December 16, 2025 - Meeting Summary

The San Diego S-Gaugers held the November club meeting at our clubhouse. Attendees were: Mike Forys, Dale Minard, Ken Sadlock, Robert Graves, Scott Lewis, Dave Posladek, Don Briggs, Les Smith, Raulf Polichar and Dennis Denk.

Introduction of New Faces / Show and Tell:

Dave Posladek shared a pamphlet on the narrow-gauge railroad going to Silverton Colorado. He also shared a book on Burma Shave road signs, which included all 600 sign sets. Dave is working on replacing burned out incandescent light bulbs in the buildings on the layout with LEDs. He passed around a sample with a warm colored LED with a 3D printed diffuser fitting over the LED.

Treasurer's Report:

Bob Graves reported that the club received $444.86 in visitor donations, $33.92 more than last month, and $103.12 above the average for November. $61.92 of these donations came from our Venmo account. We had 9 donations from 9 donors this month. We have received a total of $3019.05 in Venmo donations.

Other income included $15.15 savings account interest.

Bob discovered $22.50 worth of Assets for Sale that had not previously been recorded.

We continue to clean, repair, and evaluate previously donated trains, resulting in an increase of $100 in the value of assets for sale.

We sold $111.82 worth of donated trains at a profit of $18.39 over the $93.43 at which they were carried in inventory.

To date, we have received $11,268.28 from the sale of donated trains, $614.81 this year.

Expenses included: $4.00 for repair parts for equipment on the club’s layouts, and $20.00 for window cleaning.

This month’s electricity usage was $138.40, $25.74 above last month and $3.27 less than the average November.

The result for the month is a net gain of $260.81.

Standards Report:

Raulf is finished with the new turnout for the layout expansion.

Publicity Report:

N/A

Library Report:

The pamphlets with S gauge information that were on the back of the Aircraft Museum have been moved under the shadow box above Peter’s layout.

Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:

Mike Forys reported that between November 15, 2025 to December 13, 2025 the window buttons have been pushed 3,370 times. Window 1 = 1,770 times, Window 2 = 1,600.

Grossmont total (beginning Feb, 2016) = 368,085.

Day One total (beginning May, 2011) = 407,643.

Visitor total since February 1, 2016 = 111,617.

Old Business:

Upgrade SDSG Website, Google My Business, and Facebook Page:

The calendar has been updated.

Liberty Loop Layout Status:

Need to clean track and wheels.

Right Window (Peter’s) Layout Status:

Complete except SDSG sign, far corner, and Provenance. Need to clean track and wheels.

Sn3 layout status:

N/A

Front Wall Display Status:

Leave the current Christmas display up through January.

Lego Days Status:

The next Lego Build Day is December 20th, 2025. Mall has agreed to 2026 dates.

Module Repair List:

Need repair on track and switch near ACME Company. Alex’s trestle also needs repair. This is expected to be a tough job, requiring 2 people.

New Business:

Next Meetings: Tuesdays January 20th, 2026 and February 17th, 2026

Both will be held at the clubhouse and on Zoom.

PY1 New Business (Freight station) and New Engine Shed:

N/A

July 4th 2026. Put On Display January 2026:

Dave Posledek has a picture of his brother’s 15 painted items. The picture was passed around. Dave will be testing the flat cars and caboose on the layout track today.

Gilbert Engine Repair Clinic;

N/A

Main Layout Expansion, New Module Progress:

Work will progress with new switch.

NMRA Layout Tour March 2026 Celebrating 10 years At This Location:

Want to have the expansion complete before committing to the tour. Shooting for March.

Christmas Holiday Extra Sundays 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21:

Most Sunday visitors come in first three hours. Many were first time visitors.

SDCCE Visit Request:

A teacher associated with an Emeritus Program, is requesting to visit with her class. The class is made up of mostly seniors. This is part of the Rediscovering San Diego Program. The visit would be on Tuesday and Thursday, 3/10 and 3/12/2026 from 10am to 12. We expect to support discussing different aspects of our hobby with multiple small groups.

Other Items:

Next month’s meeting, 2026 officer elections.

Don Briggs was nominated for Secretary (he is currently serving as an interim secretary).

Next month resume work/play days.

Mike will be gone from December 21 through December 28.

Need coverage for December 23rd and 27th.

Mike is putting together an MTH parts order. Let him know if you want to add to it.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 am.