April 19, 2016 - Meeting Summary
The San Diego S Gaugers held the April club meeting at our clubhouse (304 on the mall map) in Grossmont Center at 10:00am. Attendees were: Bob Graves, Alex Sibbald, Dale Minard, Ken Sadlock, Don Briggs, Wes Noel and Al Keil.
Bob Graves chaired the meeting in the absence of Mike Forys.
Show and Tell:
Wes Noel brought in a crossing shanty that he recently assembled. Ken Sadlock displayed a magnetic pad that he assembled to catch metallic items when repairing train engines and other rolling stock. He obtained the magnetic pad at Michaels and the foam core at the 99cent store. Ken also brought in and donated a large illustration that he created which depicts a GB & W train. Al Keil presented to the club a track-cleaning car made for us by Scott Lewis. It has S gauge trucks and sports a link coupler on one end and a flyer style knuckle coupler on the other side. Our thanks go out to Scott for this gift.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bob Graves reported that we received $273.57 from visitor donations in March.
Standards Report:
Raulf Polichar is working on new switches for Gilbert Town.
Publicity Report:
Dale Minard reported that there didn’t appear to be anything special planned by Amtrak for National Train Day as of this time. Dale has recently set up a Facebook Account for the club. It can be accessed on Facebook at San Diego S-Gaugers where one can find timely information, videos and photos.
Old Business:
SDSG Website:
Bob Graves is working to add new pictures and page counters.
PY3.5 (station expansion):
The module is ready for gluing down the track and the station platforms are in the works. (On hold)
T1 replacement frame:
The replacement frame is ready for track. (On hold)
New Gilbert Town Modules:
The three new Gilbert Town modules are ready for laying track.
We have received roadbed from a new vendor who made it to our height requirement of ¼”.
New Business:
Grossmont Center:
Wes Noel and Dale Minard set up a small train exhibit in the Easter Egg Hunt area and passed out literature as well as directed patrons to our storefront exhibit. We are attempting to support the shopping center in all its promotions and events.
501(c)3 status:
Bob Graves reported that our application for 501(C3) status with the state of California has been submitted and we are awaiting the results.
Future Clinics:
The club is looking forward to a clinic on DCC and AC operations specific to our layout to allow every member to have the ability to operate the DCC and AC trains. Wes Noel is preparing a printed set of instructions to enable all members to operate the DCC trains. A clinic on E-Unit maintenance has been suggested. Dale Minard suggested video recording all clinics and posting them on Facebook and the club website.
Window Layout Success:
As of 04/09/2016 the window layout button has been pushed 2,414 times since our last meeting, 21,059 times since we installed it at Grossmont Center and 55,987 times since day one.
Future events:
The Tuesday meeting on May 21 has been changed to Saturday May 14th at our Suite (304 on the mall map) in Grossmont Center at 10AM.
Track Issues:
The PY5 turnout problem has been fixed. Wes will lead a committee to list and repair other problems on existing modules.
Lionel Ambassador Club:
The group discussed the pros and cons of becoming a Lionel Ambassador Club. Dale will email members the requirements as published by Lionel.
Clubhouse Issues:
The fire extinguisher is now mounted at the back door.
The air conditioner is now operational and will be added to the open/close procedure for the suite.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:41 AM.
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