April 18, 2017 - 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: Alex Sibbald, Ken Sadlock, Mike Forys, Mark Reinhard, Robert Graves, Raulf Polichar, Wes Noel, Don Briggs, Les Smith, and Al Keil.
Introduction of new faces / Show and Tell:
Mark Reinhart demonstrated the window display that he constructed. He also displayed the flat cars that he is adapting from early American Flyer Boxcars and a gondola load he created. Mark showed the club how he repaired an A.F. caboose with broken tabs. Raulf Polichar brought in a collection of Collector Club Bulletins for the club.
Treasurer’s Report:
Bob Graves reported that we received $190.66 from visitor donations in March.
Standards Report:
Raulf Polichar has completed building the new window layout controller circuitry that will stop the Liberty Loop Train at the station instead of a random location. Raulf reported that the difficulty starting the DCC trains was caused by a weak lithium battery in the controller.
Publicity Report:
Les Smith is coordinating publicity with Grossmont Marketing for our Lego event scheduled for the April 22nd. He discussed our potential participation on National Train Day May 13th.
Old Business:
SDSG Website:
N/C.
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)
PY1, PY2 and C4 expansion:
An additional straight section has been constructed, installed, and is operational. Needs scenery.
New Gilbertown Modules:
Two of the three new Gilbert Town modules have been installed on the main layout. Track is being installed on the third module. The 4th Module retrofitting has been started.
New Business:
Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:
As of 04/15/2017 the window layout button has been pushed 2,947 times since our last meeting, 53,669 times since we installed it at Grossmont Center and 88,642 times since day one. We are evaluating suggestions to celebrate the day that we hit the 100,000 mark.
Future events:
The next meetings will be held on Tuesday May 16, 2017 and Tuesday June 20, 2017. All meetings will be held at our Suite (304 on the mall map) in Grossmont Center at 10AM.
Additional Window layout:
The third window display is complete and the Lego Museum has provided scenery and a train, which is operated with the window button along with the other window layouts. It has proven to be a real hit with the younger set
New Clinics:
Mike Forys prepared electrical worksheets of the Powell yard and went over them briefly for the club. Mike also prepared and described the electrical worksheets for The Liberty Loop and the Lego Layout. Bob Graves prepared an electrical worksheet for the original configuration of the Gilbert Yard.
Clubhouse Construction:
Mike Forys created a potential schedule for removing the rear wall to allow the expansion of the modular layout. The teardown and construction (phase one) is planned for April 26 through April 28th.
Mall Security:
No security incidents occurred during the past month.
Ceramic Village Alternative:
Mark Reinhart has created a table-top alternative to the Ceramic Village Window Display that can also be used at trade shows. It runs two trains with switching and provides capability for several Flyer accessories. A bi-directional handcar completes the action and currently the layout features Easter style chicks and eggs riding in style in custom flat cars created by Mark. Scenery work is in progress.
S Curve Module:
The new S Curve Module necessary for the modular layout expansion has been constructed by Dale Minard. It is ready for roadbed, track, plexiglass and skyboards.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:25 AM.
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