October meeting (in-person)

The monthly meeting of the South Mountain Division (SMD) will be held on Sunday, October 9th, at Division superintendent Bob Johnson’s home.  This will be only the second in person meeting, and the first home meeting hosted by the division since February of 2020.  Obviously, if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have recently been exposed, we would ask you not to attend.  Otherwise, everyone is welcome.

Please email the Division at southmountaindiv@gmail.com for the street address and contact information.  Activities are scheduled to start at 2:00 PM but reasonably early arrivals are welcome.

For those of you not familiar with Bob’s layout, the West Virginia Midland is a central West Virginia shortline that connects with the B&O at Holly Junction and the Western Maryland at Laurel Bank.  The railroad started as a logging line in the early 1900’s and later expanded into hauling other bulk materials such as coal, coke and limestone.  There is also a small industrial area located in the town of Webster Springs.  In keeping with the origins of the railroad motive power is heavy on geared locomotives but there are also a small number of rod engines on line for hauling general freight.

The layout is completed in terms of track work and is approximately 90% sceniced.  The design emphasizes operations and typically operates using TT&TO with a 10 person crew.

Following the business meeting Bob will present a clinic on the concept of increasing layout realism by viewing the layout as a series of stages utilizing concepts such a s view blocking, viewing angles, scene exits (exit stage left) and forced perspective.

If the weather is good (read dry) Bob asks that you enter the layout room through the outside basement door.  If it is wet entry will be by the front door.  Signs will be posted on the day of the meeting to direct you.

Let’s have a good turnout for our first live meeting of the year.

Bob Johnson
Superintendent, South Mountain Division

SMD Draft Meeting Minutes 11 September

Draft Meeting MinutesSeptember 11, 2022

Division members met remotely on the internet using the Zoom platform.  14 or so were present.  In Superintendent Bob Johnson’s absence, past Superintendent Alex Polimeni chaired the meeting.  Heopened the Zoom session prior to the published start time for logging in and sharing.  

During the lead-up to the meeting, the following was shared:

The Superintendent was visiting the Grand Canyon.
Don Florwick reported that he has converted his passenger car fleet to heavy-weights with 6-wheel trucks – more appropriate for the era and region of his railroad.  He thanked Bob Johnson and Dottie Polimeni for assistance in working out track kinks to make the new cars run reliably.
The Four County Society will not be setting up for the Timonium fall show as they work on the modules in preparation for future displays.
Chair Polimeni apologized for not forwarding the draft minutes and made an informal posting using Zoom features.

The Chair called the business meeting to order at about 2:30 pm.  

22.91Paymaster’s Report:  Paymaster Ray Price reported the SMD bank balance was $3,507.91. That balance does not reflect the $50 contribution to the Greencastle High Line Station Fundauthorized by motion at the May meeting (Item # 22.5-6).  The Paymaster requested forwarding information.  It was not clear whether the balance reflected payment for the 2022-23 Zoom renewal ($157.40).

22.9-2Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes):  As mentioned above, members were not able to review the draft minutes prior to the meeting.  In addition, the Chair reported the Superintendent’s plan to handle the minutes in a different manner.  As a result, approval of draft minutes was deferred until the October meeting.  Clerk Harvey Heyser requested member feedback on several uncertain matters related to the March and May minutes.  Members shared the following:

March 2022 – During the Clerk’s Zoom disconnection, members approved the February 2022 draft minutes as submitted and focused on the Mini-Con during the following discussion.

May 2022 – The motion made to elect by acclimation was for the entire slate of officer candidates (not only for Superintendent).  No one else was running.

22-9.3Future Minutes:  The clerk indicated he is unlikely to be able to attend upcoming meetings in-person and requested assistance with note taking.  The Chair suggested the Clerk forward a list of his requirements for the notes and for electronic document transmission.  The Clerk will continue to formatthese notes into formal minutes.  The Clerk will be able to attend by Zoom or by phone – neither alternative entirely reliable for hearing group discussion in a larger space.  The Chair will investigate a microphone more suitable for the situation.

Old Business:  There were no items of old business discussed.

New Business:  

22-9.4A Planning Meeting was held prior to this regular membership meeting.  The Chair reported that

the Superintendent is excited about the coming year and has plans worked out for the year’s meetingsplans he will share in person.  With regard to clinics, Don Florwick suggested polling members on which subjects they are interested in learning about and which subjects they would be willing to present.

22-9-5Future Meetings:  September’s meeting hopefully will be the last remote meeting.  The schedule of hosts for face-to-face meetings is as follows (subject to confirmation):

October 2022 – Bob Johnson

November 2022 – Paul Mahoney

December 2022 – Jeff Grove

May 2023 – Rich Randall

Others who have indicated a willingness to host:  Andy Dodge and Pete & Jane Clarke.

22-9.6Wheel Report:  Editor Alex Polimeni reported his plans to publish the Fall 2022 issue soon and then to adjust the future publication schedule to better coordinate with future Mini-Cons.  It was noted that any increase in the number of issues will depend on additional submitted content.  A Modeler’s Corner with captioned photos was suggested.

22-9.7Mini-Cons (general):  The loss of audience for formal clinics after lunch was discussed and several suggestions were made: 1) extend time for the informal clinics into the afternoon, 2) run the activities through lunch time, especially if an on-site food option is available, 3) schedule a roundtable discussion for lunch to give informal clinicians a break, 4) finish the event about 2 p.m., and 5) schedule  a “heavy-weight” speaker to wrap-up things – suggestions;  Bob Geldmacher talking about scenery and someone speaking about decoder installation.

Publicity:  Don Florwick requested information more in advance of the event to account for magazine deadlines and to reach other NMRA Divisions (not possible in 2022 because of the late decision to hold the 2022 event).  He also repeated the need to reach a wider audience (parents with kids, for instance).

Food:  The 2022 vender had reasonable business.  Nearby Rouzerville has numerous options.

22-9.8An NMRA Alternative for Remote Meetings/Clinics:  As a way to save the SMD money, Harvey Heyser asked whether National has any plans.  Bob Morningstar will look into that.  Although hopefully this September meeting will be the last remote meeting, remote hobby hang-outs may happen.

22-9.9Bob Johnson’s Layout:  Harvey Heyser urged members to take a good look at Bob’s town of Diana, an excellent example of small layout design.

Adjournment:  The Superintendant accepted a motion to adjourn.  The next meeting on October 9, 2022 will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Bob Johnson’s home in Jefferson, MD.  It will be an in-person, face-to-face meeting.  Members will be reminded by e-mail.

Minutes submitted by Clerk Harvey Heyser

There was no clinic scheduled following the September business meeting.  The following was shared:

Andy Dodge filled members in on his small switchback layout (unfortunately too heavy to bring to a Mini-Con) and his new Proto-48 Maine Central basement layout.
As part of a discussion of turnout electrical problems, Rich Randall revealed that he has made his switching branch (only) dead-rail with dedicated battery powered locomotives.
Jack Fritz shared his uncertainty about the future of his layout and requested member feedback.  Jack prefers model building to layout troubleshooting.

SMD Draft Meeting Minutes 15 May

Revised Draft Meeting MinutesMay 15, 2022revisions highlighted

There was no SMD business meeting in April because the Division hosted its annual Mini-Con.

Division members met face-to-face for the first time since March of 2020 at the Greencastle High Line Station.  After socializing, Superintendant Alex Polimeni called the business meeting to order at 2:30 p.m.

22.51Paymaster’s Report:  Paymaster Ray Price reported the SMD bank balance was $3,600.31.  That balance reflects payment for the Mini-Con raffle prize gift certificate to Mainline Hobbies.  The balance does not reflect payment for the 2-year Zoom subscription, which Superintendent Polimeni has graciously contributed to the Division.

22.5-2Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes):  In Clerk Harvey Heyser’s absence, the Superintendent made the Clerk’s report as follows:  There were no draft minutes for the March meeting for several reasons.  The Clerk’s phone connection to Zoom failed for much of the meeting; therefore, he could not hear what was discussed.  Unfortunately, the recording was not saved – a fact not realized until right before this May meeting.  The Clerk will present what minutes he has for the March meeting, along with draft May minutes, before the September meeting for member review and acceptance.

Old Business:  

22-1.72022 Mini-Con The event was held on Saturday, April 23, 2022, and more than 90 attended (many first-timers).  Attendees tended to be experienced hobbyists, not parents and kids (though Brian Greenawalt reported that three kids under 18 took part in the wood kit make-and-take clinic).

The following wrap-up comments were made:

The event needs advertising from other sources than Mainline Hobbies’s mailing list to reach different audiences.
There is also a need for better communication between the Organizer(s) and clinicians.
Better food:  The Superintendent thinks there is an opportunity for the Division to make some money with a food concession.  This will take additional manpower and will involve some monetary risk.

Overall, the Mini-Con was a success!

New Business:  

22.5-3Officer Elections:  Superintendent Polimeni had declined to run for re-election.  Bob Johnson had agreed to stand for election as Superintendent.  Paymaster Price and Clerk Heyser had both agreed to stand for re-election.

Since the election for Superintendent was uncontested, Ron Polimeni made the following motion (seconded by John Madden):

Motion:  That Bob Johnson be elected Superintendent the candidates for Division elected office be elected by acclimation.  The motion passed unanimously.

All of the officer candidates were running unopposed.  

[?  Was there a motion to re-elect Ray Price as Paymaster and Harvey Heyser as Clerk?]

[At the September 2022 meeting, members present for the March 2022 recalled the following:  The motion made to elect by acclimation was for the entire slate of officer candidates (not only for Superintendent).  No one else was running.]

Superintendent-elect Johnson informed the meeting he will be out of town for the September meeting.  Someone will be appointed chair for that meeting, per the bylaws.

22.5-4Zoom Pro subscription:  The renewal is due in August (2022) for $150 per year.  There was discussion of whether the Division should renew:

Many in attendance agreed; other wanted to wait and see.

Renewal will allow for Zoom hobby hangouts.

The Division could hold hybrid meetings.

Zoom allows for recording and downloading the regular monthly face-to-face meetings.

It also can be used for leadership team meetings.  (Note, there will be a planning meeting this summer.)

There was discussion of live-streaming versus Zoom.

Andy Arnold made the following motion (second by Bob Morningstar):

Motion:  That the Zoom Pro be renewed for one (1) year.  The motion passed unanimously.

Don Florwick expressed the SMD’s appreciation of Superintendent Polimeni’s donation of the prior two year’s subscriptions to zoom.

22.5-5Wheel Report Editor:  Alex Polimeni will take over editing responsibilities.

22.5-6Meeting Site Donation:  Bob Morningstar suggested a donation to the Greencastle High Line Station Fund.

Steve King made the following motion (second by Tom Fedor):

Motion: That the SMD make a donation of $50 to the Greencastle High Line Station Fund.  The motion passed unanimously.

22.5-7East Broad Top Season Schedule:  The Railroad will operate (3) trains per day Wednesday through Sunday.  Tickets will cost $20 each.  (The season had already started at the time of the SMD meeting.)

Adjournment:  The Superintendant accepted a motion to adjourn.  The next meeting will be held remotely by zoom on Sunday, September 11, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Members will be reminded by e-mail.

Notes for these Minutes were taken and transcribed by Jane Clarke; formatting by Clerk Harvey Heyser

There was no clinic following the May business meeting.

SMD Draft Meeting Minutes 13 March

Revised Draft Meeting MinutesMarch 13, 2022revisions highlighted

Division members met remotely on the internet using the Zoom platform.  18 or so were present. Superintendent Alex Polimeni opened the zoom session prior to the published start time for logging in and sharing.  

During the lead-up to the meeting, the following was shared:

Because it was snowing, several members joked about finally having an excuse for missing ameeting.  Frank Benenati quipped that he took a nap and awakened to find his driveway shoveled.
Bob Morningstar asked that anyone trying to reach him use his Proton e-mail account.
A variety of interesting (screen) backgrounds were observed behind those attending includingJay Beckham’s CTC panel and two photos of the EBT.
There was discussion of tourist railroads in WV including Cass (possible overnights at Cass or Snowshoe) and the Durbin Rocket out of Elkins.  Members recalled the Division visiting Cass 15 or so years ago.

The Superintendent called the business meeting to order at about 2:30 pm.  

22.31Paymaster’s Report:  Paymaster Ray Price reported the SMD bank balance was $3,468.81.  The Paymaster has not yet received invoices for the zoom renewal ($157.40).   The Superintendent will re-forward them.

22.3-2Clerk’s Report (Meeting Minutes):  

As discussion of the Clerk’s Report commenced, the Clerk’s phone connection to Zoom failed and could not be re-established for a significant portion of the rest of the meeting.  Therefore, he could not hear what was discussed nor record any motions made/accepted.

[At the September 2022 meeting, members present for the March 2022 recalled the following:  During the Clerk’s Zoom disconnection, members approved the February 2022 draft minutes as submitted and focused on the Mini-Con during the following discussion.]

The following are minutes from the remainder of the meeting after the Clerk finally rejoined Zoom.

Old Business:  

22-1.72022 Mini-Con Saturday, April 23, 2022 (confirmed):  The Mini-Con is open to the public not just NMRA members.  Mini-Con Chair Grant Berry was not present to make a report.  Members in attendance suggested a brief written report be shared electronically.

j. Publicity:  Don Florwick has notified other Divisions, the Region, National, and RMC.  He also has a flyer if anyone can hand it out.  Mainline has mailed postcards to their mailing list.
k. Insurance:  The SMD has not taken out insurance for previous Mini-Cons.

New Business:  

22.33Meeting Reminders:  Don Florwick has accepted the responsibility to send these in the future.

22.3-4Request for Assistance:  Frank Benenati requested help with a display case he is building

Adjournment:  The Superintendant accepted a motion to adjourn.  There will be no regular meeting in April because of the Mini-Con scheduled for Saturday, April 23, 2022.  The next regular meeting will be held remotely by Zoom on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Members will be reminded by e-mail.

Minutes submitted by Clerk Harvey Heyser

Following the meeting, Matt Thompson MMR attempted to give his clinic on the achievement certificate requirements for cars and structures.  Unfortunately he could not enable the screen share function on his computer. He then offered to give the clinic at a later date inperson if possible (at the May meeting perhaps).

Pete and Jane Clarke stepped in to give an extensive up-date on all the things happening with the East Broad Top RR Foundation and with the Friends of the EBT.  Quite a few changes are happeningin Orbisonia and at the FEBT museum in Robertsdale.  A visit to see what is going on was strongly recommended.

After the up-date, there was more sharing:

Members with operating layouts discussed the challenges involved in getting their layouts back in operating shape after the pandemic shutdown especially cleaning track (no abrasives), finding dead rail sections, and fixing loose points.
Jay Beckham reported troubles with old 2-rail Atlas O gauge switches from the nickel plating wearing off.

The SMD welcomed Martin Breckbeil of the Potomac Division to the meeting.