November 18, 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, Raulf Polichar, Dave Posladek, Don Briggs, Dennis Denk, and Craig Carlson.
Introduction of New Faces / Show and Tell:
Ken donated some a glass bottle and eye dropper that can be used for smoke fluid. He also donated some fish tin cans that can be used to hold train parts. Dale showed some recently acquired periodicals. They included: the Official Register of Passenger Train Equipment, Pamphlets on how to load train cars, a pamphlet with diagrams of railroad equipment, and a journal of freight cars. Dave Posladek showed a jar of Universal Dust Cleaner from Amazon. He also showed several new 3D printed scale billboards.
Treasurer's Report:
Bob Graves reported that the club received $410.94 in visitor donations, $69.89 more than last month, and $125.15 above the average for October. $126.27 of these donations came from our Venmo account. We had 13 donations from 11 donors this month. In the 39 months we’ve had Venmo service, we have received $2,957.13 in donations from 286 donors.
Other income included $13.10 savings account interest.
We sold $219.94 worth of donated trains at a profit of $30.44 over the $189.50 at which they were carried in inventory.
To date, we have received $11174.46 from the sale of donated trains, $593.74 this year.
A number of updates and corrections were made to the value of the club assets resulting in a reduction of $135.42.
Expenses included: $0.25 for repair parts for donated trains, and $30.00 for window cleaning.
The result for the month is a net loss of $94.60.
Standards Report:
Raulf is almost finished with the new turnout. It is very difficult to maintain alignment as the switch changes position.
Publicity Report:
N/A
Library Report:
The NMRA pamphlets that are stored on the backside of the Air Museum modules are running low on the Highrail pamphlet. This should not be the pamphlet we hand out the most of. The S-scale or American Flyer pamphlets should be handed out first.
Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:
Mike Forys reported that between October 18, 2025 to November 15, 2025 the window buttons have been pushed 2,910 times. Window 1 = 1,476 times, Window 2 = 1,434.
Grossmont total (beginning Feb, 2016) = 364,715.
Day One total (beginning May, 2011) = 404,273.
Visitor total since February 1, 2016 = 110,601.
Old Business:
Upgrade SDSG Website, Google My Business, and Facebook page:
Lego date undated on Google My Business
Liberty Loop Update:
The Liberty Loop window layout has been updated with a Fall or October Fest insert. The coupler on the engine was tightened and works better, but probably needs a new coupler.
Right Window Layout:
Peter’s layout (right window) is complete except for SDSG sign, far corner scenery, and provenance. The direction of the train was reversed from counter clockwise to clockwise and works better.
Sn3 Layout:
N/A
Front Wall Display:
The display currently has Scale Trains, will be updated to Christmas cars in November.
Lego Days:
The next Lego Build Day is December 20th, 2025.
Module Repair List:
The list has been updated and items are available to work.
New Business:
Next Meetings:
Tuesdays December 16th, 2025 and January 20th, 2026
Both will be held at the clubhouse and on Zoom.
PY1 New Business (Freight station) and new engine shed
N/A
250th Anniversary:
July 4th 2026. Put on display January 2026.
New display cars should be ready in December.
Gilbert Engine Repair Clinic:
N/A
Main Layout Expansion, New Module Progress:
The control panel for power and switches has been wired.
NMRA Layout Tour:
March 2026 Celebrating 10 years at this location.
Want to have the expansion complete before committing to the tour. NMRA will be called when the expansion is complete.
2026 SDSG Calendar:
Calendar approved by members present.
Christmas Holidays:
Extra Sundays 11/30, 12/7, 12/14, and 12/21
Enough volunteers were found to open all four Sundays. Mike to put out email with schedule.
Verify NMRA 100% club information:
A list was circulated to verify club membership.
Other Items:
Next month’s meeting 2026 officer nominations.
The deadline for ordering the Scale Trains new freight car is November 24th.
Having a coffee mess was discussed and approved. The club already has a coffee pot donated by Ken. The pot must be located away from electrical equipment, and cleaned out and turned off before closing. The pot should be tested prior to use.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 am.