HO MOD SIG MONTHLY MTG. MINUTES, April 11, 2009, Family Pancake, Redmond, by Norm C, Chairman

COMMENTS:
1. Meeting Date: The next breakfast meeting is May 9, ‘09, 8:30 am, Plum Delicious, Renton (Note: The Black Bear Diner in Redmond is closed, Family Pancake was too noisy). See item #9 below.

PAST SHOWS:
2. None

NEXT SHOWS:
3. GTE Apr 25-6, 09, Mike, Ready to go, show details have been emailed
4. Lynden, Oct 09, Pete. This is the next "confirmed" show.
5. Snoqualmie Falls, summer, Ross, Pursuing
6. WGH Show: Mike, There will be a WGH (World’s Greatest Hobby Show), Nov 21-22 in Puyallup. Mike has already sent in our application.
7. Trailer movements, Norm, Last I heard, Rob will pick up from Ross’s and take to GTE on Friday, Ap 24 around 2 pm. Norm will bring home from GTE on Sunday.
8. SP&S colors for rolling stock: Norm, We selected some colors that members can use if they want to paint their own rolling stock in "our road colors." The colors selected were forest green with a horizontal orange stripe. This is sort of a take off on our logo badge. Lettering will be white. Mike S. is going to work up a draft of these colors.

NEW BUSINESS:
9. Breakfast site, Norm: We had the April breakfast at The Family Pancake in Redmond. That was the first choice by vote (8 to 5) over Plum Delicious. The food was apparently OK, but we were spread out along a wall and it was far too noisy. Next month, we’ll try the Plum Delicious in Renton (few miles east of Fry’s Electronics). Directions will be in the reminder.
10. Leg Brackets: Norm, The metal fabricating plant that used to make our leg brackets is empty. We need to find a new source for these. Since we are forced to make some change, we could look at the type of leg bracket at the same time. The current ones were designed to hold the legs and also support the corners. Any new designs should at least do the same. If you can think of some radical new design, pass it on to me. Here’s your chance for fame and fortune. Milt has agreed to look into ideas that he has for fabrication.
Tortoise machines: Norm, I have purchased a number of Tortoise Switch machines for our yard. There may be a few left over. If you will need some in the near future, get in line. The cost is about $9.00.

OLD BUSINESS:
11. Status report: Metal Wheel delivery, Mike: We forgot this at the meeting, but Mike has a few left @ $.57/axle both 33 and 36 inch. Contact Mike if you want some. mikepce@comcast.net
12. Status report: Toolbox, Mike: Mike forgot about this and needs to formulate a list of items. Perhaps we can check off some that we already have at GTE.
13. Status report: Programming equipment, Brian: Brian will demo one at GTE in April.
14. Status report: Backboard height: Norm, We will make a decision at GTE.
15. Status report: Yard improvements, Norm: Milt has the go-ahead for the woodwork. There was considerable discussion about the type of power routing for the yard. Bob, Allan, and myself will work out the electronic parts list soon (did on April 15).
16. NMRANet: Brian, A team of local people including Di Voss, his brother, Brian and others, are working out the details on a communications standard for DCC. As it is now, each manufacturer has their own system. Brian thinks this "net" has great potential for our yard and signals and possibly more. The next step for us is to send a team of volunteers to see this prototype in action. Bob, Allan, Brian, and myself volunteered. Now to arrange a meeting.

17. Disposition of the current 2 footers: Norm, We decided to keep the current 2 footers and use them elsewhere in the layout where crossovers are needed. A UTP panel could be installed to further enhance their contribution. The scenery may need some modification. Also, legs may be helpful.

MISSION STATEMENT
Promote participation, sharing, railroad history, and the NMRA/4 Div
Entertain and inform people about the hobby
Help charities, community organizations, and other RR groups