HO MOD SIG MONTHLY MTG. MINUTES, Dec 8, 2007, Black Bear Diner in Redmond
Norm Curtis, Chairman

COMMENTS:
1. Meeting Date: The next meeting is Jan 12 ‘08, 8:30 a.m., Black Bear Diner in Redmond

PAST SHOWS:
2. GTE in Puyallup, Nov 17-18, Mike S:
Setup went extremely smooth. Thanks to the Friday’s gang (Mike S, Ross, Rob, Pete, and maybe others) for a job well done. This show was well attended and generally went well. There was a glitch in the DCC system that we think was due to induction (the result of our cab bus wire laying parallel to the AC extension cords). We have yet to prove this, but we are trying.
There was some discussion on how to prevent the collisions at the wye. A couple of good ideas were mentioned, posting a person, "dispatcher" at the wye (volunteers for one hour shifts when 5 or more people are present) and installing "switchits" on the wye so that people could throw the turnouts from outside the layout. (There would remain the problem of the wye turnout itself.)
3. NETC in Nov 23 – Dec 29, Norm C:
This is still an ongoing show. Everything seems to be going smoothly. Manpower is working out perfectly. Thanks to all the volunteers.
You may find rechargeable batteries in the Cabs. When they need charging, put them in the charger as it shuts off automatically. There are also 9-volt rechargeable batteries for the camera. Be especially careful when putting these into the charger as they are difficult to attach. (I bent the top of one battery the first time.) Caution! Do not throw either of these away.
I want to work on the transition module, like flatten the top and replace the track. To do this I will need to bring it home with me so it will not be available for a day or two. I will post a notice as you may not want to go midweek if it is missing.
There was a little water damage after the flood, but all that I can see is a couple of wet box bottoms. They were my boxes.
Takedown will be Dec 29 starting about 3:30. Your modules could stay there longer even to as late as hauling them out before the PSC show, requiring only one load and unload of the trucks. Also, we need to man the show on Sundays if possible, but I think that Dan P is doing many of these. He could stand some company. Anyone can go anytime to do whatever he or she wants at the layout. There is even room off to the side to work on modules.

NEXT SHOWS:
4. PSC Jan 19-21, 08, Norm C, Confirmed
I will need a manpower schedule as the show is three days and we need to spread ourselves out. Essentially we have three layouts to man. Fortunately there usually is help from outside our group. Watch for emails with instructions.
5. UNW in Feb 2-3, Bob B, Confirmed
This is in the planning stages. There is as much room as we want, so everyone can bring modules if they want. Watch for emails with instructions.
6. Rollin’ Rails, Probably April, Norm, Confirmed
We have been asked to participate again. They are looking for a better date. It could be Feb 16 or sometime (TBD) in April. We voted for April as Feb is already loaded.

NEW BUSINESS:
7. Show schedule 2008, Norm
Our show coordinators have been having difficulty getting timely responses from everyone as to their show preferences. (You can read more about this issue in one of the Dec 9 emails.) Anyway, we will be surveying everyone at breakfast or by email to determine your preferences and build the show schedule 2008. If you were not at breakfast, please return your survey ASAP.

OLD BUSINESS:
8. Ops at Cherry Valley, Norm C
There will be an ops session following breakfast for the foreseeable future. Tom needs more people to fully "operate" his layout to it’s potential.

9. Track joiners, Pete G:
Pete is continuing his pursuit of the quikjoiners. He is going to try some new jumper tracks since the current jumper tracks have had some "spikes" removed and are too weak to hold the code 70 connectors.

10. Logo: Mike S:
Our draft SP&E logo has been accepted. This could be used on rolling stock, buildings, banners, vests, etc. I sent out a fresh JPG drawing from Paul so that whenever you use it, start with the best quality.
11. Terminal strips, Brian
Brian found that Radio Shack terminal strips are outrageously expensive. He found some quite reasonable at Mouser and is ordering some from them. He thought more people might be interested, so you can add to his order if you want some. There was more information sent out today in an email to all members.

SCHEDULE 2007
PSC Seattle Jan 13-15,07 Norm C done
UNW (United Northwest) Monroe Feb 3-4 Bob B done
Rollin’ Rails Edmonds (new) Mar 3 Norm C done
NETC Seattle early summer April Norm C done
Auburn Good Ol’ Days Auburn Aug 11-12 Ross T cancelled
Lynden Lions, Lynden Oct 6-7 Alexander done
Maple valley Ravensdale Oct 20-21 Ross T Done
GTE Puyallup Nov 17-18 Mike S Confirmed
NETC Seattle Nov 23-Dec 29, Norm C Confirmed
SCHEDULE 2008
PSC Seattle Jan 19-21 08 Norm C Confirmed
UNW Monroe Feb 2-3,08 Bob B Confirmed
Rollin Rails Edmonds April?, 08 Norm Confirmed
NP Conv Tacoma July, 08 Ross T
MTF Tacoma Dec 26-Jan 1, 08 Mike S