HO MOD SIG MONTHLY MTG. MINUTES, Nov 10, 2007, Black Bear Diner in Redmond
Norm Curtis, Chairman

COMMENTS:
1. Meeting Date: The next meeting is Dec 8 ‘07, 8:30 a.m., Black Bear Diner in Redmond

PAST SHOWS:
2. Maple Valley, Ravensdale, Oct 20-21, Ross T:
There were a lot of issues getting this show going, but the hosts had some cancellations and we had members who inserted their modules at the last minute so that we had a good layout. This show has lots of people and boasts that half are kids. They also provide a good lunch for participants and are really good about accommodating exhibitors. On Sunday, we allowed several young people (age 10 to 17) to run trains and they were unusually good at it. The young one even brought his train (DCC) no less.

NEXT SHOWS:
3. GTE in Puyallup, Nov 17-18, Mike S:
Mike has this show all planned, so check the emailed instructions for further details. He did hand out name badges to everyone present. If you were not there and want to get in, contact Mike S. at mikepce@comcast.net

4. NETC in Nov 23 – Dec 22 and beyond, Norm C:
This is in the planning stages. I have a list of participants, the times they could "man the show" and will work out the details shortly. (Waiting for a few responses from members.) We will set up Wed, Nov 21 afternoon. Takedown is still to be decided as Bob says we can stay as long as we want, maybe hauling out before the PSC show, requiring only one load and unload of the trucks. Also, we need to man the show on Saturdays (and Fri Nov 23) and Sundays if possible, but not necessarily. Anyone can go anytime to do whatever they want at the layout. There is even room off to the side to work on modules. Watch for emailed details shortly.

5. PSC Jan 19-21, 08, Norm C
I finally have a list of participants and will be making our application soon. Watch for emailed details.

6. UNW in Feb 2-3, Bob B
This is in the planning stages. Bob has a list of module participants and a very large layout planned. If you like big layouts, this one is for you. Watch for emailed details.

NEW BUSINESS:
8. 12-volt bus: Norm
At Lynden, a shortage of jumpers was noted. Originally, we provided jumpers for commonly used modules and had "loaners" for modules that were infrequently used. Since few of the "loaners" were given out and more modules are under construction, we are planning to make up some more jumpers for loaners and to equip the new modules. Right now we are looking for wire. We have the Powerpole connectors.

9. Gas Price effects on our programs: Norm
As we travel to shows usually two or three times each, often in gas guzzling trucks, we rack up a lot of mileage. I brought up for discussion that maybe we ought to adjust our participation with this new reality. Some thoughts on this were smaller layouts, fewer shows, regional participation (e.g. those living north do north shows, living south do south shows), getting tax rebate for mileage, and using earned income from shows to subsidize 4d trailer drivers. We plan to bring up part of this at the next BOD and discuss this further.

OLD BUSINESS:
10. Ops at Cherry Valley, Norm C
There will be an ops session following breakfast for the foreseeable future. Starting with this one, the sessions will be full featured, at least as good as the manpower available can make it. As an after thought, and as a courtesy, please let us know if you change your plans if we are expecting you so that we don’t have to wait for you needlessly.

11. Myspace presence, Giske:
Paul now feels that there are sufficient Spam, legal, and privacy issues to consider. He would prefer to shelve this issue until he has more time to study it.

12. Durable Name badges, Staples:
We discussed this and recommended that the item be dropped. It was brought out that in groups like ours, when name badges are incorporated, they get lost over time, which is exactly what happened with our last attempt. Also, to get engraved badges is only practical with batch prices (individual ones being quite expensive) making it difficult to accommodate new members. (A compromise suggested was a blank logo-badge with room for name labels to be added and changed.) To accommodate those who would like a "name label," we will make available card-like name tags with our new SP&E logos on them to be worn with plastic label holders (either hanging or pinned) at the owners discretion.

13. Track joiners, Pete G:
Pete brought some prototypes to the Maple Valley Show for trial. The result of that test was that they saved a great deal of time installing joiners (simply snap in place and snap out), however they need some refinement. He is going to try more joiners at the next show with the regular permanent Atlas joiners on one end and the new joiners on the other end. In addition, the new joiners will be on the down-stream end of the jumper tracks. If we get these to work, it will be a vast improvement. Now if only someone can come up with a fast way to adjust the legs!

14. Logo: Mike S:
Our draft SP&E logo has been accepted. This could be used on rolling stock, buildings, banners, vests, etc. We should still use the "4^th Div, HO Modular SIG wherever appropriate.