HO MOD SIG MONTHLY MTG. MINUTES, Nov 8, 2008, Black Bear Diner in Redmond
by Norm C, Chairman

COMMENTS:
1. Meeting Date: The next meeting is Dec 13, ‘08, 8:30 am, breakfast at Black Bear Diner in Redmond.

PAST SHOWS:
2. Maple Valley, Ravensville, Oct 18-19: Ross, coordinator.
Apparently the show went well and everyone had a good time. Jason and Shara showed up and after helping with setup both were actively running trains. Jason had his steam loco converted to DCC by Mike S. Ross brought in a beautiful UP 4-8-4 with cars. Hopefully I will get some photos on our WEBSITE. Cole appeared and ran for awhile. We ran into an issue with the soft flooring. Apparently the legs gradually lowered themselves causing humps. Frank is going to make some plywood pads to put under the legs next year and anywhere else we might encounter a soft floor. I remember the Westin had that problem.
NEXT SHOWS:
3. GTE: Puyallup, Nov 15-17, Mike: As you can see by the date, this is coming up next weekend. Mike has this organized beautifully and has sent out maps and floor plans.
4. NETC: Nov 28 until Dec 20, Norm, coordinator. This extended show may seem like we’re going to be really busy, but we are going to have people there only about six days plus setup. In addition, we can go there anytime during the week and run trains as well as work on equipment there.
At this point, we are extremely short of modules and people. Last year we had about 7 modules while this year we have 4 (Bob’s 1, Mike’s 0.5 and my 2.5). It would be nice to have different ones each year. With the wye, bridge, 3 modules, and 2 Westin yards, the layout will be 16’ by 18’.
We’re also short of people. Last year we had about 32 and had half shifts of two people. This year about 14. Watch for scheduling emails shortly.
5. MTF: (Model Train Festival, Tacoma), Mike, coordinator. Dec 26 to Jan 3^rd As this pays $$, we’ll want our best, most sceniced modules there. Again watch for participation query out soon after GTE.
6. Trailer disposition this fall: Norm,
Rob has the trailer and will take it for an early setup at GTE. I will bring it home from the GTE, ready for the NETC show. The next show is MTF so I will take it there. After that is the PSC, so I probably will be bringing it home.

NEW BUSINESS:
7. Andy’s Diner, Norm: This restaurant has reopened as Asian/American. The group said "No thanks."
8. Creeper, Rob: Remember how difficult it is to work under the layout? Rob discovered a special model railroad creeper that is much higher than an auto creeper. Perhaps when we get the MTF money, this will be considered for purchase. We’ll have to find space in the trailer though. Check it out: http://www.ares-erver.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=84263

OLD BUSINESS:
9. Antenna connectors, Norm: These have arrived and will be installed after we get the radio upgrades. The antennas will be much stronger with these.
10. Corner UTP panels, Norm: Some sockets have arrived that will enable us to put Cab bus outlets on the outside of the corners and elsewhere I presume if needed. Bob B is making some short CAB bus wires so these should be operational at GTE if I can get them.
11. Status NCE radio upgrades: Norm
Good news. We will send in half of our radio CABS on Nov 17 after GTE, as we won’t need many during NETC or the MTF shows. Then the second mailing will go in on Dec 12. Bob T and Rob S will need to get them to me by Dec 12.
12. Status DCC Packet Analyzer: Allan: He brought in a couple spec sheets of two that are available. It’s pretty technical stuff. After much discussion and some information from NCE, we decided to wait until we get the radio upgrades and try changing our Layout ID before purchasing any.
13. Work Parties, Norm: Since we are in the heart of show season, Saturday parties will be discontinued until late spring. I may do some work on the modules while we are at NETC and hopefully post when I’ll be going.