The Hotbox—Spring 2013

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

VOL. 54, NO. 1 SPRING 2013

RAILFANNING Ken Chick’s N scale Danforth, Hadley and Northern Railroad

A LOOK BACK AT THE Detroit &Toledo Shore Line

GETTING READY FOR MODEL CONTESTS

NCR - NORTH CENTRAL

CROSSING CONV INFO!

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

Brrrr… winter HAS hit! Since our last issue, we’ve been in the deep The HotBox freeze for a bit, plus we have had snow! While not a blizzard, we’ve had SPRING, 2013 some decent amounts and had to shovel a bit. Well, it is Michigan (for Vol. 54, No. 1 most of us anyway). Of course, this is not a bad thing, as winter IS our

EDITOR main hobby time. We’re indoors and what better activity than model Barry Hensel railroading to keep us busy. And here’s a tip to help you keep busy at 43642 Lotus Dr model railroading – make a list!! I recently walked all around my layout, Canton, MI 48188 looking at everything and wrote down things that needed to be done. 734-397-5182 [email protected] These ranged from maintenance items to finishing detailing to basic scenery. If you want it done, write it down! I ended up with a near full Editorial Advisers sheet of “things to do”. Some were also longer term projects or wishes, Jack Watson Dave McMullian but that’s OK. At least I addressed the “want” of what I was wanting for Tim Fisher my layout. Have I made any progress on my list? Just a little (had to do

Proof Readers this issue and my car club show planning is in full swing lately) but I have Marge Hensel John Beres that list to always refer to and as I cross off done projects, I can see the Marty LaForte progress on my layout! And that, is what it is all about, progress on our layouts and having fun with model railroading! The HotBox is published quarterly by the North Central Region of the National Well, time to do some model railroading… Model Railroad Association. Publication Thanks for reading… Barry dates are- SPRING, March 1 AUTUMN, June 1 FALL, Sept 1 WINTER, Dec 1 MODEL RAILROADING

The HotBox is available online at- IS FUN! www.ncr-nmra.org All material, articles and advertising must be submitted to the Editor. All material should be electronic, preferably MicroSoft PROGRAM NOTICE

Word or Powerpoint. Pictures should be in Jpeg format and color. Material can be We were to bring you one more installment of emailed or sent via US Mail on cd-rom. Mark Cowles “Static Action” in this issue. However, with some up-coming Materials will not be returned, unless event ads and some articles we received, I’m making one of those return postage and envelope are “editorial decisions” and we’ll call Mark’s series of articles, complete. included. Material submission deadline is FIVE weeks before publication date. Actually, we simply ran out of pages! Thanks Mark for a great series of Business ads- articles and modeling tips! 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 HOTBOX CORRECTIONS NCR "OOPS"…. year -or- free business card for exchange of websites and/or sales of HotBox Always striving to be correct is something we will do with the HotBox. Pike ads- $15 small, $30 double and $60 quad for a 3 year period! But, we are human and mistakes can/will happen. Please forgive us, NCR Division Event ads- FREE these are NOT intentional! Corrections for the September 2012 edition To pay for any ad space... send your of the HotBox are- a few spelling errors here and there and few grammar payment to the Editor. All checks/money issues. Hope you didn’t notice. orders need to be made out to "The North Central Region, NMRA" FRONT COVER PICTURES- NC Crossing 2013 logo; Ken Chick’s N

Send address corrections to the scale DH&N At the west end of Broadview a double headed thru freight Registrar- David Simmons struggles upgrade on its way to the coast as is crosses the Yellowstone; D&TSL locos in Port Huron 1973; boxcar from the Lansing convention 734-662-9807 contest room. [email protected] Feel free to contact the Editor via email, REAR COVER PICTURES- 2013 NCR convention logo- North Central with any comments, questions or corrections. Crossing; special article up-coming; Reading Lines – Central Division

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NCR - NORTH CENTRAL REGION BOARD MEMBERS & DIVISION LEADERS

President Resident Agent Dave McMullian 419-878-4888 Uwe Thormaehlen 586-949-1878 [email protected] [email protected] Division Three Chuck White 260-760-1666 Vice-President NMRA Vice-President [email protected] Scott Kremer 734-420-2314 Dave Thornton 248-879-6806 [email protected] [email protected] Division Four Mark Baldwin 616-363-1695 Secretary NMRA Central Director [email protected] Marty LaForte 734-459-5173 Peter Magoun MMR [email protected] 231-941-1669 Division Five [email protected] John Hartmann 517-290-8948 Treasurer [email protected] Larry Wolohon, MMR Model Contests 734-454-4816 Joel Goldberg, MMR Division Six [email protected] 248-514-3207 Howard Andrews 734-728-4697 [email protected] [email protected] Registrar David Simmons 734-662-9807 Photo Contests Division Eight [email protected] Howard Andrews 734-728-4697 John Jackson 248-642-4825 [email protected] [email protected] Directors Glenn Joppich 734-464-6004 Achievement Program Division Ten [email protected] Larry Wolohon, MMR Don Westcott 810-513-5787 [email protected] [email protected] Skip Luyk 616-363-3453 Dr. Jan Gromada D.O. [email protected] Division One 810-688-4986 Fred E Lux 419-350-9197 [email protected] Jack Watson 586-598-7407 [email protected] [email protected]

RAILROADING "WHAT THE ???" NCR HUMOR

Just a guess, but thinking that there is one less CSX painting employee…..

No, this is not unlevel or a derailment. Yes, the right of way needs some work. A Maumee & Western Railway westbound, stopped briefly to make certain they do not have any cars on the ground. Luckily it was a "false alarm". The train was amazingly able to continue west to the yard and CSX interchange at Defiance, Ohio. The railroad is a former Wabash line from Toledo, Ohio to Woodburn, Indiana. Rail pictures.net - J. E. Landrum

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PRESIDENTS OBSERVATION by Dave McMullian

In the last issue of the Hotbox, I shared some Another point that Charlie thoughts about increasing membership and made really got me participation in the NMRA, with particular emphasis thinking too. When we on the vital role each of you plays in the process. talk about what NMRA THE DAVE When I received my February copy of Scale Rails, I membership has to offer, McMULLIAN was particularly interested in the President’s Car we tend to think in terms column written by NMRA prez Charlie Getz. Charlie of “stuff” we get, the shared some personal insights and fresh thoughts perks, the benefits. And on increasing membership. I could really relate to value is an important the way Charlie reminisced about how so many of consideration. But us have gotten into model railroading as kids and Charlie challenges us to look at membership in how different things are now, in terms of what kids another light: the NMRA is entirely dedicated to like to do and how they spend their time. He improving the hobby. Its mission, its purpose, its suggested that maybe we were so focused on activities all converge on that objective. You and I figuring out how to attract the younger generation are beneficiaries of that overarching effort in ways that we overlook another vital demographic: the that can’t be stuffed into a new member’s packet. soon to be or recently retired folks. I admit that I As a not-for-profit corporation, NMRA serves a haven’t given that much thought. I’ve been fixated larger ongoing purpose and we need to appreciate on the image of falling in love with trains as a boy that bigger picture. Each of us supports numerous and becoming a modeler for life because that’s how non-profit organizations without receiving a single I did it and so did most of my buddies. But now that tangible benefit in return, but we do so, and should I think about it, I have lots of friends who admire continue to do so because their cause is worthy and are interested in what I’m doing, and who are and their efforts make a difference. When we step at a place in life where they have some time and back and consider how many ways NMRA makes discretionary income. How come I don’t invite them the hobby better at so many levels, we can view to a division meeting or friend’s layout or train our dues as a worthwhile contribution and the show? Or give them some of my recent tangible benefits we get in return as icing on the magazines? I dunno. Guilty as charged. I need to cake. Chances are, if you are reading this, I am make a serious paradigm shift in my thinking, or preaching to the choir, because you are already a more specifically how I define a “prospect”. How member and you know what our organization does. about you? We recently had a man join Division 1 What I think Charlie is saying, and I agree, is that and introduce himself by saying he has never been we should emphasize this perspective when a model railroader and does not have anything potential members challenge us with “what’s in it for started yet, but he wants to learn how, so he joined me”. NMRA and got involved to get help. Why did that surprise me? Why don’t more folks do that? And Hey, before I sign off, don’t forget to register for this more importantly, why don’t you and I look for more Fall’s NCR convention, North Central Crossing, folks like that? Same for women. I’ll go out on a sponsored by Division 8. Go to the convention limb here and admit that I’ve just always had an website for info and registration: image of this being a guys’ hobby. For the most www.ncr2013.ncr-nmra.org. Be informed, be part it is, but I see more and more women aware, and be THERE! participating and building real nice models and layouts! And why not? Model railroading is an art I look forward to hearing from you regarding the form, and it can hold a great deal of appeal for business of improving the hobby together. Feel free anyone, young and old, guys and gals, newbies to contact me at [email protected]. and veterans alike. All I’m challenging you to do is See ya on down the line, join me in expanding who you view as a potential Dave McMullian model railroader, then extending yourself to give that person an opportunity to see what it’s about and maybe climb aboard!

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RAILFANNING the DH&N Railroad NCR GOES TRACKSIDE

Ken Chick, MMR is the owner and operator of the Danforth, Hadley & right -The east end of Butte, MT. Northern, a N scale empire that left - A Northern Pacific geep is exiting aligns itself with the Northern the tunnel east of Butte on its way to Livingston. Pacific in the great northwest. Let’s Just a few yards ahead is the bridge over the Adam take a look at this busy line. Gorge. right - The morning ore drag has just left the copper mine at Hobson and is headed downgrade passing the Hobson station on its way to the smelter at Mossman.

above - The late afternoon freight on its way into the Billings yard where it will be broken up and the cars routed to their proper destinations. right - The eastbound North Coast Limited passes a westbound DH&N freight at Broadview providing a viewing opportunity for the guy in the car.

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RAILFANNING the DH&N Railroad NCR GOES TRACKSIDE

left - There is lots of activity on the DH&N mainline west of Columbus and the Hobson branchline, where

both pass over the Musselshell River.

right - A NP fast express reefer train heading east for market passes over a slow freight near Whitehall. The NP Challenger, capable of pulling lots of tonnage at high speed, is ideally suited for this job.

right - A NP geep pulling into the small yard at Livingston.

left - An A-B-A set of “Pinetree” NP F3 Ph II’s is pulling a string of empty hoppers across the Yellowstone to the mines out West.

left - Mossman is the last stop for the afternoon RDC. All is quiet and only a few passengers will be boarding for the ride to Billings.

right - The eastbound North Coast Limited passing

a double headed westbound freight just outside of Broadview.

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MODEL JUDGING AT A NCR CONVENTION NCR INFORMATION

Gentlemen (and Ladies): Start Your Modeling !!! The section, Details, asks that you identify those Part 2 - Looking at Cars parts that were added to the entry in order to This article is the continuation of my efforts to help enhance its appearance. An item that the judges modelers understand how model contest entries will be looking at is the placement of components are evaluated. Included in this article are some on the model. Figure 1 shows some ‘out of photos that I took showing car construction in the alignment’ grab irons. If the model has roof ribs that earlier days of my modeling career. Each of this are individually placed, their alignment is one more has some areas that the judges will look at and will critical item the judges will evaluate. Looking at be detrimental to the final score. Needless to say, Figure 2, you can see that this was not done my construction techniques have greatly improved correctly, as spacing is off between some of the over the past many years of the modeling. It is my ribs. Figure 3 shows how underbody brake details desire to show these in an effort to indicate the care were added. Be sure to include this in your required in order to achieve a high score in the description. The score for this section, to a modeling contest. The first part of this article, maximum of 20 points may be earned. subtitled ‘Structures’, was published in the last issue of the HOTBOX. This article is aimed at Information about Conformity should not be too evaluation of entries in the ‘Rolling Stock’, or Cars, difficult. Providing drawings, photos, or sketches of sections of the contest. It will be of help to refer to the prototype item being modeled is a necessity for my earlier article for matrix and other details. evaluation. The maximum score for this section is 25. Go online and print out NMRA Form # 902. This form is used for all entries in the model contest. This is the same form as was described in my previous article for judging structures. There are five separate categories for judging the entry: construction, detail, conformity, finish & lettering, and scratch built. There are two classifications for car entries: scratch built and kit built. Under each of these two classifications, there are four categories: passenger car, freight car, caboose, and non- revenue car. The next step, after filling out the top of the form, is to identify the classification, and then select one of the categories for each entry. FIG 1 - Alignment of grab irons is another critical As you work your way down the form, plan to indicator of good modeling practice. This figure also present a short, written description for each of the shows what happens when decals are improperly individual sections. You will want to provide this applied. They appear as reflective ‘blobs’ in the photo. information, as it helps with the evaluation of your entry. Please try to keep it short and to the point, as the judges do not have the time to read long dissertations. You want to do this, so that you add information to enhance the evaluation of your entry.

The first category, Construction, requires that the entrant identifies the basis for the model. If a kit is used, you need to identify the kit manufacturer. This is followed by checking the various techniques used in the construction process. This section, as are all others, is judged on the matrix that was mentioned in the previous article. The greater FIG 2 - Another feature that often ‘jumps out’ to the amount of difficulty will give the entry a higher judge is the alignment of roof ribs. Note the curvature score. The maximum score for this section is 40. and incorrect spacing on this model.

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MODEL JUDGING AT A NCR CONVENTION NCR INFORMATION

Finish & Lettering poses many evaluative number of assessed points. One way of doing this possibilities. There are several boxes on the entry is to remove cast on handrails and replacing them form that need to be checked. Most important is with wire ones. These points are based upon the how the finish looks. Extra points may be given for same evaluation that is used for wood or metal use of an airbrush, but this is not necessarily a models. mandate. Another one of the things that the judges will look at is how lettering is applied. In another This article is written in an effort to help you gain part of Figure #1, the decals have not been the maximum number of points necessary for an properly applied. Their background film shows exemplary award level. The requirements for clearly. (One of the best ways to avoid this is to first judging are not difficult to follow. In truth, the spray a gloss on the model. When this is dry, apply required paperwork is neither difficult nor the lettering, and then spray the model will a dull overwhelming. My understanding is that many of finish. ) The maximum score for this section is 25. the other excellent modelers, many of whom are Master Model Railroaders, or those who have completed and been awarded the necessary number of points, are willing to offer their assistance as you complete your entry.

I strongly suggest that you, the modeler, go to the NMRA Internet pages, and look under the Achievement Program, for the section entitled “Judging Guidelines”. This section goes into great detail about the points to review when judging a

FIG 3 - The addition of brake and bottom details, as model, whether it is motive power, a structure, or a shown here, will increase the assessment point value of car. Please keep in mind the key questions that the model. need to be answered in judging are: What did the modeler try to do? The final section, Scratch Built, is also an area How well did the modeler do it? that you may want to expand. In this section, the entrant needs to list all of the parts that were used Best of luck as you endeavor to achieve the in the construction process. The typical commercial maximum number of points for your entry in the parts that were described in the details section do contest. Remember, the judges are attempting to not need to be repeated. The judges are looking for award the maximum number of points for your anything that you built and added to the model. entry. Check on the above, as well as other things Please note that, if a kit was the starting point for as described on the NMRA web page. Doing this, the model, the maximum points will be 10 instead will provide guidance for you to earn the highest of the 15 indicated on Form 902. The NMRA number of points for your entry. Should you have descriptions for this category identify those questions, please contact me. I will try to assist components, such as trucks and couplers that are you, or will direct you to another modeler who also exempted from being evaluated. However, scratch is willing to provide help. building these and other normally exempted components will add to the overall point evaluation. Joel Goldberg, Ph.D., MMR, NCR Model Contest Chair I realize, also, that many of today’s modelers do not work with wood kits. In fact, many of the car kits available in today’s market are injection molded Editors note- Next Month we’ll have an article on plastic. This does not mean that a plastic kit entry the Photo contest and tips for entering that part of will be degraded. It is up to the modeler to enhance our conventions. the original package and make it worthy of a high

The next contest is at the North Central Crossings, the 2013 NCR Convention

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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- WOW, received MANY good video links in our email box since the last issue. Check these out- ** check out this cool website, old towers- http://northamericaninterlockings.com/ohio_11.html ** Just caught this excellent train speed tutorial on YouTube produced by a professional engineer that also happens to be model railroader. He did a really great job explaining it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxcSkB0LDfk&list=UUMhzrplyMbk2HuMTUouSrBg&index=1 ** HO scale self coupling air hoses? That is cool! I can picture pulling a lift of cars and having the air line pop with the cars split. There's a demo video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNKrAowI7Cg ** How to Move an SD70ACe (Vegas Style) In this case what happens in Vegas...... EMDX 1201 in Vegas: http://www.progressrail.com/prs-vegas-video.html> And how NOT to do it: - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvyIrsZ7Zhs ** some resources for traffic signs - Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ has standard dimensions/placement for signs and the Manual of Traffic Signs website www.trafficsign.us/. Next is ShieldsUp by David Kendrick www.kendrick.org/ShieldsUp which allows you to create and then download signs and shields. Last is Kurumi's SignMaker which creates exit and junction signs- www.kurumi.com/roads/signmaker/signmaker.html There's no provision for downloading but you can create a screen shot and clean it up in a graphics program. Thanks to- James McNab, Des Moines, Iowa

BTR#2- 12th annual Michigan Railroad History Conference – CALL FOR PAPERS The 12th Michigan Railroad History Conference is planned for October 5, 2013, in Bay City, MI. Conference information updates will be found on: www.MichiganRailroadHistory.org or on the Michigan Railroad Calendar on www.MichiganRailroad.com. For future information, possible attendees may submit their email address to the Registrar at [email protected] or send their postal address to Registrar, MRHC, P.O. Box 852, Royal Oak, MI 48068.

BTR#3- Save the Pere Marquette 1225 - the Locomotive used as sound and image in the movie Polar Express. A generous benefactor has offered the Steam Railroading Institute a donation of $100,000 if they can match the contribution. If you have been considering a donation to the Steam Railroading Institute, now would be the perfect time. Simply write “Matching Grant” on the memo line of your check. When we’ve reached $100,000.00, our benefactor will also deposit $100,000.00 into our account to help us complete the restoration of the Pere Marquette 1225. www.michigansteamtrain.com/sri/ STEAM RAILROADING INSTITUTE 405 Washington St. Owosso, MI 48867

BTR#4- 21st Century Steam excursion trips planned for 2013 The Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) and the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society (FWRHS), in partnership with Norfolk Southern Corporation, will host 21st Century Steam excursion trips in Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio, and Pennsylvania in the Spring of 2013. Schedules, prices, and ticketing information are available at www.tvrail.com for TVRM-hosted trips and fortwaynerailroad.org for FWRHS-sponsored trips. The closest trip for NCR members is- May 12: Rocky River, Ohio, to Bellevue, Ohio. Host: FWRHS. Steam locomotive NKP 765. More information is available on the 21st Century Steam website at www.21stcenturysteam.com

BTR#5- Congratulations go our to NCR members Jay and Brook Qualman from Milford and the Southeast Michigan S gauge Railroad (featured in the last HotBox!), both of whom had a photo of their layouts in “Trackside Photos” in the March Model Railroader magazine. Nice work – great photos!

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!

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NCR TIMETABLE NCR DIVISION meetings NCR INFORMATION

Division One (Toledo and northern Ohio) Meets at Collingwood Presbyterian Church, 2108 Collingwood Blvd. at Floyd Street, near downtown Toledo. www.divisiononencr.com

Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio) All meetings to be run as "extra sections." See current Div3 newsletter "The Dispatcher" for description, date, time and location. "The Dispatcher" is available at the Div 3 website. Meetings begin at 7:00 PM. 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 616-363-1695 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. Meetings postponed until September. www.div5.ncr-nmra.org

Division Six (Wayne County, Michigan) 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 Ten (Flint and Saginaw area) Meets on the SECOND Wednesday of the month, at the home of member Nick Racheff, 9170 Hidden Oaks Dr. Grand Blanc, MI 48439. He can be contacted at 810 695-2677, [email protected]. www.ncr_division10.tripod.com For more information please contact Don W. Westcott at [email protected] or 810-513-5787 or Jan Gromada at 810-688-4986 (hm) or 810-245-9011 (wk)

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

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!!

Association Official and Model Railroad Author Gold Spike Award Harley (Skip) Luyk, Grand Rapids, MI Mark S. Ellis, Livonia, MI Phillip Doolittle, Rochester Hills, MI

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.

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NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS DIVISION INFORMATION

Division Ten (Flint and Saginaw area) In January, Division 10 was hosted by Dan Kempf in Ann Arbor to view his Sn3 layout. We were treated to some great modeling which several members came away with new ideas to use on their layouts. After looking at the schedule for the month of February it was noticed that our meeting night was on Ash Wednesday. We therefore canceled the February meeting. We also visited a nice large O-Scale layout in Midland. Dick Scott graciously opened his layout up for an open house. For our March Meeting, (3/13/13) we will have the usual show & tell along with a clinic on "Industries Along the Rail, Power and Light". This is a clinic put together by some of our members on customers that received coal by rail to produce gas and power. At the April Meeting, (4/10/13) we will again have show & tell along with a clinic on "Industries Along the Rail, Auto Plants" by Tim Fisher. Again we are putting out an invitation to those modelers that are members of Division 10 that we have not heard from, and those that have become inactive in the NMRA, as well modelers that have never been a part of the NMRA to come out and share their modeling interests and help us all become better modelers. Let’s grow the hobby by participating as a group in it. (submitted by Don Westcott, Co-Superintendent)

Division Eight (Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair Counties) Three interesting clinics were given in the quarter including: The November clinic given by Dean Pyers presented “Restoring the Pere Marquette 1225.” Dean covered the events and people leading up to the formation of the Steam Railroading Institute including the drive of several MSU students. He described the move of the 1225 from the MSU campus, the original restoration activities and the 1225’s activities following restoration. He then gave the reasons for the current requirements for boiler rebuild and the status thereof. Dean’s presentation was loaded with technical information and photos of the rebuilding process. The December “clinic” was photographic evidence of members’ modeling and photographic expertise as revealed in the Division’s annual “picture show.” Dan Lewis hosted the “clinic” / show which revealed some pretty good examples. The January clinic was given by Rad Jones. Rad described operations on the his MIO (N scale) model railroad and the operating scheme he uses based on Conrail practices. Ron King is the winner of this quarter’s Model of the Quarter Contest. The topic of this contest was to build a piece of construction equipment. Ron won with his HO scale power shovel. Of course, Division 8 continues to plan for the 2013 North Central Region Convention. (submitted by, Bill Gawthrop, Secretary)

Division Six (Wayne County, Detroit area) Division 6 is continuing to do well at our monthly meetings. Monthly layout tours, clinics and active participation helps keep each meeting and month a good one. Our recent annual Div 6 Fall Show & Workshop was another huge success with many novice people attending to learn about model railroading from the Div 6 members. We also helped close to 30 Boy Scouts earn the Merit Badges. We’ve decided to take a page from Div 8 and start a quarterly modeling contest. Our first will be in April and will be an open subject. Bragging rights only will be the reward for winning. Looking forward to a great spring. (submitted by Barry Hensel, Newsletter Editor)

Division Five (Lansing and mid-lower Michigan area) Division 5's meetings generally include a Show & Tell segment for members to show off their models and talk about them, a clinic and a layout tour. November's meeting's S&T segment was about modeling rolling stock. Andy Keeney's clnic was about the things he'd learned while building his HO scale Nashville Road layout. This was followed by a visit to his large, operations oriented layout. December's S&T theme was favorite model railroad gifts, including those items that you may have gifted yourself. A clinic about Shay locomotives, was presented by Don Stokes. This was followed up by a trip to Bill Selleck's large N scale Heritage Division of the Wisconsin Central. January's S&T was all about motive power with a clinic by John Bussard covering the foundations of a model railroad layout. February's meeting has a tradition of meeting on the Olivet College campus, with whole meeting devoted to building a model made of wood under the tutelage of Terry Davis. The Division continues to publish a heavily illustrated 10-15 page email newsletter featuring pictures of the Show & Tell models, layout visits, some clinic photos, modeling ideas and some prototype photos. If you'd like to see a copy, or be put on the mailing list, contact the Div. 5 clerk 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, Div. 5 Clerk)

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National Model Railroad Association North Central Region 2013 Convention

NOVEMBER 1-3, 2013

TROY COMMUNITY CENTER

Troy, Michigan

Clinics Operating Sessions

Model & Photo Contests

Layout Tours Silent Auction

For more information go to - www.ncr2013.ncr-nmra.org

Sponsored by Division 8

Members in Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair Counties, Michigan

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NORTH CENTRAL CROSSING - update NCR CONVENTION

Greetings from the NCR Crossings 2013 Convention Committee!! Our 2013 convention - NCR Crossings 2013, is closer than you think!! Registration is now open with the registration form here in this issue of the HOTBOX as well as on our website www.ncr2013.ncr-nmra.org . This year’s convention will be at the Troy Community Center in Troy, Michigan The center is a truly ‘state of the art’ facility for our convention, with plenty of room for our presentation type clinics as well as our make and take ones, with additional spaces for our display layouts, contest room and our first Silent Auction. With our own silent auction, you need to bring those extra goodies that you have been meaning to move on to the convention. As we all know one man’s extras is another’s good stuff.

Our clinics include two Make and Take clinics from the renowned clinicians Miles and Fran Hale. Another Make and Take is by Jim Hockenberger and Doug Mulaznik to build your own Static Grass applicator. Other clinicians are still being sought by our committee so if you are interested please contact Larry Wolohon.

It would not be an NCR convention without Prototype tours and this year will not disappoint you. Already on the agenda is a tour of the rail-served printing facility of the Detroit Newspapers. Other Proto tours are still in the planning stage and will be announced as they are finalized.

Layout tours and operating sessions are high on everyone’s list of things to do at our conventions. NCR Crossings will not disappoint in this area. At present we are working on a full week of operating sessions leading up to the actual weekend of the convention. We hope to stretch that to TWO full weeks in the near future. But in order to participate you must be registered!!!

We also are coordinating with the Gratiot Valley Model Railroad club so that our conventioneers can enjoy their show on either Saturday or Sunday. Speaking of Sunday, while the convention site is winding down, the convention is still going strong with our breakfast on Sunday morning at the community center with our awards presentations as well as the silent auction results.

So all in all we are in great shape to have a spectacular convention!!! We hope that you will all be there!!!!!

www.ncr2013.ncr-nmra.org

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National Model Railroad Association North Central Region 2013 Convention

Troy Community Center 3179 Livernois Road Troy, Michigan 48083 http://www.ncr2013.ncr-nmra.org/

Registration Form

Primary Registrant’s Name______(MMR #_____ ) 1st Convention Y/N ______Name on Badge ______Email ______Contact Phone # ______Family Members Attending ______Street Address ______City, State, Zip Code ______NMRA Region ______Division ______NMRA ID No. ______

Registration Price Quantity Total Early Bird NMRA Member (Before Sept. 1) $60.00 ______Early Bird Non-NMRA Member (Before Sept. 1)* $70.00 ______NMRA Member (On or After Sept. 1) $65.00 ______Non-NMRA Member (On or After Sept. 1)* $75.00 ______Family member under 18 (half price) $30.00 ______Single-day Admission $35.00 ______*Includes NMRA Rail Pass Registration Subtotal ______

Extra Fare Activities Size Quantity Price Total Sunday Continental Breakfast ______$10.00/ person ______Polo Shirt, Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL ______$35.00 (XL & XXL $40) ______Sweat Shirt, Size: S, M, L, XL, XXL ______$35.00 (XL & XXL $40) ______Make-and-take: Static Grass Applicator ______$25.00 ______Make-and-take #1 Fran and Miles Hale ______$10.00 ______Make-and-take #2 Fran and Miles Hale ______$10.00 ______

Extra Fare Subtotal ______Total (Registration + Extra Fare) ______

Make check, money order payable to: Send completed form and payment by Oct 15, 2013 to: Division 8, NCR, NMRA, 2013 Convention NCR2013 Registration ATTN: Bill Moore 6160 Ewalt Road Imlay City, MI 48444 See website for refund policy [Registration Form 130203

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IN MEMORIAM NCR NEWS

Division Three suffered the huge loss of a great friend, and mentor, when Drake Omstead passed away on January 18, 2013. Drake was our Operations Guru, having been a pioneer in this aspect of our hobby dating back over 40 years. He was an avid op session participant, beginning with the Lake Shore Model Railroad Club in Chicago, and then later the Midwest Modelers Club in Batavia, IL. I first met Drake, sometime in the early 80s, when we both were members of the Ridge Model Railroaders Club in Griffith, IN. Later, when he moved to Warsaw, IN, he led us on Op Session trips to Chicago and SE Michigan. He was a key participant in all three of our Three Rivers Op Sig Weekends, and was looking forward to our upcoming fourth event. Drake was mainly known for Op Sessions on his NYO&W layout. With these sessions, he fostered an interest, that has led to construction of nearly a dozen Op Session oriented layouts, within an hour’s drive of his home. Drakey, or Drake the Brake, as many knew him, loved all things related to trains. He always had a positive outlook, and usually with a comment, that brightened your day. Drake was 81. submitted by- Chuck White, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 3

2014 NMRA CONVENTION NMRA NEWS

Greetings to all in the North Central Region: While it's just the beginning of 2013, the three Divisions in the Mid-Central Region which are hosting the 2014 NMRA Convention in Cleveland are hard at work in the planning stages! The Cleveland area is rich in railroad history with the B & O, Pennsy, NYC, N & W, Erie, etc. And there is plenty to do in Cleveland for family vacation activities as well. I've attached our current general brochure. Additionally, it's time to get started in planning for clinics. Would you please begin to make announcements at your meetings and in your newsletters for a 'call for clinicians'. We are seeking all manner of offerings regarding railroad histories, prototypes, and a full spectrum of modeling techniques and skills from A to Z. Surely each of you have in your respective divisions members who are experienced clinicians and certainly Cleveland is an easy destination to get to. Many of you who were in Grand Rapids this past year expressed definite interest in attending Cleveland in 2014. We anticipate having a stellar convention and welcome all of you from our neighboring region, and would appreciate receiving any and all offerings of clinics from your members at their earliest convenience---but preferably within the next several months as we want to be nearly complete by the end of this year's national convention in Atlanta. Thanks and best regards, Dave Neff, Asst. Supt. Div 5 MCR, NMRA 2014 Clinic Chairman

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2012 NCR BOARD MEETING NCR NEWS

The Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors, BOD, was held at the Hampton Inn, Mt. Clemens, Michigan on November 3, 2012. Regional membership as of 10/31/12 is up 19% to 966 members. Paid subscriptions to the HotBox have declined almost 3% to 348. Uwe Thormaehlen reported that the By Laws dated 10/02/10 are current. The last third of the Rules of Operations still need to be revised. Division 9 had voted to dissolve last fall. Action per the Rules of Operations will determine the outcome. There was a discussion regarding establishing a new Division consisting of the seven counties in southwest Michigan located along I-94 and the State border. The Regional President will contact each NMRA member within the proposed Division to determine their interest. The idea of the Region hosting an annual convention in areas we have not visited and/or are inactive such as Traverse City, Ann Arbor, Midland etc.; could also partner with smaller Divisions, sharing in work and profits. 2013 budget was presented by for discussion. Dave McMullian proposed and presented arguments to end the so-called “head tax”, a portion of regional convention registration fees that have been collected by the host division and paid to the region. The following motions were adopted 1. The Resident Agent shall compile, once a year, Regional By Laws and Rules of Operations; Adopted motions; BOD minutes; annual report to Federal and State Authorities ; Job Descriptions of the Regional Officers; By Laws of the Divisions. The gathered information to distributed to the Region's President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. 2. The Convention Award committee shall use commercially prepared plaques and certificates with an approximate budget of $150.00. 3. Article V, Section 3 Rules of Operation, concerning Regional Head Tax was deleted. 4. The expense for the award plaques and certificates at the regional convention will be the responsibility of the hosting Division. 5. The selection of the award plaques and certificates will be the responsibility of the Awards Committee with the cost being the responsibility of the hosting division. 6. The proposed annual budget presented by Dean Pyers, shall have the line items consisting of the head tax income and the awards cost deleted. Pete Magoun, NMRA Director, presented a NMRA REPORT - NMRA has established a Strategic Planning Committee, Scott Kremer and Bill Neale will be the representatives from the NCR; The Web site is a disaster and is being worked on to improve it; Average age of members is now 65 and continues to rise; Jim Six of the Michiana Division is leading the development of a comprehensive clinic and education program for NMRA use. NEXT BOD MEETING will be Saturday April 6, 2013. Editor note- this is a recap of the BOD meeting. If you wish to see the full minutes of the BOD meeting, go to the NCR website – www.ncr-nmra.org

DIVISION NINE VOTES TO REALIGN NCR NEWS

Last fall, Division Nine, Washtenaw County, voted to dissolve their Division. Per NCR By-Laws, they were directed to present a petition to the Regional President, signed by ten percent of the NMRA members residing within the Division's boundary, Washtenaw County. Shortly after receiving the petition the Secretary sent a letter to each member explaining about receiving the petition to dissolve and requesting their vote to determine which surrounding Division area they wish to be attached. Per NMRA's roster, there was 31 NMRA members within Division Nine at the beginning of December. All received ballots. There were 14 ballots returned, 11 voted to join Division Six and three voted to join Division Five. Divisions One and Eight did not received any votes. Final action will be taken at the BOD meeting in April. Martin LaForte, Secretary, NCR-NMRA

YOUR article could be appearing RIGHT HERE!! Please consider writing an article for a future issue of the HotBox!! Fame, Fortune (not really) and points toward your MMR await you when you write a HotBox article!

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VJ TOWER on the B&O LOST DIVISION NCR FEATURE

By Bob Hanna This is VJ Tower at Van Doren, WV! The westbound fast freight is on the right and a slow eastbound freight is just arriving. The Mountain Branch train has its nose sticking out on the left, waiting to cross through and head up the Mountain. Once he gets across the main line, the train will be working its way up the mountain and will eventually go over the two bridges in the picture. The little white sign on the right marks how far the Van Doren switch crew can pull out to when switching the yard, without fouling the main line, and yes they sometimes need to go past it with a long cut of cars, if the tower operator can line it up for them without delaying any trains.

All trains on the Mountain Branch of the B&O Lost Division cross the B&O main line at VJ tower in order to get into or out of Grafton yard. The main line trains have priority, so Mountain Branch trains get to wait until the tower operator can line them across.

As you can see on the control panel, Grafton Yard is at the lower left and the Mountain Branch is at the upper right. The main line is double tracked and has at least one train running around at all times, sometimes two trains. This makes it challenging for the VJ Tower operator to get the Mountain Branch trains across without delaying the trains on the main line. Add to that the Van Doren yard switcher sometimes needs to run around a cut of cars, or needs clearance out onto the main to pull out a long cut of cars in the yard, and you can see the VJ Tower operator has a tough job! Once a day the local switcher needs to switch the power house and the siding for the power house comes off of the main line, along the bottom of the control panel. This keeps the VJ Tower operator on their toes, but we will talk about that one at another time

The VJ Tower operator is one of the many important jobs our people do on the B&O Lost Division. We all work to safely to deliver the customer’s freight on time and without damage to you the consumer. We thank our people for their dedication and hard work. And we hope they have had a little fun too. After all model railroading is fun!

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PROTOTYPE PAGE NCR PROTOTYPE

Detroit, Toledo Shore Line RR pictures taken in April of1982 in Lang Yard in Toledo by John H. (passed on through email)

The Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad (reporting mark DTS) is a railroad that operated in northwestern Ohio and southeastern Michigan. The Pleasant Bay Railway was incorporated in Michigan in March 1898

and purchased the Toledo and Ottawa Beach Railway, an Ohio company incorporated in January 1898, in March 1899. The resulting company was renamed the Detroit and Toledo Shore Line Railroad one month later. It operated a multi-track mainline connecting Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio, serving several large industries. The main line between the two cities opened in 1903. The Grand Trunk Western Railway (GTW) and the Toledo, St. Louis and Western Railroad

(the "Clover Leaf") co-owned the railroad from 1902- 1923. The TStL&W ownership was transferred to its

successor the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (the "Nickel Plate Road") in 1923 and then to the Norfolk and Western Railway (N&W) in 1964. The GTW purchased the N&W's interest in the DTS in 1981. At that time the DTS was dissolved and merged into the GTW.

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NCR DIVISION HAPPENINGS DIVISION INFORMATION

Division Four (Grand Rapids and west Michigan area) There is no new news for Division Four. (submitted by- Mark Baldwin, Superintendent)

Division Three (Fort Wayne, Indiana and western Ohio area) Thanks to the efforts of David Simmons, and our web guru, Gary Evans, we have a new web site: http://div3.ncr-nmra.org. Please take a few minutes to visit it. One of the site’s best features is a link showing many of our division’s layouts, including a description of each, with images also included. Our Three Rivers Op Sig event is the next big thing happening in our division. It’s scheduled for April 12, 13 &14. We have 12 layouts available. These are also indicated in the layout section of our web site. Registration is still open, but will be closing soon, probably on Feb 28th. Please visit the OpSig link on our website for more information, and registration. Division 3's next business meeting will be on Saturday, March 2nd at 1:00PM. Meeting location is the board room at the MVRRC swap. The swap should have an ad & map elsewhere in this issue. We’re looking to getting back to a regular meeting schedule. The key issue is finding a location, that’s consistently available, and fits our needs. We’ve got several leads we’re pursuing. The Div3 Dispatcher newsletter is published every other month. It is available at the Div3 website, http://div3.ncr-nmra.org/. (submitted by- Chuck White, Superintendant NMRA NCR Div 3)

Division One (Toledo, Ohio area) Division One has had a winter of interesting, informative programs. We have attracted several new members, both from our web site and National's web site. We are planning our annual outing in May. We will be electing new officers in April. Planning for the 2014 convention is on schedule. Registration forms for the convention will be available this fall at the 2013 convention. Meeting and program schedules are on our web site at www.divisiononencr.com (submitted by- Fred Lux, Superintendent NMRA NCR Div 1)

YOU should join and attend your local NMRA – NCR – Division meetings and activities! Get the most out of our hobby – participate often!!

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!

Saturday, March 2 - Model Railroad Show & Swap sponsored by: Maumee Valley Railroad Club, Inc. Coliseum Bingo 911 W. Washington Center Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (260) 490-9999 9am – 2pm Adults $4.00 , Families $6.00, 12 and under free Many large tables of model railroad and railroadiana bargains! Operating train layout Good food and plenty of free parking available, Historical and other organizations represented Contact Info- Maumee Valley Railroad Club, Inc. P.O. Box 314 Harlan, IN 46743-0314 Richard Insley 260-482-2203 [email protected]

Sunday, March 3 - Gratiot Valley Train Show & Sale Presented by Macomb Gratiot Valley Model Engineers, Inc. Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center South Campus 14500 E 12 Mile Rd Warren, MI 4808 10am – 4pm $6 ~ Children 12 & Under Free With Adult Admission ~ Discount Coupon at www.gvrr.org Over 400 Dealer Tables, Door Prizes Every Half Hour, Lots of Operating Layouts, Free Kids Train Set Raffle, Food & Refreshments Available, Free 'How-To' Modeling Clinics, Lots of Free Parking, Wheelchair Accessible Contact Information- 586-468-4877 Website- http://www.gvrr.org

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HOBBY SHOP & BUSINESS CORNER

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NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS! NCR AREA EVENTS

Sunday, March 10 - Ray Nikolai’s Railroad Memorabilia and Model Train Show Taylor Town Trade Center, 22525 Ecorse Rd., Taylor, MI 48180. 10:30am – 3:30pm, Adults $4, under 12 free, Early Bird $10. Operating layouts, Railroad collectibles, Art, Toy and Model Trains, Clinics, . Sponsored by Society of N- Scalers Model Railroad Club and Bluewater Michigan Chapter of National Historical Railway Society. Contact Info- website www.societynscalers.com/trainshow/showpage.html or contact co-chairs John Moore 248-541-1000 [email protected] or Wayne Burling 734-377-0696 [email protected]

Sunday, March 10 - Greater Toledo Train and Toy Show Premier Complex 4480 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614 11am-4pm/Early Birds 9am-4pm admission = $6.00 early birds = $8.00 12 and under FREE with paid adult operating exhibits as well as vendors bringing all sorts of unique and collectible trains and toys. A "Family Fun Day For All" for all the enjoyment of all ages! Wheelchair Accessible Contact Info- Randy Ramsey 419-215-4181 [email protected] Website- http://toymasters.org

Sunday, March 17 - Trainorama Extra 2011 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 Info- Pierre Willermet c/o Redford Model RR Club PO Box 40225 Redford, MI 48240 email- [email protected] or call 734-953-2546

Sunday, March 24 - 33rd Annual Mid-Michigan Model Train Show Finch Fieldhouse on the campus of Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858 11am-4pm $4/person, under 10 free. 200 vendor tables, display layouts, door prizes, free parking. Contact info - John Thompson 989-465-6459 [email protected]

Sunday, April 21 - Blissfield Railroad Days Model Railroad Train Show & Flea Market Blissfield American Legion Hall 415 W. Adrian St. Blissfield, MI 49228 10am-4pm $5 admission (children under 3 free) admission includes entry to the train show /flea market, a ride on the Adrian & Blissfield Railroad, and entry into numerous home layouts and displays, Wheelchair Accessible Contact Info- Debbie Scanes 115 E. Adrian St. Blissfield, MI 49228 419-367-7393

Saturday/Sunday, April 20-21 - Blissfield Railroad Days Adrian & Blissfield Railroad 301 E. Adrian St. Blissfield, MI 49228 10am-4pm $5 admission (children under 3 free) Two days of railroad and model railroad fun. Ticket includes entry into various railroad and model railroad displays throughout Blissfield and a ride on the Adrian & Blissfield RR's passenger train. Contact Info - Doug Tagsold [email protected]

Sunday, April 28 - Monroe Model Train Show by Friends Of Model RailRoading (FOMRR) MBT Expo Center 3775 Custer Rd. (M-50) Monroe, MI 48161 [email protected] 11am – 4pm $6.00 for adults. Children 12 and under Free with an adult. Wheelchair Accessible over 200 tables including new and used model train items, as well as Rail Road memorabilia, operating displays, Kiddy Land featuring Riding Thomas trains and other toys for the young folks to have fun with. Contact Info – Al/Yvonne Mitchell PO Box 1259 Adrian, MI 49221 517-264-5705

Friday-Sunday, May 17-19 - 38th annual Durand Railroad Days Durand Michigan P.O. Box 316 Durand, MI 48429 Events all day and into the evening all weekend A Celebration of Durand's Railroad Heritage. Model Train Show; Flea Market; Railroad person of the year; Arts and Crafts, train watching, layouts. Durand Union Station houses the Michigan Railroad History Museum and the Durand Union Station Model Railroad Engineers. Wheelchair Accessible Contact Info- 989-288-4080 [email protected] website- www.durandrailroaddays.com

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NCR TIMETABLE EVENTS! NCR AREA EVENTS

Various dates - MICHIGAN RAILROAD CLUB - program list no. 8a1 March 06, 2013 Kerry Conroy - “The Moving Son”; “Dusk to Dawn” April 03, 2013 MRC Member Andrew Waggoner - “Stuff We Take For Granted” May 01, 2013 MRC Member Anthony Rzucidlo on the M&O, Michigan and Ohio railfanning. Meetings are held at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Ave, Dearborn, Mich. 48126. Meeting starts at 7pm with program starting around 7:30pm Contact- Kenneth Borg 3512 Merrick, Dearborn, MI 48124-3849

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 Uwe Thormaehlen PAID 48266 Pheasant St. LIVONIA, MI New Baltimore, MI 48047 Permit No. 1230

in the next issue of THE HotBox –

MORE LAYOUT PHOTOS