Summer 2024 President's Message
Greetings Seacoast Members,
Summer seems to have zoomed by again. Most of my summer projects got finished. Before I know it I will raking and blowing leaves. I am not looking forward to that.
My layout is progressing steadily. The bench work in the "helix room" is just about completed. I am building the EJ&E Waukegan yard and industries on top of the helix, covering about half of it. The helix can be accessed for track cleaning from underneath - not something I am looking forward to. Waukegan was the northern terminus of the EJ&E railroad and included a small yard, an interchange with the C&NW line north to Wisconsin, and several industries including Comm Ed Power Plant #16. There was also a small port facility where cement and crushed limestone are off-loaded. I am modeling all of these features and it should make for interesting operations.
The Seacoast Division Summer Event was held on July 13, 2024 at the Great Fall Model Railroad Club in Auburn Maine. Thanks go out to all of the GFMRRC members for their hospitality and for letting us use their facility. Thanks also go out to Jay Ehlen for coordinating the event and Will Everitt for taking on the A/V operator role which resulted in much improved sound for those viewing on Zoom.
Bob Bennett gave the first presentation on how he designs and builds structures and rolling stock for his On30 layout. The second presentation was given by Jim Gore, MMR on his layout construction status and how he is using Mianne Benchwork to build his layout. The third presentation was given by Tom Oxnard, MMR on how he built the B&M canning plant. Tom walked through the steps used to build a prototype-based model, starting with photos and Sanborn Insurance maps and ending in interior lighting and details. Tage Erickson gave an update on the construction of his layout. His presentation included how he installed a backdrop of an oil refinery. We thank Bob, Jim, Tom and Tage for giving great presentations.
Tage Erickson presented the status of the Concord Flyer 2025 Convention planning effort. The Concord Flyer 2025 NER Convention Committee, led by co-chairmen Tage Erickson, Peter McKenney and Will Everitt, continues to make progress planning the Concord Flyer 2025 NER Convention to be hosted by the Seacoast Division in Concord, NH on September 11 - 15, 2025. Please note the change in dates from what was stated earlier. Our original date conflicted with the recently announced NASCAR race up the road in Louden.
A recent addition to the Concord Flyer 2025 NER Convention activities is the tour of the Blue Seal Feed Mill in Bow NH. If you have traveled up I-93 toward Concord, you've seen the large, box shaped building and silos near the intersection of I-93 and I-89. We've managed to arrange for a 45 minute tour of the plant, while it's operating, for Concord Flyer Convention attendees. Watch for more details in the future.
"Good Job" and thanks to all the Convention Committee members who are working to make the Concord Flyer a great convention. Please remember that we will need a lot of help from Seacoast Members to run the convention. If you are interested in helping and have not already signed up to support the convention please contact Tage Erickson or me.
The Lakeshores '24 NER Convention will be held, starting this Thursday through Sunday in Rochester New York. I have managed to get signed up for two op sessions and I am looking forward to all the convention activities. I believe there are at least 8 Seacoast members attending. I hope to see you there.
Dave Delorey continues to do a great job with our website at www.seacoastnmra.com. The website has an incredible number of resource documents and clinics linked to it. Please take a look when you can.
Geoff Anthony, the Switch Tower Editor, is always in need of articles for the Switch Tower. Even a few photos of your latest project will be a welcome addition to the Switch Tower. The July 2024 edition of the Switch Tower was recently added to the website.
The Seacoast Division Fall 2024 Event is scheduled for October 5, 2024 at the Center Harbor Congregational Church, in Center Harbor, NH. The first event notice has already been sent out. The seacoast Fall Event Notice is attached.
We have not been to the Center Harbor Congregational Church location for a Seacoast Event in at least 15 years and we are holding the Fall Event there because a Seacoast Member asked about doing it. If you have an idea for the Seacoast Division to do, please step forward and suggest it. We are always looking for ideas for new activities.
Earlier this year Matt Kaiser volunteered to organize op sessions for the Seacoast Division. Recently Matt told me he is close to finalizing the date for the first op session in October. Watch for an email from Matt with the details.
Again, we are always looking for members to give presentations and clinics at the Quarterly Events. If you are interested contact Jay Ehlen or myself.
I look forward to seeing many of you at the NER Convention in Rochester NY this weekend and/or at Seacoast Fall 2024 Event.
Respectfully Submitted,
Glenn Mitchell
Seacoast Division NMRA President & Director
Published: 24 September 2024