April 26, 2008 - Meeting Summary
SDSG's April meeting was hosted by Peter Gagnon. Six people attended. The main discussion topics were SDSG's logo and continuing discussions of appropriate modular standards.
Modular Standards. Discussion revolved around the fact that agreement to follow the S Mod standards still leaves several important design questions open, including scenery design, corner module form factor, track standards, and power/control system selection for starters.
The discussion of scenery and form factor for the corner modules reached no firm conclusions. No doubt we'll take them up again at a later meeting. There was a general consensus that the scenery should be generic enough to permit it to be attached to any linear module without an sharp visual discontinuity.
On power and control, it was provisionally agreed that the two mainline tracks specified in the S Mod standards should be able to be operated independently. This would permit, but not require, that one mainline could be running equipment that is compatible with AC or TMCC power and control, for example, while the other was operating on DC or DCC. This would permit us to run both classic and modern trains and rolling stock on separate tracks at the same time, when desirable, but would not preclude operating both mainlines on one type of power/control when that was desirable. It was also agreed that for the immediate future, members wishing to operate their equipment on the modular layout should provide, or arrange for someone else to provide, a power/control system that is compatible with their equipment. The club has no financial component and so cannot act as provider.
Following up previous discussions of track standards, Alex reported that SHS had replied to his question about the compatibility of their track with the various common wheel profiles used in S. The SHS reply indicates that their code 131 track is designed to be interoperable with S scale, high rail, and classic AF wheel profiles. Peter provided samples of SHS code 131 sectional and flex track and a couple of typical AF freight cars so attendees could judge for themselves how well they work together. A demonstration of an AF engine running on Peter's SHS sectional layout resulted in questions about the source(s) of noticeably higher running noise for the AF engine. That issues was addressed in a separate memo that has already been distributed.
The S Mod standard height is considered too high for easy viewing by children. Consequently, it was proposed that SDSG modules be built with either adjustable or interchangeable legs that permit them to be quickly and easily set up at either the S Mod standard height or at an SDSG standard kid-friendly height, which is still to be decided.
The goal of incorporating action cars and accessories in the module layout was restated. It was also felt that control of these action items should be designed to permit the visiting public, and particularly children, to interact with these items.
Club Logotype. The March meeting summary incorrectly identified the source of the proposed logotype sketches. They were provide by Mike Forys who is due our thanks for the contribution. Mike brought them back to the April meeting, and a conditional selection was made of the design in sketch 2. Some changes were suggested that Mike will work on with his artist friend. They include using the common spelling "gauge" in place of the more technical spelling "gage," adding a tender to the locomotive, and exploring what veiw perspective would best fit the locomotive and tender in the available space, Mike will bring the results to a future meeting for further consideration by the group.
Other Items. Bob Graves brought along a pair of cars he has for sale and let the attendees look them over. Note also that Bob will be hosting us in June. Peter missed the submittal deadline for the April 2008 issue of the Dispatch so news about SDSG doesn't appear. He apologizes for this error and for the error on the logo sketches noted above.
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