Railroad Item of the Month

We never really do the norm at the Marsden House. We have to put our christmas tree on table to enable the space under it, because we cannot just have a train running around it! Everytime I look at it I see differences, the snowblower is doing a wonderful job clearing the snow off the track, the pile is getting smaller, I am sure the train will be able to pass later today. My son is already wheeling and dealing for more space next year.

Photos taken by Killian Marsden

Paul Marsden

View from the Cab

Well friends, the first online "virtual" meeting in Black Swamp Division history is behind us and we are steaming at full throttle to expand and improve the effort. We've got some new wrinkles in store for you on Friday, December 18. Check out Asst. Supt. Stull's column for more info and access to the Zoom meeting link.

I've been working on my layout like a madman and really enjoying the progress. Right now I'm focused on completing a port scene and will share some progress photos with you at the December meeting. As much as I enjoy having a lot of time to work in my basement, I'm still frustrated by not being able to share the hobby with my friends. Until this pandemic hit, I'm not sure I fully appreciated how much time I spent at Division meetings, ops sessions, train shows, and other fellowship activities. If I took those treasures for granted, I sure will have a newfound appreciation for them when this is all over! That's why it is so important for you to log in on the 18th so we can share the experience. Let's have some Christmas decorating fun. See what you can create in a virtual holiday background for your online camera, add some decorations that we can all see, or wear those crazy reindeer antlers. We may not have our usual Christmas party this year, but we can sure create a new kind holiday gig over the web!

Our friend Paul says his cupboards are almost bare of materials to include in the Train Order. I know we are all busy but I must remind you that we are dependent upon you to send us what you are building, what you are learning, what you want to know, etc. We need how-to articles, individual photos, whatever you can share. Please take a few minutes sometime soon and send Paul whatever you can to build out the January edition.

So I"m excited about seeing your smiling face on my screen next Friday. Remember "doors open" at 6:30 and meeting starts at 7. If you are unsure about anything technical regarding Zoom meetings, just click on the link (See Marshall's column) at 6:30 and we will have that social time to help you with camera set-up, mike, or whatever. Jump in, the water's fine (OK, maybe it's a little icy right now.....)

Merry Christmas friends, see ya on down the line,

Dave McMullian,
Superintendent

From the Editors Desk

I hope that you have all been good this year, and Santa brings you all the railroad related stuff on your list. As you can see, I have run out of content for the train order. Please help me out

Paul Marsden,
Editor

Clinic Corner

Below is the invitation with links to join the meeting. Note: the "doors" (or in this case windows) open at 6:30PM so the customary getting acquainting time can occur. We will also be providing pointers on video, cameras, sound and miscellaneous issues. At 7:00PM we will begin the official meeting.
Topic: Black Swamp (Div 1) Zoom Meeting
Time: Dec 18, 2020 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

December Clinic

This month's clinic will be on Air Brushing and will be presented by our own Dave McMullian. This will be Part One of a two-part clinic covering the basics of air brushing, including equipment, paint, thinners with basic use, care and maintenance. This subject received the most votes from our on-line survey.

Clinic Survey - New Subjects

For the last few months, we have had a survey on-line for people to vote for and propose future clinic subjects. This month's clinic is a result of those surveys! Air Brushing received the highest number of votes. Some of the new topics suggested include:

• Using floral foam for terrain
• Shelf layouts
• Pre-1900 railroad operations
• Loco detailing

These subjects and the original subjects have been reset and voting can start again. Remember, you can vote for multiple subjects! Your feedback has really helped us seek new subjects that appeal to members. Please continue to vote!!