NMRAx this weekend

 NMRAx this weekend.  Please search for the feed on Facebook or YouTube

Passing of another milestone author

 It was just posted by Charlie Getz that Malcom Furlow passed away.  Post quoted below

Just got notice from Jennifer Furlow that Malcolm passed away today from the effects of long Covid. Malcolm was known for his art and modeling including the seminal San Juan Central HOn3 project layout for MR back in the 1980’s, now part of the NMRA exhibit on Scale Model Railroading at the CSRM in Sacramento..

Sad news. He was a character but an inspiration to many with a distinct modeling style.
Charlie Getz

Crossties for February is Out

 Have you read the latest issue of Crossties - The James River Divisions free bi-monthly magazine

Crossties February 2023

You may obtain your copy using the link above 

Wayland Slim Down Event

Earlier today an email went out with more items from Waylands slim down event. Lists D, E, H and K were updated with even more items at 5 pm. Please check the bottom of those lists.

 Next Meet is Virtual Zoom Meeting on February 10th.  Login details will be sent via Email the week before to members and regular attenders.

1. Whats on the Workbench

2. Phil Taylor - Initial Thoughts on IVAR Benchwork from IKEA

3.  Your thoughts on the hobby

January Meeting was a Blast

 Yesterday we a great meeting that for me was a blast.  Thank you to Ken Montero for securing the building and along with Bob Minnis and others for dealing with the Donuts and Coffee.  Tom Patterson with assistance of his son took care of broadcasting our meeting on the new NRMA Interchange.  

Chris Chapin stepped up at the last minute to give us a valuable comparison of a Rapido E8 with the original speaker and one with an upgraded speaker from Scale Sound Systems.  The difference was quite astounding and a real ear opener. Thanks Chris for helping us with another path to make our miniature worlds to sound better

Mike Bonner and Keith Pritchard gave us an overview of JMRI Operations Pro as used to enhance our miniature worlds to resemble real railroad operations.  The workshop gave us an overview of this module of JMRI and how a basic implementation might work. The power of the program is immense and Mike Bonner kept reminding us that we should start with the basics and not get “into the weeds” too soon.  It is good advice and I look forward to exploring the program further. 

The handouts and slide decks are now available for your review at our Handouts Page

The afternoon afforded us the chance to see two fine home layouts.  It was good to see the progress that Keith Prichard has made on his Great Plains layout.  His layout has under gone refinement since the last time I saw it.  Sometimes the best changes are smaller ones that make it more pleasurable to see and operate for owners and visitors. Bob Stringer was the second layout opened to the JRD.  His switching layout has operations with C&O in Newport News, PRR in Cape Charles and a Proto freelance version of the NPBL.  We look forward to seeing the progress they will continue to make on their layouts.  

Next Meeting

Next Meet: January 14, 2023

Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church

1100 Mt. Pisgah Drive

Midlothian, VA 23113 

Details about the Meet

Time: Doors open at 9AM and starts at 930AM

Clinics: 

·       Keith Pritchard and Mike Bonner – JMRI PanelPro Switch Lists

Looking for an alternative to car cards? Mike Bonner and Keith Pritchard will show how to create a JMRI PanelPro program that can route cars, build trains, and prepare switch lists for you and your crews.

·       

Chris Chapin will give a clinic about upgrading a Rapido E8 speaker with one from Scale Sound Systems.  A live demo will be presented comparing both the stock E8 and the upgraded E8.  

 

Modeling Theme: Boxcar

Other Activities: Door prizes, white elephant table, 50-50 raffle, coffee and donuts. 

Lunch: On your own with lots of restaurants nearby.  Directions will be provided.

Layout Tours  (See the layout descriptions that follow)

·       Bob Stringer – Ashley and Atlantic Railroad

·       Keith Pritchard – Great Plains Railroad

 

Future Modeling Themes:

·       March 2023 – Diesel locomotive

·       May 2023 – Caboose

·       July 2023 – Coal hopper