October 21, 2025 - Meeting Summary

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

Introduction of New Faces / Show and Tell:

Ken showed a good looking, but not operating “O” gauge diesel engine from an “All Gauge” event freebee table. He also purchased an S Helper combo passenger car for $40. Bob said he has lots of cars for sale. He will send out lists of cars available from recent donations. A discussion was held on the repair on the lights on the layout and the florescent lights. Should get a bid on doing the repairs in stages. Someone from the All Gauge club is bringing in an engine today for repair.

Treasurer's Report:

Bob Graves reported that the club received $341.05 in visitor donations, $145.17 less than last month, and $66.22 above the average for September. $89.30 of these donations came from our Venmo account. We had 10 donations from 9 donors this month. In the 38 months we’ve had Venmo service, we have received $2830.86 in donations from 275 donors.

We received $1,684 worth of donated trains. 

Other income included $11.48 savings account interest.

We sold $839.54 worth of donated trains at a profit of $252.29 over the $587.25 at which they were carried in inventory.

To date, we have received $10,607.22 from the sale of donated trains, $560.05 this year.

Expenses included $8.76 stamps, $1.00 for repair parts for donated trains, $2.00 for repair parts for equipment on the club’s layouts, $43.16 for Halloween candy, and $20.00 for window cleaning.

The result for the month is a net gain of $1,971.07.

Standards Report:

Buttons for window displays can be purchased at The Home Depot. Progress was made on the new window display. Continuing to work on the new turnout.

Publicity Report:

Les suggested a class/presentation/demonstration on how model trains work. He thought of putting a sign in the clubhouse for Tuesday at 2pm.

Library Report:

N/A

Window Layout Success and Visitor Attendance:

Mike Forys reported that between September 13, 2025 to October 18, 2025 the window buttons have been pushed 2,910 times. Window 1 = 1,287 times, Window 2 = 1,623. 

Grossmont total (beginning Feb, 2016) = 361,805.

Day One total (beginning May, 2011) = 401,363.

Visitor total since February 1, 2016 = 108,984.

Old Business:

SDSG Website and Facebook:

Need to correct Halloween open hours to 1-5pm. Dave Posladek will make a correction to the Web Site calendar.

Liberty Loop Update:

The Liberty Loop window layout audio recording has been updated to play Halloween related sounds.

Window & Sn3 Layouts:

Peter’s layout (right window) is complete except for SDSG sign, far corner scenery, and provenance.

Front Wall Display:

The display currently has Scale Trains, should update to Christmas cars in November.

Lego Days:

The next Lego Build Day is October 25, 2025. Mike to verify they are coming.

Boxcar Wall Mural:

The mural is complete. It was noted the mural is 4/5 of prototype size.

Module Repair List:

Mike will update list

New Business:

Next Meetings:

Tuesday’s November 18th and December 16th 2025.

PY1 new business (Freight station) and new engine shed:

N/A

July 4th 2026:

Put on display January 2026.

Dave Posladek has printed objects and sent to his brother to be painted. The objects are: a telephone, the Capitol, a radio, Half Dome (Yosemite), Iwo Jima flag raising, Lincoln Statue, Mount Rushmore, Old Faithful Geyser (Yellowstone). Dave needs wheel sets with knuckle couplers. 

Gilbert Engine Repair Clinic:

Running low on engines to repair.

Main Layout Expansion, new module progress:

The straight track roadbed is down, starting on the curved roadbed.

NMRA Layout Tour:

March 2026 Celebrating 10 years at this location. ????

Operating Hours:

Dale to start working on Saturday. This helps, but would like to have a 4th person.