June 2008 - the 4th Division • PNR • NMRA

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 1
The
Grab-Iron
Issue 501 • June 2008
The official publication of the Fourth Division, Pacific Northwest Region, National Model Railroad Association
In This Issue:
Spring Meet Contest Winners
TTMT Follow-Up Report
Goodbye from Walt
In This Issue:
OnTrack Train Trivia
Rolan Brockhoff Obituary
Final Clinic & Modular Group Reports for the Year

Page 2 Issue 501 • June 2008
From the Superintendent’s Desk
Walt Huston
Summer!
We might have a difficult time recognizing Spring, if it actually shows up here in the Pacific Northwest. It
has been a long time since the weather has truly invited us outdoors. Once it does, or Summer fills the void, we’ll
get the opportunity to get out and do some rail fanning again, which would sure be nice. In the meantime, we
have time for indoor activities like working on the railroad. I think I’ll get started on another project today.
Ride The Train
In addition to taking some great photographs, be sure to ride a few trains this year. Nancy and I have several
in mind. Our first stop will be The Chehalis Western. We plan to ride the Mt. Rainier Scenic and a couple of
the Oregon trains. In addition, we are riding a train out of Louisville, Kentucky in June. Wherever your travels
take you, find a train, especially if you can ride it to your destination. The operators of the tourist railroads can
use your ticket funds to keep them running and if you’re able, a few dollars in donations is always appreciated.
Conventions
Convention season is approaching, with several good ones coming soon. First is the PNR Convention in Chilliwack, BC, then the
N Scale National/N Scale Collector/WGH Show in Louisville, KY, followed by the granddaddy of them all, the NMRA National
in Anaheim, CA. Time spent at a convention is time well spent. You get to see old friends, make a bunch of new friends, see nice layouts,
and learn a bunch by attending numerous clinics. I don’t think you’ll ever be sorry you attended a model railroader convention.
Adieu
My term as your Superintendent is almost over. It has been quite a ride and I thank you for allowing me to fill the role for these last
two years. I hope you will support my replacement as well as you have me. Thanks, and “Happy Railroading!”
Editor’s Corner
Cliff Green
This issue wraps up another year for the Grab-Iron and I hope you enjoy the mix of model contest pictures, announcements, news,
advertisements, and clinic reports. It has been two enjoyable years working with this skilled and extremely competent team: Al Lowe
compiles and formats the content in a newsletter form each month and provides significant 4D leadership coordination, Doug Bulger’s
photography expertise is essential, and Mike Slease coordinates advertising, subscriber lists, and prints and mails the hard copies each
month.
As I coordinate and solicit content each month, there’s tension in fitting everything into a twelve-page printed format. For many
months, I’ve had a set of general interest model railroading articles that I would like to include, but there’s not been space available.
There’s no easy solution — even with a fully electronic newsletter or GI specific web pages, providing essentially unlimited space, there
is still a need to produce printed versions for members without computers or who still like printed copies.
However, there is an easy compromise that will allow those with computer access a way to view these excellent articles I’ve had
sitting around for months (or years). Over the summer, I’ll be working with Al to put these articles and presentations on the 4D web
site — look for an announcement on the 4D mailing list.
If you have an article you would like to contribute, please let me know at cliffg@codewrangler.net. Enjoy your railfanning and
model railroading summer!
Master Model Railroader Reception at Anaheim Convention
John Lowrance, MMR
I am pleased to announce that NMRA president, Mike Brestel, will once again host a reception for all MMRs at the 2008 NMRA
Convention in Anaheim, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 4:00 PM, location TBA. Mike and the Education Department will provide light
refreshments and Mike promised “no long written speeches!” Those who have not attended a previous MMR Reception should enjoy
meeting your President and putting faces to the names of MMRs you frequently hear about or email. Please add Thursday, 4:00 – 5:30
to your convention schedules.
Cover Photo
This month's cover is unusual to say the least: it's a digital scan, of a 4"x6" B&W print, made from a 1907 8"x10"
glass negative, of a Cooks steam rotary snowplow, Great Northern X-801, and provided by longtime Grab-Iron reader
Rick Shoup MMR 234, of Sun City Center, Florida, a member of the Sun City Center Model Railroad club,
www.sccmrrc.org.
Walt

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 3
4D News
TTMT 2008 Follow-Up Report
Susan Evans
Trains, Trains & More Trains – 2008 is history and was well received. We had 1,524 paid
adults, 134 paid children, and 52 paid families, for an total paid attendance of 1,862. Of these 40
were pre-sold Friday to volunteers and show staff, 1,158 sold on Saturday (including approximately
50 early admissions), and 664 on Sunday. The busy time was 11:30–12:30 Saturday when 331 people
bought tickets.
114 attendees turned in postcard coupons and 283 turned in web coupons. From those coupons
or from our 700 door prize entries, the majority came from Washington but we also had guests from
Alaska, California, Iowa, Idaho, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas and
Virginia, plus British Columbia and Newfoundland.
We had 58 vendors, 19 layouts, 2 educational displays and lots of entertainment. Most vendors
were from Western Washington, but several came from Eastern Washington and Oregon, as well as
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho and Utah. We had a wonderful collection of historical
equipment on hand, plus the Operation Lifesaver simulator.
We had Clinics on various layout building topics geared for beginner modelers, plus a variety of
other clinics on intermediate and advanced modeling topics, including: electronics, animation,
weathering, backboards and prototypical information on logging and trains through Tacoma Station.
Our attendees enjoyed the show and participated in all there was to see and do. Families commented that there was lots for kids to do.
People stayed at the show for extended times. Layouts were pleased at their generous space and the interest expressed by those stopping
to talk. Vendors were pleased with the show’s organization, promotion, and the attendees’ spending habits. Many layout owners asked
immediately to be included next year. Some vendors have already signed up and paid for next year’s space.
We really appreciate all of you who volunteered at the show or in the planning process – you were critical to the show’s success. Several
volunteers commented to me personally just how much fun they had “working” at the show.
Financially, we earned a slight profit! Some of this year’s expenses (like signs) may be reused, lowering our future expenses.
The momentum is going for TTMT – 2009; our vendors are confident that we can host a great show. We have room for more vendors,
if we can assure them of a good increase in attendance. There are only 330 days to TTMT – 2009. We welcome any efforts you are
willing to expend to help us grow our attendance. Call me at 253-835-7667 evenings or at ttmt@4dpnr.org and tell me what you are
willing to do. See all of you at the show next year.
4D Icon Rolan Brockhoff Rides to Final Destination
Bobj Berger
Rolan Brockhoff truly lived, and lived up to, the life of a Golden Grab-Iron Service Award winner, which
is why it was awarded to him in 1991. Although his life ended May 14, 2008, his memory and legend will live
on throughout the 4 th Division because of his dedication and service to his fellow NMRA members and the
overall railfan hobby in general.
His friend and fellow railfan, Al Robinson, while speaking of their decades-old friendship, described him
as “a railfan for life, since he was 2 years old. He never grew out of it!”
Besides decades of community service as a regular blood donor (measuring in the hundreds of gallons!),
since his birth in 1923 he was involved in many facets of trains and in the operation of the NMRA, PNR, and
the 4 th Division. Thursday, 4D Superintendent Walt Huston wrote, “Rolan was a well-respected member of
4D.” A few examples:
• All those years he had the Door Prize and Model of the Month Contest duties at the Seattle Beacon Hill
Clinic.
• Legions of children knew him for giving them their first train ride during the many years he ran his Mighty Casey kiddie trains at the
PSC Show.
• Not only did he have one of the only two 4D O-scale modules, but he personally constructed, along with Roger Ferris, Jim Martin,
New Bob Martin and Bobj Berger every single module in every scale in each the first two module program builds, and then assisted
in the final two module program group builds.
• Back when our entire video library fit into one cardboard box, he carried it on the back of his motorcycle to the Beacon Hill, Tacoma
and Eastside clinics every month.

Page 4 Issue 501 • June 2008
4D News
• After winning his Golden Grab-Iron Service Award he continued to arrange annually for the update of the perpetual trophy, the
creation of the new recipient’s plaque, and preparations for the next presentation.
• He was a willing volunteer at any train show or event, especially the PSC shows.
• He regularly gave rides to railfan events to those without transportation.
He told a funny story about the Golden Grab-Iron Service Award in his own irreverent way. Back when he won his award, it did not
have the hyphen; “Grabiron” was one word. He said a relative asked, “What’s a Golden Grab-er-on?” when his plaque was hung at
home. Rolan was like a pitbull who would never let go when he had something on his mind, so off he went on his successful campaign to
change the award title. That’s why each award since shows the hyphenated title!
Rolan frequently rode his motorcycle until 1992 when a large truck crashed into him, forcing a series of nursing home placements.
Several have noted how he never really came completely back from that experience. During his first nursing home stay, word was received
that he was at risk of being kicked out for being a “problematic” patient. Fortunately, at that time, I was Lead Social Worker for
Washington State DSHS; nursing home staff usually listen to DSHS input and recommendations. After meeting with the facility staff and
learning their specific issues, I explained Rolan to them and worked with him to understand that what staff was doing was mandated by
federal and state requirements, the reason for those rules, and they were not just attempting to make his life unhappy! As Roger Ferris
noted, “Once you got past his gruffness and explained something to him until he got it, he’d stop fighting and become a supporter!”
Rolan passed away peacefully at home one month after he and Mabel celebrated their 59 th wedding anniversary. He was surrounded
by family, his children attending to him. Mabel has announced a memorial service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2008, at 11 AM, at the
Fremont Baptist Church, 717 N 36 th St, Seattle, 206-632- 7994.
So, “ride on, Rod!” As Mabel said, “We’re all gonna miss him.” Man, oh man! is that an understatement.
April AP Awards
Jack Hamilton
John Socha-Leialoha: Author; John White: Structure Blacksmith Shop, Structures Oso Road Bridge, Structure Concrete Bagging House,
Structure Goulds Bros Coal & Coke, Structure Hawkins Dairies, Structure Oso Rai Bridge, Golden Spike; W. Gene Swanson: Cars Hat
Creek Boxcar, Cars Sierra RR Drover, Cars Hat Creek Caboose, Structures Elbe Church, Structures Union Hotel, Structures Covered
Bridge.
Tacoma Trains & Hobbies
In the heart of Tacoma's Historic Proctor District
3813 North 26th Street, Tacoma, WA 98407
Phone: (253) 756-7517 Fax: (253) 756-0794
On the web at www.tacoma-trains.com
email to TacomaTrains@aol.com
Full Line of in-stock products in
√ N Scale
√ HO Scale
√ O Scale
√ G Scale
√ Lionel
√ Thomas the Tank Engine
Proud Supporter of
Pierce County Lionel
See the Pierce County Lionel display
layout at Seatac Mall in Federal Way.
PACIFIC RAILWAY HOBBIES
SOUTH PUGET SOUND’S
MODEL RAILROAD EXPERTS
G - O - HO - N - Z
Marklin, Lionel, MTH & much more
DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL
Lenz, Digitrax, NCE, Atlas, MRC, DCS, Trainmaster
Installation and application help always available
(except Wednesdays)
Decoders installed.
Mon-Fri:11 AM - 7 PM Sat: 10 AM - 6 PM Sun: 1 - 5 PM
(Sunday hours are Oct – May, closed on Sundays June – Sept)
(253) 581-4453
Open Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM through May
(We want to get outside in the spring & summer too!)
9525 GRAVELLY LAKE DR. SW
TACOMA [LAKEWOOD] WA, 98499
PACRAILHOB@AOL.COM

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 5
4D News
Everett Imagine Children’s Museum
Ted Becker
Some time ago, the 4 th Division Board voted to take on maintenance and upgrade of the Imagine Children’s Museum layout as an
official 4D function. Participation has been slim to none. The cry frequently goes out that, for the good of the hobby, we need to reach
out to younger generations. Here is an opportunity, visited by over 100,000 children each year, we are ignoring. It is time to step up and
help us put an example of what we do in front of the younger generations.
We need ongoing help maintaining equipment, cleaning tracks, and freshening scenery. We need occasional help planning and implementing
seasonal displays or major changes. At least two 4D members, Di Voss and myself, have grandkids who attend the museum and we
are ready to step up and make the display better. You, too, can be a part of one of the most popular displays at the museum. Contact me,
360-691-1830 and let us know how you can help.
Clinic & Modular Group Reports
Eastside Get Together
JJ Johnston
Next Meeting: Don’t miss this opportunity for a real “how to” from one of the area’s best modelers. Dave Kreitler, who served with
Al Carter as our Eastside Chair for several years, is recognized for his outstanding modeling abilities in multiple scales. If you missed his
Mack Truck models displayed at the recent TTMT Show, now is your chance. Dave’s clinic will chronicle taking a 1943 Mack truck model
from Sierra West Scale Models and turning it into a highly detailed foreground model for a layout or diorama. He will explain the different
techniques used to fit and finish as well as some of the decision making process around the design. Dave’s presentation will cover
painting and weathering techniques, design, detailing, and a little bit of photography. Dave is also well known for his detailed hand out
information. Don’t miss Thursday, June 19, 7:30 PM.
Our May meeting featured Ted Becker presenting an overview of using CADRail. With many examples and a detailed PowerPoint
presentation, he explained how to use this modeling tool for benchwork design, track planning, electrical diagrams and brass re-motoring.
Thanks, Ted.
MMR CJ Riley won the Model of the Month with his three scratch-built buildings of downtown Thurmond, West Virginia. As usual,
we feature the Ferris Super Mart, coffee and donuts, video library, custom name tags and a great selection of door prizes generously donated
by Steve Depolo of the Inside Gateway hobby emporium.
Join us at the Bellevue Foursquare Church, 2015 Richards Road SE, Bellevue.
Seattle-North Clinic
Bobj Berger / Photos by Bobj Berger
The Seattle-North “May Day” Clinic continued our local celebration of the
“Year of the MMR” when our roomful of nearly 40 greeted MMR Paul Scoles for
the final installment of his Scenery Clinic Series and the final meeting in the
Shoreline Conference Center. Our next clinic season will open September 4 th ,
2008 in our new meeting site. See below for details.
Paul’s wrap-up clinic had us creating realistic weeds and bushes, planting trees,
and adding the finishing details to his 2-foot diorama. At the conclusion of the
clinic, Paul donated his completed HO diorama to a “grinning from ear to ear”
Dennis, who is now rumored to be dumping N and switching scales! Thank You,
Paul, for your many months of fun and informative clinics. We salute your dedication
and continued support of our World’s Greatest Hobby. Best of luck with
your future DVD series, we all benefit from your creativity!
Chris, Dennis, Bob and Paul put the finishing touches on
Paul’s demonstration diorama
We enjoyed a great DVD of HO trains set to music by Steve Weslowski, a
member of both of the Spokane area’s 100% NMRA Clubs, the River City Modelers, and the INSHOME Module Group. Most of
what we saw was shot on the INSHOME layout. You can see his work and others set to music on these two fine layouts at
www.YouTube.com by searching for “River City Modelers”. Also, check out the Spokesman Review RMC interview video. This is about the
only opportunity left for those of you who have not had a chance to see the RCM layout because this April they began teardown to comply
with eviction by their new landlord. See the latest PNR newsletter, The Switchlist, for more details.
Kirk and Wanda Holmes, owners of the Seattle Train Center and long time 4D supporters, shared their personal slide collection of
perhaps the most famous model railroad of all time, the legendary John Allen’s Gorre & Dephetid! Taken from 1955 thru 1972, these
recently acquired slides were found by a railfan’s widow in a bag some years after her husband’s death. As a little boy Kirk visited the
G&D several times with his Dad. Kirk brought along the coveralls he wore during those visits! The printed captions that came with the

Page 6 Issue 501 • June 2008
Clinic & Modular Group Reports
slides were read to the group, and the shared personal recollections of those in attendance really added depth
to the experience. Among them were Roger Ferris, CJ Riley and Jeff Moorman. Thanks for bringing them,
Kirk. We’re glad you finally got to see them, too!
Show & Tell brought us an eclectic range of items: Roger Ferris took a cheap plastic HO helium car,
upgraded the trucks and couplers, added weight and details and created an unusual but very good looking car
not seen on other pikes; as a second inexpensive kitbash example, he explained how the old wood boxcar was
sawn in half and became a garage to park his ‘36 Ford; Bob Browne related a great story with his articulated
public transportation bus photo he acquired from the Historic Transportation Group at TTMT; and MMR
CJ Riley brought in a group of inventive but free foliage
experiments he had recently completed.
The next Seattle-North Clinics is June 5, 2008, our
Annual “Vintage METRO Bus Layout Tour Clinic.”
This “moving” clinic is Sold Out, visiting four special
railroads, all on a historic bus leaving the Shoreline
Conference Center parking lot at 7pm sharp. This is
the last clinic of the season and last time at this location.
Our first fall clinic on September 4, 2008 will be our
Annual “What I Did With Trains This Summer” with
DVD’s, stories, photos, hot air, refreshments, the
MART, the Video Library and all in our NEW bigger,
brighter and cheaper location!
The very coveralls Kirk wore
when he visited the Gorre &
Dephetid with his Dad
Roger’s detailed and rebuilt helium car New Meeting Location: Beginning September 4, 2008 we will meet at the
Ronald United Methodist Church, 17839 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA. Exit I-5
at 175 th St, go west to Hwy 99 (Aurora), turn right, then a quick left into the church between the Cadillac/Hummer dealer and Deseret
Industries (the LDS St. Vinnies). We meet in the lower west side of the building. Remember: Be there or be an even sided rectangle! And
have a great summer, “Seeee yoooouuuu innn September!”
Skagit Valley and Whidbey Clinic
Gordon Garnhart
The May meeting, attended by 22 people, was opened with a
lively and useful discussion of topic ideas for the next year. The
program was presented by Rich Thom, world traveler, long-time
rail fan, and skilled photographer. He showed a series of still photographs
of the amazing Quinghai Tibet Railway that the Chinese
built from Quinghai into the interior of Tibet. The line exceeds an
elevation of 16,000 feet, making it the highest standard gauge rail
line in the world. The ride from one end to the other is 708 miles in
just 24 hours, much at speeds up to 70 MPH. There are eight trains
a day in each direction. Each train is 14–16 cars in length. Many of
its diesel locomotives were built by General Electric in the United
States and the others are Chinese-built. The 7,800 cars were built by
The trains are gone but the spirit lives on!
Pacific Rim Hobby
1-800-99 “HOBBY” (4-6229)
138 W. Railroad Ave. Port Angeles WA 98362
Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 12-5 prhobby@olypen.com
E s t a b l i s h e d 1 9 4 7
www.northendtrains.com
For the latest in engines, rolling
stock, structures, tools, books,
videos and other neat stuff,
make North End Train Center
your favorite store.
We will gladly do special orders for
the items we don’t carry.
12537 Lake City Way NE
Seattle, WA 98125
206-362-4959
bob@northendtrains.com
10 to 6 Mon, Tue, Wed & Sat; 10 to 8 Thur & Fri

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 7
Clinic & Modular Group Reports
a Canadian company who constructed a factory in China for this purpose. The tracks are supported on concrete ties. In spite of the rugged
terrain, the ruling grade is just 2%. There are 286 bridges of various sizes and lengths totaling 108 miles.
Construction presented several engineering challenges. The high plateau is unstable permafrost and some places can experience an
elevation change of up to six feet from winter to summer. Because of the high altitudes, oxygen is available at every seat in all three
classes of coaches. The stations are spacious and attractive. Construction labor was almost exclusively Chinese. Many Chinese have taken
up permanent residence near the cities along the line.
Why is China going to this great expense? Rich answered, “China needs water and electricity. They are building electric power generating
facilities. There is mineral wealth in the mountains of Tibet, including uranium. China needs lumber and it has already depleted much
of the forest lands of Tibet.”
The second portion of Rich’s program was a series of excellent video clips of large steam engines in service as recently as 1996 on a
rail line in Western China near Mongolia. China has plenty of coal but it is of poor quality and not suitable for export. They looked to
these aging locomotives to make use of this abundant resource until they can build diesels.
We briefly discussed where we will hold future clinics. Parking is inadequate at our current location and the fire department has decided
that the training room we use will no longer be available for outsiders. A search is in progress for another facility.
The meeting concluded with a drawing for several door prizes donated by Performance R/C Hobbies located on Fairhaven in Burlington.
On Wednesday, June 11 th , we will convene at the home of Jack Tingstad at 508 NW Broadway in Coupeville. He has added a
large staging yard in an adjoining room, which greatly improves operating possibilities. See you there.
Tacoma N Scalers
Walt Huston
The Tacoma N Scalers met on Thursday May 1, 2008, beginning at 7ish with our usual bull session. “What’s New and What’s Upcoming”
was again presented by Mr Walt, followed by brief updates from the people who had been doing a lot of modeling during the
last month.
Our May clinic was “Soldering, or How Not To Get Burned” by Mr. Walt. I demonstrated how to solder tiny little joints without
leaving a lump of solder and without burning your fingers, hands, or anything else including your ties (the ones on your layout).
The Tacoma N Scalers are a fun group of people having fun with N scale modeling. We have been meeting on the first Thursday of
the month for nearly 25 years, in this same location. Come join us and share your experiences with the group. Bring questions… we love
to answer them, and more often than not, we tell the truth (i.e., we get it right).
The Tacoma N Scalers meet the first Thursday of the month at the Fircrest Recreation Center, 555 Contra Costa, Fircrest, WA. Come
visit with us and see you on June 5 th for the next exciting meeting!
Tacoma Clinic
Al Babinsky
Our temporary leader Jim Sabol called the May Tacoma clinic to order with 38 attendees. Several modelers formerly sidelined by
medical problems are back in attendance. We decided on the following subjects for the next few clinics: June: Operations; September:
Building Resin Kits; and, October: Benchwork.
The PNR convention is in Chiliwack, BC on June 14 -15; the National Narrow Gauge Convention is in Portland, OR in September;
and, the GN and NP Conventions are in July, the latter in Tacoma at the Murano Hotel (formerly Sheraton).
• Major scales, N, HO, O, & G
• R/C Cars, Boats & Planes
• Plastic Kits & Rockets
• Lionel
• Detailing Parts
Your Hobby Supply
• Doll House Miniatures
Since 1974
425-252-6130
2531 Broadway, Everett, WA 98021
Come see our working layouts!!

Page 8 Issue 501 • June 2008
Clinic & Modular Group Reports
Susan Evans reported on the TTMT Show and Spring Meet, which was a success with over 1,800 attending on both days, 60 vendors,
some signing up for next year, and 19 layouts.
Dale Kraus from Pacific Railway Hobbies presented “What’s New at the Hobby Shop.” Among the new items were new and improved
ready-to-run passenger cars by Concor, another Hiawatha car by Walthers, N and HO cars by Athearn, new sound decoders by
SoundTraxx, and a sound decoder for Atlas S-type switchers by MRC.
A number of fine models were presented under the “Bring and Brag” category. A 1:50 scale tugboat with individual plank construction
won the Model of the Month. Trees made from Paper Whites were shown, and a number of them looked like cherry trees in bloom.
An N scale freight consist, a rebuilt Delaware & Hudson caboose, a former UP Consolidation modified to represent a NP Consolidation,
and a scratchbuilt HO crossover were also shown. That last item qualified Gene Swanson with his MMR certificate, which was presented
to him at the meeting.
After the break, everybody gathered in a circle for a “Tips and Tricks” discussion on airbrushing. The consensus was the Paasche
single action external mix was the best all-around airbrush. We discussed the type of compressor to use, appropriate air pressure, filters
and moisture separators, and the best types of paint. It was a very informative clinic.
Next month’s clinic on operations will be on June 12 th at the Pierce County Library Administration Building, corner of 112 th and
Waller Road, at 7:30 PM. Hope to see you there. Bring a friend. This will be our last clinic before the summer break.
Snohomish Railfans Group
Ted Becker
On June 14, 2008 starting at noon, the Snohomish Railfans Group will have their annual gathering at Bob Howard’s 7½" gauge outdoor
layout near Snohomish. With some luck, there will be live steam. There are always large-scale diesels, fun rides and a chance to drive.
The grill will be hot and the coolers full of soda. Bring something if you wish. Contact me in advance for address and directions.
We still hold our regular meeting on the third Wednesday with a program of prototype slides. We also have a tentative date in August
for Dan Dodge’s 7½" gauge layout on Camano Island. Again, contact me for details.
Watch the September Grab-Iron for an announcement on another large scale event near Snohomish. Note my new contact info: Ted
Becker, 360-691-1830, rail.bird@att.net.
Ocean Shores Clinic
Tim Barrington
Ocean Shores did not have a May meeting. If you are interested in hosting a meeting, please contact Tim Barrington, barrington_timothy@comcast.net.
The easiest way to contact your 4D officers, board members, and
group leaders is through the “Contact Us” page on the 4D web
site, www.4dPNR.org, or through The Masthead on page 15.
To receive a printed version of this fabulous publication delivered (slowly) to your home every month by your friendly U. S. Postal Service,
mail a check for $10.00 to Sherman Stevens, 12217 NE 143rd Place, Kirkland, WA 98034.
(Do not include the Grab-Iron subscription fee with your NMRA dues. You’ll only confuse the Chattanooga or Guelph office!)
1463 Elliott Ave. W
Seattle, WA 98119
Kirk & Wanda
Holmes, Owners
All scales stocked, N scale featured
Monday-Friday 10-7, Saturday 9-6, Sunday 11-4
(206) 283-7886
www.seattlestraincenter.com
♦Large selection of HO & N scale with Z, O & G
♦Discount prices every day
3905 Steilacoom Blvd SW
Lakewood, WA 98498
(Off S. Tacoma Way near the B&I)
253-472-7732
www.onlinetrains.com
♦Special orders welcome
Open Tuesday-Friday 10-6,
Saturday-Sunday 10-4
Closed Mondays

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 9
OnTrack Train Trivia
Union Stations
Dan Cioffi
In this final OnTrack Train Trivia, you get to name the city with a Union Station that was served by the listed trains. Answers at end.
1. Which city’s station originally served the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Southern Pacific Railroad, and Union Pacific
Railroad?
2. When the Pennsylvania and Baltimore & Ohio Railroads announced in 1901 that they planned to build a new terminal in this city,
people celebrated for two reasons.
3. This Union Terminal served eight railroads including the Louisville and Nashville, the Illinois Central, the Southern Railway.
When it was built in the late 1950s, it replaced five other terminals in the city.
4. The Savannah, Florida and Western Railway (later part of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad) built the first union station in this city
in 1883. The Jacksonville, Tampa and Key West Railway (also later part of the ACL) began to use it in 1884. It also served the
Florida Central and Peninsular Railroad (later part of the Seaboard Air Line Railway), the Florida East Coast Railway, and the
Georgia Southern and Florida Railway.
5. Built by the Pennsylvania RR, it only served the Pennsy and its subsidiary roads. The station building was designed by Chicago
architect Daniel Burnham and built from 1898–1903.
6. Opened on October 30, 1914 and operated by a corporation consisting of twelve railroads that it served, this was the third-largest
train station in the country.
7. This Union Station served the Georgia Railroad, Atlantic Coast Line, and Louisville and Nashville. Its sister, known as Terminal
Station, served the Southern, and the Seaboard, among others. Both closed at the same time.
8. Built by two brothers who later became railroad barons, this station was never popular with the railroads, but served several, including
the New York Central and the B&O among others. Its office tower was the tallest building in the United States outside
of New York City until 1967.
9. This Union Station is located in two states. It served four railroads; eight name trains used the station.
10. This Union Station opened in 1925, is more than nine blocks in size, and is still owned by a railroad company. During World
War II it handled up to 300 trains and 100,000 passengers daily.
Answers
1. Los Angeles. Built in 1939, Union Station in Los Angeles is considered "the last of America's great rail stations." Built with the
cooperation of the region's three principal railroads, the Union Pacific Railroad, the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Atchison,
Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, was the transportation gateway into Los Angeles. The 1940s saw the heyday of the railroad era, as
movie stars and GIs alike arrived in or left this city through the station's platforms.
2. Washington, D.C. People celebrated as the Pennsylvania tracks moved from the Washington Mall to the station, leaving the
Mall as we know it today. It created a station worthy of a nation’s capitol. Opened on October 27, 1907 and completed in 1908,
Washington, D.C. Union Station covered more ground than any other building in the United States and was the largest train station
in the world, occupying about 200 acres with 75 miles of tracks. Laid on its side, the Washington Monument could comfortably
fit within the Station's Concourse. Its cost was $125 million for the Station and its approaches. The first President to use
its Presidential Suite was President Taft in 1909. The last President to use it was President Eisenhower, the man responsible for
establishing the nail in the coffin of passenger service: the Interstate Highway System.
3. New Orleans. When New Orleans Union Terminal was dedicated in 1954, it replaced five other terminals in the “Crescent
City.” Until this time, switching trains in New Orleans was a complicated procedure that required a manual over 250 pages long.
The agreement between the city and the participating railroads required 17 pages of just signatures!
4. Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Terminal opened just after the stroke of midnight on November 17, 1919, bringing all railroad
passenger operations in the city under one roof for the second time. By 1912, the “Flagler Depot” was one of the busiest stations
in the country and the city needed a larger station for the railroads. A search began for a new location, but the railroads insisted
that the station remain in its present location to utilize existing yards and engine facilities. The last passenger train left the station
shortly after midnight on January 3, 1974. At its peak, it handled as many as 210 trains per day. The successor to the Flagler Depot
remains today as the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, named for the former CSX Chairman.
5. Pittsburgh. Union Station is a historical train station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Unlike many union stations built in the US to
serve the needs of more than one railroad, this facility connected the Pennsylvania Railroad with several subsidiary lines. For that
reason, it was renamed Pennsylvania Station in 1912 to match other Pennsylvania Stations.
6. Kansas City. The Kansas City Railway Company was owned by the Alton Railroad; Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway;
Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad; Chicago Great Western Railway; Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad;
Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad; Kansas City Southern Railway; Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad; Missouri Pacific Railroad;
St. Louis-San Francisco Railway; Union Pacific Railroad; and the Wabash Railroad — whew! The KCRC built Kansas City’s

Page 10 Issue 501 • June 2008
Union Station. Today, it is a non-profit 501c3 organization. Today, Union Station is home to Science City, a family-friendly interactive
science center, the H&R Block City Stage Theater, the largest IWERKS 3-D movie screen in the region, and two restaurants,
one of which is the Harvey House Diner, a 50s-style tribute to the restaurants once owned and operated by Fred Harvey
for the Santa Fe Railroad.
7. Atlanta. Atlanta had two union stations: Union Station and Terminal Station, with Union Station the smaller. Opening in 1930,
Union Station served the Georgia Railroad, Atlantic Coast Line, and Louisville and Nashville. It replaced earlier stations on the
same site. Terminal Station opened in 1905 and served the Southern Railway, Seaboard Air Line, Central of Georgia, and the
Atlanta and West Point Railroads. After Amtrak was created in 1971, both stations closed as passenger train service shifted to
Peachtree Station. Both stations were razed in 1972, although Southern retained one platform for its use at Terminal Station.
Remnants of the platform from Union Terminal can still be seen behind the Atlanta Journal Constitution building.
8. Cleveland. The Van Sweringen brothers built the Cleveland Union Terminal for all trains coming into Cleveland. Initially, it was
to serve “The Rapid,” their commuter rail line from the Shaker Heights area of Cleveland. Its concept was similar to Grand Central
Station in New York City, with a mix of retail businesses and offices above a railroad station. The “Vans,” as they were
known, once controlled more than 30,000 miles of track in their railroad empire. Railroads did not like using the station for two
reasons: they had to deviate from the quicker route along Lake Erie and because steam power was prohibited in downtown
Cleveland. Thus, railroads using the terminal had to change locomotives at a yard outside to bring trains into the station, then
reverse the procedure as they continued their journey. For these reasons, the Pennsylvania Railroad never used the terminal, even
though they had considerable traffic through Cleveland.
9. Texarkana. Union Station in Texarkana, Arkansas was built as a joint effort between the Missouri-Pacific, Texas & Pacific, Cotton
Belt and Kansas City Southern railroads. In 1876, the US Congress passed a bill requiring the station to straddle the state line,
with entrances and exits in both states. The Missouri Pacific and the Texas and Pacific had through traffic at the station. The
Kansas City Southern and Cotton Belt passenger trains both had to make back-up moves to access the station since they didn't
have through traffic serving the station. When Amtrak trains stop at the station, each end of the train sits in a different state.
10. Chicago. Chicago’s Union Station was owned and built by a partnership named The Chicago Union Station Company (made up
of the Pennsylvania Railroad; the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad; the Michigan Central Railroad; and the Chicago, Milwaukee
and St. Paul Railway). The prior station was owned by these railroads, plus the Chicago and Alton, but the C&A opted
out of station ownership when the current station opened its doors in 1925. It is the only major inter-city rail hub in the US that
doesn’t provide direct connections to rapid transit service. The Chicago Union Station Company still owns the station and the
company is now a subsidiary of Amtrak.

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 11
Spring Meet Contest Winners
Dave Kreitler / Photos by Dave Kreitler
A modeling contest was just one of the many features at this year's Trains, Trains, and More Trains Show. The contest had six
categories with two additional awards for Best in Show and Most Whimsical. The six categories were: Locomotives and Rolling Stock, Structures,
Vehicles and Maintenance, Dioramas, Photography and a special event category: Peanut Butter Lids, where the goal was to build a
small diorama that fit on a lid from a jar of peanut butter.
16 models were brought in for display. The contest area was open Saturday and Sunday and TTMT attendees browsed the models and
voted on their favorites in each category. Plaques were awarded for Best in Show, Most Whimsical, and Best Peanut Butter Lid. Gold,
silver and bronze medals were awarded for 1 st , 2 nd , and 3 rd place in each category.
The 16 models only represented four people: David Faussett, Jack Hamilton, Dennis Hill and Chris Fife. I would like to thank them
because without them, there would have been no models to view. No photographs were brought in for the Photography category.
So, congratulations to our winners. Thank you for sharing your work!
Best in Show & 1 s t
Place Dioramas
David Faussett: Engine House with Turntable
Dioramas
Vehicles and Maintenance
2 nd Place David Faussett: Engine House
1 st Place David Faussett: Snow Plow Flanger

Page 12 Issue 501 • June 2008
Spring Meet Contest Winners
Vehicles and Maintenance
2 nd Place David Faussett: Big Wheel Log Skidder
3 rd Place David Faussett: Log Skidder
Locomotives and Rolling Stock
2 nd Place David Faussett: Gondola
1 st Place David Faussett: Blacksmith and Saw Car
Structures
2 nd Place Dennis Hill: Deck Truss Bridge
1 st Place David Faussett: Fishing Pier

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 13
Spring Meet Contest Winners
Structures
Peanut Butter Lid
3 rd Place David Faussett: Junk Shack
Peanut Butter Lid 2 n d Place
& Most Whimsical
1 st Place Jack Hamilton: Mine Rescue
Peanut Butter Lid
Jack Hamilton: Searching the Wreck
3 rd Place David Faussett: Water Tower

Page 14 Issue 501 • June 2008
The Timetable
4th Division Monthly Activities
1st Friday, Northwest Railfan, Seattle WA, North Seattle Community College, Performing Arts Center, Meridian Avenue N, 7:30 PM. For more information,
contact Roger Ferris, 206-283-0637, railfun@juno.com.
1st Thursday, Seattle-North Clinic, Shoreline WA, Shoreline Conference Center, NE Corner of 1st Ave NE & NE 185th St, 7:00 PM. For more information,
contact Bobj Berger, 425-774-9165, camelrenter@yahoo.com.
1st Thursday, Tacoma “N” Scalers Clinic, Fircrest WA, Fircrest Recreation Center, 555 Contra Costa Blvd, Tacoma, 7:30 PM. For more information,
contact Walt Huston, 253-535-2043, WaltHuston@earthlink.net.
2nd Thursday, Tacoma Clinic, Midland WA, Pierce County Library Admin. Center, 3005 112th Street E (corner of 112th and Waller Road), 7:30 PM.
For more information, contact Gene Swanson, 253-537-0503, or Bob Stumpf, 253-864-6776, nptrains1@msn.com.
2nd Tuesday, Camano Island Model Railroad Club, Camano Island WA, 7:00 PM. For more information, contact Tom Buckingham, work: 360-
629-7810, home: 360-387-6128, tom@401kplanninggroup.com.
2nd Tuesday, Ocean Shores Clinic, Ocean Shores WA. For more information, contact Duane Damgaard, 360-289-5416, duaned@coastaccess.com.
2nd Wednesday, Skagit Valley Clinic, Fidalgo Island WA, Mt. Erie Fire Station, Marine Drive just north of Rosario Road, 7:00 PM. For more information,
contact Gordon Garnhart, 360-240-8875, garnhart@whidbey.net.
2nd Saturday, HO Module Meeting, Seattle WA, 8:30 AM, location TBA. For info, contact Norm Curtis, 425-743-9035, railmail39@verizon.net.
3rd Saturday, Northwest Pacific Z Scale, Seattle WA. For more information, contact Tom Gilchrist, 425-226-3708, tomg@tomgtomg.com or Jim
Glass, berjimgl@msn.com.
3rd Saturday, Westside Clinic, Bremerton WA. Coming out of hiatus? For more information, contact Dennis Hill, 360-895-3332, toontrain@yahoo.com.
3rd Thursday, Eastside Get Together, Bellevue WA, Bellevue Four Square Church, 2015 Richards Road SE, 7: 30 PM. For more information, contact
JJ Johnston, 425-643-1000, jj@jtwice.com.
3rd Tuesday, Great North End “N” Scale, Seattle WA, Shoreline Senior Center, South Annex, NE 185th St. & 1st Ave NE, 7:30 PM. For more information,
contact Dean Daughenbaugh, 425-252-8251, daugh@comcast.net.
3rd Tuesday, Swamp Creek & Western Railroad Association, Edmonds WA, Baggage Room, Amtrak Depot, 210 Railroad Ave, 7:00 PM. For more
information, contact Bruce Harris, 425-483-3322.
3rd Wednesday, Snohomish Rail Fans Clinic, Snohomish WA, Hilton Lake Fire Station, 3525 108th Street SE, Everett, corner of 35th Ave SE and
108th SE, 7:00 PM. For more information, contact Ted Becker, 360-691-1830, rail.bird@att.net .
3rd Friday, Olympia Clinic, Olympia WA, 7: 30 PM. For more information, contact Jim Younkins, 360-357-9185, jcyounkins@comcast.net or Scott
Buckley, 360-352-5567, sbuckley@nwrain.com.
Pacific Northwest Region Activities
To add your activity to the PNR Timetable or the PNR web page, contact Mark Johnson, 780 436-2480, timetable@pnr.nmra.org
Jun 12-15, CHILLIWACK, BC
Chilliwack Interchange 2008 - PNR 2008 Regional Convention. Best Western Rainbow Country Inn. Info :- www.chilliwackinterchange2008.com
Jun 15 (Sun), FORT STEELE , BC
5th Annual Fathers Day at the Steam Railway, Fort Steele Heritage Town. Info: - www.fortsteele.ca
Jun 21 (Sat), PORTLAND, OR
The Rose City Garden Railroad Society Summer Tour of Portland area layouts (8-10) from 10AM to 5PM. Booklets with directions are available from
local area hobby shops and select nurseries for $10 per family (grandkids to grandparents count as one family). Info :- www.RCGRS.com
Jun 26-28, PORTLAND, OR
SP&S Historical Society Convention. Info:- www.spshs.org
Jul 13-19, ANAHEIM, CA
NMRA National Convention, sponsored by the Los Angeles Division/Pacific Southwest Region. Info:- www.nmra.org/2008/
Jul 15-19, TACOMA, WA
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association Annual Convention; Hotel Murano (Formerly Sheraton Tacoma Hotel) 1320 Broadway Plaza Info:-
www.nprha.org
Jul 18-19, BUTTE, MT
2008 Milwest Annual Meeting, (Milwaukee Road-Lines West Historical Group). Best Western Butte Plaza Inn, 2900 Harrison Ave. Info:-
www.milwest.org/meet.html
Jul 19-23, WENATCHEE, WA
Great Northern Historical Society Annual Convention Info:- www.gnrhs.org
Jul 19 (Sat), WILKESON, WA
Wilkeson Handcar Races. Railway Avenue

Issue 501 • June 2008 Page 15
Jul 26-27, IONE, WA
NPOV Lions Excursion Train Ride - Down River Days Weekend - $12.00 ages 13 - 64; $7.00 ages 2 - 12; $7.00 ages over 64; children under 2 free.
Info:- www.povn.com/npovlions/schedule.htm
Aug 15-24, REVELSTOKE, BC
Railway Days 2008, Revelstoke Railway Museum. Railfan day is Saturday, August 18. Includes slide show and Rogers Pass bus tour. Info: - Roberto Rodriguez,
250-837-6060, president.railway@telus.net, www.railwaydays.com.
Aug 16-17, BIG VALLEY, AB
Alberta Free-mo 2008 Info:- www.calgaryfreemo.ca
Aug 29-31, LETHBRIDGE, AB
Galt #8 in 2008 - Sixth Division meet. German Canadian Club 902 6th St. North. Prototype and Layout Tours, Contests, Clinics, more... Info:- Harry
Lubbers, hlubbers@lis.ab.ca
Aug 30-31, METALINE FALLS, WA
NPOV Lions Excursion Train Ride - Labor Weekend - $12.00 ages 13 - 64; $7.00 ages 2 - 12; $7.00 ages over 64; children under 2 free. Info:-
www.povn.com/npovlions/schedule.htm
Sep 27-28, IONE, WA
NPOV Lions Excursion Train Ride - First Autumn Colors - $12.00 ages 13 - 64; $7.00 ages 2 - 12; $7.00 ages over 64; children under 2 free. Info:-
www.povn.com/npovlions/schedule.htm
Oct 3-5, KENNEWICK, WA
5th Division Fall Mini-Meet. Benton County PUD Auditorium, 2721 W 10th Ave, Kennewick, WA. Operating sessions on the TCMR club layout; private
layouts tours; clinics; model displays (bring those models!); AP Merit Award judging; self-guided layout tours; a no-host dinner on Saturday evening,
and much, much more. Info:- John Decker, 509-586-2825, jrdecker@verizon.net.
Oct 4-5, IONE, WA
NPOV Lions Excursion Train Ride - Second Autumn Colors - $12.00 ages 13 - 64; $7.00 ages 2 - 12; $7.00 ages over 64; children under 2 free. Info:-
www.povn.com/npovlions/schedule.htm
Oct 11 (Sat), CHEHALIS, WA
Train Show & Swap Meet, SW Washington Fairgrounds, 2555 N. National Avenue, 9AM - 4PM Lewis County Historical Museum and the Lewis County
Model RR Club. Same weekend as the annual community garage sale. Info:- 360-748-0831
Oct 11-12, IONE, WA
NPOV Lions Excursion Train Ride - Third Autumn Colors - $12.00 ages 13 - 64; $7.00 ages 2 - 12; $7.00 ages over 64; children under 2 free. Info:-
www.povn.com/npovlions/schedule.htm
Oct 18-19, IONE, WA
NPOV Lions Excursion Train Ride - The Great Pumpkin Rides - $12.00 ages 13 - 64; $7.00 ages 2 - 12; $7.00 ages over 64; children under 2 free. Info:-
www.povn.com/npovlions/schedule.htm
The Grab-Iron is the official publication of the Fourth
Division of the Pacific Northwest Region of the National
Model Railroad Association. It is published ten times each
year, September through June, and is made available to all
members in good standing. Correspondence and
contributions are solicited; photographs and illustrations are
encouraged. The Grab-Iron does not pay for articles. The
editor reserves the right to accept, reject, and edit
contributions as space and time dictates. Sent materials to
the editor at the email address shown on the right.
Commercial advertising is accepted in accordance with
current rates and requirements (see below) as established by
the Grab-Iron staff. Non-commercial Classified Advertising
from Fourth Division members is accepted free of charge as
a member service; submit to the editor. Letters to the editor
and other editorial opinions do not necessarily reflect
opinions and policy of the Fourth Division. A complete staff
listing, with contact information, is available on the 4D
website: www.4dPNR.org. Our mailing address is “4th Division,
PNR, P. O. Box 5072, Kent, WA 98064”
Advertising Rates
1/8 page ad, $12 per issue, $103 annual
1/4 page ad, $17 per issue, $130 annual
1/2 page ad, $30 per issue, $230 annual
Full page ad, $48 per issue, $375 annual
Contact Mike Slease (information, above right)
The Masthead
Grab-Iron
Publisher: Al Lowe, 425 443-6896, 4dpnr@allowe.com
Editor: Cliff Green, 206-363-9852, cliffg@codewrangler.net
Advertising & Circulation: Mike Slease, 253-912-0353, mikepce@comcast.net
Photographer: Doug Bulger, 206-290-4095, doug@bulger.org
Fourth Division
Superintendent: Walt Huston, 253-535-2043, walthuston@earthlink.net
Assistant Superintendent: Bill Hupe,360-373-3730, whopay@tscnet.com
Secretary: Jeannie Melvin, 425-257-0342, drbear@blarg.net
Treasurer: Sherman Stevens, 425-821-2890, shermanlss@earthlink.net
Director: Norm Curtis, 425-743-9035, curtisnorm@yahoo.com
Director: Dennis Hill, 360-895-3332, toontrain@yahoo.com
Director: Allen Evans, 253-835-7667, allenevans@earthlink.net
Pacific Northwest Region
President: Kevin Oleson, 206-276-4701, koleson4449@msn.com
Vice-President: Steve Prevette, 509-544-9475, prevette@owt.com
Secretary: Jeannie Melvin, 425-257-0342, DrBear@blarg.net
Treasurer: Dirk Kruysman, 541-673-6341, dirk@cmspan.net
Submitting Articles and Pictures
Grab-Iron readers are encouraged to submit articles and pictures in several categories:
Club and Layout News, Real Life Stories, Modeling Techniques and Photo Journal. Photographs
and illustrations are accepted in all common digital formats. Email materials to
the editor at the address above before the 15th of the month before publication, i.e.,
August 15th for the September issue.

Page NMRA 16 / PNR MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION as of: Issue May 501 15, • 2008 June 2008
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