View from the Cab

We are coming up on our next "virtual" meeting of the Black Swamp Division, Friday, April 23. I don't know about about you, but I have just about had my fill of "virtual" stuff, "social distancing", mask controversies, and rumors! I'm keeping my fingers crossed hoping that we can be back to REAL meetings in September.

As you know by now, we will have our bi-annual elections at this month's meeting. The slate is unopposed and includes:

• Superintendent - Marshall Stull
• Asst. Supt. - Brian Burr
• Secretary - Richard Marquardt
• Treasurer - John Gardner
• Trainmaster for Services - Steve Glass
• Director - Randy Bosscher
• Director - Dave McMullian

Right now, it appears that we will hold one more Zoom meeting in May and then take a break for June, July, and August. The new board will hold meetings over the Summer to plan and prepare for the 2021-2022 meeting season. And of course the convention committee is hard at work preparing to host the NCR regional here in Toledo October 21-24. Black Swamp Junction 2021 will be the first big modeling event we've all had for quite a while, and we expect a good turnout. Even though we will not have division meetings over the Summer, we will be reaching out to you during that time for help at the convention.

I'm excited about having Sam Swanson as our guest clinician for this month's meeting. He's a great modeler and outstanding teacher of techniques. See Marshall's notes elsewhere in the Train Order for more info. And don't forget to bring something to share for Show-n-Tell. That time remains one of our most important opportunities to learn new modeling ideas and we really need to see what you are doing and learning. Follow the Zoom link in Marshall's column to connect on the 23rd.

See ya on down the line,
Dave McMullian,
Superintendent

From the Editors Desk

After listening to Dave Miecznikowski at our last zoom meeting I sent my wife a challenge, and she was supposed to write me something for this train order. But then the editor messed up, and he told her she had an extra week.

So you can see I have very slim pickings for this train order. Please send me anything you have

Paul Marsden,
Editor

Clinic Corner

Next Zoom Meeting

Below is the invitation with links to join the April 23 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 Division Zoom Meeting - April 23, 2021
Time: April 23, 2021 06:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/99590837249?pwd=ZHIxa3l0NjNiWjdJV3d3MGoyVjArZz09
Meeting ID: 995 9083 7249
Passcode: 855281

Listen by Phone: +1 312 626 6799

SHOW AND TELL

We will have a Show and Tell session. We encourage everyone to bring something you are working on! With zoom, you can show us right on your layout. You can also share photos/video from your computer/device or just hold up the item in front of the webcam.

April Clinic

This week's clinic will be about Finishing Techniques: painting and weathering, presented by Sam Swanson MMR. Apart from being an MMR, Sam is also an accomplished clinician and author with many articles under his belt. His most recent published articles include the July/August 2020 Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette, "Building Reed Bros. Marine Railway" and a March/April 2021 Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette article, "Weathering Wood and Slate".

FUTURE CLINICS - We need feedback!!!

As always, we would like to hear from the members what you want as far as clinics. We are also looking for members (or non-member) who would like to try doing a clinic. If you have an idea for a clinic you would like to present, please get in touch with me via e-mail at mstull@marshallstull.com. Remember, doing presentations/clinics earns you points toward an Author and Volunteer Categories in the NMRA Achievement Program!

Clinic Survey

Remember, we cannot bring you the subjects you want if you do not tell us! Please click this link and make your wishes come true! FYI, you can vote for multiple subjects!

We cannot bring you the subjects you want if you do not tell us what you need! For the last few months, we have had a survey on-line for people to vote for and propose future clinic subjects. Our upcoming clinics are a result of that feedback! Please click this link and make your needs known! Remember, you can vote for multiple subjects!

Marshall Stull,
Assistant Superintendent

Antique Rail Car Brake

$200.00 or Best Offer,
Seller: Richard Marquardt Location: Temperance, MI. Purchaser will have to pick it up. Antique Ajax AAR 1955 rail car brake. The weight of this brake is over 75 pounds and came from a Conrail training program in Toledo, Ohio. This is a True man cave or back yard piece. This is a complete unit, not just the wheel.
If interested, contact me at: skimar@bex.net

Antique New Century Stand Railroad Track switch from Bethlehem Steel Co.

$500.00 or Best Offer,
Seller: Richard Marquardt Location: Temperance, MI. Purchaser will have to pick it up. Antique New Century track switch from Bethlehem Steel Co. The weight of this track switch is over 200 pounds and came from a Conrail training program in Toledo, Ohio. This is a True man cave or back yard piece. Great for live steam operations!
If interested, contact me at: skimar@bex.net