Crossties for June 2015 Now Available

Most of you should have received you June 2015 Crossties through an email.  If you did not please check the Crossties page and click on the link for your copy.

Are you Weathered?

When you work for a railroad one of the first things you realize is that it is an industrial environment. This means that there is dirt and grim everywhere which is not cleaned except for very few places like corporate offices and equipment used in passenger service.  Bring you freight cars and diesels to next months JRD meet to not only learn about weathering but to actually weather your car or diesel locomotive.  The cost will be 2 to 5 dollars per person.  Cost will vary by the scale and number of cars.  All NMRA members are welcome.  Others may join the NRMA at the meeting.

Weaver Models Closing

It was announced that Weaver Models is closing June 29, 2015.  The owner is retiring and was unable to find a buyer for the business. This is a huge loss to the O scale community and a big loss for the Model Railroading community in general. Weaver Models started making hopper cars for the two rail O market and expanded into 3 rail.  They made many affordable and reliable locomotives which are the mainstay of many O Scale layouts.  The average model railroader probably knows of Weaver Models through their Scalecoat Paint line which was an affordable and quality paint sold good size bottles at reasonable prices.  Our thanks to Weaver for 50 years of service to the hobby.  

What is an RPO?

The term RPO usually in model railroad circles is thought to stand for Railway Post Office which is correct for a certain time in railway history.  Today, I would like to propose a new use to describe one of the fastest growing parts of the hobby. This is the operations side.  Operators are constantly trying to be more realistic in their approach to this aspect of modeling the prototype railroads.  What do you call these folks?  If we have Railway Prototype Modelers then I propose we now use the term Railway Prototype Operators.  They are the new RPO.

Great Meeting in Richmond

The JRD had a great meeting last Saturday in Richmond at the old Southern Railway station on Hull Street.  It was a great venue full of atmosphere and history yet plenty of things to see and do.  Many fine exhibits, a gift shop where several good deals were found, and a large HO layout with many fine scenes taking shape every time you look around the corner. The Old Dominion Chapter of the NRHS were great hosts and the JRD wishes to say Thank You.

The meeting consisted of four parts with two sections by Kurt Reisweber who is a noted author and photographer with an extensive collection bolstered by his extensive knowledge of the history of the Hampton Roads area.  He was gracious in sharing his knowledge while answering the many questions from the attendees.  We look forward to hopefully hearing from him again

The annual meeting of the JRD did decide one major issue in deciding to dissolve the library. The upkeep and sheer size while having very little activity convinced the membership that we could use the time, resources, and energy of the division better in other areas.  Ken Montero has agreed to spearhead the disposal of the library.  Also, Ken has agreed to become the new editor of the division's Crosstie newsletter so expect him to call on JRD members for material.  The last topic was the adjustment of boundaries to add some areas on our western border which is unorganized territory at the moment.  This topic will be discussed more at future meetings

The fourth section was Larry Hudson who is a retire RF&P and CSX employee.  Larry brought an informative talk about railroad operations and signaling.  He years of experience as a railroad employee both on the tracks and in management came through in his presentation.  Larry still has much we could from him and hopefully he can return when the JRD is next in Richmond

After the official meeting members were able to tour the Hull St Museum, the HO layout and the old Main Street Station across the James River.  Thank you to everyone who helped bring these folks to the JRD and to the many who help prep, set up and clean up after the meetings.

Reminder of this Saturday's Meeting May 9th

Just a reminder that the James River Division is having a meeting this Saturday the 9th of May.  

May 9, 2015 - Richmond, VA

Time: Doors open at 9 AM  with first clinic at 930 AM

Location: Hull Street Station (Old Dominion Chapter NRHS hosts)

Clinics:

Clinic 1 & 2: Kurt Reisweber - Railfanning around Norfolk

Annual Meeting

Clinic 3: Larry Hudson - Railroading (RF&P/CSX) from and Engineer Instructors Perspective

Layout Tours: Old Domion Club

Contest: Super Detailed Steam Locomotive
               Super Detailed Diesel Locomotive 

Please park toward the rear of the building and enter through the front door

Philip Taylor

Double Contest at Richmond Meet on May 9th

Double contest at Richmond meet on May 9th -  For those who had models ready for the missed meet the JRD will hold a double contest this time with awards in two categories. super detailed Diesel locomotive and super detailed Steam locomotive.  Enter either one or both contests

Richmond Meet in just over a month away

Richmond meet is just over a month away. Are you prepared to see photos of Tidewater rails or hear about the RF&P?

Lynchburg Meet Cancelled

The Lynchburg event this Saturday 3/142015 is cancelled due to health issues with Chuck and the cancellation of our afternoon outdoor layout tour due to Weather.

Annual meeting will be part of the Richmond meeting.

Please keep Chuck in your thoughts and prayers.

Time to make a tree at next weeks meeting

Remember our next meeting is next week.  Come and make a tree.  

Details as follows:

March 14, 2015 - Lynchburg, VA - Annual Meeting

Time: Doors open at 9 AM

Location: Fort Hill United Methodist Church

Clinics: Making Trees by Chuck Hladik

1130 AM: Annual Meeting

Layout Tours: Bruce Boone - Boone Express

Contest: Super Detailed Diesel Locomotive

March 14, 2015 - Lynchburg, VA - Annual Meeting

Time: Doors open at 9 AM

Location: Fort Hill United Methodist Church

Clinics: Making Trees by Chuck Hladik

1130 AM: Annual Meeting

Layout Tours: Bruce Boone - Boone Express

Contest: Super Detailed Diesel Locomotive

Positions Open

The JRD is in need of some help in certain areas.  If you feel inspired to assist in these areas please feel free to let Rick or Phil know that you are willing to help

Librarian - We need a librarian to step forward to take care of the 11 box library.  The lending library is an idea that we loan out items to help with developing our skills, knowledge or just for fun.  In the past the library was only one box and if that is all you are willing to care for then let us know that interest.  If no one steps forward we will proceed at the annual meeting with a final vote to dissolve the library and sell the contents with proceeds going to the JRD.

Crossties Editor - We are looking for a Crossties editor.  This position requires the production of a quarterly newsletter for the membership and the obtaining of the content for the newsletter.  If you are interested in this position please let Phil know soon.