July 22, 2025 - Meeting Summary

The San Diego S-Gaugers held the July club meeting at the Grossmont Center clubhouse. Attendees were Don Briggs, Mike Forys, Robert Graves, Dale Minard, Raulf Polichar, Dave Posladek, Ken Sadlock and Les Smith.

Introduction of New Faces / Show and Tell:

Ken Sadlock brought in a Union Pacific hopper car that purchased at a recent AGTTA Swap Meet. Dave Posladek introduced prototype models of a housing for controlling the turntable and discussed the main layout expansion turntable motor.

Treasurer's Report:

Bob Graves reported that the club received $359.78 in visitor cash donations during June, $37.44 more than last month, and $107.06 above the average for June. $147.66 of the donations came via Venmo, an amount that is the second highest monthly total ever for Venmo. In the 35 months we have had Venmo Service, we have received $2527.58 in donations from 246 donors, 17 of which were repeat donors.

The 96x chrome streamlined cars and three engines donated will be kept by the club, increasing the earlier reported value of non-cash donations by $103.50. He also identified additional club equipment that increases the value of the club’s depreciable assets and non-cash donations by $1249.50

Sales of donated trains at the AGTTA Father’s Day Sale totaled $54.76 for a profit of $8.26 over their $46.50 value in the club inventory. We have received $315.78 from the sale of donated trains during 2025 for a total of $9,789.25 to date.

Expenses included $153.29 for electricity ($16.09 above last month and $8.63 above the June average) and $175 for the semi-annual air conditioning service.

At mid-year, the club has already earned a profit higher than in any other year than 2023.

Standards Report:

Raulf Polichar reported that he is continuing to work on the new turnout required for the S29 module and that its details are challenging.

Publicity Report:

N/A

Library Report:

N/A.

Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:

Mike Forys reported that between June-July 19, 2025 the window buttons have been pushed 3,789 times. Window 1= 1,887, Window 2 = 1,902 average 108.3 per day over the 35 days.

Grossmont total (beginning Feb, 2016) = 354,495

Day One (beginning May, 2011) total = 394,003

Visitor Total since February 1, 2016 = 106,574

Mike projects that total pushes since Day One will reach 400,000 by the end of September. Awarding of an HO starter layout was among options discussed for recognizing this person.

Old Business:

SDSG Website and Facebook:

Calendar updates are needed.

Window & Sn3 Layouts:

A sound effects button has been added to Liberty Loop layout that only works when the layout is operated. The Sn3 layout continues to earn visitors’ Wow!” response.

Lego Days:

The next Lego Build Day is August 23, 2025.

Boxcar Wall Mural:

Remaining parts need to be attached.

New Layout Features:

Dave Posladek completed and installed the six approved sound stations.

New Business:

Future Meetings:

The next meetings will be on Tuesdays, August 19 and September 16, 2025; both will be held at the clubhouse and on Zoom.

July 4, 2026:

Mike envisions displays and activities beginning as early as January, 2026 with monthly additions. Options discussed were 3-D printed red, white and blue flatcars displaying iconic objects; and a Franklin locomotive repainted red, white and blue coupled with Bob Graves’ Freedom Train consist.

SDSG Layout Expansion:

Mike Forys has finished the framework for the three new modules and is awaiting a turnout from Raulf; installation of roadbed, track and ballast will follow.

NASG Convention:

Dale Minard has not heard from the NASG President regarding earlier correspondence regarding our effort to bring the 2027 national convention to San Diego.

NMRA Layout Tour January 2026:

Mike reported that the region’s monthly layout tours are actively being scheduled. He has proposed that the group visit the clubhouse January 10, 2026 prior to public hours.

The meeting was adjourned at 11:17 a.m.