The Hotbox—Spring 2015

THE HotBox THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION, NATIONAL MODEL RAILROAD ASSOCIATION

VOL. 56, NO. 1 SPRING 2015

RAILFANNING the DETROIT UNION RAILROAD of the Detroit Model Railroad Club

SHELL SWAPPING part 2

FORT WAYNE RAILS 2015

GT “SENTINEL” STILL STANDING

PLUS- RR History, Timetable, NMRA-NCR-Division News & more! HotBox Editorial Barry Hensel, Editor

A little late, but Happy New Year! WOW... 2015! That’s quite a number The HotBox and who would have thought we’d see this number and hopefully many SPRING 2015 more!! That seemed so “way in the future” when I was starting in this Vol. 56, No. 1 hobby, way back in the early 1960’s. Thank-you Lord for allowing me to

EDITOR still be here and hopefully many more, enjoying my hobby, family and Barry Hensel friends! I hope you can say the same. 43642 Lotus Dr The annual NCR Regional convention will be here before you know it. Canton, MI 48188 Hosted by Division 3 in Fort Wayne, the FORT WAYNE RAILS 2015 is 734-649-3056 [email protected] happening at the end of October. We have more details in this issue of the HotBox, including the registration sheet, so check out those Editorial Advisers convention pages. Dave McMullian & the NCR Board Since our last issue, I have some great news to share – I’m a Pap-Pap! (aka Grandfather!) Proof Readers Marge Hensel John Beres Grandson Luke Emerson Wyman was born on Marty LaForte December 2nd and is doing great! Luke has a model railroad advantage, as he has an engine! The HotBox is published quarterly by the “Luke is small, even for the Narrow Gauge North Central Region of the National Model Railroad Association. Publication Railway, but he is a Very Useful Engine. This dates are- plucky engine works on the Skarloey Railway at the Blue Mountain WINTER, March 1 WINTER, June 1 Quarry. He has an unquenchable enthusiasm for both his work and his WINTER, Sept 1 WINTER, Dec 1 fellow engines.” There’s even an episode featuring Luke- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo1b33L0bTs The HotBox is available online at- www.ncr-nmra.org I also received a very special Christmas All material, articles and advertising must present from my daughter, Luke’s mother. This be submitted to the Editor. All material is original artwork by a friend’s fiancé showing should be electronic, preferably MicroSoft Mickey in railroad garb with Luke in a railroad Word or Powerpoint. Pictures should be in Jpeg format and color. Material can be hat. WOW! OH... I think Luke and I will be emailed or sent via US Mail on cd-rom. getting along just fine as he grows! Materials will not be returned, unless Well, time to do some model railroading… return postage and envelope are Thanks for reading… Barry included. Material submission deadline is FIVE weeks before publication date. Business ads- MODEL 1/2 page $20 per issue or $65 per year full page $30 per issue or $100 per year business card $10 per issue or $35 per RAILROADING year -or- free business card for exchange of websites and/or sales of HotBox IS FUN! Pike ads- $15 small, $30 double and $60 quad for a 3 year period! NCR Division Event ads- FREE To pay for any ad space... send your HOTBOX CORRECTIONS NCR "OOPS"…. payment to the Editor. All checks/money orders need to be made out to "The North Central Region, NMRA" Always striving to be correct is something we will do with the HotBox. But, we are human and mistakes can/will happen. Please forgive us, Send address corrections to the these are NOT intentional! Corrections for the December 2014 edition of Registrar- David Simmons the HotBox are some minor grammar “oops”. I hope I can be forgiven. 734-662-9807 [email protected] FRONT COVER PICTURES- Eastbound B&O FTs roll through Dorrance Feel free to contact the Editor via email, with any comments, questions or as they head for Detroit on the DUR; RS3’s that got “swapped”; Fort corrections. Wayne Rails logo; GT coaling tower in Pontiac

REAR COVER PICTURES- Fort Wayne Rails logo; Jeff Ashby’s N scale Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, Logan Subdivision from Div 3

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NCR - NORTH CENTRAL REGION BOARD MEMBERS & DIVISION LEADERS

President Dave McMullian 419-878-4888 [email protected] Resident Agent Division Three Dean Pyers 586-979-7319 Chuck White 260-760-1666 Vice-President [email protected] [email protected] Scott Kremer 734-420-2314 [email protected] NMRA Vice-President Division Four Dave Thornton 248-879-6806 Mark Baldwin 616-437-9851 Secretary [email protected] [email protected] Bill Neale 248-477-7875 [email protected] NMRA Central Director Division Five Peter Magoun MMR Andy Keeney 517-316-5660 Treasurer 231-941-1669 [email protected] Alan Godfrey 517-881-1363 [email protected] [email protected] Division Six Photo Contests Howard Andrews 734-728-4697 Registrar Howard Andrews 734-728-4697 [email protected] David Simmons 734-662-9807 [email protected] [email protected] Division Eight Achievement Program John Jackson 248-642-4825 Directors Larry Wolohon, MMR [email protected] Glenn Joppich 734-464-6004 734-454-4816 [email protected] [email protected] Division Nine Paul McGinnis 269-963-0149 Skip Luyk 616-363-3453 [email protected] [email protected] Division One Jim Lang 419-874-6962 Division Ten Jay Qualman 248-676-0234 [email protected] Don Westcott 810-513-5787 [email protected] [email protected]

RAILROADING "WHAT THE ???" NCR HUMOR

For this issue of the HotBox, we have a model railroading “What the ???” submitted by veteran author, Bob Hanna, as seen on his B&O Lost Division......

Bob reports...... While running the coal train on my B&O Lost Division Mountain Branch, I walked ahead of the train to Megantown. But when the train arrived, it was missing a couple of cars.

Walking back to the town of Smith, I found the problem and took this photo.

It happens…!!

But on the model railroad, the tree can be saved!

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PRESIDENTS OBSERVATION by Dave McMullian

At our most recent NCR board meeting, we had a your convention long discussion regarding model contests. We experience. So, what can include contests for models and photography in you do? First, BE THERE! every national and regional convention, and many THE DAVE of our divisions sponsor local contests as well. I have a blast at every McMULLIAN While the quality and workmanship of entries are NCR convention, and the clearly outstanding, the low participation level is an guys at Division 3 in Ft. issue of ongoing concern. The NMRA exists to Wayne have concocted a provide various means for model railroaders to wonderful menu of clinics, share interests, learn more about the hobby, and layout tours, prototype tours, ops sessions, silent participate in activities. Let’s face it, people vote auction, door prizes, and much more. Second, with their feet, and when the turnout is low, the BRING your models and SHARE them. Create a leaders need to recognize the handwriting on the space problem, make the convention committee wall and figure how to deliver a product that the scramble to get everyone in. And Third, spend time members want. There are other model railroading studying the works on display and talking to their meets and events around the country from time to builders. Take photos. Make notes. Discover new time that feature huge numbers of models on friends. display, but the distinction is just that: they are for display and not competition. They provide a forum Now what about photos? We are going to leave the for attendees to view a broad selection of models photo contest in place, so there will still be the and talk to the builders. In the process, they pick up usual entry categories and judging. And what about ideas, learn techniques, and draw inspiration. Your judging models for the Achievement Program? By board came to the conclusion that we need to try all means, we NEVER want to hinder your something different, and we are going to start at participation in the A/P! So even though the this Fall’s NCR convention in Ft. Wayne. Instead of showcase will not be judged as a competitive event a model contest, we are going to focus on a model in terms of place winners, we will still provide showcase. The emphasis will be on sharing, not official judges to evaluate any model you desire for competing. There will be no restrictions on what A/P points. In the coming issues of the Hot Box, we you display as long as it relates to model will give you info on specific arrangements for A/P railroading. judging.

Can you imagine how neat it would be if every Now I understand that whenever there is change, attendee brought just ONE model to the showcase? not everyone will agree. I remind you that this is a And there is no reason why we could not have 100, good faith effort by your leaders to serve you better. 200, 300 models on display! Just bring along what If the changes are well received and successful, you’ve been working on lately. No entry forms, no good for all of us. If not, we will find fresh ideas and hassle, no pressure, just put it out there and share keep working on it. Please be patient, give the what you’ve done. The Ft. Wayne convention concept your best effort at Ft. Wayne, and let us committee has arranged for a large room for the know your thoughts via your board members’ showcase and several other activities, which will contact information listed in every hotbox. ensure plenty of access to view models and interact Stay warm, stay safe, and I’ll see ya on down the with their builders. As your elected leaders, we are line. Dave McMullian, President, NCR applying our best judgment in an effort to improve

PORK CHOPS & SHOVELS CAB CONVERSATION NCR EXTRA

By Phil Doolittle After waiting for a gaggle of pre- could only look inside; now one can actually go into teens to clear out, we finally got a chance to go up the cab, sit in the engineers seat to appreciate his the steps into the cab of Allegheny 1601 in the view, and touch the controls. Henry Ford Museum. Last time I saw her, visitors continued next page --->

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PORK CHOPS & SHOVELS CAB CONVERSATION NCR EXTRA

By Phil Doolittle continued...... Keeping the reverser (Johnson Bar) near the end of What an experience it must have been to sit there its stroke, instead of near the center, would admit with a roaring fire in the boiler, knowing that your far more steam to the cylinders than was actually physical interaction with these levers and valves needed, using up the steam rapidly, thus making could make this 600 ton machine hurtle down flimsy the fireman (especially on a hand-bomber) work steel rails pulling a long string of cars 50 or 60 much harder to keep steam up. In a worst case, miles an hour! My wife took the seat of honor, and the engineer could use steam so fast that the after remarking about the engineer’s poor view fireman would get forward, noticed the open roof vent. fired for “steam “Why did they have a hole in the roof?” she asked. failure”. “”Remember, it could be 120 degrees in here,” I offered. “Not in the middle of winter. You could Soon he was freeze your butt off.” It came from the fireman’s talking about the seat. We hadn’t even noticed there was another rhythm of shoveling coal in the firebox. couple in the expansive cab. There was something about the elderly gentleman that suggested You had to get it perhaps he really knew what he was talking about. just right, rocking forward with the shovel and planting your foot on the pedal that opened the “Were you an butterfly doors synchronized such that the doors engineer?” I would be fully open as the shovel headed through. asked. He (I don’t think he used “synchronized”, but that’s the proceeded to tell idea.) us that he had started as a “I once heard or read that the draft from the firebox fireman on hand could suck the shovel right away from a careless fired steam and fireman,” I said. “Naw, that didn’t happen, but I lost then been a lot of pork chop sandwiches.” “Pork chop promoted to engineer. He mentioned at least three sandwiches?” “Yep. You stick that ol’ shovel under railroads for which he had worked, the Pere steam from the injector and it cleans it right up. Marquette and Michigan Central and one I didn’t Then put that cold pork chop on and stick ‘er in the catch. He proceeded to answer a few questions firebox. Pretty quick you’ve got a hot pork chop to about the controls and so on, showing my wife the put on your bread, unless of course it got sucked independent brake, the train brake, throttle, into the fire. Then you’re hungry the rest of the shift. reverser, bell and whistle. There was a transverse That ol’ shovel had a lot of other uses, too. For rod giving the engineer control of something for instance, if you had to answer natures’ call, you’d which the fireman seemed to have the primary do it in the shovel, then throw it in the fire. Gone control. He had not actually driven an Allegheny, clean as a whistle.” “Yuck!” This from my wife. “A and wasn’t sure what that one did, perhaps little steam from the injector cleans ‘er right up!” something to do with the injectors. “Could also use it as a weapon. Scrapin’ on the coal deck all the time kept the edge sharp as a We looked into the tender, where the stoker auger knife. Some bum comes climbin’ up the ladder tryin’ was clearly visible at the bottom of the coal bin. to force his way onboard, you just aim that edge at “Those things sure caused a lot of trouble!” he his neck and he gets other ideas real quick.” observed. Turns out stones and other debris that found its way into the tender would end up caught With that, he decided he needed to get on his way. in the stoker and starve the fire. I asked if he ever As he made his way to the stairs, my wife asked experienced such a problem actually robbing the the woman with him how old he is. She said 93. engine of steam enough to strand it. That got him That means he could possibly have started firing talking about how engineers would treat firemen steam as early as 1937 or ’38! Never got his name, they didn’t necessarily like. An engineer had control but what a privilege and honor to sit in the cab of of how efficiently the engine would use steam. the Allegheny and listen to his stories! © 2013, E. Philip Doolittle

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RAILFANNING the DETROIT UNION RR NCR TRACKSIDE

From L to R - An Ann Arbor RS-1 descends the grade from Beck to Maguire. A chop nose Alco RS-3 pulls out of the engine house in Keatington after servicing. The tail end of a 50 car hopper train descending the long grade and crossing a large concrete arch bridge above Hammodsport. A coal mine located on the Millersburg Branch. B&O FTs cross the lower Multinomah Falls on their climb to Beck. A narrow gauge Rio Grande Western K-27 can be seen higher up the mountain with a freight. A factory in Keatington provides much rail traffic.

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RAILFANNING the DETROIT UNION RR NCR TRACKSIDE

From L to R - Indiana and Ohio GP-40s leading a run through train to Detroit A NYC L-4b Mohawk pulls

a passenger train through the Harvey River Valley near Keatington. Further down the line, the NYC L-4b Mohawk rolls through Belleville. Ken’s Iron Works in Smith’s Creek. NYC L-4b Mohawk with passenger train in tow crosses a curved wooden trestle while B&O FTs with a 50 car train approach the summit at Maguire The same empty hopper train runs through Harvey River Valley on its way back to the mine.

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SHELL SWAPPING PART 2 by Barry Hensel NCR FEATURE

The next project was prompted by a sale at Reinstall the couplers using all the Atlas MicroMark. Bachman RS-3 with DCC & Sound for components, plus a small spacer, made from the $120! It was not available in Reading, so I chose an top of a Kadee #5 coupler box (not shown). Erie shell. The Erie scheme was pretty plain and all black, so if the shell swap was unsuccessful, I would consider painting the Erie shell into Reading, thus it was a good base to start with. The shell I wanted to swap in was an Atlas RS3 that was detailed by a friend and fellow Reading modeler in PA. I purchased this several years ago and was running it on my layout, but it has been inactive since I switched from Railcommand to Easy DCC. Sorry, I do not have pictures of the “before” items, as I wasn’t sure I was going to document this process. Shown below are the modifications to the end of the chassis, both ends need to be done the same way. With that, the install is complete. Again, like the GP7 last issue, the shells do not interchange easily. The Bachmann shell will not fit onto the Atlas chassis without some work, but it looks like it can be done. It’s not a perfect fit, but good enough for me to have an RS3 (one of my favorite first gen diesels) running with sound and DCC for a nice low price. Here’s some finished pictures of RS3 #472 working on the Reading Lines – Central Division.

A large coupler mount was cut off of the bottom and then drilled out to accept the coupler mount on the shell walkway. The end of the chassis also had to be ground down, as it’s a bit too long for the walkway to fit over the chassis. I also had to modify the shell. There were 2 walls across the shell that needed to be removed. With the cab installed, these walls would not be needed to help stabilize the shell.

I hope you enjoyed this series and will give shell- swapping a try!

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HotBox NEWS "BETWEEN THE RAILS" NCR INFORMATION

Here is where your news items, rumors, and gossip of just about anything in the Model Railroading hobby can be reported. Whatever it is, send it to us and we'll let everyone else know!

BTR#1- The email box has had some more interesting links for you to view..... Another Broadway Limited video – working water tower with sound!! Yikes... $99 !! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7V3KUcjdQM&feature=youtu.be Here’s a link for a story on the hazards of storing 9v batteries and the possible results- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnVDayI-gwI This was sent via email from Russ H at Div 6. Link to a video of a new Circut machine! These are used in scrap-booking and as you’ll see, now the newest will handle sheet wood! http://trainmasters.tv/video-player/bonus-cricut-product-review Another video from Broadway... WOW.. a 4-12-2 loco!! http://www.broadway-limited.com/up4-12-2.aspx From Div 6 member Joe Bliss - I hadn't even heard of the news of this group, trying to raise funds to build a "new" steam locomotive in the USA! But, the "Brit's" did it with a Pacific called the "Tornado", so I guess anything is possible! Click on the link! http://www.prrt1steamlocomotivetrust.org/

BTR#2- Received an interesting email from Rapido. Seems they will be producing the ultimate RDC model in the near future and are taking advance orders. They even digitally scanned a real RDC to get the model shell and details correct. They are also putting two motors in the floor, like the prototype! Check their website for details.... http://www.rapidotrains.com/rapidonewscurrent.html

BTR#3- Here’s an update from the Portland Daylight Express - A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page has been started to help provide answers to some commonly asked questions. Questions such as "When will the convention hotel registration open" are answered there. More will be added as needed so please check there first before sending in a question to the committee. Companion E-Mail Addresses If you have not done so already, please send their email address to either the Webmaster or the Registrar and we will make sure that they are added. It is best if you do NOT use the web site to add their email address if you have already registered, as we need to have it in the registration database as well as the Updates address list. Please send any comments, questions, or other feedback on these updates or the web site itself to the Webmaster. Sincerely, PDX 2015 Committee Reminder, the Portland Daylight Express Convention will be August 23 - 29, 2015 and is the 80th NMRA National Convention.

BTR#4- Charlie Getz inducted into Narrow Guage Hall of Fame! During the recent Narrow Gauge Convention held in Kansas City, NMRA President Charlie Getz was inducted into the Narrow Gauge Hall of Fame for his column in the Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette. Charlie's column is the longest running column in any U.S. model railroad magazine. Congratulations, Charlie. Well earned, and well deserved!

BTR#5- CONGRATULATIONS!! goes out to Division One member Dave Miller for having his Z scale layout featured in the March 2015 Model Railroader magazine! NICE!!!

DISCLAIMER!!- While we will try to verify most stories, the HotBox, HotBox Editor, NCR Board of Directors, its agents and representatives will not/can not be held responsible for mis-information presented in this column!

OPS HUMOR?? Here’s a few pictures and captions from Chuck White in Div 3. Have you had these same feelings during an OPS session?

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NCR TIMETABLE NCR DIVISION meetings NCR INFORMATION

Division One (Toledo and northern Ohio) We meet at Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Blvd., at the corner of Floyd Street west of downtown Toledo. Meetings are held on the 3rd or 4th Friday of each month from September thru May. The schedule is on our website at www.divisiononencr.com, where you’ll also find lots of information about our activities, member layouts, and other interesting links.

Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio) Our monthly meetings are at the Baker Street Station, the iconic/historic restored Pennsy Passenger Depot in downtown Fort Wayne. The meetings are held on the Second Monday, from 7 PM to 9PM, in one of the board rooms. Exceptions to this schedule will be September, November and March. Any updates/changes can be found on our website: http://div3.ncr-nmra.org

Division Four (Grand Rapids and western Michigan) Meets quarterly with other special events thrown in. For additional information contact Mark Baldwin at 616-437-9851 or [email protected]

Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan) Meets at 1pm, on the SECOND Saturday of each month in the basement of the Capital Area District Library, at the corner of South Capital and Kalamazoo Streets, Lansing. www.div5.ncr-nmra.org

Division Six (Wayne & Washtenaw Counties) Meets at 7:30pm, on the THIRD Friday of each month at the Livonia Senior Center, 15218 Farmington Road, one mile north of the I-96 Jefferies Freeway, Livonia. Division 6 meets year-round. www.div6-ncr-nmra.com

Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb and St. Clair Counties) Meets at 7:00pm, on the THIRD Thursday of each month at Troy Christian Chapel, 400 East Long Lake Road, between Rochester and Livernois Roads, Troy. Division 8 meets year-round. www.div8.ncr-nmra.org

Division Nine (Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren Counties) We do not have a regular meeting place yet, but as per recent D-9 BOD meeting we will start quarterly Meetings, as well as other special events/ clinics. For additional and up to date information contact Paul McGinnis 269-963-0149 [email protected] www.div9.ncr-nmra.org https://www.facebook.com/DIV9.NCR.NMRA

Division Ten (Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron Counties) Meets on the SECOND Wednesday of the month, at the home of member Nick Racheff, 9170 Hidden Oaks Dr. Grand Blanc, MI 48439 at 7pm. He can be contacted at 810 695-2677, [email protected]. Call 810-513-5787 to verify meeting date, time and location of meeting or directions to the meeting location. For more information please contact Don W. Westcott at [email protected] or 810-513-5787

OTHER GROUPS meeting in the NCR AREA There are over 60 different model and proto-type groups within the Michigan area of NCR. They can be found at www.michiganrailroads.com

YOU should join and attend your local NMRA – NCR –

Division meetings and activities!

Get the most out of our hobby – participate often!!

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NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS DIVISION INFORMATION

Division One (Toledo, Ohio area) Division 1 continues to meet monthly on Friday nights in Toledo. Full info about our activities, meeting location, and other interesting links can be found at www.divisiononencr.com. Our February clinic was a presentation by Dean Pyers on the restoration of Pere Marquette #1225 based on his recent book on the subject. In March, Amtrak engineer Bob Grogan will share some of his experiences running some of the finest steam locomotives still on the rails. One of our newest meeting activities has really generated a lot of interest and participation. It’s a roundtable discussion that we call “How to YOU do that?”. Each meeting we discuss a particular aspect of model railroading that crosses the boundaries of scale, era, geography, prototype, etc. The first three topics were Couplers/Uncouplers, Weathering, and Figures. We decide by popular vote at each meeting what the topic will be at the next meeting so members have plenty of time to plan their questions and input. Folks can present materials related to the topic in a show-n-tell format, via photos or videos onscreen, or brief demo. Member participation and feedback has been terrific and I expect this activity will become an ongoing part of our meeting formats. Please check out our website to see what’s going on down here and come visit us! (submitted by- Dave McMullian, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 1)

Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area) Division 3 is moving forward with two major events this year. The first of these is our Three Rivers Operations Weekend, planned for April 10-12. We have 50 operators signed up with 15+ layouts. Next is the NCR’s annual convention, Fort Wayne Rails will be from Oct. 29 to Nov 1. In this publication you will find our registration form, convention car info, and info for ordering a Fort Wayne Rails shirt. The convention cars are a limited run of 100 cars. Each will be produced with two numbers: 2014 & 2015, with their respective reporting marks. For the prototype/industrial tours, we’ve confirmed 7. Transportation will be provided to each location. The $10 fee for each tour is to cover our costs for van rental & fuel. If you sign up for both the SDI Butler tour and the INE Shops tour, your fee will be $15. Several of these tours will require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). If you sign up for any of them, you will be advised as to the specifics for your attire. FWR 2015 will also feature clinics (both hands on & formal presentations), modular layouts, home layouts, a model showcase, a silent auction, and door prizes! Finally, we’re working on another batch of “Engineer at the Throttle” sessions for your enjoyment. Let us know if you’re interested by indicating the number expected on your registration. (submitted by- Chuck White, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 3)

Division Four (Grand Rapids and west Michigan area) Division 4 has a couple of things in the planning stages, stay tuned! We continue to struggle with how to make the NMRA relevant in our Division. Also, we’re forming a planning Committee for the 2017 Regional Convention to be in Grand Rapids. (submitted by, Mark Baldwin, Superintendent)

Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area) Div. 5 started out the new year with Jeremy Brown's comprehensive clinic on using a Fast Tracks jig and their set of tools to demonstrate how to construct a scratch built switch, demonstrating both how easy it is and some of the techniques used in building one. The Show and Tell segment featured "mini-scenes". This was followed by a visit to Andy Keeney's large Nashville Lines HO scale layout. February is our annual visit to Olivet College and our hands on clinic. Terry Davis will have us doing a variety of building foundations, followed by a visit to John Bussard's HO layout with it remarkable scenery and structures. For March, we've scheduled a clinic on weathering by Shaun Bylsma. The Show & Tell will feature wood models, including kit, kit-bashed and scratch built models. The layout visit will be to see Karl Scribner's HO Kentucky Southern. Last year, Karl started to make some changes to his layout and it kind of got out of control. He dismantled the old layout and is well into building the new layout. April will have a couple of mini-clinics and a visit to Bill Selleck's large N scale layout. You can subscribe to the monthly Division 5 Journal, a 10 to 20+ page color emailed publication featuring the models and layouts of the Division. Send a request to the editor, Mark Cowles, at [email protected] to be put on the list. For more information, please see the Division 5 website: div5.ncr-nmra.org (submitted by- Mark Cowles, NMRA NCR Div. 5 Clerk)

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NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS DIVISION INFORMATION

Division Six (Wayne & Washtenaw County) Division 6 DID have another successful Fall Show & Workshop. This event that is a “how to do” model railroading show, is what keeps Div 6 dues FREE! Our new administration has started – Superintendent- Mark Ellis; Asst. Superintendent- Marty LaForte; Secretary- Ed Beamish; Treasurer- Larry Wolohon; Member at large- Bill McMillan; Directors- Glenn Joppich & Barry Hensel Congratulations to the new Div 6 Board of Directors! We also have formed a Planning Team for the 2016 NCR convention which Div 6 will be hosting. Member Norm Logan will be convention Chairman. Bragging rights for our latest modeling project went to member Jerry Poniatowski for a great caboose! Our next project will be flat cars with loads. Division 6 continues to be active and enjoyable at every meeting! If you live in Wayne or Washtenaw Counties, or in the western Oakland county area (and use Division of Choice) we welcome you to stop by and check us out! (submitted by Barry Hensel, Newsletter Editor)

Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair Counties) We continue to meet on the third Thursday of each month at the Troy Christian Chapel at 7pm. We also continue our practice of Show and Tell with either a model relevant to the meetings clinic or our latest projects. In September our clinic was a report from several members on their experiences at the National Convention in Cleveland. October followed with a clinic on wooden ore cars by George Anderson. November found us getting a very interesting presentation from Dave Thornton on Signature Freight Cars from a multitude of railroads. December’s Clinic was a DVD on the Union Pacific. Our last meeting in January 2015, was a very interesting presentation by Vince Robinson, on how the prototypes roads improved the efficiency of their Steam locomotives from advanced designs of the locomotives themselves to a plethora of add on bits and pieces (what we collectively call detail parts) and their functions. We look forward to the coming year with great excitement and anticipation for the upcoming Regional convention in Ft. Wayne and the National in Portland!!! (submitted by, John Jackson, Superintendent)

Division Nine (Kalamazoo-Battle Creek area) Division 9 is meeting monthly at the Crew Restaurant at the corner of I94 and Sprinkle Road in Kalamazoo. We meet at 8:15am on the fourth Saturday for breakfast and conversation. After a short meeting at nine we either have a clinic or travel to visit a layout. In February we visited Frank Zajac’s Cotton Belt layout. In March Dave Vinici will give a clinic on Scratch Building. In April we will be visiting Dave DuChamp’s layout. Dave is using a computer and JMRI to control his layout. His trains come out of staging, make stops at passenger stations, and return to staging. At the same time a city bus circles the city and stops at the crossings when trains are coming. In May Jim Glenn will give a clinic on modeling open loads for flat cars and gondolas. In June we will travel to the Battle Creek Club’s layout in downtown Battle Creek. During the summer we hope to get in a visit to Fostoria, OH. (submitted by Jim Glenn, Asst. Superintendent)

Division Ten (Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer Tuscola, Sanilac and Huron Counties) Division 10 continues to meet at member Nick Racheff's house at 9170 Hidden Oaks Drive, Grand Blanc on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm. Nick is located between Baldwin Rd and Cook Road west of I-75. If you need further directions call me on my cell 810-513-5787. Division activities have been moving along. Member Ken Johnson presented an overview of JMRI in December and is presenting a follow-up clinic at the February meeting. On January 31st we traveled slightly south to view Larry Burk's (under construction) LM&B 0n30 layout. We have another layout tour scheduled for April 11th. We will be making a day of it and go to Toledo to visit 5 different layouts. If you haven't taken advantage of any of our meetings, please do. We have a great group of modelers that enjoy getting together and sharing modeling ideas and stories. (submitted by Don Westcott, Superintendent)

How about writing an article on your latest modeling project! At the HotBox, WE NEED AND WANT YOUR ARTICLES!!

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Schedule of activities at a glance Thursday 29-Oct 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Prototype tours Friday 30-Oct 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Registration, Operating sessions, Prototype tours, Clinics Saturday 31-Oct 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM Registration, Prototype tours, Clinics, Layout tours Sunday 1-Nov 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Clinics, Layout tours, Awards brunch

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NCR – FORT WAYNE RAILS 2015 NCR CONVENTION

Fort Wayne Rail Heritage Convention Registration Fort Wayne has a railroad history dating from 1852, The registration form is available in printed form or when the first locomotive was brought here by as a download from the convention website. canal boat. It was used in the construction of the Electronic registration is not available. To control rail line eastward; the first train arrived on October costs, we intend to use e-mail as much as possible; 31, 1854. Continued construction connected the please provide a valid address. Mail your city to Chicago and other points west. Fort Wayne completed registration form along with a check or became the home of many railroad shops. The postal money order (no cash please) for all best known was the Pittsburgh, Fort Wayne, and registration fees and convention merchandise to Chicago Railway shops (later the Pennsylvania). the convention mailing address shown below. At the turn of the century, there were a dozen rail lines with 200 trains. Today, there are two Hotel-based Convention Activities companies and good traffic (not 200 though). In Clinics fact, the elevated route of the Nickel Plate (now  Hands-On clinics (bring your hand tools) Norfolk Southern) is on the canal bed just north of  Demonstrations, presentations, discussions the central Model Railroad Showcase business district.  New format for models. Judging will be Recognizing our available. Photo contests rail heritage, our Modular Layouts logo represents  Local and regional organizations displaying the prototype their layouts routes through Convention Store / Hospitality Room the central part of  Coffee, drinks, and snacks Fort Wayne. Our  Pre-ordered merchandise pickup title Fort Wayne  Convention mugs and cars

Rails 2015  Door prize pickup invites you to tour our prototype properties (safely,  Silent Auction. of course) and build many clinic projects, Awards Brunch friendships, and memories.  Sunday morning

Welcome to Fort Wayne & Allen County, Indiana Travel Activities Fort Wayne Convention & Visitors Bureau Operating sessions (260) 424-3700, (800) 767-7752 Check out the  Friday evening Visitors Guide online www.visitfortwayne.com Prototype tours  Thursday, Friday and Saturday Fort Wayne photos, information, and links Home layout tours http://aroundfortwayne.com  Saturday and Sunday Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Fort Wayne Railfan website www.fwarailfan.net  “Engineer at the Throttle” pending final arrangements Questions? Please contact us. Bill Wemhoff [email protected] Convention Hotel Chuck White [email protected] Hotel Fort Wayne 305 W. Washington Center Rd Southwest corner of I-69 Exit 312, Coldwater Road Convention mailing address: exit (855) 322-3224, (260) 484-0411 Mark Wilson Fort Wayne Rails 2015 The room rate for the convention is $85 & $95 per 11523 Green Holly Cove Fort Wayne, IN 46845 night, plus tax. Contact the hotel directly to make NCR Division 3 website: www.div3.ncr-nmra.org your reservations. Mention NMRA Fort Wayne Rails 2015 to receive the discount from the $130 Convention website: corporate rate. Your registration at the hotel helps www.fortwaynerails2015.ncr-nmra.org us meet our contract obligations. Thank you.

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NCR – FORT WAYNE RAILS 2015 NCR CONVENTION

A Convention Shirt has been approved. It will be made available for attendees only. Here is the shirt order form for individual shirt orders.

NAME:______

NAME to be embroidered: ______Please make your checks payable to Div 3, NCR, NMRA Unless you specify otherwise, your shirt will be available for pick up at the Conv Store.

COST PER SUB- REGULAR SIZES QTY $3.00 NAME PER SHIRT TOTAL ITEM TOTAL SMALL $29.00 MEDIUM $29.00 LARGE $29.00 XLARGE $29.00 2XLARGE $30.00 3XLARGE $32.00 4XLARGE $34.00

5XLARGE $36.00 6XLARGE $38.00 TALL SIZES L-TALL $30.00 XL-TALL $32.00 2XL-TALL $34.00 3XL-TALL $36.00 4XL-TALL $38.00 5XL-TALL $40.00 6XL-TALL $42.00 TOTAL No Pocket -2.00 Ohio TAX @ 7.25% Shirts Only GRAND TOTAL

We’re finalizing our Convention Cars (We’ll have TWO!). Both will be from Accurail. One will be a steam era, wood sided, box car, with GR&I (Which ran through Fort Wayne) reporting marks, AND their “Fishing Line” logo. Our other car will be a modern PS flat sided grain hopper car with INE data. We’ll have at least two different numbers for each car. A limited number of these will be sold. So, when they’re gone, they’re gone. INRR Hopper car - signed up for convention (pre- registered) $28.00 Cost at convention $30.00 - if any are left. GRI Box car - signed up for convention (pre- registered) $29.00 Cost at convention $31.00 - if any are left. Must be signed up for convention to receive pre-registered price.

Watch for future articles about the proto, and home layout, tours. Also watch our web site’s (http://div3.ncr- nmra.org/) tabs for the convention, layouts and 3ROPS for updates.

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Sequence # Fort Wayne Rails 2015 - REGISTRATION FORM Convention dates: October 29 – November 01, 2015

NMRA Region: ______Membership No: ______Expiration: ______General Information Name Badge Information Name: ______Primary Registrant: Street Address: ______City: ______Registered Family Member(s): State: ______ZIP: ______Telephone: ______E-mail: ______

Hotel Registration – Register directly with Hotel Fort Wayne 855-322-3224, 260-484-0411 Mention NMRA Fort Wayne Rails 2015 to receive the $85 rate ($95 for 3 or 4 persons). Your registration at the hotel helps Division 3 meet our contract obligations. Thank you.

Requesting Operating Session Information: Yes / No Registration, Merchandise, and Activity Fees: o Please circle the appropriate registration category and enter the fee amount. o Please enter your quantities and calculate your line totals. o Shirt is knit polo with pocket, with embroidered convention logo. o Register early. Prices are subject to change. If the minimum number of participants for a paid clinic or tour is not met, it will be cancelled with a refund. o Registrations postmarked after August 31, 2015, will need to add a $10 surcharge.

FWRHS #765: Price to be announced. Requesting Engineer at the Throttle information: Yes / No Expected number of participants: ______

Total Amount enclosed with Registration: $ ______

Payment may be made by check (or money order) payable to: NMRA NCR Division 3

Mailing address: NMRA NCR Div 3, Ft Wayne Rails 2015, 6201 Discount Dr. Fort Wayne, IN 46818

Convention website: http://fortwaynerails2015.ncr-nmra.org Comments on reverse side: Yes / No

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RAILROAD HISTORY by Don Watson NCR HISTORY TRAVEL BY TRAIN part 2 bulged out over the platform level to a maximum I cannot vouch for the following story, but I certainly width of 9 ft 2 in. Welded high-tensile steel can believe it could have happened. An construction held the total weight of each train to experienced brakeman returned to the caboose only 210,500 lbs no more than that of 2 of the North and stepped up on the bottom step, but in spite of Shore's standard steel cars. his long experience he was lost in thought and remained on the bottom step. The engineer made a Roller bearing-equipped cast steel trucks were fast start and when the caboose started with a jolt, employed and 8 motors totaling 1,000 horsepower the brakeman was thrown off the step, made a provided sufficient power for a free running speed complete somersault and lit on his feet in the side of 85 mph. With the use of field shunting, the trains of the track. A small girl had been nearby watching were capable of speeds in excess of 100 mph. the train and had witnessed the brakeman’s plight. Electric braking, supplemented by air brakes, was “Mr.” she said, “Will you do that again for my installed and the all electric trains were equipped Mother, please. She won’t believe me if I tell her”. with electro-pneumatic controls.

One of my favorite trains was the North Shore These were double ended trains that it did not have Lines EIectroliner. It went into service in Feb. 1941, to be turned at either end of the line. At each end of nine months before Pearl Harbor. The North Shore the train was a motorman's cab on one side of the Line wanted a high speed luxury streamliner that aisle and a 2 seater railfan seat across the aisle could hold its own against the steam competition with windows in front so that you could watch the (the North Western 400 and the Milw. Rd's track while seated. Since this was a light weight Hiawatha). Yet the trains had to trundle, trolley car train and all 4 cars were powered this train could fashion through Milwaukee streets and had to accelerate faster than any other train at the time. contend with the severe restrictions of the Chicago Since there were no couplers, the starts and stops Elevated System, where minimum radius curves of were always smooth. During the life of the 90 feet were encountered and high level platforms Electroliners (1941-1963), the North Shore Line limited car width to only 9ft 8in. was the US fastest interurban line.

In a railroad history lesson some years ago, I spoke about the McKeen motor car, which was first produced in 1905. It was a good idea, but it was too far ahead of its time, because the gasoline engine was still in its infancy. The next was the Doodlebug manufactured by the Brill Company starting in 1924. This rascal was successful because the early problems of the McKeen car had been resolved.

The St. Louis Car Co. built two EIectroliners and produced an ingenious answer to the design problem. The curvature restrictions were solved by designing a 4 section articulated train 155 ft 4 in. in length, and the width limitation was overcome by the adoption of a fish-belly cross-section which

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RAILROAD HISTORY by Don Watson NCR HISTORY TRAVEL BY TRAIN part 2 Also in 1924, another company called Electromotive Corporation started manufacturing a motor car very similar to the Brill car. The Doodlebugs were powered motor cars normally used on small traffic branch lines where one motor car could replace a small passenger train. Soon these motor cars became gas electric cars and as time went by, most of them were converted to diesel electric power. In 1932, the Depression put the Electro-Motive Corporation out of business, after some 500 motor cars had been built, but the company's record was so impressive, that GM purchased the company and began making diesel locomotives and a new era began. In the early 1940’s, I rode the Doodlebugs in branch line In the 1970's, I made a trip with the MRC in service on the B&O, C&O and the Santa Fe. All Canada on an 8 car RDC train. On the home rode well, but none were speedy and the interiors stretch from Sarnia to London, I rode in the were far from luxurious. As late as 1950, we took vestibule in mid-train where I could keep an eye on our children down to the unused depot of the the speedometer (every car had a speedometer) Chicago Great Western as a Doodlebug passed and for most of the trip, the needle was on 95 through Lombard with the grandparents on board including many but not all of the curves. Riding a coming from Kansas City to Chicago. tourist railroad is better than no train ride.

By 1949, airplane travel was making serious Riding a railfan trip with a group such as the Blue inroads on the railroads passenger business, so the Water Chapter is also good, but I wish I had the Budd Company, reinvented the motor car and opportunity to ride the fast Amtrak train in the east came up with the RDC (Rail-Diesel Car). It was a coast, plus the fast trains in England, France and giant success. The RDC had far more zip and Japan. Don Watson 09-22-95 luxurious interior as compared with the old “Doodlebug”. Plus the fact that it was diesel-Electric Division 6 member Don Watson, gave these lessons powered, it could run alone or in multiple units. I nearly every month and they always entertained and informed. After Don’s passing at the age of 90, his family have ridden many RDC cars but never rode one presented them to Div. 6 and the NCR. that was uncomfortable regardless of the track.

NMRA ELECTION LABEL PROBLEM NMRA INFO

Having trouble removing your mailing label to place on your ballot? U.S. members are required to remove the peel off mailing-label from the cover of NMRA Magazine and then attach to their ballot before mailing the ballot to Headquarters. Some members report they are having difficulty removing the mailing label. Every vote is important and you shouldn't be denied the opportunity to vote just because of difficulty with the mailing label. If you can't get the label to come off the cover of the magazine in one piece, print your name and membership number in the space provided on the ballot. Remove what you can of the mailing label and fasten it to the ballot. Include a short note that you had difficulty removing the label from the magazine cover. Be sure that you fill in the ballot before mailing it to Headquarters. John Stevens, NMRA Secretary

ED NOTE – the NCR has at least one person that is up for re-election!! Please vote for your fellow members!

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PROTOTYPE PAGE NCR PROTOTYPE

Towering like a long lost sentinel, this concrete coaling tower is still standing in the GT-CN yard in Pontiac, MI. The HotBox roving reporter finally got a chance to take a few pictures of this structure. Railroads will not spend money needlessly and that is why this still stands. This is not available off of public land, as your reporter asked for permission from a few workers.

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PROTOTYPE PAGE NCR PROTOTYPE

Here are some “detail” shots, in case you are looking to build one of these for your railroad! Notice there are 3 chutes to service 3 tracks; area where the unloading pit was and even the stairways left because it was too much trouble to take them off.

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HOBBY SHOP & BUSINESS CORNER

OTHER HOBBY SHOPS in the NCR Whistle Stop Hobbies & Crafts, Decatur, IN Phil's Hobby Shop, Fort Wayne, IN The Gladieux Train Depot, Oregon, OH Jackie’s Trains & Gifts, Erie, MI Whistle Stop Hobby, St Clair Shores, MI Rider’s Hobby, Grand Rapids & Flint, MI

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GREETINGS FROM NW MONTANA NCR SPECIAL

Just a note to say I had not forgotten about the great people in Division Eight. I moved to a little town called Bigfork in Montana last April. The town is not well known around the world, but it does have some very interesting history and neighbors. Somers, Montana is about 10 miles south of us. Its history is dedicated to the Somers Lumber Company. Their initial purpose was to manufacture cross ties for the Great Northern Railroad. Much of the history of the town still exists. Many of the local populace still lives here, even though the lumber mill is gone. I have met and dined with a group of railroaders. Some are retired from the GN and NP. Others collect historical items from the railroads. Many items of historical interest have been found and are on display in individual homes. The stories told are extremely interesting to those of us who did not live them.

We also have a great bunch of model railroaders. Many of them have complete layouts and we meet to operate them. Others are in the process of building their own layouts. Most of these are HO gauge, but a few are N gauge. I meet with a group of module folks. We have established our own standards, quite close to NMRA’s. Our modules are 2 ft. X 6 ft. and are interchangeable. We are in the process of locating a meeting place to have an operating session.

We have one of the original Porter fireless locomotives that was used by the lumber company on display. I am involved with a non-profit group whose goal is to build a pavilion to protect the locomotive from the elements. As part of this, we have added a small museum building on to the structure. We plan to have it completed by this next spring.

I have noticed that several of the Division members are working on the NMRA Achievements. I congratulate each of you and wish you well as you continue on your journey to become a Master Model Railroader. They are several members who are MMRs and you should take advantage of their knowledge and skills to improve your own. Needless to say, I miss the knowledge and comradeship of the Division. Should you desire to visit our beautiful northwestern Montana, let me know and I will help you share our wonderful part of the country. Joel Goldberg "Joel Goldberg"

TROUBLE AT JONESVILLE by Bob Hanna NCR SPECIAL

The last train through Jonesville reported a broken switch at the west end of the siding. Trains were held as the maintenance crew is called out to fix it. But they didn’t have the part. So, to get the main line open and trains moving again, the switch was spiked in place for the main and a slow order was put in effect until it is repaired. A new part has been found at the Cumberland shops and is being shipped to Van Doren ASAP, in the baggage car of the National Limited. The maintenance crew can pick it up there and take it up to Jonesville to repair the switch. Repairs are expected to take 24 hours.

Trains can still meet at Jonesville, as a train can still pull into the siding from the east end switch, to meet another train. But after the other train passes, as it cannot throw the west switch, it will have to back out of the siding, over the east switch, to proceed on up the mountain. But the poor crew of the Jonesville Turn that switches the canning plant on the elevator at Jonesville, they will have to plan ahead and perhaps use the runaround track at Van Doren in order to complete its switching. Going to be a long day!

While this bit of trouble is made up, it can happen for real, both on the model railroad and on the prototype too. It will make operations quite different for the day! Pick a switch and try it on your layout. Enjoy!

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NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS! NCR AREA EVENTS

NOTE- Events listed have been compiled from listings on www.trains.com, website for Model Railroader magazine. If you have an event you want listed, it’s FREE, but information must be submitted to the Editor at least 45 days in advance of our publication dates!

MICHIGAN RAILROAD CLUB PROGRAM March 04, 2015 - Kerry Conroy with two presentations- “Wind & Snow in Deshler” and “Montana Rail Link, Sandpoint to Laurel, MT” April 01, 2014 - Richard Andrews, “Steam in Michigan” slide program. Meetings are held at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Mich. Meeting starts at 7 pm with program starting around 7:30 pm. We must be out of the library by 9 pm. I like to have a “Newsreel” before the main program so if YOU have slides, video, digital of a current event (from a month or two ago) why not share it with other members. Contact: Kenneth Borg 3512 Merrick, Dearborn, MI 48124

Saturday, March 7, 2015 Maumee Valley Railroad Club Model Train Show & Swap Coliseum Bingo 911 W. Washington Center Road Fort Wayne, IN 46825 9:00 am to 2:00 pm $5.00 Adults, $7.00 Families, age 12 and under free Vendors, layout, on site concession stand, free parking, historical and other organizations represented Contact Information Richard Insley 260-482-2203 Website http://maumeevalleyrailroad.com

Sunday, March 8 and April 12, 2015 Wolverine Train Club Show United Food & Commercial Workers Hall 876 Horce Brown Drive Madison Heights, MI 48071 10 A.M.-3:30 P.M. $3.00 per person Food service provided by The Madison Heights Lions Club Contact Information- Bob Burgee 586-662-0225

Sunday, March 8, 2015 Greater Toledo Train & Toy Show Owens Community College (SHAC) 30335 Oregon Road Perrysburg, OH 43551 Early Birds: 9am - 3pm General: 11am - 3pm Early Birds: $8 General Adult: $6 Children 12 and under: Free Tons of exhibits, plus dealers from all over the country bringing collectible toys and trains of every kind and description. Plenty of FREE parking. Contact Info- Randy Ramsey 419-215-4181 [email protected]

Sunday, March 15, 2015 - Trainorama Extra 2014 Presented by the Redford Model Railroad Club Costick Community Center 28600 11 Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 10am-4pm $5 per person, children under 12 free with paid adult Operating layouts, railfan films, model railroad and rail memorabilia show and sale. Contact Information- Pierre Willermet c/o Redford Model RR Club PO Box 40225 Redford, MI 48240 email- [email protected] or call 734-953-2546

Sunday, March 22, 2015 35th Annual Mid-Michigan Model Train Show Finch Fieldhouse - Campus of Central Michigan University Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 11am - 4pm $4.00/person Children under 10 are free. Free parking. 200 vendor tables, operating display layouts in HO, N, Live steam and Lego, door prizes, raffle, clinic Contact Information John Thompson 989-465-6459 [email protected] Vendor table info: Dan Foltz 989-539-7956 [email protected]

Saturday & Sunday, April 11-12, 2015 Hobby-rama – trains, planes, automobiles and more!! Gibraltar Trade Center North 237 N. River Road Mount Clemens, MI 48083 Saturday- 11am – 5pm and Sunday- 10am – 4pm Admission $6 Children 12 & under FREE when accompanied by an adult admission A portion of proceeds will benefit the Hope Center in Macomb. Over 300 dealer tables, operating train layouts, model trains, RC planes & cars, ship building and more! Family fun, hobby raffles, food court, ATM, Parking $2 Contact Info- [email protected] 586-306-5306

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NMRA-NCR ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM NCR AWARDS

The talented members of the NCR just keep showing their talents by their being awarded more NMRA Certificates. Congratulations to our NCR award winners!!

Golden Spike Awards David Capron of Suttons Bay, MI (old Division 7) David Vinci of Mattawan, MI, Division 9

AP QUESTIONS: If you have questions about the AP program or requirements, start with your local or Region AP manager, Larry Wolohon MMR. If you still have questions, contact Frank Koch at [email protected] or write Frank at 4769 Silverwood Drive, Batavia, OH 45103.

NCR HotBox PIKE ADS

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NCR HotBox PIKE ADS

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Permit Holder: National Model Railroad Association NON-PROFIT ORG. The North Central Region, U.S. POSTAGE c/o Dean Pyers, Resident Agent PAID 8212 Clay Ct LIVONIA, MI Sterling Hgts, MI 48313 Permit No. 1230

in the next issue of THE HotBox –

MORE LAYOUT PHOTOS