By Dan Mulhearn
There is certainly excitement in the air as we approach the holiday season. Of course, for us, a big part of that is trains. At the Quincy Village club we are decorating and sprucing up the layouts in anticipation of our November 30th Holiday Open House. Over at the Waynesboro club we are also working on the railroad for our series of open house events in December and January. Many other clubs and museums are also in the holiday mood at this joyous time of year.
The South Mountain Division’s November meeting was hosted by Larry Daily. Before the meeting we were able to look over Larry’s Piedmont Subdivision C&O Railway layout and enjoy socializing. A brief business meeting was followed by Larry’s program on the development and “raison d’etre” for his layout. Larry extensively researched the prototype Piedmont subdivision in order to plan the layout he desired, operate the trains that ran, and construct the buildings seen along the right of way. Many of the structures on the layout are representatives of the actual buildings along the line. The overall effect is a beautifully done representation of the C&O in the 1970s. Well done Larry. Thank you for hosting.
Rick Keller has invited us to his home for our December meeting, which is much appreciated.
Pete and Jane Clarke have proposed the we consider our February or March meeting to be at the East Broad Top RR in Robertsdale, PA. They do acknowledge it would make for a long day. We would meet at the museum. Those wishing to could ride the afternoon train. Keep in mind the early season trains will be powered by the diesel. Should the members not wish to do that, Pete and Jane are willing to host one of those months at their home. We have a couple of other volunteers in the pipeline for future meetings, but it never hurts to have some players on the bench. Please let me know if you are willing to be a meeting host.
I have finally seen the new NMRA National logo. In my opinion it is crisp, clean and modern but there has been a lot of negative feedback. If you’ve not seen it the NMRA is in bold type in a squared off rectangle shape. There are two dots below each end so it forms a symbolic rail car. The plan is for each Region or Division to place their own logo in the blank space between the “wheels.” It’s OK with me but we will see if they decide to “Cracker Barrel” the new design.
To each of you, your families and your friends I wish you a joyous, peaceful and a fulfilling holiday. See you at the December meeting
