THE RAILHEAD

Guiseppe's Restaurant was a happy place on the evening of Saturday, October 16 as the Pikes Peak "N" Gineers and friends gathered together. Assistant Superintendent Rick Shumpert and club sponsor Ron Theisman worked well together as festivities got underway. The food was good. The company was good. Everyone seemed to have a pretty good time.

Ron had donated the door prizes. Many of us were lucky enough to win one. Many of us participated in a raffle for a very nice encyclopedic railroad book and four videos. That little fund raiser provided a very welcome addition to the club treasury.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation given by Rosa and Lindsey Ashby, the operators of the Georgetown Loop Railroad and the newly activated Royal Gorge Route. They told of how they got involved in operating the Royal Gorge railroad. By all rights, they shouldn't have become involved. But, they did. In relating their story, they filled in many of the interesting details that the general press did not report to those of us who had been following the story. The presentation ended with a home-made video of the Royal Gorge Route. The video included a funny scene of deer who forced the train to stop at the hanging bridge. The deer simply refused to get off the tracks, despite the engine's blaring horn!

Many thanks to Ann Foster for convincing the Ashby's to return to us with their very interesting presentation.

It was great!

This is just a reminder to all members that THE RAILHEAD presents the minutes of club meetings in an edited form for confidentiality and space considerations.

Please see our Stationmaster for an official and complete copy of the minutes of any meeting.

Webmaster's Note:  Meeting minutes will not be published on the website.
PPNG members may obtain minutes from the Stationmaster.

Ann Patton, from the Senior Times, is going to write an article about Pikes Peak "N" Gineers! She's going to be at the club 10:00 am. on Saturday, November 13.

We need a good turnout of members for Ms. Patton so that she can write a good, well-informed article. Trains need to be running!

Many, many thanks to Lois for setting this up. This is the best kind of advertising we can get.

Good job, Lois!

We would like to announce that we have a new regular member. He is Chris Dueker (pronounced 'deeker'). He is brand spanking new to model railroading. So, introduce yourselves when you see him and help him to avoid the mistakes we have all made when we first started out.

Let's mark your rosters:

Chris Dueker
(Members may call the Stationmaster for this information)

Welcome to Pikes Peak "N" Gineers, Chris!

Pikes Peak "N" Gineers had its October open house. While Dispatcher Joe directed operations on our traveling layout at Slim RailsÕ Swap Meet, Larry put in his first stint as Dispatcher at the club layout.

Some members got together on Friday night, October 8, and carried the traveling layout over to the site of Slim Rails' Swap Meet. The layout was set up.

Saturday morning, while some of us were helping Joe with the traveling layout, others were helping Larry clean up the layout room and preparing for our open house.

Visitors started coming in. Most appeared to have learned of our open house from our traveling layout display at Slim Rails. We owe Slim Rails a big "thank you" for inviting us this year.

Sunday was disappointing and proved the value of a good, solid advertising campaign. We didn't have one. And we didn't have any Sunday visitors, either.

On the positive side, it is safe to say that we all seemed to have a good time together.

Gang! We are going to hold our own club swap meet after our November club business meeting. We will have extra tables set up in our train room and storage room so that we can display, sell, and trade all of those things that we don't want anymore.

Having the swap meet and our meeting in the same place at the same time means that we are going to be a little crowded. But, that's all right.

So bring those extra cars, engines, buildings, couplers, books, tools, and other stuff you have accumulated over the years, price 'em reasonably and be prepared to foist them on your innocent, unsuspecting fellow club members. Bring your own money, too. You may find treasure.

So come one, come all. Come early. It's first come, first served on the display tables. And, be prepared to have some fun!

With the election of Scott Oakley as the club's second president/superintendent in December, 1992, and the simultaneous move to Shops at the Bluffs Shopping center, a radically new era in the Pikes Peak "N" Gineers's history began. These two events dramatically changed the nature of the club and its activities, as we shall see. However, we should pause at this time in our history and consider Chris Mueller, the club's first President/Superintendent.

Chris was a career U.S. Air Force officer. He retired from the Air Force as a full colonel in July, 1992 after 30 years of service. Along with his extensive military experience as a leader, Chris brought to Pikes Peak "N" Gineers his great experience as a skilled model railroader. His favorite railroad was the Missouri Pacific.

Academics define five types of power: Legitimate, reward, coercive, expert, and referent. Of these, Chris enjoyed legitimate power by virtue of his being elected club president. But, he also enjoyed the most valuable power a person can have: expert power. He knew how to make buildings just using scrap materials. He was an accomplished air brush painter. He knew how to lay, paint, and ballast track and to create quite believable scenery. Most importantly, Chris was willing and did share his knowledge with the many modeling neophytes in the club. He held formal and informal clinics on just about every aspect of model railroading.

Pikes Peak "N" Gineers was fortunate to have Chris as its first president. He was the right leader at the right time in the right place. He skillfully took the assembled multiple personalities with divergent opinions and wants in the club and pointed them into a single direction. He made most of us who were aware that we were being manipulated not really mind that at all, even when we did not see eye-to-eye with him.

His leadership ability, combined with his strong personality, enabled Chris Mueller to stamp his image on the club in a way no other individual could. I had occasion to communicate with a member of the M.S.M.R.R.E. Model Railroad Club, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, where Chris Mueller had been a model railroader. Talking about the force of Chris's personality, that member said in awe, "He's something else, isn't he?"

Of the hard-working founding club members, Chris Mueller stands out as the special one. More than anyone else, Chris formed a rock solid foundation on which the club could grow and evolve. So, if there is anyone that present day members owe a special "standing ovation-job well done", it is to Chris Mueller. More than anyone else, he formed the character of Pikes Peak "N" Gineers.

Today, Chris is retired and living in Missouri. Ann Foster hears from him occasionally. He still receives the club newsletter every month. The debt Pikes Peak "N" Gineers owes Chris Mueller is beyond measure.

Next month, the club goes into show business.

Many thanks to Craig for providing this information.

November 6, 10:30 am: Laying Flextrack for Reliability-How to lay flextrack the proper way for years of reliable operation.
November 6, 2:20 pm: Wiring Basics-How to wire your track the proper way to avoid electrical gremlins.
November 13, 10:30 am: Scenery Part I-How to build your scenery base, plaster rockwork and ground cover. Both sessions should be attended to complete the class.
November 13, 2:30 pm: Scenery Part II.
November 14, 12:30 pm: Weathering G Scale Techniques-This hands on clinic will show different techniques in weathering structures, rolling stock and locomotives.
November 20, 10:30 am: Scenery-A general overview of scenery techniques will be demonstrated.
November 20, 2:30 pm.: Weathering Techniques-Weathering methods for both structures and rolling stock will be demonstrated.
November 27, 10:30 am.: Handlaying Track-How to lay track will be covered in the morning session continuing in the afternoon with hand laying turnouts.
November 27, 2:30 pm.: Handlaying Turnouts
December 4, 10:30 am: Foam Scenery-How to construct light weight scenery including the new Woodland Scenics Subterrain system.
December 4, 2:30 pm: Let There Be Lights-How to add lights to your layout structures and rolling stock to add realism.
December 11, 10:30 am: Enhancing Structures-How to modify, detail and paint structures to increase their realism on your layout.
December 11, 2:30 pm: Lionel Basics-Beginner information on Set-up of 3-rail AC track and locos, maintenance of equipment and accessories, expansion of layout.
December 12, 12:30 pm: N gauge topics-Hints and ideas for the N gauge modeler in a question and answer format.
December 18, 10:30 am: Modeling Water-How to model ponds, streams and water falls will be covered.
December 18, 2:30 pm: Air Brushing-How to select and use an airbrush.
December 26, 1:00, 2:00, 3:00 pm: Trains on Christmas Cards-A multi-media presentation for your enjoyment.
January 8, 10:30 am.: Making Castings-How to make molds and casting from your own master for scenery and detail parts.
January 8, 2:30 pm: Installing DCC Decoders-How to install DCC decoders in both HO and N scale locomotives.
January 15, 10:30 am: Starting the Right Way-How to get started in model railroading on the right foot. The do's and don'ts for a successful beginning.
January 15, 2:30 pm.: Decals-Applying decals and dry transfers to your models. A hands-on clinic.
January 22, 10:30 am: Building Bench Work-Bench work from the ground up. Provide the proper foundation for your layout.
January 22, 2:30 pm: Spline Roadbed-Techniques for using splines as sub-roadbed for smooth curving track work.
January 29, 10:30 am: Laying Flextrack for Reliability-How to lay flextrack the proper way for years of reliable operation.
January 29, 2:30 pm: Weathering Techniques-Weathering methods for both structures and rolling stock will be demonstrated.
February 5, 10:30 am: Wiring Basics-How to wire your track the proper way to avoid electrical gremlins.
February 5, 2:30 pm: Advanced Wiring-Signaling, detection, reverse loops, wyes an other advanced wiring topics will be discussed.
February 12, 10:30 am: Foam Scenery-How to construct light weight scenery including the new Woodland Scenics Subterrain system.
February 12, 2:30 pm: Air Brushing-How to select and use an airbrush.
February 19, 10:30 am: Scenery Part I-How to build your scenery base, plaster rockwork and ground cover. Both sessions should be attended to complete the class.
February 19, 2:30 pm: Scenery Part II.
February 20, 12:30 pm.: Weathering G Scale Techniques-This hands on clinic will show different techniques in weathering structures, rolling stock and locomotives.
February 26, 10:30 am: Backdrop Painting-How to construct and paint a backdrop for your layout.
February 26, 2:30 pm: Perspective/Low Relief Structures-How to construct low profile structures and use perspective to create the illusion of depth on your layout.
March 5, 10:30 am and 2:30 pm: Modeling Trees-How to use inexpensive materials and techniques for building a wide variety of trees for your layout.
March 12, 10:30 am: Kitbashing HOn3 Freight Cars-How to modify inexpensive rolling stock for use in narrow gauge.
March 12, 2:30 pm: Making Brass Etchings-How to make brass etchings to enhance your modeling projects.
March 13, 12:30 pm: Handlaying Track-How to lay track will be covered in the morning session continuing in the afternoon with hand laying turnouts.
March 19, 10:30 am.: Scratchbuilding Structures-Various methods of building structures from scratch will be demonstrated.
March 19, 2:30 pm: Enhancing Structures-How to modify, detail and paint structures to increase their realism on your layout.
March 26, 10:30 am.: Kitbashing Streamlined Passenger Cars-How to kitbash and/or scratch-build specific passenger cars.
March 26, 2:30 pm: Using Metal Foil/Diesel Details-Some tricks for detailing diesels including the use of metal foil for stainless steel.

3645 Jeannine Drive, Suite 108

Tuesday: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Fridays: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Saturday: 1:00 - 4:00 PM

Cumbres & Toltec operator loses contract

Chama, N.M. - The future of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad is in doubt after the bi-state commission that owns the 64-mile route this week abruptly terminated its lease with the company operating the historic steam line.

Convinced that operator George Bartholomew "is not able financially to have a season next year," Commissioner Wayne Quinlan of Antonito moved to terminate the operating contract and begin the search for a new operator.

"Every month we delay this decision, we delay the opening next year," said Quinlan.

The commission met for four hours on Tuesday afternoon, discussing the future of the steam line and the economic impact it has on the towns of Antonito and Chama. The narrow gauge train between Antonito and Chama crosses the Colorado-New Mexico border 11 times, following the 119-year-old route over Cumbres Pass.

"The railroad is the life's blood of these two communities," Quinlan said.

Ultimately, after a last-minute effort by investors to step in, and repeated whispered conversations between the four member Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Commission and assistant attorneys general Jennifer Gimble of Colorado and Patrick Lopez of New Mexico, all four commissioners voted to terminate the lease with Bartholomew's Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad Corp.

The action was expected because the commission had given Bartholomew 30 days notice on Sept. 14 to do needed maintenance and prove he was financially capable of running the railroad. The board wasn't permitted to audit his books because it refused to keep its findings confidential, Bartholomew said.

Colorado Commissioner Lewis Entz, a former state lawmaker who lives in the San Luis Valley, said the commission had received no responses to items addressed in the breach of contract letter of last month.

After the termination vote, Durango entrepreneur Don Shank and colleagues H.L. Scott III and Bill Greenhaigh offered to buy out the lease and pay the debts of Bartholomew.

The aging locomotives, which are in need of major repairs, can't afford to wait the 90 days or more it will take the commission to advertise for a new operator and get one on board, they argued.

Walter Rosenberger, the chief mechanical officer of the railroad, warned that a delay in winter maintenance of the locomotives would make it "almost impossible" to open the line on time next May. Although the line has six aging locomotives, only four "have a reasonable chance" of returning to duty next season, he said.

New Mexico commissioner Bob Lynn offered a motion to give Shank's group one week to come up with proof of financial ability, an operating plan, and permit the commission complete access to Bartholomew's financial records. But the motion failed, and the executive director of the commission, Leo Schmitz, was ordered to secure the railroad yards in both towns and all equipment and begin the quest for a new operator.

New Mexico and Colorado bought the line 30 years ago, and operations began in 1971. The scenic railroad attracts an estimated 60,000 to 70,000 riders a year during the 4 1/2-month season.

The lines employs about 70 people during peak season and 12 to 20 through the winter.

Editor: Charles J. Bay

THE RAILHEAD is published monthly by the Pikes Peak 'N' Gineers Model Railroad Club, P.O. Box 594, Monument, CO 80132; Telephone 719-488-9318. Subscription is covered through membership in Pikes Peak 'N' Gineers, a nonprofit corporation. ©1999. All rights reserved. We assume letters, questions, news releases, and club items are contributed gratis.

A friend, and fellow club member, asked me if I had seen the ad for a good looking N scale storage case in the latest N Scale magazine. I had. It's on page 6. The advertisement is from Travel-N-Trains which sells a case that holds 140 forty foot cars. It sells for $149.95. I thought about my carrying system with great satisfaction. One case holds up to 132 forty foot cars and cost me less than $40-less than a third of the advertised product. My system came about because I belonged to Pikes Peak "N" Gineers.

My system evolved. It all started with a former club member, Mike the Fireman. He had bought a Plano tackle box which came with #3700 plastic containers. He had made cardboard trays which fit inside the containers. The trays held cars of various lengths, kept them from moving about, and protected the cars from damage. Mike the Fireman didn't have to mess with all those little plastic boxes railroad cars came in, making sure that each car was in its own box after operations.

I thought that was a pretty good idea.

I learned how Mike the Fireman made his little trays. It seemed to me that if I added padding and/or lining of some sort, the trays would be more padded and would protect the cars even more. In the process of implementing that idea, I found an easier way of making the little trays. I made them sized for forty-foot cars, fifty-footers, eighty-five-footers, etc. My idea worked. Life was good. Time passed.

Kirt was watching me put my trains away one evening. While he was messing around with all of his little car boxes, I had put all of my cars away quickly and in an organized manner. We talked.

I gave Kirt one of my little trays. Kirt took it home and thought about the idea. He came up with the idea of making a jig to make construction of the little trays easier and quicker. The jig worked. Not only that, Kirt's little trays were neater, sturdier, and better-looking than mine!

Kirt made lots and lots of trays. He organized his cars. Life was good.

Then Kirt loaned his jig to Alan. Alan made lots and lots of cardboard trays. Grateful to Kirt, Alan also made up jigs in three sizes for Kirt. In the process, Alan improved on Kirt's design by using a hard wood. Further, he improved on my design by using hot glue in the construction process. The hot glue makes construction much faster than the white glue/paper clip system I was using. Not being afraid of stealing someone else's good ideas, I now use hot glue. I use jigs, too.

In summary, because I belonged to PPNG, I have an inexpensive, flexible, excellent storage/transportation system for my model trains that came from fellow members. It didn't cost me $150, either-one of the real unadvertised benefits of club membership.

That's cool!