headlight issue 30-3 · to meet nmra’s weight requirements. bring along your equipment, your...
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HUB HeadlightHUB Division Inc., Northeastern Region, National Model Railroad Association - Volume 30 Number 3, January - February 2014
http://www.hubdiv.org
RAILFUN TIMETABLEHands-on Clinic: Railroad Car Repair & Reconditioning
By Rudy Slovacek8 PM Friday, January 17, 2014, Cambridge School of Weston
Now that winter is upon us and the yard-work season has ended, you canfocus on your model railroad. Regardless of what scale you model, allequipment, new and old, should always be checked and maintained to
make sure it conforms to standards for trouble-free operation. Fix that draggingcoupler pin; re-gauge those boxcar wheels; and add weights to your cars as neededto meet NMRA’s weight requirements. Bring along your equipment, your toolkit,standards gauge, car weights and a portable scale. Adhesive wheel balancingweights for automotive or motorcycle wheels are an economical option for carweights. Rudy will review the check-up procedures and provide tips for keepingyour equipment in tip-top shape. There will be multiple work stations so you canfocus on where you need the most help. If you do not have a portable test track thatyou can bring along, you can build one using a section of flex-track secured to apiece of wood and a Kadee #206 Coupler Height Gauge mounted at both ends ofthe track. Some members have also installed an Atlas Rerailer in the middle of theirtest track.
Path to MMR - Part 1by Gerald Abegg MMR 516
At the end of last summer Icompleted the seventhAchievement Certificate that
made me eligible for Master ModelRailroader. When all the paperwork wasfiled with the NMRA, I was awardedMMR Certificate #516. This articledescribes my pathway to the MMR andoffers suggestions and encouragementto other HUB members who I would liketo see earn this Achievement.
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Hands-on Clinic: Scenery, Structures and DetailsBy David “Shack” Haralambou
8 PM Friday, February 21, 2014, Cambridge School of Weston
In this Hands-On Clinic, you will learn the basics of ballasting track, applyinggroundcover, mounting structures and applying details to your layout. You canapply this knowledge by helping us to scenic the two Railfun project modules
that we have been building and that were on display as part of the HUB's modularlayout at our recent New England Model train EXPO in Marlborough. Shack willshare his tips and tricks for applying scenery to modules that will stand up to therigors of frequent transportation to/from shows and setup/take down.
Erich Whitney’s new module was on display atRAILFUN. With the inclusion of the Chubbboard, detectors and signal controls, theunderside looks more like a computer.Photograph by Bill Barry
November RAILFUNPresentation; Marion River Carry Railroad
By Sam Berliner III8 PM Friday, March 21, 2014, Cambridge School of Weston
The Marion River Carry Railroad may well have been the shortest standard-gauge passenger line in history and certainly had one of the smalleststandard-gauge steam locomotives built in the 20th Century. This ¾ mile
railroad can be modeled in its entirety as a 45' HO Scale Railroad. During the turnof the last century, steamboats ferried visitors, as well as a variety of goods andstores, from the NY Central rail line to Raquette Lake, across the lake and up theMarion River to the Marion River Railroad. From 1900 until 1929, the MarionRiver Carry Railroad transported people and goods to another steamboat that madestops and deliveries to the private camps and hotels on the Eckford Chain –Utowana Lake, Eagle Lake, and Blue Mountain Lake.
The map to Cambridge School of Weston appears on page 11.
The Annual Meeting andElection will be held atthe March 21st Railfun,8PM at the Cambridge
School of WestonSee Page 6 for voting procedures and
Page 7 for candidate statements.
A Fantasy Camp for ModelStructure Building
See Page 8
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by Manny Escobar
THEPRESIDENT’S
CAR
Happy New Year All! – Hope theholiday season was filled withfamily, friends and railroading
events. It's not surprising that manyevents occur around this time of year:our Annual New England Model TrainExpo, Tour-de-Chooch, NovemberModel Railroad Month, and our ownModular Group displayed in variousback-to-back events. Nonetheless, thiscoming year, the HUB Division has a lotstill to do.
First, changes in our organization at theBoard of Directors level createdvacancies. Two out of three Boardmembers are stepping down and leavinga chance for others to step up. The fivemembers running for three positions, areall enthusiastic about our organization
and, of course, model railroading. OnPage 7, you will find the candidatestatements for those who aim to step up.We will have our annual meeting andelection at the March 21st RAILFUN.So please read over their statements andvote in the upcoming election. I want tothank Bill Barry and Gerry Covino fortheir outstanding leadership in the past.Both of them will still be involved,concentrating on their current appointedpositions. Thank you for all yoursupport.
Second, the Board has decided not tohave a Spring TRAINing Show in 2014.The committee that heads this event willevaluate various ideas to improve theshow in the future. We are planning ondoing a show in 2015, and hopefully theimprovements that the committeecreates will be a hit.
Third, the NMRA NationalConvention is July 13-20, 2014, inCleveland, Ohio. The HUB ModularRailroad will be traveling to theconvention and operating in a combineddisplay with MCR Division 4.
Fourth, the 2014 NER Convention"New England Diamonds", Palmer,
MA, is being co-hosted by the HUB andNutmeg Divisions. We have a lot ofplanning and organization to be done forthis event. See Page 5 for preliminarydetails.
Finally, I would like to say that our"Signaling Committee," spearheaded byDick "Doc" Johannes, and supportedby other members, will be first in thehobby to have signals operating in are-configurable modular set-up. Whatmakes it a first is that the HUB displaymodular layout can be set up with anyconfiguration of different members'modular units. Hopefully you can sneaka peek at the Amherst RailwaySociety's Railroad Hobby Show, Big-E Fairgrounds, West Springfield, Jan25-26, 2014 (Sat-Sun)
One more thing to mention is that I hopeyou enjoyed the annual Holiday DinnerEvent. We changed the location anddate to better accommodate everyone.
Well that's all for now, "keep themrolling" into 2014.
HUB Division Calendar of Events (Subject to Change)
2014Jan 17 (Fri) HUB RAILFUN Meeting, 8 PM, Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MAJan 18-20 (Sat-Mon) HUB Modular Railroad display at the Wenham Museum, Wenham, MAJan 25-26 (Sat-Sun) HUB Modular Railroad display at the Amherst Railway Society's Railroad Hobby Show,
Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds, West Springfield, MAFeb 1 (Sat) Submissions deadline for the HUB Headlight Mar-Apr issueFeb 21 (Fri) HUB RAILFUN Meeting, 8 PM, Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MAMar 21 (Fri) HUB Division Annual Meeting and Election, 8:00 PM, Cambridge School of Weston,
Weston, MA before RAILFUNMar 21 (Fri) HUB RAILFUN Meeting, 8:00 PM, Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MAMar 22-23 (Sat-Sun) HUB Modular Railroad display at the Greenberg's Toy & Train Show, Shriner's
Auditorium, Wilmington, MAApr 1 (Tues) Submissions deadline for the HUB Headlight May-Jun issueApr 11 (Fri) HUB RAILFUN Meeting, 8 PM, Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MAMay 16 (Fri) HUB RAILFUN Meeting, 8 PM, Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MAJun 20 (Fri) HUB RAILFUN Meeting, 8 PM, Cambridge School of Weston, Weston, MAJul 13-20 (Sun-Sun) 2014 NMRA National Convention, Cleveland, OH. HUB Modular Railroad on displayJul 20 (Sun) HUB Summer Picnic, Waushakum Live Steamers, Holliston, MA [tentative date]Sept 11-14 (Thur-Sun) 2014 NER Convention, Palmer, MA, hosted by the HUB Division
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’Twas after Thanksgiving whenall through the house, not acreature was stirring not even
a computer mouse. The turnouts werestrewn on the layout with not a care, inhopes that some magical elf would soonbe there;
The grand children were nestled all snugin their beds, with visions of pies andsweets, still in their heads.
And ma in her nightgown, and I in myengineer's cap, had just settled down fora much needed nap (too much turkeyand tryptophan!)
When down on the tracks there arosesuch a clatter, I sprang from my bed tosee what was the matter?
Away to the stairs I flew like a flash,tore open the door, and tripped over thesash.
The moon on the rails so shiny andbright, gave the luster of mid-day toobjects in the cellar that night.
When, what to my wondering eyesshould appear, but a miniature train, andeight tiny workers but not even one deer.
With a little engineer, so lively andquick, I knew in a moment it was notCasey but rather St Nick.
More rapid thanlightning, hisfollowers they came,and he whistled, andshouted, and calledthem by name:"Now Tangent! NowCurve. Now Rails,and Jawn Henry, OnSpike, On Hammer,On Ballast and Ties",I tell you no lies.
From the top of thestairs then down'long the wall."More steam, more coal, chug away,chug away all!"
So into the cellarthe workmen theyflew, with a trainfull of tools - andSt. Nicholas too:
Then in atwinkling, I hearddown below theshuffling andscrapping andtools goingclinking.
The pacing andstomping of each
little boot, I knew by golly this would bea hoot!
As I drew in my breath, and was headingon down, both Nickolas and Jawn Henryappeared with a bound.
Nick was dressed in stripped denim,from his head to his foot, and JawnHenry his clothes all tarnished with soot;a bundle of tools was flung on his back,and he looked like a trackman justopening his pack.
Shanty Talkby Rudy Slovacek
Nick's eyes - how they twinkled! Hisdimples how merry, as he gathered upfans and then proceeded with plans. Hedrew lines in the sawdust, then urged onall the trackmen "Finish the switches wemust!" Jawn Henry was trim from daysof hard working; you could tell he meantbusiness and no silly shirking.
But, a wink of his eye and a nod of hishead soon gave me to know I hadmisjudged him and had nothing to dread.
Both spoke not a word more, but wentstraight to their work. They completedthe turnouts, so smooth, and withoutjerk. Then, laying their tools all aside,they boarded the train for back home toride.
The team got all settled in their places,and the wheels began turning atincreasing paces.
Away they all flew, to the sound of belland whistle: But I heard them exclaim,ere they drove out of sight, "MerryChristmas to all, and to all a good night".
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My advice to everyone is to get startedwith something you already do, thenresearch the requirements and readarticles about how to do the variousAchievement Certificates. On theNMRA website you can find copies of"Year of the MMR" that was publishedin Scale Rails in 2008-2009. Thesearticles are posted under theAchievement Program and areimmensely helpful. Download thecertificate requirements from theNMRA website and keep a log of allyour activities to use in filling out theseforms.
When I started on the Achievements Ihad no intention of becoming a MMR. Iwas only interested in receivingrecognition for activities I was alreadydoing. So I began with AssociationVolunteer. Since I served on the Boardof Directors for three years, was ShowManager for six years and worked withmany scouts on RR Merit Badge, I hadall the activities and times needed tocomplete that certificate (3/1/2010).
Next I moved on to Chief Dispatcher(3/1/2010) since I had become an activeoperator and had done some dispatchingon Bruce Robinson's Valley JunctionRR. The hours of operation in thevarious positions were easily completed,but the hardest thing was to develop atimetable and line chart for that part ofthe requirements. I found the article"Chief Dispatcher" #9 in the "Year ofthe MMR" most helpful.
I had done some very amateurishmodeling over the years but wasrelatively new to doing detail hobbywork and felt that I had much to learn. Iattended many clinics at NER andNMRA conventions where I learned tipsfor weathering, construction, using thelast two-inches in front of the backdrop,making cheap trees, etc. I built twoHUB modules and detailed them withstructures and scenery. I then started torebuild my home layout in Lexington asa way to practice some of these newskills.
ENGINEER ELECTRICALENGINEER CIVIL (5/1/2012).
After my move to Westford in 2008 Istarted a new layout using only part ofthe yard from Lexington. The newlayout is 14-ft. x 28-ft. and isconstructed entirely of 2-ft. x 4-ft.modules in an "M" shape to create lotsof mainline and some interestingindustrial sidings.
Wiring the new layout met the electricalrequirements, but I had to documenteverything with a wiring circuit for thelayout and circuit diagrams for thepowered turnouts and LEDs. I learned
how to create circuit diagrams and howto incorporate LED's in circuits to makepanel control lights. I also developed
confidence increating dwarfsignals toindicate trackp o w e r ,
occupancy,a n ddirection.
In ac o n v e r s a t i o nwith KeithShoneman, hetold me that Ihad probablymet theE n g i n e e rE l e c t r i c a lAchievementwith what I had
already done to my new layout, so hevisited the layout and gave me tips onhow to finish the application process.
While building the new home layout Ihad hand-laid some track and built
Path to MMR - Part 1(Continued from Page 1)
Electrifrog crossing #6with BiPolar panel LED
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turnouts using the Fast Tracks system.Although the first attempts were prettyrough, I was able to perfect mytechniques so I could build the requiredthree hand-laid structures for MeritAward judging.Since I had alreadybuilt severalexcellent turnoutsand a crossover, all Ineeded to do tocomplete theEngineer Civilcertificate was builda third item. Idesigned a 20-degree crossing(diamond). Buildingit required electricfrogs, so figuring outhow to isolate thefrogs, and wire it foroperation, requiredsome study andtesting. The firstattempt looked great,but cars would not
Path to MMR - Part 1(Continued from Page 4)
On November 2, 2013, at the ageof 92, long-time HUB Divisionmember Glenn Owens passed
away. For those HUB Divisionmembers who have been around a while,the name Glenn Owens is a familiar one.He was a very active member in theDivision for many years.
Glenn joined the NMRA in 1966 andwas active in the HUB Division. He wasa member of the Board of Directorsfrom 1973 to 1984 and 1987 to 1993.He was a NMRA Life Member and aHUB Division Life Member. Glennreceived the honor of becoming MMR#227
Glenn's vocation was mechanicalengineering, and he put his skills to gooduse for the Division. He laid out anddrew the floor plans for both the Springand Fall shows each year. He alsodesigned and drew the plans for thestandard and corner modules for theHUB Module Group. The corners hedesigned are still being used today.Glenn also served as the Headlighteditor from 1984 to 1993. He alsoserved on the Division's Minuteman '86National Convention Committee.
In 1997 Glenn was awarded the HUB'sDon Pierce award, which is given toHUB members for exemplary service tothe HUB Division.
Glenn Owensby Peter Watson
go through without derailing, so I built asecond one and it worked!
Don Howd and Keith Shonemanevaluated my layout in 2012, and Ireceived the necessary merit awards tocomplete both the Engineer Electricaland Civil certificates. At this point I wasprepared to stop because I felt like mostmodelers – I didn't want to get intobuilding contest models. Don told meI didn't have to enter contests but
rather that I must buildmodels that wouldbe judged for MeritAwards. He
suggested that I build a model or two,submit them for judging and thendecide if I should continue or not.
In the next issue I discuss how Imoved on to building cars, structuresand scenery to become a MMR.
The NER "New EnglandDiamonds Convention," will beSeptember 11-14, 2014 in
Palmer, Massachusetts. The conventionis co-hosted by the Hub and NutmegDivisions.
Friday, "Prototype Day" will includeopen houses at the Pioneer ValleyRailroad and the Massachusetts Central.There is also a lot of activity in Palmeron the Selkirk-Boston, ex-Boston andAlbany main line, plus additional actionon the former Central Vermont,originally the New England Central,now part of the Genesee & Wyoming.
Non-rail activities will include a winetasting and some unique craft sessions.
Palmer has limited in-town lodgingoptions, so we have made arrangementswith the nearby Day's Inn in Chicopee.
A full Saturday program of clinics willbe held at Palmer's Converse School,including DCC and DCC Sound systeminstallation clinics conducted by ESULokSound's Matt Herman and Traintek'sGary Paulino.
"Convention Central" will be located inthe Parlor Car at the site of our Saturdayevening social hour and banquet, "TheSteaming Tender." Dinner will havemultiple main-course choices. MattHerman will speak after dinner. Sundaymorning will be the Awards Breakfast.
For updates see the convention website:www.nediamonds2014.org.
Insulfrog turnout withBiPolar LED dwarfsignal and panel LED
Double throw double pole switch with BiPolar LED indicating the powered route of the diamond
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2014 HUB DIVISION BALLOT(see instructions above)
Board of Directors (3-year terms). Vote for up to three candidates:___ David “Dave” Shamlian___ Dan Fretz___ John Doehring___ Dick Ball___ David Insley___ write in: __________________________ write in: __________________________ write in: _______________________
Eligible voters are not alwaysable to make it to the AnnualMeeting. In lieu of voting in
person at the Annual Meeting, a HUBmember may cast one ballot usingone of the three (3) followingmethods:
1. MAIL:
Ballots found in the Jan.-Feb. 2014issue of the Headlight (below) maybe copied or cut out and mailed tothe Clerk. The HUB membermust write his Name andMembership Number on the outsideof the envelope to certify theballot enclosed. The ballot mustbe mailed to:
Peter Watson, ClerkThe HUB Division, Inc.65 Branch RoadEast Bridgewater, MA 02333-1601
Mail ballots must be received by theClerk no later than March 1, 2014. TheClerk will verify the ballot and recordthe member as having voted.
2. E-MAIL:
A ballot may be cast by sending ane-mail to the Clerk. The e-mail mustbe sent from the HUB member'sOfficial e-mail address that is on filewith the HUB Office Manager. It isthe responsibility of each HUBmember to ensure the HUB OfficeManager has his/her correct e-mailaddress. Only one Official e-mailaddress is allowed per member.Confirm your Official e-mail addressby sending an e-mail to the HubOffice Manager at:[email protected]
A valid e-mail Ballot must contain theHUB member's Name andMembership Number in the EmailSubject Line. All votes must beplaced in the body of the E-mail.Place ONLY the names of theCandidates for whom the member iscasting votes. The three names can bethe candidate names included on theballot or write-in candidates. Write-incandidates must be members in GoodStanding of the NMRA HUB Division.Include a “Yes” or “No” below thethree names in regards to the by-lawamendment.
2. E-MAIL (continued):
E-mail the ballot to:[email protected]
E-mail ballots must be received by theClerk no later than March 1, 2014.The Clerk will verify the ballot andrecord the member as having voted.
3. PROXY:
Any HUB member eligible to vote inthe election may designate in writingthat another eligible HUB membermay cast his/her vote at the Election.
A. The Letter of Proxy MUSTcontain the HUB member's name,Membership Number, andSignature. The Letter of Proxy mustalso declare the name of the HUBmember acting as proxy.
B. The HUB member acting as proxywill present the Letter of Proxy at theAnnual Meeting to obtain the eligiblemember's ballot for voting purposes.
See Page 7 for candidate statements.
METHODS OF VOTING
The HUB Division elections will be held on March 21, 2014 immediately before RAILFUN, and after theAnnual Meeting
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Dave Insley
Like many, my interest in trains andmodel railroading started early, fosteredby my father. Fifty years later, I still getto enjoy this hobby with my dad, goingto NER conventions.
I have gotten more involved in the HUBsince moving to Townsend ten yearsago. I am building a layout thatrepresents the West End of the Bostonand Maine in 1939. This has led to anarticle in the Headlight and promptedme to give a clinic at Spring Training –not because I am a good modeler, butbecause I enjoy talking to others aboutour great hobby.
John Doehring
I'm nuts about trains, have been all along(I suppose you are too), but for most ofthis time I've been an armchairrailroader, pursuing this passion alone.Frankly, I didn't know that the hobbywas a social one. Then about five yearsago I decided to build something, andrealized I needed help. I beganattending shows, joined the localNTRAK club (I'm an N-scaler) and theNMRA, attended my first Railfun, andeverything changed.
I found that model railroading is indeeda community hobby. I've learned a greatdeal (much faster than I could havealone), and made many new friends. Ienjoy the meets, operating sessions, andregional conventions. I've worked at theHUB membership table at severalshows, and the admissions table at thelast few NEMTE and Spring Trainingevents. (I even stood in one year forSanta Claus, when the real guy becameill (itchy suit!). Two years ago I becameeditor of The Coupler, the NER'sregional newsletter, a super experience.
Enjoying my own participation payoff,I'd like to work now to deliver a betterNMRA experience for you. If youbelieve (as I do) in the great potential ofthe NMRA here in the HUB, I'dcertainly appreciate your vote.
Dan Fretz
As I complete my second term as a HUBDirector, I would like to thank themembership for enabling me to serve theorganization in this capacity. It has beenrewarding to contribute to the workrequired to successfully run anorganization of this size. In addition toserving as a Board member, I have beenthe HUB Webmaster for the past sevenyears, have been an active member ofthe HUB Module Group since joiningthe HUB in 2006, and am part of thecommittee planning the 2014 NERConvention in Palmer.
I always strive to support and promotethis remarkable hobby, whether bykeeping our website up-to-date, talkingwith the public at Module Group events,or working with other BOD members onnew initiatives. Most recently, I amdesigning an introductory modelrailroading class that I will be presentingthrough my town's Adult Educationprogram, for the purpose of introducinga whole new group of people to ourhobby. I am hoping that promoting thehobby in this way will bring newmembers into our organization.
I would like to continue serving on yourBoard of Directors. I ask for your voteand thank you for your consideration.
When a few people asked me to run forthe Board, I thought it would be anothergood opportunity to give back to theHUB. Don Howd has done a great jobgetting the AP moving as is evidencedby Gerry Abegg receiving his MMR.We should do more to promote thisprogram. I also think Pete is doing afantastic job getting in new members,now we need to get their ideas for newprograms to keep them active.
It would be an honor to serve on theboard and help grow this great divisionof ours.
BOD CandidatesDavid “Dave” Shamlian
My lifelong interest in trains startedaround 5 years old with a plastic Briotype train set. Then at age 7 or 8, I gotmy first O-27 electric train set.
Wiring of the many Lionel layouts ledme to become an electronics andcomputer hobbyist, and finally to mycareer as a Master Electrician.
During my college years at NortheasternUniversity, I was elected president of theN.U. Model Railroad Club. This helpedme grow as a modeler and increased myappreciation of realism for model trains.
During the next 30 years, I started myown business, got married and had kids.Though I had less time for the hobby, Icontinued subscriptions to trainmagazines, went to train shows and didsome rail fanning.
I've been an active member of theNMRA HUB Division Module Group,and have recently been appointed to theModule Group Signaling Committee. Ihave also been elected as Clerk of theFriends of Bedford Depot Park, ahistoric rail preservation organization.
I enjoy volunteering my time and givingof myself to help others. I believe I canhelp this organization grow with myideas and hard work and would behonored to be elected to this position.
Dick Ball
My name is Dick Ball, I am a retiredfirefighter. I have been a member ofthe HUB Division for over six years.I participate in all the HUB ModuleGroup shows. I also assist in theHUB annual picnic at WaushakumLive Steamers, where I am amember. I hope as a board memberthat I can give a different view of theissues the board has to deal with.
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A Fantasy Camp for ModelStructure Building:
Fine Scale Railroader ExpoNovember 6-9, 2013.
Pittsfield, MA
by Rich Pitter
Most model railroaders enjoyrunning trains and watchingtrains run, especially if they
run through various scenic areas. I'mbuilding a layout to capture the heart andsoul of Western mining and timberoperations. I like to see trainsworking – shunting cars to and fromindustrial sidings. I also enjoy buildingHO-scale model structures. I've erectedCampbell models, DPM kits and, morerecently, a variety of wood laser-cut kits.The "craftsman" kits I've built have beenthe easier Bar Mills Models kits. I'vebuilt a few structures from scratch, too.At a train show lastyear, I purchasedan unopenedM i c r o - S c a l eModels Bowers'Brewery kit. Itsappearance fit thetime and place ofmy railroad. Aftermaking thee x p e n s i v epurchase, my fearsarose: whathappens if I makea mistake? Ithought I should learn more abouterecting craftsman kits before I start.
I signed up for the Fine Scale RailroaderExpo ("the Expo"), as enthusiastic as abaseball fan who attends a fantasy camp.The fan gets to wear a uniform, swing abat, play catch, and talk with real major
leaguers. At the Expo I attended some"platinum workshops" and several"silver clinics," talked with big-leaguemodel builders, and attended a show thatconsisted principally of manufacturersof craftsman model structure kits. TheExpo was billed as "The only showdedicated to the art of scale modelstructure-building."
The Expo was heldin Pittsfield,Massachuse t t s ,just a few blocksfrom the Amtrakstation. I flew toAlbany, New Yorkand boardedAmtrak at theAlbany-Renssaelerstation. Inretrospect, Ishould have flownto Boston and boarded Amtrak at SouthStation.
In one workshop, Jon Addison, theclinician, led us on a project that usedpastel paper to build a small house.After I signed up, I received emails fromhim asking us to bring tools, oil andacrylic paints, and mineral spirits. SinceI traveled by air, I couldn't bring mineralspirits, but I visited an art store andpurchased $80 in supplies to make sure
I covered all thebases. It waslucky that I did;we worked attables of three andI was the only oneat my table whobrought paint.The process ofpainting the pastelpaper was new tome, and althoughit is a multi-stepprocess, Jon
explained the theory behind it so that Igained confidence to make clapboardsiding to suit the purpose of anystructure I build. I've sliced paper(manila folder material) to makeclapboard siding before, and I evenhosted a Railfun workshop on it, so theworkshop provided me with a differentmethod for building "home-spun"
clapboard siding structures. The effectI achieved was good, and the after-construction dry-brushing techniques Ilearned, resulted in an even betterstructure.
In another workshop, by Bill Sartore, Ilearned about theory and application ofLED lighting for layout structures. Byapplication, I mean the hands-on
construction oflighting circuits forlayout use. Forthis workshop, Ibrought closingtweezers, needle-nose pliers, asoldering iron, andsome solder. Icouldn't find myOpti-Visor, so Idid without it.Even so, this list
meant more stuff to haul aboard theaircraft. The neat part of this workshopwas the actual build of a lighting circuitconsisting of a small micro-LED. Isoldered the LED onto the patchworkcopper circuit and the two guys at mytable asked me to solder theirs, too.They both lacked soldering irons so theyused mine to solder the adhesive-backedcopper strips together to make thecircuit, but the micro-LED has almostmicroscopic nubs for the anode andcathode. Fortunately, my solderingyielded working circuits. The greatthing I learned in this workshop washow to build parallel circuits of two orthree LEDs. Current limiters, an ICdevice that I hadn't heard aboutpreviously, enable a 12-volt battery topower three or four parallel circuits ofLEDs. As I build structures for mylayout, now I can plan interior andexterior lighting circuits.
The Expo's clinics were led byworkshop clinicians or by craftsmanmodelers, some of whom own their ownstructure kit companies. The clinicsdemonstrated a wide variety ofconstruction, finishing, and weatheringtechniques. Unlike the workshops, therewas no hands-on participation. Still, theclinicians passed around samples that
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HUB Module Kits Available
The HUB Division offers to its members a complete packaged module kit for $155. The kit has everythingyou need, including all pre-cut lumber, hardware, a complete wiring harness for the DCC and inter-moduleconnections, a panel-jack and wire, and even roadbed and the track! A module is the perfect solution if youdo not have the space for a full-size layout or just want to experiment or learn new techniques withoutcommitting the time and money to a larger setup. Please contact Mark Harlow at modulekits @hubdiv.orgwith additional questions and to order the module kits.
The HUB Division, Inc.P.O. Box 1154
Burlington, MA 01803-6154It Takes All of Us Working Together!
( ) $25.00 ( ) $50.00 ( ) $100.00 ( ) Other $_________ YES, I am happy to support The HUB Division, Inc. to fosterrailroading through displays, modeling and educational opportunities tomembers and the public at large. I show support with the enclosed gift.NAME ____________________________________________________ADDRESS_________________________________________________CITY______________________STATE_______ZIP______________
To make a donation using your credit card, email [email protected] make your check payable to "The HUB Division, Inc."Send your payment to the address above.
The Worcester ModelRailroaders Show and Open
House
The Worcester Model Railroaders, Inc.,one of the oldest Model Railroad Clubs onthe East Coast, is holding its annual showand sale at the Auburn Elks, 754Southbridge St, (Route 12), Auburn, MAon February 23, 2014 from 10AM to 3:30PM. The Amherst Modular Club will haveone of their layouts on display. Admission$5, children under 12 (with adult), free.
An open house at it’s new club quarterswill be held on the same day from 10 AMto 3 PM. at the Stevens Linen Complex,137 Schofield Ave. (Route 12), Dudley,MA. The 43' x 51' HO-scale operatinglayout depicts the Boston & Albany linefrom Boston to Springfield with a branchline into Rhode Island and Connecticut.Visitors will be able to observe clubmembers operating steam and diesel trainsand operate a train themselves.Handicapped accessible. Admission/donation $2, children under 12 (withadult), free. Also free with show stamp.For further information and directions:[email protected], www.wmrr.org
showed what they were talking about.It's always good to be able to hold thesample and examine it. One clinician,Jack Ellis of Bar Mills Scale Models,passed out CD's that had wordprocessing files (with pictures) thatillustrated his techniques.
The vendor area was open for twodays. Vendors had freebies that theypassed out to attendees. Some werecastings from their craftsman kits; otherswere laser-cut details from their kits.How often do you attend a vendor areaconsisting principally of craftsman kitproducers? For me it was fun becausethe vendors often had built-up models oftheir kits. The built-up models gave mea much better idea of size andappearance than photos.
The model contest at the Expo wasan experience to behold! Here,craftsman pitted their skills and wits in avariety of categories. The 2" x 2"category might favor smaller scales, butfirst prize was taken by a well-executedO-scale scene. Other categoriesincluded 8" x 8", 18" x 18", diorama,marine, and structure. All the modelswere excellent and the builders arecraftsmen with skills beyond mine, but Istudied the details – the finishes,weathering, signs and details – and
A Fantasy Camp for ModelStructures Building:
(Continued from Page 8)
realized that I had picked up most of theskills that these craftsmen had mastered.It's only a matter of practice, practice,practice!
When I next travel to an expo orconvention and plan to stay at least onenight in a hotel, I will endeavor to bringalong a friend. Most hotels charge bythe room, not the number of guests, sotwo can stay for the price of one. Ithelps to have a buddy for company atmeals. If you and your buddy attend
different workshops, you can sharethoughts afterwards.
In three days, I learned dozens ofneat techniques and tips, and I wasreminded of even more model-buildingtips that I already knew about, but hadforgotten. Yes, this Expo was asuccessful fantasy camp for me. I planon attending future Expos.
The Headlight is always accepting photos andarticles relating to model and prototyperailroading. Please email [email protected].
HUB Headlight
Page 10
Order Form - HUB Division ApparelShort Sleeve Shirt and Sweatshirt Available Sizes S M L XL 2XL 3XL
Short Sleeve Shirts - Ash color Shirt with HUB Division Logo - $30.00 each Size: _______ Quantity: ___ Amount $ _______ Circle ONE With Pocket Without Pocket Name on Shirt _____________________________
Sweatshirt - Ash color with HUB Division Logo - Sizes as listed for shirts 8.0oz Weight $25.00 each Size: _______ Quantity: ___ Amount $ _______ 9.5oz Weight $30.00 each Size: _______ Quantity: ___ Amount $ _______ Name on Shirt _____________________________
T-Shirts - Ash color Shirt with HUB Division Logo - $18.00 each Size: _______ Quantity: ___ Amount $ _______ Circle ONE With Pocket Without Pocket Name on Shirt _____________________________
Long Sleeve Shirt - Heather color Shirt with HUB Division Logo (NO POCKETS) Small to XL $30.00 each Size: _______ Quantity: ___ Amount $ _______ 2XL to 5XL $35.00 each Size: _______ Quantity: ___ Amount $ _______ Name on Shirt _____________________________— (If you wish to have it mailed to you add $5.95) — Shipping $ _______
Total Check (Payable to The HUB Division, Inc.) Amount $ _______Your name: _____________________________________________Phone or email: __________________________________________
Mail to:Gerald Covino, TreasurerThe HUB Division, Inc.P.O. Box 1154Burlington, MA 01803-6154
Orders must be received by Oct.15, Jan. 15 or April 15. Youwill be contacted if there areany questions with your orderand you will be notified whenyour order arrives. People maypick up their orders at RAILFUNmeetings or shows to avoid theadditional mailing costs. If yourequest mailing, please provideyour mailing address.
To purchase using your creditcard, email your order [email protected] and aninvoice will be sent to you.
HEADLIGHT Subscription Form - HUB Division, Inc. - NER/NMRA
Name
Address
City State Zip
I enclose $7 for a subscription to the HUB Headlight for 2012-13.Make checks payable to:The HUB Division, Inc.Mail to: Gerry Covino, Treasurer
The HUB Division, Inc.P.O. Box 1154Burlington, MA 01803-6154
To order or renew subscriptions by credit card, send an email to [email protected] and anelectronic invoice will be sent to you.
JOHN DOEMODULE GROUP
NAME TAGS AVAILABLE AGAINNow with magnetic holders
Badge and first line of printing is $11.30, plus $3.00 S&H.Each additional line is another $2.00. You may have up to threelines on your name tag.COST: __$14.30 (1 line) __$16.30 (2 lines) __$18.30 (3 lines)
First Line2nd Line3rd LineMake checkpayable to:The HUB Division, Inc.
Mail order to:Bill Powers15 McGuire RdSutton, MA 01590
Send completed tag to:NAME ____________________________________STREET __________________________________CITY _____________________ST ___ ZIP ______
HUB Headlight
Page 11
HUB HeadlightVolume 30, Number 3, January - February, 2014
HUB Headlight, published by The HUB Division Inc., Northeastern Region, National Model Railroad Association, is issued in January,March, May, September and November. Contributions may be sent by email to the Editor or by mail to the Office Manager.
Headlight PrintersVersatile Printing Services, LLC
Burlington, MA
HUB Division Board of Directors
Membership: National Model Railroad Association members residing within theboundaries of The HUB Division: zip codes 01400 through 02699. (Barnstable,Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, andWorcester counties of Massachusetts.)
Other HUB Division Leadership
PresidentManny Escobar
Vice PresidentBill Roach
WebmasterDan Fretz
NMRA NER RepresentativeHeadlight Editor
Bill [email protected]
James [email protected]
Debbie [email protected]
Membership ChairmanPeter Higgins
TreasurerGerry Covino
Model Train Expo Show DirectorDick Johannes
SecretaryKen Belovarac
Railfun CoordinatorRay Barry
Office ManagerPete Watson
[email protected] Branch Road
East Bridgewater, MA 02333-1601
Module CoordinatorDavid “Shack” Haralambou
LibrarianGerald Abegg
Donations ChairmanRudy Slovacek
Model Train Expo Business ManagerMark Harlow
Director-Public RelationsTim Garner
NMRA AP ChairmanDon Howd
MAP TO CAMBRIDGESCHOOL OF WESTON
GEORGECOHANBUILDING
PAR
KIN
G
MAP OF EXIT 27BROUTE 128/I-95
WINTER ST.
DOUBLETREEGUEST SUITES
BERTUCCI’S
WESTINHOTEL
WES
TST
GEORGIAN RD.
CSW RTE
128
/I-95
TOTTENPOND RD
WYM
AN S
TEXIT 27Bfrom the north
EXIT 27Bfrom the south
TO RTE 20,RTE 30, MASSTURNPIKE (I-90)
ADMINBLDG
0.8 MI BETWEEN DOTS
LEXI
NGTO
N ST
to a
udito
rium
PARKINGPARKING
TAKE ELEVATOR OR STAIRTO SECOND FLOORWE MEET IN ROOM G6 PA
RKING
MAP TORAILFUNMEETINGS
N
N
RAILFUN Weather Note:If the school is closed, we will NOT have RAILFUN that evening.School closings are broadcast over the radio at WRKO 680AM andWBZ 1030AM, and on TV Channels 4, 5 and 7. The Cambridge Schoolof Weston recording is at 781-642-8600. Check the radio or TV stationsearly on the morning of RAILFUN! You can also check www.hubdiv.organd we plan to post notices on Facebook and Twitter.
Seacoast DivisionModel Railroading Night
� January 10th
� February 14th
Meetings are Friday night at 7 PM in the MarionGerrish Community Center, 39 WestBroadway, Derry, NH. Seehttp://www.seacoastnmra.org for info.