We had a great in person meeting with a good crowd even with the crazy weather. Yes, I had almost an inch of snow on my car at one point. But we had 2 great clinics and 3 wonderful open houses. Days like that Saturday are what will grow our hobby with projects any modeler can do from a basic boxcar even kids can afford to a start at scenery which will get us away from the plywood pacific.
Our next event is the Friday Night Hangout on April 8th. This will be on Zoom and all members of the division will receive an invitation via email the week of the Chat. These chats held us together in many ways during the pandemic and are still a good way of bridging the gap even now for those who cannot make every meeting.
Our next in person meeting is on May 14th in Richmond with a Clinic by Rick Lull on LCC and Rod Vance on the changes in publications at the NMRA. There are many good things going on in the Hobby. LCC promises to solve many of the control and auxiliary issues. Rick will be able to not only tell you about them but you will be able to see in use on his layout. The changes at National in the publications arena are pushing new boundaries for the NMRA. Rod Vance will explain the changes to us from the perspective of an editor and reader. After lunch we will tour Mike Pulaski and Rick Lull’s layouts.
I hope to see you via Zoom in April and in person in May.
The March Meeting is still on for those who feel safe to travel to it. Please put your safety above getting to the meeting. We would like you to be at the one after this one.
This Friday the 11th of February we will have a members hangout at 7 pm. Our special guest will be NMRA President Gordy Robinson. Come to hangout and hear what Gordy has to say about the hobby and the NMRA. Bring your questions or just come to listen. Check your emails for meeting information. Hope to See you there.
VIRTUAL JAMES RIVER MEETING THIS SATURDAY JANUARY 8TH ON ZOOM
It is with regret but believing it is the right thing to do that I am announcing that the January 8th meeting will be going virtual due to rising Covid-19 Omicron cases. This is the consensus opinion of the leadership group.
We will be holding a social time via Zoom in its place. If we can offer a Zoom clinic and/or layout tour we will do that but with a short lead time it may not be possible. If any of you can do so please let the Superintendent know of your availability or a lead to someone who is willing to give either one.
Details about the Zoom clinic will be mailed to those on the Divisions email list.
In what I hope is the beginning of a long term trend Gordy Robinson the NMRA President was interviewed on Lionel Strang’s A Modelers Life. It is worth listening to since Lionel in his own way even gives his friends a hard time while prying out information. If you want to understand where we are going as an organization please listen.
In a huge step forward the NMRA will be moving forward with the digital edition of the NMRA Magazine. This will available to all members which is great news. Life Members will still receive the print version along with the digital copy. Full announcement by Gordy Robinson
https://app.sparkmailapp.com/web-share/YEdOe8NglIlpgfRwVCmgBWlsWaF-51gkkB9KAY92
We are coming up on the holidays after the successful joint meeting with the Potomac Division. There were many who helped out in so many positions to make this meeting a success. If you have ideas for making it a better meeting please let one of the officers know your idea..
We will be meeting next in January. The plan is to continue the Signal series and we are looking for one more clinic. If you have an idea please let the Superintendent know about it.
Just a reminder about the Joint Meeting with the Potomac Division this coming Saturday November 6th with the Potomac Division. All the details are here
http://potomac-nmra.org/PDnewsite/Minicon/Minicon.php
It will be a packed Saturday.
Our next in person meeting is still on for September 11th. Please note we are asking everyone to where a mask and those who are not vaccinated (2 weeks past final shot) must where a mask. Please bring proof of vaccination with you by having the original CDC card, a photocopy or a digital copy on your phone.
The JRD will provide supplies for weathering and should have a number of cars for you to use if you do not have one available.
A this time the open house is still on but it is restricted to those who are fully vaccinated while Bob asks that all attendees please wear a mask while inside his house.
