July 2015

Trellis

and

Trestle

This Month’s Activities  BAGRS Open house tour - July 26th , Santa Clara, San Jose districts  National Garden Railway Convention in Denver, July 6-11, 2015, http://www.ngrc2015.com/  National Summer Steamup 2015, July 15-19, 2015, Lions Gate Hotel & McClellan Conference Center, McClellan, CA

If you even think you MIGHT be open for the National Convention here next Summer . . . Please fill in a layout registration form NOW at http://ngrc2016.org/Layouts/RailwayHost This will allow us to plan better in the months ahead. Note that you CAN change this information later as the need arises. It is especially important to know if your street/layout can handle a bus of 50+ people. We have 31 layouts registered so far.

Comments and submissions on the newsletter? Please email [email protected] Copyright ©2015 Bay Area Garden Railway Society

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The Prez Says . . . Dear Members, As you are reading this I’ve most likely traveled through Utah and I’m somewhere in Colorado on my way to the 31st National Garden Railway Convention in Denver. I’ve decided to make getting to the convention a Daddy/ Daughter epic road trip as my youngest and I plan to take eleven days and stop at Seven National Parks along the way. We’ll travel through our eighth, Rocky Mountain National Park, on our way back to California. It’s not all National Parks though as we got to fit some train stuff in, so we have tickets to ride the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad on July 2nd. I also plan to drive the Gold Belt Byway, a gravel road that traces the original route of the Florence and Cripple Creek Railroad, up to the town of Cripple Creek for their Fourth of July celebrations. This drive up Phantom Canyon Road is one of eleven scenic byways in Colorado and should be a bumpy, dusty but fun adventure. GOOGLE maps say that it should take us a little over two hours to drive the 39 miles but that doesn’t include stopping to take photos; and you all know I like to take photos! We’ll end up in Colorado Springs that evening with a plan to visit the three layouts on the pre-convention tour on Sunday. Monday we have to make sure we get to the Denver Airport to pick my wife Jenifer up as her flight arrives at 2pm. It’s her birthday that day so I’ll have to find a good steak house to take her to after checking into the convention hotel. Quite a few BAGRS members are making the trip to Denver this year and we’ll try and get together over the course of the convention to compare notes. It is important that our 2016 Convention Committee knows what everyone likes and dislikes so that we can plan a fantastic convention of our own. Look for the committee members in the bright orange NGRC 2016 shirts. I’m a little disappointed that this year’s NGRC will only have 3 layouts open on Sunday, mostly because they didn’t announce that fact ahead of time. Heck, only two are in Colorado Springs and the other is 20 minutes North near Monument. Information like that is important to know ahead of time when you’re planning a trip. We will have over a dozen layouts open during our 3-day July 2015

Northern California pre-convention tour next year and we will make that information known on the NGRC 2016 website as soon as everything is confirmed. That is why it is imperative that everyone who would like their layout to be considered for the tours fill out the online questionnaire. This will allow us to start putting together the tour maps and arranging the tour booklet. I know some of you are holding off on filling out the questionnaire because you’re still making changes. Please fill it out now as the information can be updated at a later date, just save the link given to you after you submit the forms or contact us and we can access your info. Speaking of info… There is a multipage report in this edition of the T&T giving the latest status of the 2016 NGRC now that we are at one year to go. A big thanks to Bill Ralph for compiling all of the information and putting this together. When you read it you will see that the entire NGRC 2016 committee has been working very hard to bring to the Bay Area the very best National Convention. Just yesterday, Richard Murray and I met with our representative from Roaring Camp Railroads, Leatha Brown, for over an hour to clarify our plans for the BBQ and Train Ride. It looks like everything is on track for a fantastic early evening event. Terry Paullin has been in contact with many vendors and promises me he’ll have the halls sold out a month after Denver so if you want a booth contact him now. Remember, we are offering BAGRS members first choice along with a discount so take advantage if you can. Once he gets to Denver there will be no stopping him! I saw many of you enjoying the weather during the valley tours this past month. It was great to see the progress as many of our members are working diligently to get their railroads looking their best for the national next year. I handed out our NGRC promotional Orange shirts to many members who will be attending the convention in Denver or other model railroad events this upcoming year. All I ask in exchange is that you answer questions about the 2016 NGRC in an informative and positive light. To stay informed, please read the report in this and future issues of the T&T and keep up on the bulletins that are posted on the convention website. Also, search me out after Denver so that I can fill you in on the latest and greatest news. I plan on being on this month’s tour through Greater San Jose so I’ll see you then. Russ Miller, President

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the waterfalls. Many scratch built buildings are also included. Directions: Take I-280 north or south to Hwy 85 North. Take the first exit, (Fremont Avenue), and turn left. Turn left again at Belleview Way, which is the first street off of Fremont. Turn right at the first street, which is Albion Court. From U.S. 101 take Hwy 85 south, take the Fremont exit, and turn right. Turn left on Belleview Way. Turn right at the first street, which is Albion Court. ≠≠≠ Our garden railway tours this month First Time Open Roger Allen, 963 Azalea Dr., Sunnyvale 94086 C &G RR Description: Started 2 years ago the C&G RR is a grandfather’s gift to his grandson. 300+ feet of aluminum rails are set on an elevated frame work of interlocking circles as dual mainlines with spur and passing sidings. The railroad is a work in progress effort and currently is capable of supporting track, battery and live steam operations. Directions: From 101, exit south on Lawrence Expressway until you cross over the railroad tracks. At the bottom of the RR overpass turn right at the light on to Reed Avenue. Continue on Reed Avenue to the third stoplight turn right on to Sequoia Drive. Continue down Sequoia Drive until it “T’s” to form Azalea Drive. Turn left on Azelea, 2 nd house on the right. From 280 exit to Stevens Creek Blvd, turn left to underpass, keep in left lane. At underpass turn left to go north on Lawrence Expressway crossing over El Camino Real (overpass) and continue to the second stop light. Reed Avenue (controlled left turn). Turn left onto Reed Avenue. Continue on Reed Avenue to the third stoplight, turn right on to Sequoia Drive. Continue on Sequoia Drive until it ends at Azalea Drive. Turn left on Azalea, 2nd house on the right. ≠≠≠ Mitchell Gooze, 1296 Albion Ct. ,Sunnyvale 94087 Water Bottle Junction Description: The layout has been downsized but still ranges over an area of about 500 square feet) incorporating various villages, farms, and ranches. There are eight fully-grown redwood trees and a large pond and waterfall. A 16 foot bridge with no center support crosses the pond in front of one of July 2015

John Herbert, 3920 Freed Ave. ,San Jose 95117 B & J Railway A branch line interchange-railroad in the West consisting of a loop stretched across the rear of the property with a 15’ trestle, a snow shed, a waterfall, and bridges. Most structures have been customized to include lighting. Recent additions include a crossover track to allowing reversing the direction of train travel, and an along-the-fence train storage yard with about 70’ of track. Both use air-powered track switches. Maximum grade is 4%; minimum radius is 3’. The RR features scratch-built structures as well as commercial kits and uses DCC control. Directions: Take CA 17/US880 to exit #25/Hamilton Ave - go 0.1 mi. Take right fork onto E. Hamilton Ave. Go 1.1 mi. Turn right on San Tomas Expy(CR-G4 N) - go 0.5 mi. Turn left on Payne Ave - go 0.3 mi. Turn right on Topaz Ave go < 0.1 mi. Turn left on Freed Ave - go < 0.1 mi. to 3920 Freed Ave. on the left. ≠≠≠ Larry Hull, 3303 Thompson Ave., San Jose 95118 C & H Railroad Description: C & H Railroad is run by Larry Hull and Joe Cerbone and consists of approximately 250 feet of track. There are 3 separate loops. The largest loop runs through an old western town, a German Alps area and a Route 66 town. The second loop runs around the Route 66 town. The third loop, which is movable, is an oval that we use as a test track. We will be running 3 separate trains (God willing) and an Alpine Tram on the 26 th. Directions: From East Bay, take 680 to 87 to Capitol Expressway which turns into Hillsdale Avenue. Then West to Jarvis, left to Shaw and

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right to Thompson. 3303 is on the corner of Thompson and Shaw. From the Peninsula take 280 to 87 to Capitol Expressway which turns into Hillsdale Avenue. Then West to Jarvis, left to Shaw and right to Thompson. 3303 is on the corner of Thompson and Shaw. From 101 take 101 south to Capitol Expressway which turns into Hillsdale Avenue. Then West to Jarvis, left to Shaw and right to Thompson, 3303 is on the corner of Thompson and Shaw. ≠≠≠ First Time Open Paul Blondefield, 485 Sioux Ln. ,San Jose 95123 Four Corners Rail Road Description: The Four Corners Rail Road was started as collaboration between Four Countries. Wonderland, America, Germany, and England. It is in the beginning stages of development, with 3 loops, and one point to point (I didn't want the RR to be pointless). It currently rest in a 14'x30' right of way, with 268' of track. The primary features are the mountains, a waterfall, and a covered bridge. The four countries are currently in negotiations over structures that will be integrated in into the RR in the future. Small RR with lots of fun. I look forward to seeing you here at Four Corners RR. Where we very rarely get off track, and never cut corners. Directions: From 680 South exit to 101 South. Exit 101 South at Blossom Hill Rd, turn right on Blossom Hill Rd. towards the Santa Cruz Mountains. Turn left on Snell Ave. Exit Snell Avenue at Snell Way (becomes Cheyenne Lane), Take right on Crow Lane, then take first left which is Sioux Ave. ,485 Sioux Ln is on right. From 880 South exit to 87 South. Proceed south on 87 to Hwy 85 exit to 85 South. Stay on 85 to Blossom Hill Road, exit. Cross Blossom Hill Road, becoming Blossom Hill Ave. Take Blossom Hill Avenue to Gettysburg Drive, turn left. Gettysburg Drive ends at “T”, turn right onto Comanche Drive. Go one block, turn left on Sioux Lane. 485 Sioux Lane House on left. ≠≠≠ Keith Johnson, 684 Tarrytown Ct., San Jose 95136 SBG (Small But Growing RR)

July 2015

Description: The SBG railroad (Small But Growing) is a new railroad designed to be built in three stages. The first is about 110 feet of track in a basic circle around a large mulberry tree. Civilization is being established along the track with several commercial buildings and a residential neighborhood. A center point of the SBG is a wine tasting room with a new vineyard behind it. It is currently operational and the landscape is being put in. This phase 1 is nearing completion. Phase 2 calls for the track to be extended over an existing pond. This will entail building a large free standing trestle and is planned for next year. Phase 3 may extend the railroad over an existing deck and down a side yard. So if you want to see a railroad under construction and offer ideas about extensions, this is the one to see. All ideas are welcome. Directions: From Interstate 680 south, continue on to Interstate 280 North. Go South on highway 87 to Capital Expressway. Turn left at the signal (Capital Expressway), go under highway 87 and turn right at the first signal (Narvaez Ave.). Turn left at the next signal (Branham Lane). Continue on Branham Lane less than a mile, turning right on New Compton. Turn right at the second right turn onto Tarrytown Ct. If you are coming south on highway 85, exit at Almaden Expressway, turning left onto Almaden. Turn right at the third signal, Branham Lane. Continue past Pearl Ave (1st signal), past Narvaez Ave (2nd signal) to New Compton. Turn right on New Compton, then the second right turn onto Tarrytown Ct. 684 Tarrytown Ct. ≠≠≠ Bill Mead, 2209 Renfrew Court, San Jose 95131 Snowden Valley Railway Description: The loop-to-loop Yosemite Valley RR runs 3/4 perimeter of the backyard,170 ft wide. A scene replicating the Durango & Silverton & Royal Gorge railways of Colorado greets you as you approach from the entrance gate. Bottom loop is directly on the ground flanking a couple of rivers and does a continuous climb to table top level where most of the track & RR yards run. A real world train station houses the RR yards and provides shelter for the various rolling stock. 300' high mountains adhered to the fence are made chiefly of stucco with strategically placed pockets of dirt for plants, buildings, scenes, rocks etc. Final layout will feature remote controlled on-board

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battery powered trains with a loop track powered for guest trains. Era is targeted at the end of steam, mid 1960's. An extensive trolley line, ski gondolas, and hopefully a cog rail line are planned in final stages. Under construction Directions: From Northbound 680; exit Hostetter Rd., left at bottom of ramp, 1st left (Four Oaks Rd), 2nd left (2209 Renfrew). From Southbound 680; exit Hostetter-Capitol Ave., left at fork in ramp dumps you onto SB Capitol Ave., right at Hostetter Rd. Go under freeway again and make 1st left (Four Oaks Rd), then 2nd left (Renfrew Ct.) ≠≠≠

SOCIAL!! Informal social 3:30-5PM at the end of your day of touring at Blondfield’s house. Come, relax, enjoy some treats, and share your day's experiences with fellow members..

One of the first steps in organizing layout tours for the National Convention next summer is getting a list of layouts for each day, figuring out driving times, and planning for bus tours. Soooo . . .I need you to register your willingness to be open next summer - ONE day between July 4-9 for South of the Golden Gate bridge and July 2-3 for North of it. Even if you are not sure, PLEASE REGISTER anyway. It is much easier to drop someone later than insert a new layout later. Only 31 have registered so far. http://ngrc2016.org/Layouts/RailwayHost The registration form will ask for a layout description and directions (and several other things). These can be changed later, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure if Project X will be done in time. For now I need to know your willingness to be open and whether a bus can get to your house or not. Don’t procrastinate. Thanks for your support. Together we will make this the best National Convention ever. Ray Turner July 2015

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Thomas Witt moved to the Bay Area last year and decided to expand his train collection to include G scale and build a garden train in his back yard. So he did a little Google-ing, found us, and, voila! Another BAGR. Welcome aboard, Thomas! Let us know if you have any questions about constructing your layout. 1155 Johnson St., Redwood City, 94061 775-901-1288 ≠≠≠ Well it's about time.....Steve Shyvers has been hanging around our Live Steamers since '98. He knows all of them by name. When asked why he finally joined, all he said was "Melinda". 'Nuff said. Welcome aboard Steve. See you at Roaring Camp. 4965 Vanderbilt Dr., San Jose, 95130 408-370-9371 ≠≠≠

Well, not really NEW new. Maybe just Renewed new. Loran Courpet was with us for a while, but then he dropped out in 2009. I guess that "Once a BAGR, always a BAGR". He plans to dust off his garden railroad and, who knows? He just might be on the tour for our National Convention next year. Welcome back Loran and Keeth! 1083 Grape Ava., Sunnyvale, 94087 408-733-1110, [email protected] BTW, Loran is downsizing his RR and has about 3500 lbs. of rocks - reddish in color, with lots of holes in them - he’s like to sell. More details: http://www.bagrs.org/page-73696/3391240 ≠≠≠ Ta-Daahhh......... We now have a new "Southernmost" member: Terry Werdel. From Bakersfield. Terry has had a G scale set up in his playroom for a while; but now that he is moving to a home with a real back yard - he is going to relocate his railroad to the great outdoors, where it belongs. He knows that there is much to learn about doing this; and since he often visits his daughter in San Ramon, he decided to join us and pick our brains a bit. Welcome aboard, Terry. (PS...Your daughter needs a garden train also. :-) 500 Vista Verde Way, Bakersfield, 93309 661-831-7744 ≠≠≠

Eric and Suzanne Beck saw their first live outdoor garden railroad while in Alaska a couple of weeks ago. His tour in Skagway included a stop at Jewel Gardens, where there was a G scale layout ....but it wasn't running. So Eric, being an experienced Nscaler, offered his help and got it going for them. But then Suzanne said "Hey! We can do this." So they came home, found us on the Internet, and stopped by Terry Paullin's open house. They plan on building their own garden railroad; and, who knows? Maybe they will be on the tour next year. 1557 Hollyhock St., Livermore, 94551 925-245-1281 ≠≠≠

July 2015

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the Claim Jumper Expedition through the red rock spires of a western amusement park of the1950’s. A visit to Porcupine Gulch is intended to provide a nostalgic, immersive and entertaining environment with blurred boarders between reality, fantasy and scale, and for guests to share an experience reminiscent of the park visits of our childhood.

From Sid Emison: You may remember my scratch built 1832 B&O Atlantic nick named the “Grass Hopper”. After 20 plus years some of the parts began to fail and in time the LGB drive motor died and into storage until this spring fellow member Bob Guinan came across several old horse drawn coaches that are exactly like the ones used by the Atlantis and converted to rail. The gift inspired me to dig out the parts of the original unit and build a new 1835 model Atlantic. It is coming along great and hopefully will be ready for the North Bay open house tour.

≠≠≠ From Bill & Sandy Ralph Coming Soon to Porcupine Gulch: Calico Saloon! If you have visited our western themed backyard in Fremont you will know that we pay tribute to the old western amusement parks including Knott’s Berry Farm, Frontier Village, Calico, Pollardville and others. The focal point of our yard, of course, is the Porcupine Gulch Railroad that intertwines with July 2015

Our next project is to add a saloon facade to our full size ghost town. In order to accommodate the new structure in our small yard we needed to move our Porcupine Gulch diorama to a space on the side of the house along the entrance to the yard. The reconstructed diorama is built from small western buildings that were salvaged about 10 years ago from the former Millers Outpost department store at South Lake Tahoe.

Although not an exact copy of any particular building, The Calico Saloon will have the characteristics of many of the structures that were found in the old parks, particularly Knott’s Berry Farm Ghost Town. Construction has begun with a completion target of our Halloween open house and also giving us plenty of time for final preparations for the 2016 National Garden Railway Convention. ≠≠≠

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Bill Eldredge wirtes: I am enclosing photos of the drydock facility at Jane's Shipbuilders. Detailing is ongoing of the scratch build buildings, docks and boat. It makes a nice addition to the pond area on our layout.

June’s Open House tour photos

Kermit Paul’s outdoor RR - new concrete walls

Bob Waal’s hillside RR

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July 2015

Bob Waal’s rack RR ascent

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Richard Murray running at Glen Simpson’s A couple of Terry Paullin’s custom buildings

Glen has a garden RR too Terry Paullin’s church & cemetary

Live steamers at Glen Simpson’s Terry has a hobo community living under a bridge

July 2015

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Nancy Norris and son Lake are working building their garden railraod and plan to be open for our 2016 NGRC next summer. ≠≠≠ On a sadder note . . .

Jerry Fogel’s fine rockwork & bridges

PG&E crew restoring power on Jerry Fogel’s RR

Jerry Fogel’s train storage ≠≠≠

July 2015

Large scale model railroaders have lost a great friend. After an extended period of declining health, Tom King passed away in the last week of May. As many of you may know, Tom was receiving chemotherapy for cancer and had endured a number of complications. Despite his ongoing battle, Tom managed to attend several of Dan Liebowitz’ steamups. He also attended Dan’s memorial steamup in July of last year. As far as I know, that was Tom’s last steamup. There was a heartfelt memorial held for Tom at Rob Lenicheck’s home on June 13, 2015. Rob delivered a wonderful reading of Peter Jones’ final “Scribblings on a Workshop Wall” from the August, 2009 issue of Garden Railways. Some of those in attendance shared personal stories of how they met Tom and how he welcomed them to our family of steamers. It was a wonderful way to help us remember how much he touched each of our lives. His good nature and dedication to helping and encouraging others will be sorely missed. Tom was a fixture at the National Summer Steamup and was largely responsible for the trouble free track time we all enjoyed. He spent hours before and during each steamup adjusting and improving the track alignment. Tom was someone that seemed to prefer to stay out of the limelight. However, he could not resist joining the Shay-up at the National Summer Steamup each year and could usually be seen grinning from ear to ear throughout the entire run. He liked a variety of locomotives and his roster included models as diverse as a custom built Garratt, an early copy of the Cricket, and a coal fired Aster JNR C62. The rolling stock

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was equally varied and often featured Gumby, and particularly, Pokey as operators and passengers on Tom’s trains. Tom’s unique sense of humor helped remind us to not take our play time too seriously. Tom did not talk much about himself. From what I understand he was born in the Midwest, possibly Michigan, and was a medic in the army in the early 60s. Besides the model train bond we all share with him, Tom also had a passion for food. He provided some great treats for those lucky enough to be in attendance when he made a birthday dessert for Gary Broeder at one of Gary’s steamups. I remember a particularly good crème de mint cheesecake on one such occasion. Gary’s association and friendship with Tom began through a local train shop called Nut n' but Trains in Morgan Hill over 20 years ago. Gary was in need of someone to build switches and told the owner to spread the word. Tom responded to the need and ultimately worked with Gary at Llagas Creek Railways for the next 23 years. Virtually all of the turnouts sold under the LLagas Creek label were assembled by Tom. His work will continue to provide many with great enjoyment for years to come.

many of us. Most of all make sure you convey that the trains are just a means to an end – it’s really all about the people we are fortunate enough to call our friends and acquaintances. -- Michael Martin, June, 2015 Some photos from Nancy Norris

BAGRS Members looking forward to the mountain climb at Roaring Camp and Big Trees: Henner Meinhold, Russ Miller, Bill Allen, Richard Murray, Kristy and Dave Kennedy, and Amy Herman

Scott Kennedy, was engineering during Father's Day and Roaring Camp

Towards the end, Tom was convalescing in the VA hospital and reached out to his circle of friends through Gary Broeder, Mike O’Rourke, Paul Gamlin, and others. He wanted them to pass along a “hello” to everyone, but chose to not have visitors. A great way to honor Tom’s memory is to welcome someone new to the hobby by offering a helping hand. Perhaps all you really need to provide is a friendly, “Hello!”, as Tom did for so July 2015

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Robin Lapin watches the first run, Lake Phillips' Accucraft Forney, on her almost done railway

June open houses - Bobby Waal's Alps Railway displayed some great retaining wall work ≠≠≠ Jim and Dot Maley’s European railroad trip Northern Europe Railroad Adventures Anniversary Trip - My wife Dot and I celebrated our anniversary by flying to Copenhagen and visiting various Baltic/North Sea cities by land and by sea. Two attractions of high interest were to be Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany and the All Russia in Miniature Grand Maket Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. Unfortunately, we could not make either of these fabulous attractions because of time problems (Hamburg) and visa July 2015

problems (Russia) respectively. But two great railway experiences were available and I will briefly overview them in case you have a chance to visit this part of the world. Flam Railroad Bucket List Ride – This was one attraction we did make and a great one. Dot and I rode the Flamsbana Railway from the city of Flam Norway to the high mountain region of Vatnahalsen. This railroad is world famous and a feat of superb engineering. This was especially true of the portion we rode from the city to near the Myrdal Plateau. Our trip was only about three hours and terminated at a hotel at Vatnahalsen (coffee and waffles served) and then back. The line included a twisting tunnel wending its way through several levels. Apparently, a number of these tunnels along the way were cut by hand at the tune of 1 meter per month. The line we took had a total of 20 tunnels. This train took some steep inclines and the Norwegians claim that almost 80% of the line features a gradient of 1:18. Makes you appreciate things just a little more with these engineering facts. As expected in Norway there were many, and I mean many, waterfalls. They were all great but the one at Kjosfossen and a train stop was really spectacular by any standard. I was off to one side and heard this strange and haunting music. Occasionally we would see in the distance, a beautiful blond woman in a flowing red dress dancing in a "now you see her, now you don't" fashion. The legend of the Huldra was reenacted for us and apparently it's a Norwegian “mermaid of the forest” thing beckoning to men. It was pretty exotic, but I didn’t bite.

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Our train was so smooth, you hardly knew you were flying up and down the solid tracks of Flamsbana. What a great experience. It concluded with a walk through the Flam RR Museum with many pictures of men toiling in the mountains battling the heavy snow. The museum also had many artifacts from the old engineering days and a full HO scale model of part of the railroad. It was a very nice conclusion to our day in Flam. The Denmark National Railroad Museum – Near the end or our trip, we went to Odense seeking Hans Christian Andersen attractions. We didn’t get too much Andersen, but a whole lot of trains were found at this fine museum and a highlight of this city. This museum included many actual trains on exhibit including steamers. Kids were everywhere climbing up and down and all around. Great seeing the next generation interested in trains. There were two model train layouts, with the indoor being at HO Gauge and the outside at G Gauge. Both were functioning. Of special interest and a focus of the museum were exhibits showing the progression of technology combining train and ferry travel (necessary in this neck of the woods). Some Americans I met were going to Germany via Ferry/Rail and I thought this was something new. Not really, as they showed pictures and models of this in the early part of the 20th Century. To top off the museum experience, they had one room full of outstanding ship models. Wow, this museum combined my two favorites, trains and ships under one roof. I loved it!

Many more full size photos are hosted at: https://plus.google.com Login with this e-mail and password: [email protected] Porter%040 Click on “Photos” on the left-hand side, then “Albums” along the top of the page.

Here are some sedums that can survive/thrive on very little water - important in this time of drought and water restrictions in many parts of the Bay Area.

Sedum Kant

Sedum Pacyhclados

Sedum Oreganum

July 2015

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are located in Roanoke VA at a restored Norfolk and Western Railway station called the O. Winston Link Museum. Rather than write a lot about this great photographer, why not just read a summary from Wikipedia from the url below and just take in a few of his great photographs. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O._Winston_Link Life of O. Winston Link

Railway Art General – I have been in Northern Europe for a long vacation and anniversary celebration, so this article is a bit short. Two separate 2015 Tracks Ahead TV programs, featuring both railroad photo art and then railroad art paintings, inspired it. What a great program this TV series is and hope you are enjoying it too. Rail Road Photography – Last year, proceeding up the Feather River Canyon on an excursion train

offered by Trains & Travel International, I had a chance to see “die hard” Railfans up close and personal from the Silver Lariat Car Observation Deck. I was impressed with Railfan photographers hanging on for dear life against the rocks as the train made its many curves up to the mountain town of Portola. I was quite taken with the fact that they risked “life and limb” to get just the right shot of this historic train. So here is a little information about a couple of notable Railfan artists. O. Winston Link Celebrated Photo Artist – The work of Link was featured in Tracks Ahead 903: Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. O. Winston Link was a twentieth century railroad photographer widely considered the master of the combining steam railroading and rural culture. His photographs July 2015

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Railroad Museum in Green Bay. WI. Steve’s life and work can be reviewed at: http://www.trainartist.com As you can see, he is still going strong. Here is a sample of his fine artwork.

Below is a very colorful advertisement featuring a book on railroad photography.

http://railfan.com/grp/grp_contents.php - Great Railroad Photography Looks like I have just scratched the surface on this media subject and more at a later date. Steve R. Krueger WI - Art Paintings – Tracks Ahead 905: Saxon Taura Holiday Park focuses on this working artist. He is a retired railroad man who still stays in touch through his wonderful painting.

He does commissioned art and creates art of his choosing for sale. This includes an array of fine train art for the young ones and aren’t they the future? His work is featured at the National July 2015

There are other great railroad painters out there and again more in a future article. Follow Up? – Yes these capsule size photos and art pieces do not do the artists justice. I guess you will just have to visit the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke or the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay. I plan to do just that over the rest of 2015 & 2016 in separate road trips. Through the sites listed, I am sure you can order photos and paintings. I hope you can see the two TV segments on Tracks Ahead Series 9 directly or archived. As Spencer Christian says at the end of each TV show. “Well that’s all for this episode …” -- Jim Maley [email protected]

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connections. Every time someone new came to the steamup, they had to take a look at the problem. It was embarrassing. How come there’s seldom as much interest when something works the way it should? All ended quietly when Rob graciously offered to make up some proper quick-connects.

A BUSY MONTH -- Richard Murray Being a steamer can be more than a hobby. For a steam junkie it can be a lifestyle. On June 3 a call from our trailer storage facility said that our club’s trailer had to be moved to make room for a 50 foot trailer. I got to make a trip to the facility to unlock the trailer hitch. Then I had a lengthy wait until their fork lift came along to move the trailer. The next day I went back to the trailer facility because a new member, John Nichols, offered to be a driver for the trailer. We both wanted to be sure his pickup connections would mate with the trailer. After his purchase of a new ball connection, the pickup and trailer will mate just fine. John agreed to haul the trailer back from Roaring Camp. Bill Allen had already agreed to haul the trailer to Roaring Camp. On June 6 I traveled to Napa with Russ Miller to ride a train around many acres of grapes and a private lake. Each of us got to pilot the engine for as long as we wanted. I have been going to this event for about 25 years, and it has become one of my favorite events of the year. One of the highlights of the day is being served fresh ice cream made with the help of a 20 foot water wheel. The power of the water wheel is transmitted by old style belts and pulleys to an old fashioned ice bucket with an ice cream maker. On June 13 Rob Lenicheck asked a few friends over for a steamup. I proudly brought along a brand new engine which I expected might create some interest. Unfortunately, all the interest that it did attract was for the wrong reason: It failed to run. Water transfer to the boiler failed. As fast as I could pump water from the tender, the water was squirting onto the ground. It seems there were some leaky July 2015

George Crabb’s Mallard made by Wuhu An exception to the above lament was when Bill Allen showed off his new scratch built Garrett. Because of the complexity of the engine, he complained that he had to spend up to 4 months to build it. Most of us wouldn’t even attempt to try to build it. Those talented souls who might try would probably need 2 years to build something as difficult as this project. We all had high praise for Bill’s craftsmanship. One of the reasons that Rob hosted the steamup was to honor the passing of Tom King. Many of us recalled his generous help in making sure switches and track were always working smoothly. I asked Mike Martin to write a memorial about Tom King, and it appears elsewhere in this issue of the Trellis and Trestle. Thanks to David Wegmuller and Mike Martin for photos of Rob’s steamup. On June 14 BAGRS held open houses in the East Bay. Melinda and I played steam engineers most of the day for Glen and Chris Simpson. Gary Whaley and Harlan Barr also played steam engineers. Thanks to Chris, we were given an entire banquet to feast on, including pulled pork. Before I left, Glen agreed to haul the trailer for both the Ardenwood show and the Just Trains show in Concord. Furthermore, he agreed to replace the bent jack on the trailer.

An uncommonly seen Maxwell Hemmens Porter from 1990. It belongs to Bob Armstrong.

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Also on June 14, Nancy Norris let me know that the article I wrote to help promote our 2016 National Garden Railway Convention would be the cover article for "Garden Railways.” Thanks to Russ Miller for the cover photo. In addition, both Jack Verducci and Dart Rinefort have let me know that they would be willing to write articles about their layouts to help promote our National Convention. Check out Russ Miller’s article in this issue detailing how the many hundreds of hours of work have resulted in so much getting done for our National Convention. On June 18 Bob Trabucco agreed to haul the trailer for the Los Altos History Museum steamup.

Rose and Bob Armstrong smile in front of the Dixiana Shay at Roaring Camp On June 20-21 we set up our steam track at Roaring Camp on our continual journey of attracting converts to BAGRS. We also found some people who wanted to attend our National Convention. Attendance was so high that Roaring Camp had to run some extra trains. Thanks to David Kennedy, Mike Martin, and Bob Armstrong for photos. Meanwhile, Russ and I talked with their banquet organizer about having our 2016 National Convention BBQ and train ride at Roaring Camp. A number of questions about the proposed contract were clarified. We may be able to close the deal soon.

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David Kennedy has some fun with the kids Recently, I wrote an article titled “Steamer is Gone.” That one article about the loss of our faithful dog generated more emails, letters, and personal comments than all the 40 columns together that I have written for the "Trellis and Trestle.” Thanks to all who commented. Your condolences were much appreciated. It was a busy month indeed.

The big daddy Heisler and the little baby Heisler

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Bill Allen’s Algerian Garrat has completed its first tests on the track and runs great. You can watch the loco on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkxIZX7uTwo The Cossart valve gear in slow motion is impressive. The build log can be found here: http://forums.mylargescale.com/18-livesteam/46450-streamlined-garratt-build-log.html

Previously Dennis printed the axle boxes with his 3D printer and cast them in Zamac. As they would have needed quite some clean-up, I decided to have them printed in plastic by Shapeways. They came out pretty good and I could even add all the holes to attach them. The frame/truck mounting plates were laser/water-jet cut. Everything came out so precise, that the tiny holes for the 00-90 screws between truck plate and axle boxes lined up perfectly. Here a picture of the axle boxes:

Bill plans to build a rake of coaches for this loco. Dennis is currently busy designing them in AutoCad:

The sheet metal parts will be water-jet cut, the trucks probably 3D printed. After a long idle period I restarted building flatcars for my Guinness loco. I designed them using the Alibre software but could not open the files any more when my laptop died. I finally bit the bullet and bought the successor of this software “Cubify design”. Here is the car as a 3D model: The total cost of these 36 axle boxes was about $24 including shipping/handling. The wood parts were cut on my little table saw and some intricate curves milled with Dennis’ CNC mill. Here the “kit”:

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in handy. The part on the right is the former proper; the other one is a pressure pad, and the copper sheet is sandwiched between the two. It was quite some adventure to flange 1/8” copper!

Currently I am working on a steel mold for casting the wheels in Zamac. We will see if it works. Even my Climax saw some progress. The upper and lower tube sheets have been flanged and the mud ring bent:

Eric cut all the wood for the frame. The A-Climax was designed as a “throw-away” loco, so this frame was made of wood. Here a test assembly (The engine will eventually sit lower):

The cab was held by stakes, so the next step is to attach the stake pockets. Then the frame goes back to Eric for distressing/weathering. A build log for this loco can be found here: Dennis made the former(s) for me on his big lathe. He had a chunk of acrylic lying around, which came July 2015

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http://forums.mylargescale.com/18-livesteam/26243-skew-bevel-gears-ride-climaxbuild.html As usual, more information here: http://wegmuller.org/gallery/index.php/ -- Henner

Many more full size photos are hosted at: https://plus.google.com Login with this e-mail and password: [email protected] Porter%040 Click on “Photos” on the left-hand side, then “Albums” along the top of the page.

Roving Railroad planned events Next display: Ardenwood for Labor Day Anyone who would like to help can contact Nancy Norris for our next work party. Call 925-408-9402 or [email protected].

What have you learned building your railroad that might help another member? What plant worked well for you? Or went wild all over your tracks? Have you found a tool that was especially helpful? Or a source for some hard-to-find item?

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Here’s some photos Mort Grosser sent of the May open house at Bill Allen’s.

New members Roy and Kathy Klebe with president Russ Miller

A large tree fell onto the G&O garden railroad on December 30, 2014 during a windstorm. The tree damaged the bridges crossing Norris Falls and part of the roof of the Depot that houses the San Leandro Historical Railway Society. The City of San Leandro started the Depot roof repairs in late May and they are nearly finished as shown in these photos. This is the last step that is needed to get the G&O back to full operation. The G&O Outdoor Railway will be open the weekend of August 8 & 9, 2015 during the San Leandro Historical Railway Society’s 2015 summer open house. Please see the Upcoming Events of this newsletter or the website (SLHRS.org) for the schedule.

Dennis Mead’s live steam K.BAY.STS.B. Krauss-Maffei S 3/6 Pacific

Bill Allen’s live steam PLM/CFA 4-6-2 + 2-6-4 streamlined Garratt ≠≠≠ From Joe Barker:

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The G&O Railroad is located at 1302 Orchard Avenue, in Thrasher Park, at the corner of Orchard and Davis Street, in San Leandro. The show schedule is Saturday and Sunday (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.). There will be a mega “Train Sale” on Saturday, August 8 with a large selection of G gauge trains for sale. Please mark your calendars to visit the G&O on August 8 and pick up some trains at bargain prices. ≠≠≠

Nothing here this month. Why don’t you send me something?

Look who is on the cover of the next Garden Railways magazine! Great promotion for next summer’s NGRC here.

Many more full size photos are hosted at: https://plus.google.com Login with this e-mail and password: [email protected] Porter%040 Click on “Photos” on the left-hand side, then “Albums” along the top of the page. July 2015

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Last month’s Where is it?

This is the Georgetown Loop railroad. Take a ride while you are in Denver. Congratulations to F. John LaBarba for recognizing it. Here is this month’s Where is it?

In June Ellen and I spend a week in the Sierras visiting the National Parks: Kings Canyon, Sequoia, Yosemite - also Mono Lake, Bodie (ghost town), and Calaveras Big Trees. The mountains are awesome and the weather was perfect (except Murphys which was 108 degrees in the parking lot). No trains on the trip, but then Denver is next week.

The first person to correctly identify this location to [email protected] wins their name in next month’s column. Then the whole family came to visit. Our house, which normally holds 2, now had 14 people living in it 24/7 including 6 granddaughters under the age of 8. Chaos! But lots of fun and we survived; the house I’m not so sure about. Deer are really dumb animals. As I write this we are repairing the damage a deer did when she ran through a plate glass window and into another one breaking the glass on both. -- Ray

Broken glass a deer ran through it

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TOP TEN REASONS TO GET MORE ACTIVE IN GARDEN RAILROADING

10. It keeps you young. 9. You bought the stuff ..... use it! 8. If you don't, you'll have to paint the house. 7. Lots of new, neat G scale stuff on the market. 6. Reacquaint yourself with nice people. 5. First step in committing to 2016 NGRC ! 4. Your District Supervisor misses you. 3. It'll keep you out of the bars. 2. What else ya gonna do in retirement? but the #1 reason is .......... 1. It's FUN, remember?! - T. P.

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Items for Sale Are you aware that BAGRS members can - and do list items for sale on our BAGRS web site. http://www.bagrs.org/page-73696 The advantage is a quick, local transaction, and, for the buyer, it’s a chance to see something before you buy it. I see that there are a number of structures for sale right now. You can also request an e-mail whenever something is added.

ALL MEMBERS -- Please check and update your personal and railroad information on the BAGRS web site. We use this information to communicate with you and to provide descriptions and directions to railroads open on our tours, so please update as needed. Login to www.BAGRS.org and click on “View profile” in the upper right corner. Then click on the “Edit profile” button at the upper left of your personal data. You can now edit any of your personal data. There are two places for your photo in the BAGRS database, “Member Picture” and “Personal Photo”. A good photo is a close-up of you which is roughly square. Crop it close on the face.

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Other 2015 Events of Interest  National Model Railroad Assn. (NMRA) convention, Portland, OR, August 2329, 2015, http://www.nmra2015portland.org/  National Narrow Gauge Convention, Houston, TX, Sept. 2-5, 2015, http://www.nngc-2015.com/  BAGRS Roving Railroad at Ardenwood, Labor Day, Sept. 7, 2015  BAGRS Roving Railroad at Just Trains, Oct. 4, 2015  Central (California) Coast Railroad Festival, October 8-11, 2015, http://www.ccrrf.com/index.html  National Garden Railway Convention (NGRC 2016), July 4-10, 2016 in Santa Clara sponsored by BAGRS

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Railroad Photo of the Month

Photo copyright by Matthew Malkiewicz with permission to use in Trellis & Trestle. Visit his web site for more great railroad photos. http://www.losttracksoftime.com/

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2015 BAGRS Open House Schedule March April 19 Sunday

Intra-district social gatherings (Date determined by Superintendent) East Bay (Alameda Co. West of the Hills), Bill Ralph, [email protected] , Fremont, 510-651-8928

May 24 Sunday May 24 Sunday June 14 Sunday June 14 Sunday July 26 Sunday July 26 Sunday Aug. 15 Saturday Aug. 15 Saturday Sept. 13 Sunday October 18 Sunday

Mid Peninsula (Los Altos North to San Carlos), Don Watters, [email protected] , Los Altos, 650-941-0322 North Peninsula & San Francisco (Redwood City North to San Francisco), Don Watters, [email protected] , Los Altos, 650-941-0322 Tri-Valley (East Alameda & Contra Costa Cos. S. of Walnut Creek), Terry Paullin, [email protected] , Livermore, (925) 371-4409 Diablo Valley (Contra Costa Co., Walnut Creek North), David Mease, [email protected], Martinez, 925-381-3252 San Jose/Milpitas (San Jose, Milpitas, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga), Jim Goss, [email protected] , San Jose, 408-531-9374 Sunnyvale/Santa Clara (Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mt. View, Cupertino), Bob Crum, [email protected] , Sunnyvale, 408-733-6069 Santa Cruz - Monterey Co. (Santa Cruz & Monterey County), Superintendent TBD S. Santa Clara & San Benito Co. (Morgan Hill South), Dale McAnally, [email protected] , Gilroy, 408-848-1440 Golden Gate (North of the Golden Gate and North & East of Contra Costa Co.), Steve Smith, [email protected], Corte Madera, 415-924-4106 Intra-district social gatherings(To be planned by District Superintendent)

Scheduling Coordinator: Mike Paterson, [email protected] , Santa Clara ,408-241-8462 If you would like to be open, contact your District Superintendent (above). ≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠≠

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Renew Your BAGRS Membership Online Go to the www.bagrs.org website, log in and click on “view profile” under your name. Once on your profile page you’ll see the “renew until . . . ” button near the right side.

BAGRS-Logo’d Clothing -- The Baggage Car If you would like to purchase BAGRS Logo items, please go to the MEMBERS SECTION area of www.bagrs.org , scroll down almost to the bottom and click on the link for: MEMBER SERVICES/INFO  Baggage Car: Logo Apparel.

Need a BAGRS Name Badge? Send a $15 check, payable to BAGRS, for each badge ordered. Be sure to print the name(s) for the badge(s) clearly. Send to: BAGRS Member Badges, 6 Boies Ct., Pleasant Hill, CA, 94523

BAGRS On-line Photo & Video Library Refer to instructions elsewhere in this issue.

BAGRS For Sale by Members List items you have for sale or items you want. You’ll find it in the “Members Section” menu near the end. Log in is required. BAGRS members For Sale items

BAGRS Board and Contacts President: Russ Miller Vice President: Glen Simpson Secretary: Mike Martin Treasurer: Jim Goss Scheduling Coordinator: Mike Paterson Live Steamers: Richard Murray At-large board member: Jim Anthony Website and Database Manager: Jim Anthony Outreach and PR: Nancy Norris (ex-off.) Membership: Frank Lucas (ex-off.) Newsletter: Ray Turner

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Copyright ©2015 The Bay Area Garden Railway Society. Trellis & Trestle is published monthly. Permission is granted to other garden railway non-profit groups to quote or reprint material from this publication, except where reserved to individual contributors by copyright notice. Please contact the author and credit the publication. Submissions may be in any format, though emailed computer files are preferred. Line drawings and photographs are encouraged. We reserve the right to edit for length and clarity.

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One Year and Counting! Status Update 6/18/15 32nd NATIONAL GARDEN RAILWAY CONVENTION SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA 2016 July 4 - 10, 2016 Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Host Hotel is the adjacent Hyatt Regency Santa Clara Progress is well underway as we begin the countdown to July 2016. Most of the critical positions have been filled, the primary venue and host hotel have been secured, Western Event Services has been selected to manage our vendor hall, potential open house sites are being identified, social events planning is nearing completion, registration is preparing to go “live”, vendors are being signed up, multimedia promotion is reaching a large audience and the BAGRS 2016 convention contingent is preparing to head to Denver. The first 2016 NGRC newsletter was sent out in May to our extensive email list as an attachment for ease of forwarding as the second newsletter nears completion. There is a link on the convention website to get on the newsletter email distribution list. Our YouTube video has received 2343 views and a second, more informative video is in process. The video has been posted to forums on MyLargeScale.com, gscaletrainforum, gardenrails, and Large Scale Central. A German version of the video has been posted on the Buntbahn website (over 1500 views!). The Del Oro Pacific group displayed our banner and gave away NGRC postcards at the Big Train show in Ontario and were interviewed in a news report on KTLA. They also passed out 2016 convention postcards at Railroad Days in Fullerton with over 35,000 in attendance. The BAGRS Live Steam group talked up the convention and passed out post cards at the Maker Faire in San Mateo that was attended by more than 145,000 people! First runs of bright orange convention polo and t-shirts have been completed and distributed to BAGRS members attending the 2015 convention in Denver. We will be staffing the 2016 NGRC convention booth in Denver as well as advertising in their convention booklet. The orange shirts will help us stand out from the crowd so that interested parties can find us and ask questions about 2016. Free promotional t-shirts will be distributed to early 2016 registrants. The Denver convention committee has been very communicative and helpful in keeping us posted on their efforts, successes and challenges. With just a few weeks remaining they have 435 registrants covering 940 attendees, at least 2 sold out hotels, and 127 vendor booths sold with 200 vendor personnel attending. They also have a waiting list of 65 people hoping to grab one of the 250 sold out spaces for their BBQ at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Our initial 1/6 page ad appeared in February and April 2015 issues of Garden Railways Magazine followed by a half page ad in the June (convention) issue and a 1/4 page ad will run in the upcoming August issue. In exchange for a one page ad in our convention program, Garden Railways has promised us a side banner in 2 email blasts and 3 months for a banner on their website to be started after the Denver Convention. A multipage article by Nancy Norris and cover featuring Don and Sue Waters Lake Tahoe & Truckee Railroad appeared in the April issue of GRM and several additional BAGRS member submissions will appear in the magazine prior to July 2016. The August 2015 issue will feature Richard Murray’s layout and includes the cover photo! Other BAGRS members have or will be submitting articles on their Garden Railroads. Convention Chair: - Russ Miller (510) 733-2557 [email protected] Convention Vice Chair: Bill Ralph (510) 651-8928 [email protected]

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Convention Facilities Coordinator: Richard Murray (650)583-9995 [email protected] Vendor Coordinator: Terry Paullin [email protected] Convention Treasurer: Christine Simpson [email protected] Website Coordinators: Jim Anthony (925) 355-1989 [email protected] Convention App. Developer: David Meese Security Coordinator: Pete Peterson Graphic Design and Printing Coordinator: Jenifer Miller (510) 733-2557 Advertising and Promotion: Russ Miller Model Contest Coordinator: Gary Whaley (510) 614-9397 [email protected]

REGISTRATION (Jim Anthony) Jim Anthony is working on the registration pages and then will migrate the entire NGRC website over to Wild Apricot for hosting as their registration software seems to work the best for us. We expect to go live with registration prior to the Denver Convention. EXHIBIT HALL (Terry Paullin) We have completed the agreement with David Best, president of Western Event Services to manage our exhibit hall. Under our direction WES will be responsible for decorating, furniture, labor, electrical, materials and handling and related needs that may arise during the installation, duration and dismantle of the show. The cost works out to approximately $100 each with a 75 booth minimum. WES has already supplied us with Exhibitor Service Kits for all exhibitors. Internet will be available through Smart City Networks to vendors on a daily basis at a cost of $75 per day. Terry Paullin has sold 21 vendor booths already at $500 for first booth and $450 for additional booths. Confirmed Exhibit Hall operating layouts include: BAGRS Live Steamers, BAGRS Roving Railroad, Del Oro Pacific (Dennis Packer [email protected] ) It’s still to be decided if we include a children’s layout particularly for the public day. A potential exhibitor is Tom Stephenson with his modular wooden railway. REGRS also has a floor level children’s layout that we are considering. We may get a sense of interest at Denver’s public day. LAYOUT TOURS (Ray Turner):

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Ray is in the process of receiving responses to his email questionnaire from BAGRS members who are interested in displaying their railroads during the convention.. Next steps include identifying potential layouts and establishing schedules and bus routes. We are trying for a maximum of 10 layouts per day. SOCIAL EVENTS (Russ Miller, Richard Murray, Bill Ralph) Accucraft - Parking lot party, warehouse and museum tours. Checking with Ghirardelli for their Ice Cream Carts and possible food trucks set up at their venue. Russ is in discussion regarding Accucraft insurance requirements with Robert Sarberenyi. Marketing Director, Accucraft Trains. (510) 324-3399 [email protected] Roaring Camp BBQ - Awaiting final agreement paperwork from Roaring Camp for 400 people for steam train ride, entertainment and steak dinner BBQ at a cost of $49.00 per person. We will alternate 200 people each for the train ride while the other 200 are enjoying dinner and live musical entertainment. Potential evening speakers/presentations: Katrina Parks (“The Harvey Girl’s” talk and film). Bruce MacGregor (South Pacific Coast Railroad), Michael Campbell (Walt Disney’s Carolwood Pacific), Dave Connery (Sierra Railroad), Jack Burgess (Yosemite Short Line). Speakers in downstairs Banquet Hall. Banquet: Eric Lynxwiler, Knotts Berry Farm historian and author of “Knott’s Preserved” will be the keynote speaker at the convention banquet with a presentation on the Railroads of Knott’s Berry Farm. Purchase of autographed copies of his book will be available. Eric Lynxwier (310) 614-1341 [email protected] CLINICS (Rob Lenicheck with Bill Allen) The goal is to have three simultaneous clinic rooms upstairs each with their own “Track”. Example: One room will concentrate on Landscape, another on Modeling and the third on Live Steam. CONVENTION CAR (Russ Miller, Jenifer Miller) USA Refrigerator Car with plastic wheels, 200 -300 order. Cost is $55 each Graphics are underway by Jenifer Miller. GREAT WESTERN RAIL ADVENTURE Chris Skow of Trains and Travel International will be hosting a pre-NGRC 8 day West Coast tour of nearly 30 railroads and rail related attractions from June 24 through July 1 ending up at the Santa Clara Hyatt Regency Hotel. Cost is $1995 per person, double occupancy. Shared promotion will benefit both activities and Chis will be generously splitting 50% of his profits with BAGRS. http://www.traintrips.biz/2016-Tours/Great-Western-RailAdventure-2016 BUDGET AND FINANCES The BAGRS CD came up for renewal in June and the board decided to transfer the funds ($145K) into a high yield liquid savings account separate from the BAGRS checking account so that the funds wouldn’t be tied up as we enter a period of having convention expenses. The NGRC committee will do it’s best to anticipate expenses and will contact the board to transfer funds to the NGRC checking account at the Mechanics bank that is overseen by Christine Simpson. A balance of about $10,000 will be maintained for cash flow purposes. We have $5328 in the account now with a payment of $3606.75 to the SCCC due by the beginning of July. Funds will

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need to be transferred shortly as we will need 50% deposits for the USA Trains Convention Car and Roaring Camp RR for the BBQ. We will also be paying Wild Apricot up front for the website soon. OPPORTUNITIES There are still opportunities to fill open positions for this exciting event. Please contact Russ Miller if you are interested in leading or assisting as: Event Coordinator, Convention Store/Merchandise Coordinator, “Goodie Bag” Coordinator, Steam-up Coordinator, Children’s Area Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, and Hospitality Coordinator. CONVENTION SCHEDULE Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 1, 2 & 3 Preconvention BAGRS, REGRS and Shasta GRS tours in the North Bay Monday, July 4 Registration desk open South County self-guided garden railway tours Model contest (entries only) Special welcoming clinic Local Independence Day Celebrations Tuesday, July 5 Registration desk open Diablo Valley and Northern East Bay garden railway bus tours / self-guided Model contest (entry and viewing) /Clinics Evening Industry Speaker Wednesday, July 6 Registration desk open Sunnyvale, Saratoga and Santa Cruz garden railway bus tours / self-guided Model contest (entry, viewing, voting) /Clinics BBQ / Train Rides at Roaring Camp in Felton Thursday, July 7 Registration desk open 580/880 Corridor garden railway bus tours / self-guided Exhibit Hall open Afternoon Social Event at Accucraft Model contest (viewing and voting) /Clinics Evening Industry Speaker Friday, July 8

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Registration open South 101 Corridor garden railway bus tours / self-guided Exhibit Hall open Model contest (viewing and voting) Clinics Evening Industry Speaker Saturday, July 9 Registration desk open North 101 Corridor garden railway bus tours / self-guided Exhibit Hall Public Day 10:00am - 4:00pm (exit exhibit hall by midnight) Model Contest Awards Banquet Business meeting following banquet Sunday, July 10 Encore day - Post convention self-guided tours of layouts that choose to be open Monday and Tuesday, July 11 & 12 Post-convention self-guided garden railway tours in the Sacramento Area

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