HO MOD SIG MONTHLY MTG. MINUTES, Feb 21, 2009, Black Bear Diner in Redmond
by Norm C, Chairman

COMMENTS:
1. Meeting Date: The next breakfast meeting is Mar 14, ‘09, 8:30 am, at the Black Bear Diner in Redmond.

PAST SHOWS:
2. PSC, Norm: The most unusual feature this year was the addition of the Bremerton-Northern people. Everyone reported that the mixture worked well and that they would do it again. The BN people had beautiful rolling stock and were able to run it expertly. For the first time that I can remember we had sufficient help and lots of activity. The kiddy layout unfortunately did not have sufficient manpower with the same people doing multiple shifts and others doing none. It would help if the layout was in sight from the main layout, but the spacing in bldg 3 will not allow that. Some signage on the kiddy layout about stopping to change direction and touching maybe on billboard type signs should be added next year. Breakage was minimal with two Cab pots and one antenna broken. It was decided that the Cabs should be made durable with knob stops.
3. UNW, Bob: Attendees reported "the most fun yet." The setup was smooth, trackage was reliable, and the radios and cabs worked perfectly. Incidentally, we have been working on radio and Cab improvement for a long time and finally seeing the fruition of that effort. What we did was to upgrade the radios, go to a layout Id, and add more terminators that Allan made. Some pictures have been posted on our WEBSITE. Check them out. http://4dpnr.org/ (see modulars) or http://mysite.verizon.net/respuhks/4dhosig/
4. Trailer disposition: Norm, The trailer currently is at Norm’s. The next show is likely the GTE in Puyallup. The disposition to that show has yet to be determined.

NEXT SHOWS:
5. Lynden, Oct 09 is the next "confirmed" show. Probably the GTE show in April will be next.
6. Three new show possibilities:
Frank’s church, Mar 28-9, 09 Query out to determine interest
GTE Apr 25-6, 09, Mike Approved, application going in
Snoqualmie Falls, summer, Ross Query out to determine interest

NEW BUSINESS:
7. Help for newbies, Norm: With a constant stream of additional people, some kind of systematic training or information for new people would be helpful. Perhaps this could be at one of the summer work sessions. Some simple directions on the back of the Cabs were recommended. Mike is going to make the signs.
8. Plastic wheels, Dave: Since Dave runs some beautiful collectibles with plastic wheels, he is understandably reluctant to change to metal wheels. He checked out some of the forums on plastic wheels and found that people are all over the block with recommendations. Most people preferred metal wheels, but went on to describe track cleaners and using a variety of oil on the tracks. Ultimately Dave may want to change wheels and save the originals or consider using other cars for the shows.
9. Programming equipment, Norm: Many times at shows, we need a program track to troubleshoot. Bob or Rob has their programming equipment at some shows, but they are not at all shows all the time. The group agreed to look into obtaining such a device that would be dedicated to programming and always be present. Brian P is looking into what is available.
10. Leg adjusters, Pete: The ever-inventive Pete has come up with a clever mechanism to adjust the heights without having to bend over all the time. Maybe we can get a picture of this device for the WEBSITE.

OLD BUSINESS:
11. Yard improvements, Norm: It looks like we are finally going to upgrade the yard. We discussed this at great length and the conversion generated considerable excitement. Milt will be building the modules; Mike laying the track; Rob, Allan, Bob B, and myself doing the wiring. Many details and scenicing have yet to be decided. Please bring some favorite ballast samples for evaluation to the next breakfast.
12. ANTENNA CONNECTORS, Norm: The broken antenna at the PSC has been repaired using these new devices. The fix seems very durable.
13. QUALITY POLICY, Norm: We discussed an implementation calendar and decided to make the policy enforced with the Lynden show. That gives people not in compliance a full 8 months for completion of deficiencies.
14. Creeper, Frank: Frank saw a nifty creeper at Sears. Rob told us that he already purchased one like it, so the item was dropped.
15. OPS AT CHERRY VALLEY, Norm: Group reminded and a tally of participants was taken to pass on to Tom.
16. Trailer keys, Norm: At a recent show, the keys were lost resulting in cutting off the locks. Obviously this is economic loss, time loss, and great inconvenience. To prevent this from occurring again, sets of keys have been distributed to each person with a truck so that at each show there should be several keys available, should one set get lost. Keys went to Bob B, Mike S, Milt, Rob, Pete, and Norm.
17. Toolbox, Mike: Equipment often breaks down at shows. Sometimes these are showstoppers and those people present have the tools, but sometimes they don’t.
There was consensus that the group needs a well-equipped toolbox so critical tools are always present. A list is being circulated to determine what items should be in the box. If you have extra equipment and want to donate it, let Mike know. Mike J has a toolbox available.
18. STATUS DCC PACKET ANALYZER: Norm: Since the radio problems appear to have been fixed, this item will be dropped.