Central Arizona Chapter
September Minutes
The September meeting was held on the 8th at the home of Fred and
Virgina Rayher. Many thanks to them for hosting!
The meeting was called to order by CJ at 1:45. In attendance were
C.J. Hanselman, Fred
Rayher (and
Virginia), Steve Young,
Tim and Karen Johnson. Also present were Kent Taylor and Andy Hohl.
We welcome Andy, who lives in Tucson, and has much experience with
modular layouts, as well as a life-long interest in European trains.
Andy was also educated as a train driver in Switzerland before changing
careers.
Minutes of the August meeting were distributed by e-mail, and approved
without modification.
Prior to the business meeting, the group worked on the club layout to
make it presentable for Rail Fest in October. There is still some work
that remains to be done.
Old Business:
Rail Fest-- This will be at McCormick Park in Scottsdale on Oct. 13
& 14 from 10 AM to 5 PM. They have requested that someone from our
club be at the club layout during those hours each day. Fred and CJ
agreed to be there all day Saturday. Steve said he could cover Sunday
all day if necessary, but hopes some one else is willing to provide him
some relief. The secretary will circulate a coverage roster by e-mail
for others in the club to indicate times when they can be at the Rail
Fest.
Modules-- There was considerable discussion about the various standards
used by ETE chapters. Those mentioned were
ETE published
Fischer brothers
San Diego
Trans World Trains
Andy gave details on the pros and cons of each. The published ETE
standard is bulky and uses expensive, hard to get electrical
connectors. They also do not allow reliable running of non-Marklin (DC)
trains. The ideal standard should be light, strong, quick to set up,
inexpensive, and allow both Marklin and DC trains on separate tracks.
Andy will look for his copy of the standard he wrote, and write up
recommendations for future discussion.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Johnson, Secretary