The August meeting was held
Alfred Rahyer's house. This was a working meeting for module
construction. There was no formal meeting. In attendance were C.J.
Hanselman, Alfred Rayher, Bill
Nagle, Andy O'Brien, and Bob Rebsamen. Also present was Kent Taylor.
The following notes were sent by e-mail to the chapter memebers.
I am pleased to say that we have finished the legs
for the chapters corner modules. We now need to lay the track and install the
electrical. Unfortunately, laying the track will not be as easy as we thought
due to the fact that we are using Marklin track. Unlike common 2 rail track
which can be cut to length, the K track requires that we puzzle together various
length sections to achieve the correct length. Kent tried to work on this puzzle
only to discover that we need to get some small sections of straight track in
order to get the desired length. Andy volunteered to check the hobby shop in
Canada for the some of these small sections. I would like to thank Alfred, Bill,
Bob, Kent and Andy for all their work.
Next, we need to figure out our electrical
connections. I recall in a past meeting that someone mention that you could
purchase a bag of connectors at Fry's Electronic for a decent price. Electronics
are not my cup of tea, so if their is someone with greater knowledge the chapter
would greatly appreciate their input. We have till the 2nd weekend of October to
get these modules up and running. I know that you will agree that this modular
layout will be the greatest recruiting tool that this chapter can field, so I
feel that it should be our number one priority. Realistically scenery will have
to take a back seat. Scenery is great, but if the trains are not running few
will pay attention to the module.
Because of the time factor, we will be
trying to put in extra hours to work on the modules. Unfortunately the
only Saturday that I have free this month will be August the 30th and I
will be committed on the 1st Saturday of September. After that I will
do what it takes to get these modules running. If anyone wishes to work
on the modules, contact Alfred as the module are stored in
his RV garage. If you would like to work on any of the other aspects,
such as electrical or track procurement, let Bob or myself know so that
we do not duplicate our efforts.
Straight modules will be the property and
responsibility of individual members. The only steadfast requirements are that
you use the template, length of 4 or 8 feet and that you use k track with a 90mm
track gap on each end of the module.
The 13th of September meeting will once again be a
working meeting in Alfred's RV garage. Hopefully we will have all the necessary
track, electrical connectors and wires to lay the track and maybe get a
train running.