Off the Rails

Fire, convention and flood, the passing of some longtime members and dear friends, we’ve had quite a stretch this year. It seems we are facing more natural disasters each year, but so are many of the other Regions. I know some of you have been hit hard, and congratulations for getting back up after these hardships and coming back with a never give up attitude. Congratulations to the Rio Grande Division for hosting such a successful convention this year in the midst of all this. The theme of the convention clearly focused on modeling, which is the root of our hobby and a focal point for many of us as we move forward.

Some of my models fell short of my expectations at Rails Along the Rio Grande 2013, so I will be renewing my effort at our new home at 3717 S. Walden St, Aurora, CO 80013. The new basement won’t house a layout, but I have a new 10 x 10 room dedicated to my hobby. My layout will continue to reside in a clubhouse. As of this writing, we are about 75% unpacked from the move, which I‘ve been able to pull off with great help from my wife Michelle, while still not missing any time and putting in overtime at work! It has been an extremely busy year for us, but relatively easy as compared to you that have survived the worst Mother Nature could dish out.

Your Board of Directors meet again this first weekend of November, to build on our Region, improve our infrastructure and continue the strengthening of the Divisions, which is of high priority. This is a task that is constantly requiring replenishment of resources such as yourselves. We are only as healthy as we can be from the contributions everyone can make. As usual, we always need more volunteers at the Division and Region level than we can get. If you would like to find out what the hobby really means, step forward and help out. I will bet you will receive more than you can give. The NMRA is a “National” “Association” of “Model Railroaders”. Are you a participant in your association or simply an attendee? What do you think you will get from the organization as a result of your level of participation? As before, I am interested in your ideas, concerns, and comments. Please feel free to contact me by e-mail: garymyers06@comcast.net, or by phone: (720) 837-4393.

With the onset of the National Model Railroaders month of November, we have a chance to recharge our hobby batteries. Take a moment to share the joy of the hobby with your friends, family, and others. If you have the opportunity to introduce the hobby to someone, think of the fun you could be bringing to others. Take a break from your routine, seek out some layout tours, visit or participate at a train show, join an operating session, take in or present a clinic, it’s model railroading, fer Gawd sake!