C. It was both refreshing and rewarding to see a considerable layout look due to new and seldom used modules in the lineup. Many of the old "regulars" were not present.
D. Nick and his mother, Lisa, and Joel both helped with takedown. This was much appreciated even though it didn’t help us get out sooner due to the elevator issues. I know that regular operators feel some resentment when people come in and run trains only because there is a lot of work behind the scenes that others have done so that they can enjoy the layout. In talking to the N scale modulars at the BOD meeting, they have a standing rule that to run trains, people have to participate in setup or takedown. Maybe we should consider this.
E. The only real negative about this show was the location, i.e. the upper floor of this old building. In addition, the staff shut off the escalator as soon as the show ended, eliminating another exit. With only a slow, small elevator and no escalator, exiting was extremely slow. Also car and truck loading was extremely conjested. The concensus was that we don’t participate in any show in this building.

NEXT SHOWS:
3. Snoqualmie Falls, summer, Ross: Early indications are that we would be located outdoors under a canopy which we would pay for. The uncertainty of the weather, being outside, the cost of the canopy, and being a one-day show, probably means that we won’t be pursuing this show.
4. Lynden, Oct 09, Pete:
5. 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.
6. Trailer movements, I have the trailer. Plans are to strip the old yard and part of the wye in early summer. Then the trailer and striped parts will be taken to Rob’s where the new trackwork will be installed. The trailer will be brought back north for wiring and scenery.

NEW BUSINESS:

7. Summer activities, Dan: I received this from Dan after breakfast, but include it here for its merits. Dan suggested that since we have a lull in our show activity this summer, we do some other things. He suggested another trip to the Columbia Gorge Model in Portland or an irregular session at Cherry Valley. The idea of an activity like this sounds terrific. I urge you to consider these and see if you can come up with other possibilities. I think another railfan trip would be a good possibility. Some of my best memories are trips led by Robert Schmitt and the Kitsap Steamers.
8. Breakfast site, Norm: We had the April breakfast at Plum Delicious in Renton. The food was apparently OK, but we were still spread out along a row of tables too long for one end to hear the other and it was noisy at time. In these environments, it is hard for anyone of our speakers to speak and hear and not disturb the other patrons. Next month, the whole situation is to be determined. There is a schedule conflict with me and the site is still lacking. We may change dates, change sites, or have a work party. Stay tuned.
9. Leg Brackets: Milt, Unable to be there, Milt emailed that he is working on this.
10. Youtube site, Nicholas: He asked if he could open up a 4D Modular SIG site on Youtube where we could share some videos. After some discussion about privacy, it was thought to be a good idea and approved. Along with that, we’ll also open a Google Picasa site to share photos.
OLD BUSINESS:
11. Status report: Metal Wheel delivery, Mike: He has sold most of the wheel sets for now.

12. Status report: Toolbox, Mike: He plans to have this ready by fall shows. Mike J. brought in a good-sized toolbox, and a few tools have been donated. I will identify what we already have to put into the box and get this to Mike.
13. Status report: Programming equipment, Brian: One Sprog (actually 2) were available at GTE and were tried out. As Brian said, these are stand-alone programmers that can be used without shutting down our system, an important criterion. I liked that it could be switched to test mode and act like a Cab on the same "program" track. The only problem that I see is that it requires a laptop and DecoderPro. I find DecoderPro unfriendly. We have a laptop but it is sloooow. Since two SIG members already have Sprogs (Brian and Allan), and our budget is strapped this year with the yard conversion, we are going to use the two Sprogs they have and probably purchase one next year. Actually, next years fiscal budget starts in August, so maybe we won’t have to wait.
14. Status report: Backboard height: Norm, The plan was to evaluate this at GTE and go from there. At breakfast we discussed this at length. The advantages are 1. Operators would be able to reach turnouts, derails, etc better. 2. Operators on the inside could view and enjoy their trains better. The down side is that spectators would see more of the "stuff" inside the layout. 3. Also it was noted that more operators inside would be encouraged to "reach out into the scene more frequently." I will put together a ballot to send out soon for a vote since all the module owners were not present.
15. Status report: Yard improvements, Norm: Milt has the go-ahead for the woodwork and most of the components. He should be finished in mid June. Mike will be available after July 20 for track installation.
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 called NMRANet. There was considerable discussion about the NMRANet for the routing and signaling of the yard. The next step for us is to send a team of volunteers to see this prototype in action. Bob, Allan, Brian, and will be visiting a demo layout soon.17. Workparties, Norm: This summer, to provide some interesting activities for the SIG, we are looking into providing several workparties or workparty/breakfast combos. These may be on DCC training, DecoderPro, Decoder installation, Backboard painting, Macros, Adding another siding to the narrow corners, People painting, Corner track work, Removing the crossover from the Turntable, Airbrush technique, and other suggestions. Please send me any suggestions. I am looking for sites for workparties. Nicholas has volunteered for one. Some in the north and south would be best.