Page 14 - March April 1999

NMRA Memorabilia...
Eric White found a pile of ancient leaflets in a Carlisle bookshop.
They turned out to be early NMRA memorabilia. Eric has offered the material to NMRA HQ’s library, but on the understanding we can print it here:
February 1946
On Nov.17th the Provisional Committee of the British Region, chairmanned by William F. Bolton, met for the first time at the offices of George H. Lake, Editor of “Railways” Magazine and a founder member. Present were the following committeemen: H.M.B. Wood, onetime brakeman on the Grand Trunk, S.G. Hudson, A. Lines, G.H. Lake, and M.W. Earley, the well known British railway photographer.
1946 will be British Region year! The first overseas region of the NMRA is opening its membership drive in this first full year of peace since World War II. With many of its members returning from active service on the war fronts, the Region is out to double the 266 membership figure of 1945. Watch the Region grow!
July 1946
When units of the British Royal Air Force tour the U.S. during July and August there will be an NMRA and B.R. member at the controls of one of the planes. He is Flying Officer Robin D. Butterell. Watch for these flyers when they visit your city. Rob is an O gauger and is anxious to see as much of U.S. railroading as time permits. Butterell is paired with John D. Cockcroft as the exchange “ambassador” from the B.R. Extend him a welcome to your club or individual pike.
October 1946
Regional membership is now closed at 600 to avoid infringing British Government regulations.
Bill Bolton, zealous exponent of the NMRA in Britain, is now widening our Association’s activities overseas to include the Continent. In the third issue of the Dutch model magazine, “De Modelbouwer”, issued since the end of the Nazi occupation, Bolton wrote a description of the NMRA and an account of its work in Britain. The response from interested Dutch modelers was overwhelming, but the Dutch, like all other European nationals find it impossible to transmit dues to England. Hence their affiliation with the B.R. remains impossible, at least for the time being.
Many thrilling accounts of the underground movement in Holland
were recounted by P. Van Nooijen. The deep bond of friendship fostered by mutual hobby interest is nowhere better illustrated than in his story of a secret meeting of Dutch model craftsmen from all over Holland. This occurred under the very noses of the unsuspecting Nazis, who had forcibly disbanded all hobby clubs.
April 1947
For the 47’ Convention a “Dreamliner” train trip from Chicago to Oakland CA. Was organized by E.H.”Pop” Beck. The trip took two weeks, included several side trips, and took in the convention.
Some sample fares...
First class Chicago-Oakland & return .....$114.25
Side-trip Williams-Grand Canyon .....$8.63
Standard lower .....$25.93
Standard drawing room (2 or more people) .....$91.66
May 1948
BRITISH MODEL RAILS HAMPERED BY GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS
Restricted from payment of NMRA dues or purchase of American supplies by English government regulations which place such expenditures in the luxury class, model railroaders in Great Britain are finding it extremely difficult to enjoy the hobby that prior to the war, was the cause of many friendships between American and English model builders. An investigation of the situation by NMRA officials revealed that the matter of shipping supplies to England, by the American manufacturers of model railroad parts, entails so much red tape in making out customs declarations and other papers that it is almost impossible to make such shipments. Furthermore our manufacturers are reluctant to extend credit because the monetary situation is such that American dollars cannot be used to purchase kits and supplies from the US because they are classed as non- essential or luxury items.
May 1949
Railroads at work
The last passenger was aboard and the conductor glanced around the platform of the station in Barberton Ohio, then gave the signal to proceed. The engineer carefully opened his throttle, remembering that the start must be smooth, as there was an office car on the rear and several “Brass Hats”
breathing in his ear. The roar of the big diesels, of engine 803, increased and No. 6, a crack train of the Erie fleet, slowly started to move. Then it happened! The engine stalled! With red faces the engineer and fireman made a hurried investigation. The wheels of the “B” unit were locked! A poll of the assembled crew, including the Brass, revealed that none could do anything to remedy the trouble. A quick call to the Diesel House Foreman at Marion Ohio brought the necessary information. After only a 12-minute delay, No. 6 was on her way again. Wonderful things these new fangled contraptions. Repairing a diesel locomotive by radio, What next?
October 1949
From the British Region
In order to provide members with a loco at a price they can afford-and pay for in sterling-the Region has developed its own 0-6-0 switcher in HO gage. A kit for this loco, excluding the tender, is on the market now. The loco parts are all in brass, and are made by volunteers in the Region. The loco uses only British parts, and is powered by a standard Zenith mech. All parts are provided with holes drilled and tapped-in fact just like a typical American kit, and of high quality work. Any American who would like to know more about this switcher, and how to obtain one, should drop a line to B.R. President Ken Brennan.
January 1950
On Nov. 12th the British Region held its convention in London, and elected the following officers;
President - John W. Whitworth Vice-President - Arthur Illingworth Secretary - S.R. ‘ Roy ‘ Ellis
Asst. Secretary - Gilbert Roberts Treasurer - Tom Norfolk.
With the election of these officers, the control of the Region will now be centered in the North, as all the fellows named live in Yorkshire. This change will in all probability be to the good of the region generally, since not only is the locale of the “Headmen” different but those “Headmen” are, with the exception of John Whitworth, all new names.
September 1950
From “Tracks” C & O RR magazine.
Some loony State railroad laws:
Kansas...
When two trains are approaching each other at a crossing, they shall both come to a full stop and neither shall start up until the other is gone.
14 ROUNDHOUSE