Page 4 - January February 1997

Paul D. Atkinson
President’s Car...
I joined the NMRA in June 1992 so I guess I started modelling American railroads a few months before that - just when, I cannot remember, nor can I now remember how I came to join NMRA!!
After years of modelling the LMS Central Division and some Great Western in 4mm and later in 7mm, I decided on a change of scene. I won't go into the several rea- sons but will say that SPV had a lot to do with it.
I decided that Western roads seemed more interesting so opted for a joint SP/ATSF/UP line, but deciding this might be too much I reluctantly dropped the UP, and disposed of their locos and coaches.
The last loco to go was an early Challenger I'd converted to oil tender, two motors and gearboxes - it would pull any- thing. I could have justified its use on SP as a helper in the late 1940’s but an SP MK6 2-8-2 came up for sale so the 4-6-6- 4 had to go. Back to the story - a single track main line typified SP/ATSF in California, the supposed layout setting. After many sketches and plans, the cur- rent one was arrived at. I drew it at 2" to 1 ft. to make sure it fitted my 18' x 8' area. Later modifications ensured better running and a longer passing siding at Christineville.
The object was to provide cuts and fills, and also to disguise the “oval”. Woodwork is not my forte, closely fol- lowed by stringing cable! The storage boards were erected first, mainly reclaimed chipboard from previous lay- outs. These are about 4' off the floor so I don’t have to duck too low to get into the layout. The storage yards were laid and tested out, then the inclines up to the main line were built. The storage yards are not elaborate but do the required job of stock storage - much of the stock is in fixed consists, especially the passenger and mail/express trains - the freights do get changed about a fair bit.
Freight stock is always changing as I like building freight cars such as Westerfield, Red Caboose and Intermountain. Most of my stock and locos are weathered - the locos vary from filthy to ex-shops. Looking at photos of the ’45-’56 period, many locos were cleaned very regularly.
Back to the layout - deciding on opti- mum grades, the tangents were built at 2%, the curves 1% (1.5% and 1% on the “scenic section”.) The main line running boards were built mostly open plan due to the nature of the terrain - semi-arid areas to mountains. Peco Code 75 track was laid and ballasted - amazing how it can move with the ballasting!! Scenery
Well, I was right, we had a won- derful Convention at Bolton. Those who attended agreed that they had had a grand time. Many thanks to Les Herriot, Bill Jackson, Gordon Nelhams and of course their wives, and to Pam Gunn for all the hard work they put in.
As I said in my previous President's Car I would like to return to the Achievement Program. I hope that at least a few of you have given it some thought! As you know if you achieve 87.5 points with a model or models submitted in one of the cate- gories you are awarded a Certificate of Merit, seven Certificates out of eleven categories entitle you to put MMR (Master Model Railroader) after your name. In the last month Steve has already handed out several certificates and hopefully this will encourage the recipients to continue within the Program.
It is our hope that division officers will also help by identifying members who could already be eligible to receive a certificate. I hope they will also give encouragement and help to those who are thinking about joining the program. I am sure with a little encouragement members will join in and find it to be a very stimulating project.
One last word - Dave Gunn has been 'promoted' to Deputy Chairman of the AP and he, Steve and I are always available to answer queries or to give encouragement.
Finally, has anybody given further thought to organising the '98 Convention or even beyond?
If there are any ideas for a suitable venue would the organisers let Jean Silver (Grant) negotiate with the Hotel as she will be able to get the best rate for us.
Remember:
MODEL RAILROADING IS FUN!
Open Letter from Sylvia Holland....
Dear Friends and Members,
Thank you all for your letters, cards, telephone calls and flowers [over 100 received so it is impossible to reply personally to each]. It is a great comfort to know Les was held in such high regard by all our friends and ac- quaintances.
A special thanks to Bernie and Betty Flower in contacting others with the tragic news, and all their help and support, Josie and Stan Walls, the peo- ple I recognised attending the funeral, Len Firth, Paul Atkinson, Steve Park, - please forgive me if I have left anyone out. I regret, Len, Steve, Paul, you were not able to come back afterwards. In the general blur of things my brother did not know everyone's names, so apologies. Thanks also to Les Herriot and all the local model railroaders, some of whom are NMRA members.
As some of you may know, I returned from holiday to the tragedy. Les had even got some things packed up ready for the convention, so right to the end it was model railways.
Our son, Nicholas, works in Saudi Arabia and was due to fly to China the next day. So luckily he had a visa ready and was able to return home in 2 days. I dread to think of the consequences had he already left on his trip.
To end on a lighter note, as the cortege approached the crematorium (there is a level crossing) the barrier came down and we had to wait 5 minutes. He certainly had the last word. Thanks also to the Ladies for the beautiful flowers I received later. I hope to keep in touch and see you all sometime.
Best wishes,
Sylvia Holland
4 ROUNDHOUSE
LAYOUT OF THE MONTH: