| Volume 39 Issue 6 | February 2000 |
| Volume 39 Issue 6 | February 2000 |
My time as Super continues to grow short. Also the time to step up and run for office grows short as well. Bob Fink, our able Nominating Committee Chairman, is still looking for a few good people to run for Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Chief Clerk. The hobby has never been better, you can have a real impact on the hobby and the future of Division Three.
If you were at the last meeting, you witnessed a great clinic by Rick Tipton on the Pennsy from Xenia to Dayton and westward. It was great to see track that I have become familiar with by driving along Rte 35 put into the context of the Pennsy's transportation system. Rick's slides and information were top notch. It was also great to see so many Pennsy modelers in attendance. (You also got to see your Super sweat a bit as Rick was a wee bit late in getting to the meeting. At least you didn't have to hear me sing, of attempt GG1 shadow puppets. Thanks to everyone who helped me stall.)
I received a phone call from Charles Frey the other night. He had seen the January Call Board and the 40th anniversary pictures. He had been involved with Lone Eagle in a layout at Wright-Patt some 50 years ago. The group was in the process of restoring an old building. But even clubs on government property are not immune to being evicted. As the club membership dwindled, the base commander decided he had other uses for the space and the layout ended being cut up. I have seen pictures of the Dayton Train station layout and the Art Institute layout, but had not heard of the one at Wright-Patt. I would be interested in pictures of this layout, or a brief history of it to be preserved in the Division archives. Mr. Frey intimated that the layout was quite large. We still have photos from the Dayton Museum exhibit. I am looking into having the photos scanned to put on the web site. I think that this would be a good use of both the web site and the photos. One of the purposes of Division Three is the preservation of both the modeling and prototype history of the Miami Valley.
One milestone that I had the pleasure of noting at the January meeting was the recognition of Dean Burnham's 60 years of membership in the NMRA. Dean joined in 1939, just four years after the founding of the Association. I believe that qualifies Dean as the Division's elder statesman. Congratulations to Dean and the BOG's sincere wish for many more years.
The March show is coming up quickly. We need layouts, and some volunteers to man the NMRA table, do clinics and demonstrations and assist Kirk Perkins with the Boy Scout Railroading merit badge. The show will be on March 5, 2000. The time is 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. You may have seen a flyer that advertises an incorrect time. There is no admission charge. It will be held in conjunction with the Baby Fair at Hara, and with no admission charge, we are hoping to have a very large crowd. We will have a direct entrance from the Fair. We also hope to have the Trotwood Police Department doing the kids ID program. This is a great opportunity to share the hobby with the public, and hopefully gain some new converts. We have had many positive comments with a show that has no dealers. The public seems to take more time to ask questions, and there is no pressure to buy. Come on out and help or see the many fine portable layouts.
Finally, February's meeting will be held at the Park Manor Senior Citizens Center on Jones St--look for a map elsewhere in this issue. Don Bedrowski will be our auctioneer. Clean out the basement--or fill it. Please be early to record your entries. The usual Div. 3 bid and reserve rules will apply. Remember, no checks unless the seller agrees. The Division traditionally has not taken a commission, and it is expected that this year will be no exception.
Until next time, happy modeling.
Brian C. Petroziello
Superintendent
© 1999, 2000 Division 3, MCR, NMRA