January 16, 2024 - Meeting Summary
The San Diego S-Gaugers held the December club meeting at our clubhouse and on Zoom. Attendees were: Mike Forys, Ken Sadlock, Robert Graves, Don Briggs, Alex Sibbald, Scott Lewis, Raulf Polichar, Les Smith, Jim Paterson, John Racey, Craig Carlson and Dale Minard.
Introduction of New Faces / Show and Tell:
Mike Forys introduced our new member, Craig Carlson to members of the club. Craig grew up with American Flyer and his last layout was in 1962 on a ping pong table. Craig's wife encouraged him to buy some more to create a larger layout. Craig brought his engine into the clubhouse and Bob Graves helped him get it operational again.
Treasurer's Report:
Bob Graves reported that the club received visitor cash donations totaling $633.52 in December, which was $2.67 less than the highest December amount in club history, with $111.74 of it coming from Venmo. The club showed a net loss of $182.56 after expenses which included yearly insurance and depreciation.
Standards Report:
Ralph Polichar added a 12Vdc transformer to the Liberty Loop window display and separated the scenery lighting from the control box 12Vdc.
Publicity Report:
N/C
Library Report:
Dale Minard is working on merging sections of the club digital library and the NASG digital library.
New Clinics:
N/C
SN3 Addition:
N/C
Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:
Mike Forys reported that from December 16th 2023 to January 13th, 2024 the window buttons have been pushed 3,263 times. Windows 1=2,1966 Windows 2 =1,297 average 116.5 per day over 28 days.
Grossmont total (beginning Feb, 2016) = 303,379
Day one (beginning May, 2011) total = 342,937
Visitor Total since February 1, 2016 = 90,298
Old Business:
Club Mural:
The Mural has been completely painted and the back wall has been painted green to match the other side. Mural is now ready for some touch up coats to complete the painting and then strengthening it so it can carry the weight of the barn door.
Window Layouts:
The window layouts need a higher power 12V dc power supply. Raulf found one.
New Business:
Lego Days:
The next Lego Build Day will be February 24th, 2024.
Future Events:
The next meetings will be on Tuesdays, February 20th 2024 and March 19th 2024 and will be held at our clubhouse and on Zoom.
Main Layout:
A circus display has been located on the S curve temporarily until the permanent town is completed.
Window Displays:
The Halloween window display has been replaced by the Christmas snow covered layout.
The Toboggan Run centerpiece has replaced the Fort Rosecrans Memorial Cemetery display on the Liberty Loop layout.
Liberty loop slowdown problem was found and a temporary fix installed. A new track wire feed will have to be installed.
2024 Preliminary Calendar:
The 2024 calendar will be changed to reflect the NMRA quarterly meeting and work day.
NMRA:
The NMRA had reached out to us about the possibility of SDSG hosting a NMRA quarterly meeting at our clubhouse. The members voted to host the event which will be held on February 10th, 2024. Mike Forys has scheduled a work day on February 8th 2024 at 10:00 AM to prepare the clubhouse and is looking for volunteers to help out with the setup.
Ladder:
The club needs an eight, foot step ladder to keep at the clubhouse. Mike Forys and Ken Sadlock will research the options. (Jim Patterson bought and delivered a ladder to the club house.)
SDSG Elections:
The club held its yearly club officer elections after collecting club dues. The incumbents were nominated and elected for another term.
Mike Forys President
Robert Graves Treasurer
Alex Sibbald Secretary
Raulf Polichar Standards
The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM.