

$65

$25One Day Pass

NMRA member

on or before September 1, 2017

after September 1, 2017

on or before September 14, 2017

NMRA member

REGISTRATION FEES

Spouse

State

Zip

NMRA

Number

PROTOTYPE PAGE NCR PROTOTYPE


Here are some photos from the HotBox archives (and one internet photo)... railroads that are mentioned in the History Lesson in this issue, on the DT&I basic history! We hope you enjoy the look back.

RAILROAD HISTORY by Don Watson NCR HISTORY

THE DT&I In May 1905 two bankrupt railroads, the Detroit Southern and the Ohio Southern, merged to form the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railway (DT&I). The Detroit Southern, previously the Detroit & Lima Northern, extended SW from Detroit to Lima, Ohio. Ohio Southern’s antecedents included the Springfield, Jackson & Pomeroy, a 3 foot gauge coal hauler that was intended to become a part of a narrow gauge system stretching from Toledo, Ohio to Mexico City, Ohio. The new railroad then took control of the Ann Arbor to gain entry into Toledo. The Ann Arbor regained its independence in 1910 and the DT&I was reorganized in 1914 as the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad.

In 1920 Henry Ford wanted to straighten the shipping channel through which Great Lakes freighters reached his new River Rouge plant at Dearborn, Michigan. The project included a new bridge for the DT&I and DT&I management suggested that Ford lend them the money in exchange for DT&I bonds. Ford decided instead to purchase the railroad. He rebuilt it, instituted some unusual labor practices (wages considerably higher than average, white caps and overalls required, beards and mustaches not allowed and no trains on Sunday), electrified a 17 miles portion between the Rouge Plant and Carlton, MI and built a 46 miles cutoff between Dundee, MI and Malinta, Ohio.

During the period of Ford ownership, the DT&I became the cleanest railroad in the US. Ford deviated from the traditions of the railroad industry. The normal traditions of pay for train crews were based on the distance the train traveled. Because of equipment technology and the condition of the track, 100 miles was considered a days work up to 16 hours. If a crew got the train through in 4 hours, in the past, they would have been paid for 8 hours work, the normal run. What Ford did was to adopt an 8 hour day for crews. If they did make the run in less than 8 hours, the balance of that time was

devoted to other labors on the property, be it painting, polishing equipment or washing windows. Eight hours pay for 8 hours work. Both employees and officials of the railroad reported that they did not like the way the railroad was run under Ford’s ownership. It was the high wages and excellent benefits which held them to the DT&I.

In Henry Ford’s younger days, before he got into the automobile business, he worked awhile at Edison Illuminating Company (in Detroit) as a machinist and engineer, starting in 1891. While working there, Ford met Thomas Edison and developed an admiration for the genius of Edison from the start.

The two became close friends and remained so the rest of their lives and together, shared many ideas, no doubt including railroad electrification. After Ford took over the DT&I, he spent the years 1921 and 1922 planning to electrify the railroad. However, Ford’s great plans to electrify the DT&I came to a sad end for a couple of reasons, as we will soon learn. In 1923, today’s electrical technology did not exist.

The drawbacks in technology had centered around the successful transmission of high voltage current over long distances. Direct current was being used on a vast majority of the nation’s extensive interurban and street railway network. It required an electric substation about every 10 miles to feed power into the overhead trolley wires; a costly task in terms of electrical resistance and maintenance. DC was the current required to successfully power the traction motors of the locomotives designed for use on the DT&I.


RAILROAD HISTORY by Don Watson NCR HISTORY

Alternating current could be transmitted over long distances with little resistance and few substations. It could not be applied directly to traction motors on electric locomotives because of limitations in technology at that time.

Ford engineers took advantage of an innovative application in electrical generation to solve both problems. They put the electrical substation on the locomotive. High voltage AC current would be drawn from the catenary, stepped down and used to power an AC motor. Connected to the motor shaft would be a DC generator which would generate low voltage DC current on board the electric locomotive which would in turn power the DC traction motors. All of this new technology developed and paid for under Ford, including the locomotives themselves, resulted in excessive cost.

Meanwhile the overhead (catenary) support was erected. Ford engineers wanted the catenary arches to be permanent and free from maintenance. The 365 arches were made of pre-stressed, reinforced concrete at the Fordson concrete plant in the Rouge Plant. The fact that some of these aches are still standing after being abandoned over 60 years ago is a good indication that the arches required no maintenance. The arches consisted of 2, 4 or 5 pieces depending on the location and number of tracks to be spanned.

The fact that Ford was ahead of his time in electrifying the DT&I and built the system to last cost him far more money than planned. The other problem was of a different nature. At the Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford was the top man, there was no one higher. In the operation of the DT&I, there was someone higher and that

organization was called the Interstate Commerce Commission. Ford was not used to the bureaucratic delays of regulated industry and his battles with the ICC finally came to a head.

In 1929 Ford sold the railroad to Pennroad Corporation, which was closely associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad. The 1930’s saw the end of passenger service, except for a Springfield-Jackson, Ohio mixed train that lasted until 1955 and the purchase of a number of modern Bershires and Mikados. Dieselization began in the 1940’s and was complete by the end of 1955.

In 1951 the Pennsylvania Company, a subsidiary of the Pennsylvania Railroad and the Wabash Railroad, purchased the Pennrod’s stock in the DT&I; in 1965 Wabash sold its share, 18 percent, to Pennsylvania Company (which held 87 percent of the stock of the Wabash). In 1963 DT&I purchased the Ann Arbor Railroad from the Wabash. Ann Arbor went bankrupt in 1973, and portions of its line have bene sold to the State of Michigan. DT&I retained trackage rights from Diann to Toledo.

With the formation of Conrail in 1976, the DT&I acquired trackage rights over Conrail from Springfield, Ohio to Cincinnati. In 1983 the DT&I was merged with the Grand Truck Western. Don Watson May 22, 1992

Division 6 member Don Watson, gave these lessons nearly every month and they always entertained and informed. After Don’s passing at the age of 90, his family presented them to Div. 6 and the NCR.


NEW MODEL PAINT CODES NCR INFORMATION

Sorry for the “small” chart, but it had to be reduced to get it to fit on the page. Here is a chart of new paint colors, now that Floquil has been discontinued. Here is the chart key - MM - Model Masters; HU – Humbrol; TE – Testors; VA – Vallejo; TS - Tamiya Spray; GS - Gunze Sangyo; XF – Tamiya A – Acrylic; E – Enamel; F – Flat; G – Gloss; M – Metallic Thanks to Jack Watson for sending this along.

NMRA-NCR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM NCR AWARDS

The talented members of the NCR just keep showing their talents but unfortunately, the NCR did not have any award winners this past quarter... let’s go modelers!!!

AP QUESTIONS: If you have questions about the AP program or requirements, start with your local or Region AP manager, Larry Wolohon MMR. If you still have questions, contact Frank Koch at [email protected] or write Frank at 4769 Silverwood Drive, Batavia, OH 45103.


mailto:fjkoch%40hotmail.com

HOBBY SHOP & BUSINESS CORNER


OTHER HOBBY SHOPS in the NCR

Whistle Stop Hobbies & Crafts, Decatur, IN

Phil's Hobby Shop, Fort Wayne, IN

The Gladieux Train Depot, Oregon, OH

Jackie’s Trains & Gifts, Erie, MI

Whistle Stop Hobby, St Clair Shores, MI

Rider’s Hobby, Grand Rapids, MI

NCR TIMETABLE NCR DIVISION meetings NCR INFORMATION

Division One Black Swamp Division (Toledo and Northwest Ohio area) We meet at Proclaim FM radio station community center, 7112 Angola Rd., Holland, OH 43528, near the Airport Highway exit from I-475/SR23 in west Toledo. Meetings are held on the 3rd or 4th Friday of each month from September through May. The schedule is posted on our website at www.divisiononencr.com, where you will also find lots of information about our activities, member layouts, and other interesting links.

Division Two Tip of the Mitt (Manistee to Iosco counties, to the tip of the mitten at the Mackinac Bridge) Our two annual division meetings will rotate between the two locations. We are currently scheduling Yard activities in both Traverse City and Petoskey. For more information, contact David Capron, Superintendent.

Division Three 3 Rivers Division (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio) Our monthly meetings are at the Baker Street Station, the iconic/historic restored Pennsy Passenger Depot in downtown Fort Wayne. The meetings are held on the Second Monday, from 7 PM to 9PM, in one of the board rooms. Exceptions to this schedule will be March, June, July- no meeting, September, December. Any updates/changes can be found on our website: http://div3.ncr-nmra.org

Division Four Grand Rails Division (Grand Rapids and western Michigan) Meets quarterly with other special events thrown in. For additional information contact Mark Baldwin at 616-437-9851 or [email protected]

Division Five Capital Division (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan) 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, September to May with additional activities added for the AUTUMN. www.div5.ncr-nmra.org

Division Six Motor City Division (Wayne & Washtenaw Counties) 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. Division 6 meets year-round. www.div6-ncr-nmra.com

Division Eight Clinton River Division (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. Division 8 meets year-round. www.div8.ncr-nmra.org

Division Nine – SW Michigan Division (Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St.Joseph, VanBuren Counties) Monthly activities begin with a meeting at 10:00 AM at the Comstock Public Library, Comstock MI, followed by either a clinic or a planned layout tour usually on the third Saturday of the month. An informal optional breakfast at 9 AM at a nearby restaurant is also a part of our routine. Visitors are always welcome. For additional and up to date information contact Frank Zajac, [email protected], www.div9ncr-nmra.org https://www.facebook.com/DIV9.NCR.NMRA

Division Ten Ten Wheelers Division (Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron Counties) Meets on the SECOND Wednesday of the month. At this time we are looking for a new meeting location so we are moving around. Call Superintendent, Don Westcott at 810-513-5787 or email him at [email protected] to verify meeting time and location of meeting or directions to the meeting location. We hope you will join us for a night of fun and information!

OTHER GROUPS meeting in the NCR AREA There are MANY rail organizations in the NCR area. They can be found at www.michiganrailroads.com www.ohiorailtourism.org www.irtg.org

YOU should join and attend your local NMRA/NCR/Division meetings and activities! Get the most out of your hobby – participate often!!


http://www.div5.ncr-nmra.org/

http://www.div6-ncr-nmra.com/

http://www.div8.ncr-nmra.org/

http://www.michiganrailroads.com/

http://www.ohiorailtourism.org/

NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS! NCR AREA EVENTS

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 45 days in advance of our publication dates!

Thursday-Sunday, September 14-17, 2017 - Grand Rails 2017 NCR Convention Grand Rapids, MI - Delta By Marriott NMRA NCR Div 4

Saturday, September 16, 2017 4th annual Hastings Train Show by the Battle Creek Model RR Club & Iron Rails Model Railroad Club Barry Expo Center 1350 N M-37 Hwy Hastings, MI 49058 10am-3:30pm $5 under 12 free Operating layouts including a “hands on” Thomas the Train layout, displays, vendors, door prizes, food, unlimited free parking and fun!! Contact info- Brad Miles 269-953-9171 [email protected] www.bcmrrc.net

Saturday, September 23, 2017- 7th annual Mt. Clemens Michigan Train Show St. Louis Social Hall 39140 Ormsby St. Mt. Clemens, MI 48036 10am to 3pm $3 per person, $5 per family, children under 12 free Food & Refreshments on site, Barrier Free Access, Free Parking, Hourly Door Prizes, Operating Layouts Contact Information - Carl Hikade 586-463-5184 [email protected] or Joe Hiestand 586-924-0499

Sunday, September 24, 2017- John Sanchez/Ford Model Railroad Club Train Show St. Sebastian School Gym 3850 Merrick, S. Dearborn Hgts., MI 48125 11am to 4pm $3 per person, $6 family Food and Refreshments available, Barrier Free Access, Free Parking, Operating Layouts, HO and O gauge Contact Information - John Sanchez 313-268-8598 [email protected]

Sunday, October 8, November 4, December 17, 2017 Wolverine Train Club Show United Food & Commercial Workers Hall 876 Horce Brown Drive Madison Heights, MI 48071 10am-2pm $3 per person under 12 is free Door Prizes Every Hour, Free Parking, All Gauges of Trains, Food and Refreshments Available Website- www.ttoswolverine.org Food service provided by The Madison Height Lions Club Contact Information - Bob Burgee 586-662-0225

Saturday, October, 14, 2017 – Train Show Grand River Valley RR Club Wyoming, MI See ad on page 8

Sunday, October 29, 2017 - 38th Annual Gigantic Train Show and Sale Kalamazoo Model RR Hist Society Expo Center Building on the Kalamazoo County Fair Grounds 10AM to 3PM cost - $6 adults Kids under 10 Free with paid adult admission. We have Operating layouts, A Hands-On Children's Layout, RR hobby clinics, over 175 Vendor tables and tons of train and RR memorabilia in every scale. There will be Door Prizes, Free parking, and MORE!!!! Contact Information- David Hayes-Moats 269-344-0906 [email protected]

Sunday, November 5, 2017 Gratiot Valley Train Show & Sale Mt Clemens High School 155 Cass Ave Mt Clemens, MI NEW LOCATION!! 10 AM - 4 PM Admission $6 Children 12 & under FREE with an adult admission. Discount Coupon at www.gvrr.org One of Michigan’s largest model railroad hobby events! Numerous Dealer Tables; Door Prizes; Lots of Operating Layouts; Free Kids Train Set Raffle; Wheelchair Accessible Contact Info - call 586-468-4877. Website - http://www.gvrr.org

Sunday, November 5, 2017 Lansing Model Train Show and Sale Hosted by Lansing Model RR Club Michigan State University Pavilion 4301 Farm Lane East Lansing, MI 48824 www.lmrc.org 10 am to 4 pm $6 adults, free children under 12 yrs and scouts in uniform. Wheelchair Accessible over 500 tables of model trains, railroad collectibles, toys, operating layouts, how-to demonstrations, and more! Contact Info- Dennis Morley 989-723-2870 [email protected]


http://www.trains.com/


http://www.bcmrrc.net/

NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS! NCR AREA EVENTS

Saturday-Sunday, November 11-12, Thanksgiving weekend Nov 24-26; December 2-3, 9-10 2017 Detroit Model Railroad Club Open House 104 North Saginaw St. Holly, MI 48442 Noon - 5PM Adults - $5, Seniors (65+) - $4, Children (5-18) - $2, Children under 5 – Free See several O scale trains in operation, over a 350 foot double track mainline and several branch lines. Contact Info: 248-634-5811 [email protected]

Saturday, November 18, 2017- Maumee Valley Railroad Club Model Railroad Show & Swap Coliseum Bingo 911 W. Washington Center Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 9am to 2pm $5 Adults, $7 Families, ages 12 and under free http://maumeevalleyrailroad.com Vendors, layout, on site concession stand, free parking, historical and other organizations represented Contact Information - Maumee Valley Railroad Club, Inc. P.O. Box 314 Harlan, IN 46743-0314

Sunday, November 26, 2017- Railroadiana Toys & Trains SS. Simon & Jude Church Hall 32500 Palmer Road Westland, MI 48186 Noon-4pm $2 per person, $4 family, Early Bird $15 per person after 11am Food & Drink available Contact Information - Norm Swope 734-595-8327

Sunday- November 26, 2017 38th annual Division 6 Fall Model Train Show & Workshop Livonia Senior Center Five Mile Rd and Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI Website- www.div6-ncr-nmra.com 11am – 4pm $4 per person over 17 years old, under 17 FREE wheelchair accessible THIS IS NOT A SWAP MEET – SEE demonstrations on all aspects of model railroading!! Power systems, scenery, kit building, railroad history, operating layouts, Boy Scouts Merit Badge program, food-refreshments available; raffles every 45 minutes, model contest! Come and get your model railroading questions answered!

Sunday, November 26, 2017 - Rails on Wheels' Annual Southeast Michigan Model Train Show and Sale. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road Ann Arbor, MI 10 AM to 3 PM $4, children under age 12 free with an adult. Early Bird - $10/person (8–10 AM) A family-friendly event featuring operating train layouts, a Lego layout display, plus a train kids can run. Over 100 tables of scale and tinplate model trains, railroading and train-related books, videos and photo for sale, too. Food available and free parking. Contact Info: Walt Trancygier [email protected] 734-552-4581

Sunday, December 3, 2017 – 33rd annual Train Show West Michigan Railroad Club K of C Hall 5830 Clyde Park Wyoming, MI 49509 10am-3pm $5 adults children 12 and under FREE Free parking, Door Prizes, Operating layouts, Refreshments https://www.facebook.com/wmmrrc Contact Information- Rob Brown 616-299-2298 [email protected]

Saturday-Sunday, December 2-3, 2017 - Great Train Show Model Railroad Exhibit, Memorabilia, Show and Sale Allen County War Memorial Coliseum 4000 Parnell Avenue Fort Wayne, IN 46805 10am - 4pm Adults $7 ($2 more if purchased on-site) Kids 11 and under are Free Hundreds of tables of new and used trains for sale at discounted prices; new product displays; operating model train layouts; free modeling workshops and clinics; activities for kids and more! Wheelchair Accessible Contact Information - http://GreatTrainShow.com www.giantshow.com/fortwayne.html

NCR DIRECTOR REPORT NCR REPORT

When I was elected to be a Director-At-Large for the NMRA NCR, I said that one of my goals in 2017 would be to visit a Division meeting in each division and hopefully be able to present one of my clinics at the meeting. I am doing very well on this commitment I made to the NCR Divisions and membership. As of the end of August 2017, I have attended meetings and presented clinics for the following NCR Divisions: 3, 5, 8, 9. In September, I will present a clinic for Division 4 at the convention they are hosting. Division 2 is working on a date in October to have me present a clinic up north. That leaves Divisions 1, 6, and 10 to still visit in the last months of 2017. Thanks! Rich Mahaney



NCR HotBox PIKE ADS


YOU too, can have a Pike Ad for your railroad or club! Just email the HotBox Staff for all the details. We’ll even help you design your Pike Ad. And best of all... It’s cool!!

NCR HotBox PIKE ADS


Permit Holder: National Model Railroad Association The North Central Region, c/o Dean Pyers, Resident Agent 8212 Clay Ct Sterling Hgts, MI 48313

in the next issue of THE Box –

MORE LAYOUT PHOTOS

MORE HOW-TO-DO ARTICLES

.... stay tuned!

New 2018 Convention News! RailFanning Tribute to Larry Wright’s Beaver Valley RR

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID LIVONIA, MI

Permit No. 1230

$3 box - ncr-nmra.orgmkt green gs 312 green e f nyc/pc green te 4210 verdigris a g ... emailed or...

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