| Volume 39 Issue 7 | March 2000 |
| Volume 39 Issue 7 | March 2000 |
I have seen many debates on the internet and in the press about the value of membership in the NMRA. I recently had an opportunity to find out first hand one of the main benefits of belonging to the NMRA - the recommended standards and practices. I received a 35mm SLR camera as a gift when I graduated from college some 23 years ago. Despite some metering problems, it did yeomanly duty. Recently its shutter shuddered and will shutter no more. I didn't wish to part with it completely, so I put it on the shelf with my Sony BetaMax and my Bell & Howell slide cube projector. I then purchased a used brand name camera with its own special bayonet lens mount. All of the lenses and accessories I had acquired over the years would not word with the new camera. I did find that they made an adapter that would let me use my old lenses with the new camera. Even though not all the features will work as intended, it is still better than the expense of repurchasing all of these items. This is the situation that existed in our hobby until the NMRA urged standardization among manufacturers. You can rest assured that cars, track and other components will be compatible in each scale and gauge. From several different incompatible systems, we now have standardization that lets you use decoders and other items from one manufacturer with products from another. THe result has been rapid technical advancement and lower prices. So, the next time you have someone ask about the benefit of NMRA membership, think about where the hobby would be if there were no standards to guide manufacturers.
The February meeting was our annual Division Three auction. Our own Don Bedrowsky ably and wittily handled the gavel and again made this a premier event for the Division. The March meeting will be held at the Wright Library in Oakwood. The meeting will feature a presentation of DCC by Jim Leapley. This is the latest trend in the hobby. I still remember Bob Fink lamenting during a clinic a few years ago the propulsion and control systems for model railroads had lagged far behind other advances in the hobby. This will be a good opportunity to find out what DCC is all about.
Many thanks to Ray Persing for the outstanding programs he has provided for the Division in his tenure as Program Chairman. As he is running unopposed for Superintendent, we will need a new program chairman. This will be a great opportunity to make an impact on the direction of the Division. It is an important position that in the past has been an appointed position to the BOG. Step up and make a difference to the Division.
At the February meeting the nominations for the upcoming elections were accepted. Ray Persing is running for Superintendent, Fred Schneider and Don Bedrowski are running for Assistant Superintendent, and John Smith and Eric Saunders and running for Chief Clerk. I want to express the appreciation of the entire BOG to Bob Fink for the fine job in handling the nomination process. I also want to thank all the candidates who have agreed to run. The rest is up to the membership. YOUR VOTE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF YOU TAKE THE TIME TO USE IT! Look for your ballots in the mail and get them back or bring them to the April meeting to be counted. The new officers will take office in May. After handing over my brass, your current Super will be seated safely in the back row.
As you read this two events will have occurred. The first is the MCR Region meeting in Columbus. I will report on happenings at the next regular meeting. The second is the March train show. This will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2000 -- at Hara of course. I appreciate all the members who have volunteered to help with clinics, merit badge class, layouts and membership.
Finally, I will end with another of the main benefits of NMRA membership: the conventions. This year the MCR convention will be held at Medina from May 18th through the 21st. Don't forget to register, and help out the new Region Contest Chairman, Ray Persing, by bringing a model to the contest room. Don't miss this opportunity to rub elbows with the national clinicians, the best modelers in the region, and just plain old friends. There will also be a joint NCR/MCR/NER convention at Altoona on October 5th to the 8th. Registration is $35.00 before July 1, 2000. For Pennsy fans this will be like a pilgrimage to Mecca. There will also be a joint NCR/MCR/MWR convention on October 12, 13 and 14 of this year. These are great chances to immerse yourself in the hobby for a weekend. Don't forget that these are also events for the entire family.
Until next time, happy modeling.
Brian C. Petroziello
Superintendent
© 2000 Division 3, MCR, NMRA