THE ABTO GAZETTE November, 2013 Volume 21 Number 11 Mailing address: P.O. Box 50428, Mesa, AZ. 85208 Visit at: www.azbigtrains.org

IN THIS ISSUE

President’s Message

November Membership Meeting Information

Ballots of Officers

Calendar of Events

Christmas Dinner Information

Wesley Schriver and Terry Haas Engines at McCormick Stillman Railfair-photo by Don Sorenson

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

President’s Message

Hello Garden Railroaders,

I would like to thank all of you who attended the general meeting this month at the Cardon Children’s

Medical Center Cafeteria. As we had no hosting home again this month, we decided to go back to CCMC

for the meeting. I want to thank Ennis for filling in for me. Our speaker was Don Halver who has been

with the club for many years. Don spoke on the development of the hospital railroad since it’s inception

in September of 2009. He had a pair of nice photo boards to go along with his presentation. Those boards

will now be posted in the glass display case next to the railroad.

This month is our election of officers and a ballot has been included in the Gazette. Please fill out the bal-

lot and bring it with you to the November meeting at Jim Gardner’s. If you can not make it to the meet-

ing, then mail in the ballot to Dennis Busby, PO Box 50428, Mesa, AZ 85208 with a return address label.

(It will not be opened until the meeting.) This is how we insure mail-in ballots are not duplicated by bal-

lots brought to the meeting. Once the check of our member listing has been made for only one ballot per

member, then the envelope will be discarded before the counting is performed to ensure a secret ballot

for the voting. Winners will be announced at the end of the Nov. general meeting.

We are sponsoring the Tucson Round-About and my thanks to all who are participating. Our next event

in December is the Christmas Open House Tours. As always, a great deal of preparation has gone into this

to make it another successful event. Thanks to all participants.

I would also direct your attention to the ABTO club website as some additional progress has been made

on information presented. And on a final note, don’t forget our Christmas Dinner on Sunday December

1st

. We are trying to line up an outstanding speaker for the event that I believe you will all want to hear.

Rich Hull is working on the arrangements and I have every expectation he will be able to arrange for our

speaker in time for our Christmas dinner.

This will be my last President’s message as my term is over as of December 31st

and there is no meeting in

December. The last two years have been busy and hopefully you have found my leadership to be up to

the task of directing and managing all the myriad aspects of the club. I want to thank my board members

(especially Ennis Thompson my V-P), and hope they have enjoyed the dinners as well as the business

meetings. In closing I want to thank you all for your support and patience over the last two years of my

Presidency.

Keep on Railroading!

Bob Rauperstrauch

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

CONTENTS

President’s Message...………………………………2

Treasurer’s Report……………………………………. 3

Meeting Minutes/photos…………...…………….4

ABTO Election Ballot………………………………… 5

November Membership Mtg. Info.…………...6

Calendar of Events…………………………………….6

ABTO Christmas Dinner Information…………7

November Tidbits……..…………………………….. 8

Glenn Sampson Award Nominations………..9

Venture Out Modules Event……...……………10

Dan Hoag Big Sale……………………………………10

McCormick Stillman Railfair..…………………..11

Christmas Open House Information………..12

Railfans Trip…………………………………..………..13

Board of Directors President: Bob Rauperstrauch 480-753-9690 braup@cox.net Vice President: Ennis Thompson 602-527-0402 egtrailroading@wbhsi.net Secretary: Tony Vacek 623-566-9274 avacek@cox.net Treasurer: Dennis Busby 480-288-4680 goldtrain45@hotmail.com Directors at Large Ken Hawkins 623-640-6446cell knkdesertrail@cox.net Ginny Morris 480-248-9130 putterm@cox.net Daryll Smith 602-402-9458cell dpsmith710@cox.net

A.B.T.O. TREASURER’S REPORT October, 2013

INCOME Event Donation $ 100.00 Raffle 66.00 Holiday Dinner Sales 304.00 Misc. Merchandise Sales 6.92 Investment Income 196.88 TOTAL INCOME $ 673.80 EXPENSES Name Badges $ 10.63 Modules 93.71 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 104.34 NET INCOME $ 569.46

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Meeting Photos by Don Sorenson

THE ABTO GAZETTE A.B.T.O.REGULAR MEETING 10/19/13 The meeting was held at the CCMC Cafeteria Vice President Ennis T. opened the meeting at 9:30 AM. Jim G. introduced the guest and new members. The minutes were accepted as printed in the Gazette. The Treasurer's report was accepted. Jim K. gave a report on the outcome of the McCormick RR park show. All went well. Jim also reported we will be starting a Diorama committee. It was suggested new members put in some time with the modules to learn more about how the club functions. We will be showing the modules at the Venture Out Mobile Home Park on Jan 17 and 18, 2014. The Christmas Party will be 12/1 from 4 to 7 at Monti's. The price is $38 per and we will have a guest speaker, Michael Brogge to talk about the Disney Trains. The web-site is running, but it needs pictures. Please send a few photos of your layout to Daryll S. The Tucson roundabout has 6 layouts open and there will be 19 people from Tucson. The COHT is set. You will be responsible for your own helpers. Please let Ennis know if your layout is wheel- chair accessible. Rich H. chaired the nominations for club officers. Each said a few words about themselves. Ballots will be mailed and must be returned before or at the Nov. 16 meeting at Jim G. home. Rich H. said they are planning a trip to Southern Cali-fornia in Feb. or Mar. Dennis B. is checking on prices of new shirts. The raffle was won by Colin C. Door prizes won by Steve L, Mike Q and Karen L. Meeting adjourned 10:40 AM. Submitted Tony Vacek Secretary Don Halver and Roy Towne gave a presentation with

photos on the CCMC layout. Very well done.

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

If you are planning to attend the November Meeting at the Gardner’s home,

please bring your ballot in a sealed envelope with your name on it. If you are

not planning to attend the meeting, please mail your ballot to Dennis Busby,

P.O. Box 50428, Mesa, AZ 85208 with a return address label. It will not be

opened until the meeting.

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

November Membership Meeting

Saturday, November 16, 2013 3PM—???

Jim & JoAnne Gardner

1355 S. Glenview Circle

Mesa, AZ. 85204

Time Schedule: Start at 3:00PM – “Building on a Budget”

Program-presented by Jim & Joanne

4:00PM—Eat Bar B Q on a bun, coffee, soda

and water will be furnished.

Special Note: A-L—Please bring salad items. etc.

M-Z—Please bring desserts.

4:45PM—Meeting will be begin

5:30PM—Train set lights up with solar and

electrical lighting as dusk settles and it

looks different at that time

SUGGESTION: If you plan to stay for the train running, please

bring a jacket

CHAIRS will be furnished

RSVP Ennis Thompson by November 13 at

egtrailroading@wbhsi.net

DRIVING DIRECTIONS Take US 60 East

Take Gilbert Road-exit 182

Left onto S. Gilbert Road ———0.5 miles

Right onto East Southern Avenue-1 mile

Right onto S. Lindsey Road——-0.2 miles

Right onto E. Hampton Avenue-0.2miles

Take 2nd right onto S. Glenview Circle

1355 is on the right

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Saturday, Nov. 2 Tucson Roundabout

Wednesday, Nov. 13 6:00pm Board Meeting at Bob & Sandy Rauperstrauch’s residence

Wednesday, Nov. 13 RSVP to Ennis Thompson at egtrailroading@wbhsi.net

Saturday, Nov. 16 3:00pm Membership Meeting at Jim & Joanne Gardner’s residence

See above for more information

Sunday, Dec. 1 4:00pm ABTO Christmas Dinner (see page 7 for more information)

Sat. & Sun., Dec. 7 & 8 5:30-8:30pm Christmas Open Houses—Check Website for hours, locations

Sat. & Sun., Dec. 14 & 15 5:30-8:30pm Christmas Open Houses——-and updates. azbigtrains.org

Fri. & Sat. Jan. 17 & 18 Venture Out Modules Event (see page 10 for more information)

Saturday, Jan. 25 TBA Membership Meeting at Brian & Rebecca Casull’s home

PLEASE NOTE: ENNIS THOMPSON NEW

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: egtrailroading@wbhsi.net

Home-480-813-0114

Cell-480-980-7855

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

ABTO CHRISTMAS DINNER Sunday, December 1, 2013

4:00pm-7:00pm

Monti’s LaCasa Vega

100 South Mill Avenue

Tempe, AZ

$38.00 per person includes:

Appetizer

Holiday House Salad

Monti’s Roman Bread

Main Entrée Selections:

*8oz. Sirloin Steak

*El Dorado Mahi, Orange Zest

*Chicken Breast, Sweet Clementine Sauce

*Vegetarian, pasta with vegetables

Dessert, Chocolate Raspberry Fudge Cake

Soft Drinks, Iced Tea & Coffee

“Adult Beverages” available for purchase

SPECIAL SPEAKER

Mr. Michael Brogge of Carolwood Productions will do a

presentation on the history of the Disney Trains. He is the

son of the man who created the trains along with Walt Disney.

Should be enjoyable to all.

PLEASE NOTE:

Monies will be collected at the November meeting for

the dinner. if you do not plan to attend, please mail

your check paid in full to ABTO and the entrée selection

noted on your check to Dennis Busby, 7097 E. Cuernavaco

Way, Gold Canyon, AZ. 85118

RESERVATION DEADLINE: November 22nd

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

NOVEMBER TIDBITS:

The recent passing of Nancy Lewandowski put a damper on the end of October. Mike and

Nancy had the OCTOBERFEST for ABTO’s general meeting in the fall month. Mike and her were

fine hosts for the event, sharing some great “brats” for the event. We offer our condolences to

Mike and family as Nancy rests in peace in Chicago.

Yesterday was like opening up a time capsule when Marcia and I visited our old neighborhood

on Monte in Mesa. It’s an annual get together in the neighborhood with the people across the

street from our old house on “Halloween” with brats, food, drink and the passing out of the trick

or treat candy to the many children brought into the neighborhood in cars. Probably 500-750

children and a few big ones came bye with their sacks wide open, looking for a candy deposit.

A gentleman strolled across the street coming up to me and asking, “Asking you Ennis?”

Acknowledging him and shaking his hand, I stood up and we conversed a while, while the others

were eating and enjoying the chitchat about the year. George said he would have to go, as his

wife might be tired of passing out candy at the house. He invited Marcia and me to stop by the

house and take a look, since it was 8 years since we left the first Bonneyville Mills’ locality. I told

him if wasn’t too late, we would.

Upon leaving I asked Marcia if she would enjoy reminiscing the old days at 626. The couple in-

vited us in and we looked around in amazement as the fresh coat of paint made everything look

new again. Even all of the shelves and built ins the garage harbored were still in tack like we had

just left them. One could almost hear the people stroll through the garage and chat, looking at

the different memorabilia throughout the garage. The overhead was gone, but still circled the

ceiling in my imagination. An occasional whistle could be heard, as the starter set engine went by

a crossing.

The back and side yard still had the two ponds, dry now and one could visualize the long trains

(Chuck Grady) as they swept around the tracks along the wall and 5 foot Ferris Wheel to head

around and out the side of the lot to circle the pond in the front. It was well worth the time we

took, revitalizing those memories of yesteryear. It was motivating, but humbling to think back of

all the people, who shared and assisted us at Christmas on the 70 by 100 piece of land.

This month a new board will be elected to guide the club over the next two years. It’s a chore,

but enjoyable to organize and lead the club to new horizons, we hope. They’re out there, but

need to be exposed for all to enjoy. Give it some thought. Don’t forget to turn your vote in for the

November General Meeting.

Keep those trains running,

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

Nominations being accepted for Annual Glenn Sampson Award

The Glenn Sampson Annual Engineers Award was approved by the ABTO Board three years ago. Bob and Sandy Rauperstrauch were the recipients of this first prestigious award. Ginny Morris was presented the 2011 award and Bob Clark received the award posthumously. This is the only award presented by the Club on an annual basis. The Board felt the club should recognize the work its members do on an annual basis. In approving this award, the Board stated, "We don't need many awards, just one and the club should play a role in who is picked to receive the award, thus the reason for presenting the idea of the Glenn Sampson Engineers Award. Glenn exemplified the true spirit of volunteerism in a club and had a tremendous ability to get along with all members. If there was work to be done Glenn was there." ABTO individuals need to nominate who they think should receive the award. They do this by naming the individual and in a no more than one page description explain why this individual should receive the award. These nominations would be submitted to Rich Hull. He will pick 2 other individuals, one who will be the President to work with him to pick the actual winner. This award will be presented at the an-nual Christmas Party. Your nomination needs to be in Rich's hands by November 20. You can e-mail your one page nomination to rich@hullbroadcasting.com or by regular mail: 25025 S. Lakeway Drive, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248. Phone: 602-684-1203 (cell) or 480-802-5308 (home). There are some rules: A person can nominate anyone including his/her self. Board members can be nomi-nated. The rules are simple, you as a member just need to nominate that person who should receive this important award. Again, send you nomination to Rich Hull by November 20. Previous winners of engineers award: Jack Slinkard * Ennis Thompson * Glenn Sampson * Jerry McKenzie * Rich Hull * Bob & Sandy Rauperstrauch Ginny Morris Bob Clark Jim Kangas * Presented prior to being a board sanctioned project

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

BIG SALE NOVEMBER 9th, 7:30am-5pm Dan & Patience Hoag-

Wild Eagle Railroad—4007 N. 22nd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ. 85015 “SNEAK PEAK” for ABTO & Railfans is November 2 from 3pm-5pm. Please call Dan at 602-799-1356 to let him know to look for you during the sneak preview times. As you may know, our railroad operations shut down last year due to a major home re-model project. Now complete, we have begun the hard work of getting the layout back in order. Over 10 years of open houses two times a year really took its toll, and we have found that we need to do some comprehensive restructuring/repair of the infrastructure. We have already had some great ideas on how we want to reconfigure things, but we have a lot of “stuff” to sort through. As we begin these significant renovations, we have de-cided to virtually start over, we are going to be selling lots of Eaglewings’ steel buildings, accessories and rolling stock

VENTURE OUT RV RESORT 5001 EAST MAIN ST, MESA LOCATED BETWEEN GREENFIELD AND HIGLEY, EXIT 60 AND THE RED MOUNTAIN 202 on Hig-

ley or Greenfield

Please join the module group for a short two day event at Venture Out. Setup will be at 11am on Friday January 17 then run trains after setup until 5:30. Saturday we will run trains from 10am until 3pm and then tear down. We will not set up Thomas in this adult community but it will be a two sided display. JimKangas

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

McCormick-Stillman Railfair-photos by Don Sorenson

These ABTO items are being offered for sale

Logo Patch $2.00

Tan Cap with Logo $12.00

Apron with pockets and Logo $13.00

Denim Shirt with pocket and Logo $20.00

Club Vest with Pockets and Logo-Appliqué $27.00

Polo Shirt with Pocket and Logo $26.00

(available in white, tan and light blue)

Sizes larger than XL will be an extra charge

Prices are subject to change

To place an order, please contact Tony Vacek

623-566-9274 or avacek@cox.net

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE:

The Christmas Open House Schedule is below for everyone’s convenience.

The train displayed here will be operating at Rich & Sharon Hull’s

Rooster Creek Railroad located in Sun Lakes during the Annual

ABTO Christmas Open House Tour. So gather your family and enjoy

the Holiday atmosphere.

Please checkout ABTO website for the maps of locations and up-

to-date information. www.azbigtrains.org

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THE ABTO GAZETTE

We had time and I was impressed by the works at the Bailey Yard in North Platt. This is so large

you can’t describe it. 300 tracks wide and 8 miles long. The facility has two hump tracks for making up

trains 24 hours a day. UP has 2500 employees here. You can view the works from an 8 story observation

tower.

We then toured the facilities of the UP Yard in Cheyenne along with touring their museum. We

also saw a “Big Boy” at local park.

On to Denver and the Forney Museum of Transportation. Includes cars, motorcycles, bicycles and

wagons in addition to trains and another “Big Boy”. We capped off the trip with a ride at the Georgetown

Loop and we were pulled by a Shay. In the afternoon it was on to the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden.

Dennis Busby

RAILFANS TRIP Nebraska, Wyoming and Denver

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ABTO MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

The renewal fee is $30.00 per year and the new

membership fee of $35.00 per year entitles you

to attend all meetings and events, to receive the

monthly newsletter, and to have one name badge

created for you. Additional badges may be pur-

chased for $7 each.

ABTO CONTRIBUTIONS

Members are encouraged to contribute articles,

letters, illustrations and/or photographs related

to garden railroading for inclusion in the news-

letter and/or posting on the club web site.

Members who have hobby-related items for sale

or trade may submit an advertisement for publi-

cation and/or posting at no charge. Please limit

each ad to a maximum of four lines. Accompany-

ing photos will be considered for publication as

space allows.

OBJECTIVES

Membership in Arizona Big

Train Operators (ABTO) is open

to anyone with an interest in

gardening and the creation &

operation of large scale model railways. At our

meetings, items of mutual interest associated

with the hobby are discussed and demonstrated.

Meetings are typically held at member’s homes,

where they have the opportunity to showcase

their railway creations. General meetings are

usually held on the third Saturday of the month.

ABTO BOARD MEETINGS

Board meetings will be held on Wednesday prior

to the general meeting of each month. Board

meetings are open to members who are current

on their dues and have an item for the agenda.

If you plan to attend, call a Board member to

confirm location, time and date

ARIZONA BIG TRAIN OPERATORS

Arizona Big Train Operators 1633 E. Lakeside Drive Unit 1 Gilbert, AZ 85234