Clinic On May 18, 2026
Thoughts on Layout Planning
Be certain to join us for the May Meeting where Rodney Black will contribute to the Front Range Division’ knowledge his thoughts on Layout Planning. Rodney is the Dispatcher for a number of operating model railroads and can add insight into the processes that work and those that are constricting to the operating scheme. Bring your questions for Rodney and see you all there.
Clinic On April 20, 2026
Iron and Steel: The History
Doug Geiger, MMR, Biography
Doug lives in Longmont with his wife Barbara. Other interests besides model railroading (which he lives and breathes almost daily) include submarines, science-fiction books and travel. He was born in Montana, lived in Houston (where he obtained much of his model railroad knowledge) working for Shell Oil and moved to Colorado in 1981. He retired in 1991 and became a househusband.
Steel Mills are an important part of railroading. The rails come from the mills along with many of the accessories to the rail network. Steam locomotives used a good deal of this material in their manufacture and maintenance. Importantly for the model railroader are the number and variety of inbound loads and the outbound abundance. Doug has prepared an overview of the subject and has a good deal of insight into the process.
America’s history and development is deeply intertwined with iron and steel. We will trace this fascinating industry through its beginnings pre-1900 and what steel was making back then. Then in 1901, US Steel was formed, the largest corporation at that time in the world. Some of US Steel’s competitors will be deliberated, with emphasis on Bethlehem Steel and WWI. Next comes WWII and its insatiable demand for steel and how the industry responded. The peak of steel production in the post-war period is then covered. Finally, we will see the decline of this industry with the introduction of foreign imports and both labor and management unwise decisions. Unions and strikes will also be seen along the way. Time permitting, some current events can also be
discussed. Join us as we explore the rich history of steelmaking in America.
Clinic On Hold – Waiting on Date
History of the Denver Tramway Streetcar .04
Wally Weart will present the above-mentioned Clinic. This was the last streetcar to operate in revenue in Denver, and it had several narrow escapes during its life. One of its escapes was the conversion from standard gauge to a narrow-gauge electric streetcar. Wally will add some history of the Denver Tramway network along with some additional pictures he has accumulated. Wally is a long-time member of the Front Range Division and the NMRA.
