Business Notes – Front Range Division

Table of Contents

April 2024

There was a short discussion on the recent TCA show at the Denver Coliseum. It was quite sizeable and a good number of vendors and layouts were in attendance. As a follow up to the note on the RPM meet in September, volunteers are needed to assist in running the operational side of the meeting. If you have interest in assisting, contact Rich, Bill Kepner, or Michelle Kempema.

The NMRA National Convention is to be held in Long Beach, California, August 4th through August 11th. The convention features clinics, prototype tours, and layout tours. The National Train Show will be held the 9th, 10th, and 11th. More information can be found at https://surfliner2024.org/.

The Sherman Hill Train Show will be held June 29th and 30th at the Event Center at Archer. Plan on attending this show. Cheyenne Train Show | Sherman Hill Model Railroad (shermanhillrails.org)

The Rocky Mountain Region Convention is scheduled for June 5 -8, 2024 in Salt Lake City. See the website at: www.northernutahnmra.org. Make an effort to attend this regional effort. See the Front Range Division website for more information: https://front-range-division.org/.

March 2024

Rich Gibson made an announcement that Dean Dickerhoof’s Celebration of Life was Sunday March 24th. Dean has a write up in the April 2024 NMRA magazine. Thanks to Roland for submitting the material.

To see what events are upcoming, go to the Event/Blog page.

As a follow up to the note on the RPM meet in September, volunteers are needed to assist in running the operational side of the meeting. If you have interest in assisting, get in contact with Rich, Bill Kepner, or Michelle Kempema.

The Rocky Mountain Train Show hosted by the Colorado Division of the Train Collectors Association will be held April 6th and 7th at the National Western Complex in Denver. Discount tickets are available at Rocky Mountain Train Supply.

The NMRA National Convention is to be held in Long Beach, California, August 4th through August 11th. The convention features clinics, prototype tours, and layout tours. The National Train Show will be held the 9th, 10th and 11th. More information can be found at https://surfliner2024.org/.

The Sherman Hill Train Show will be held June 29th and 30th at the Event Center at Archer. Plan on attending this show.

The Colorado Railroad Museum, via Bill Kepner, is willing to host an op session at the museum. The 17th of May has been proposed. This is a Friday, and the op session would start at 4 pm. We would carpool to Greeley. This is also the weekend for Cheyenne Depot Days, so anyone heading that way to stay the weekend in Cheyenne could stop off in Greeley. We would need 15 Front Range members to have a successful op session. Would you please contact Gerry Glancy regarding your interest. In fact, more than just interest. Think of your reply as YES, I WANT TO BE PART OF THE OP SESSION at gerryglancy@gmail.com.

February 2024

The business for this meeting was the collection of the subscriptions for the Telegrapher. A number of members have not paid, and Ned sent out a reminder to get the money in. Further, there was a discussion on the donation to the CRRM in the amount of $400.00.

As a reminder, a swap meet will be held at the Green Mountain Presbyterian Church, March 16th. This is a regularly occurring meet the third Saturday of each odd numbered month.

The Rocky Mountain Train Show hosted by the Colorado Division of the Train Collectors Association will be held April 6th and 7th at the National Western Complex in Denver.

The ballots are available for the Rocky Mountain Region. They are sent out by electionrunner.com. Please vote by March 15th.

The Sherman Hill Train Show will be held June 29th and 30th at the Event Center at Archer. Plan on attending this show. Photos and videos from the February layout open houses are posted on the Front Range Division website.

January 2024

There was little business to report this meeting. The bank balance is unchanged. As a reminder, a swap meet was held at the Green Mountain Presbyterian Church, January 20th. This is a regularly occurring meet the third Saturday of each odd numbered month.

The TECO show was held January 27th and 28th in Colorado Springs. The next TECO show will be November 2nd and 3rd again in Colorado Springs.

The Rocky Mountain Train Show hosted by the Colorado Division of the Train Collectors Association will be held April 6th and 7th at the National Western Complex in Denver. The NMRA National Convention is to be held in Long Beach, California, August 4th through August 11th. The convention features clinics, prototype tours, and layout tours. the National Train Show will be held the 9th, 10th and 11th. More information can be found at https://surfliner2024.org/ .

December 2023

No business notes due to “The Christmas Party”.

November 2023

After some delay, the election of officers was completed in this meeting. The slate of candidates were presented by Paul Brennecke. They are Rich Gibson, Superintendent; Gerry Glancy, Assistant Superintendent/Program Chair; Ned Habich, Treasurer; and Allen Grasmick, Secretary/Telegrapher Editor. After a second by Jack Haptonstall, the officer’s election was affirmed as no negative votes were cast. We should all thank the officers for their continued work on behalf of the Division.

The Rocky Mountain Region Convention was held on November 10th through 12th in Albuquerque. No report from attendees was available. The attendance was 35 regional members with only three attending from New Mexico.

It is the time of year for the annual subscriptions to the Telegrapher, or if you would rather “the advance facilities rental payment”. The Front Range Division has held about $2300 in the treasury and annually we give a donation to the Colorado Railroad Museum. This is a reminder to send in checks for $12.00, payable to F R Train Club to:

Ned Habich, 1015 S. Miller Way, Lakewood, CO. 80226

If you were holding out questioning whether we would have a new treasurer, the wait is over send the money to Ned now.

Roland Lawrence, Webmaster and Audio-Visual, is continuing to work on the Front Range Division website to give us more visibility. Take a look at https://front-range-division.org . In an effort to populate the website, Roland is asking for feedback and information you would like to have added to the site. It would be great to add more layouts and information on the layouts to the site. In this instance, Roland is requesting interested individuals send pictures and/or video, and a summary of what scale, room size, location, railroad name, setting/era and other information to describe your railroad. Roland is asking for comments or suggestions on the site. Send feedback or submissions to frd.nmra.meeting@gmail.com.

Paul Brennecke was honored once again with the March calendar photo in the NMRA annual calendar. Great job, Paul. There were 73 modelers submitted over 170 images for consideration by the Calendar Team. So, to be one of the 14 photos chosen for publication is quite an honor and a tribute to Paul’s fine photographic skills.

October 2023

Of note, the election of officers was not held and so anyone with interest in the leadership positions still may let Rich Gibson know of your desires at richgibson89@yahoo.com . Also, the position of “Audio-Visual and Webmaster” for the Front Range Division has been filled by Roland Lawrence.

Finally, it is the time of year for the annual subscriptions to the Telegrapher, or if you would rather “the advance facilities rental payment”. The Front Range Division has held about $2300 in the treasury and annually we give a donation to the Colorado Railroad Museum. This is a reminder to send in checks for $12.00, payable to F R Train Club to: Ned Habich, 1015 S. Miller Way, Lakewood, CO. 80226.

Roland Lawrence, has been named “Audio-Visual and Webmaster”. He has been working on a Front Range Division website to give us more visibility. To see the website, go to: https://front-range-division.org. It would be great to add more layouts and information on the layouts to the site. Your co-operation is highly requested to show what our members are doing, and how they are accomplishing work on their own model railroads. It is requested for members to send information to frd.nmra.meeting@gmail.com with the following: Scale, Room Size, Railroad Location, Railroad Name, Setting / Era, and other information to help describe your railroad.

September 2023

Rich Gibson noted upcoming activities with some reaching into 2024. The Estes Park Train Show was held September 23^rd and 24^th. Gary Myers requested assistance in manning the NMRA booth during the show at the meeting.

The Rocky Mountain Region Convention will be held on November 10^th to 12^th in Albuquerque at the Marriott Pyramid North. The room rate is reasonable. There will be a model contest, clinics, and judging at the convention. On November 11th and 12th at the Sid Cutter Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, the Toy Train Operating Society will hold a train show and swap meet. This is a large show with a variety of operating layouts and vendors for your model train needs. Please plan on attending and staying with the group at the Marriott by using the link on the convention materials to assure the Region gets credit for your stay. The updated convention materials were sent out by Rich via email.

Rocky Ops is slated to be held May 3^rd to 5^th, 2024. If any are interested in attending, please reach out to Rich for more details and to receive the invitation.

It is again the time of the year to be planning the “Gathering of the Elves Holiday Party”. Rich asked if anyone would be interested in hosting this year’s event. Since no one stepped forward, Rich will tentatively host the gathering this year. The date is still to be determined, and again, if you would be interested in hosting, please let Rich know.

Rich indicated the interest in a members’ layout tour to be held in the new year, probably January. If you have interest in exhibiting your layout and displaying the work you have accomplished, again let Rich know via email.

For those members interested in operations, the Tulsa Operating weekend will be coming up in March 2024. There are a number of great layouts open for operations over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in the Tulsa area. Flights are inexpensive as are hotel accommodation, in the area. Driving is also an option for those who would rather see the roads between Denver and Tulsa. Information on this event can be obtained from Rich.

In other news that was overlooked in the business portion of the meeting, October is the election month for officers on the Front Range Division. Current officers/ candidates are:

Rich Gibson – Superintendent
Gerry Glancy – Assistant Superintendent and Program Chair
Ned Habich – Treasurer
Allen Grasmick – Secretary and Telegrapher Editor

As always if you have any interest in holding office, please contact Rich with your interest. Another note on open positions – the Membership Chair, and the Video Librarian/Contest Chair are open.

August 2023

Rich Gibson welcomed all to the Summer Picnic. He acknowledged the efforts of Glenn Gibson in arranging the use of the venue with Lockheed Martin and the Scenic Line Modelers, Inc. to open their layout.

The Rocky Mountain Region Convention will be held on November 10th to 12th, 2023, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Marriot Pyramid North. The room rate is reasonable. There will be a model contest, clinics, and judging at the convention. On November 11th and 12th, at the Sid Cutter Ballon Muesum in Albuquerque, the Toy Train Operating Society will hold a train show and swap meet. This is a large show with a variety of operating layouts and vendors for your model train needs. Please plan on attending and staying with the group at the Marriot by using the link on the convention materials to assure that the Region gets credit for your stay.

There will be a swap meet at the Green Mountain Presbyterian Church located at 12900 W Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO. 80228 on September 16th from 9:00 to 11:30 am. This is a community event.

The 2023 NMRA Convention was held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. Pat Lana was in attendance and provided a number of photos on Facebook. He noted that the N-Trak layout had a couple of Dean Dickerhoof’s trains running. A great tribute to Dean’s involvement in the hobby.

July 2023

Rich Gibson related a little more information on the Summer Picnic. The Scenic Line Modelers have graciously agreed to open their layout for a tour. This is a potluck event with chicken and soft drinks provided. Please let Rich know the number of attendees and what you will bring to share.

The Rocky Mountain Region Convention will be held on November 10th to 12th in Albuquerque at the Marriott Pyramid North. The room rate is reasonable. There will be a model contest, clinics, and judging at the convention. More activities are being planned. A large train show with be held November 11th and 12th at the Sid Cutter Balloon Museum in Albuquerque. Please plan on attending and staying with the group at the Marriott by using the link on the convention materials to assure the Region gets credit for your stay.

The Narrow Gauge Convention is being held at Crowne Plaza Denver Airport Convention Center on August 30th through September 2nd. The event has a train show and vendor booths, as well as layout tours. Check out the information at: https://www.43nngcdenver.com/.

The 2023 NMRA Convention will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051. The dates for this event are August 20th through the 26th. Information is available at: https://2023texasexpress.com/. This convention will have the usual suspects in attendance; layout tours, clinics, prototype tours, modeling contest, and the train show.

Rails in the Rockies will be held September 23rd to 24th at 1125 Rooftop Way, Estes Park, CO 80517. The announcement can be found at https://railsintherockies.org/.

June 2023

Rich Gibson relayed the Summer Picnic is set for August 27th in the afternoon. Lockheed Martin has repaired the restrooms, so the facilities are good to go. This will be in conjunction with the Scenic Line Modelers who have graciously agreed to open their layout for a tour. More information will be forthcoming. The Rocky Mountain Region Directors meeting was held and no news of import to the Division was discussed.

However, the Rocky Mountain Region Convention will be held on November 10^th through 12^th in Albuquerque at Marriott Pyramid North. The room rate is reasonable. There will be a model contest, clinics, and judging at the convention. More activities are being planned. On November 11th & 12th at the Sid Cutter Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, the Toy Train Operating Society will hold a train show and swap meet. This is a large show with a variety of operating layouts and vendors for your model train needs. Please plan on attending and staying with the group at the Marriott by using the link on the convention materials to assure that the Region gets credit for your stay.

There will be a swap meet at the Green Mountain Presbyterian Church located at 12900 W Alameda Parkway, Lakewood, CO 80228 on July 15th from 9:00 to 11:30 AM. This is a community event.

In August the 2023 NMRA Convention will be held at the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine, TX 76051. The dates for this event are August 20th through the 26th. Information is available at: https://2023texasexpress.com/. This convention will have the usual suspects in attendance; layout tours, clinics, prototype tours, modeling contest, and the train show.

The group was brought to date on Dean Dickerhoof’s move to Texas. At the time of the meeting, he had not yet left the Denver area, but would soon be located in Midland, Texas. We wish him well on the move. His train collection has been disbursed to modelers for their use on home and other public display layouts.

May 2023

Rich Gibson relayed the Summer Picnic is tentatively set for August 27 in the afternoon. We are trying to clear this with Lockheed Martin at the employee facility.

The Rocky Mountain Region Convention will be held on November 10th through 12th in Albuquerque at Marriott Pyramid North. The room rate is reasonable. There will be a contest and judging at the convention. More activities are being planned. On November 11th & 12th at the Sid Cutter Balloon Museum in Albuquerque, the Toy Train Operating Society will hold a train show and swap meet. This is a large show with a variety of operating layouts and vendors for your model train needs.

April 2023

Rich Gibson had no new business to report. Gerry Arnold introduced himself to the group. He models in HO scale and is currently working on animating buildings.

In a follow up to last month, Rich produced a tri-fold handout to be used at train shows or other model railroad events promoting the Front Range Division. A new email address/account was created for the FRD and is included in the brochure. A copy is attached to the transmittal email for your review and use.

The Rocky Mountain Train Show was held April 1st and 2nd at the National Western Complex. It was well attended and had a number of manufacturers and vendors.

A couple of tour ideas were discussed, a tour of the Colorado Railroad Museum, or visit the Colorado Live Steamers located in Byers, Colorado.

March 2023

Rich Gibson assumed the reins once again. The treasury stands at $2,339 after the donation to the Colorado Railroad Museum. The region requested all divisions complete a tri-fold handout to be used at train shows or other model railroad events. He requested photos and other information on modeling activities. The semi-official logo for the FRD was forwarded for his use.

Rich mentioned the Rocky Mountain Train Show to be held on April 1st and 2nd at the National Western Complex. They have a large number of manufacturers and supplies already noted on the website. A number of workshops are also planned over the weekend including Gerry Glancy’s kit bashing presentation. For more information see the website at: rockymountaintrainshow.com.

A new feature for NMRA members is the NMRA Interchange. Check this out at https://www.nmra.org/nmra-interchange. “The NMRA Interchange is a new place to ask questions, provide answers, post events, share ideas and make friends.”

February 2023

With the Superintendent missing from the meeting, the responsibility for the meeting fell to Gerry Glancy, the Assistant Superintendent. He pushed the meeting in part off to Ned Habich, the Treasurer, who brought up the usual bank balance, and also, the annual donation to the Colorado Railroad Museum. Our habit has been to contribute $300 per year. This year it was moved and seconded we increase the amount to $500 per year. This passed by a unanimous vote or at least no descenders were heard. Gerry brought up the Rocky Mountain Train Show is to be held April 1st and 2nd at the National Western Complex. They have a large number of manufacturers and supplies already noted on the website. It was noted Mini prints will be at the show and is offering a price to scan you and make a miniature on site. For more information see the website at: rockymountaintrainshow.com.

Of note was Chris Palomarez attended the meeting. He is working on web sales of primarily model locomotives. Welcome Chris and good luck.

January 2023

With the new year, we are back to business as usual, or maybe not. Ned gave a short report on changes needed to be made to the bank account. From now on we will need to make checks payable to: FR Train Club. This is to allow the group to use a simple checking account in a local bank. So, please make a note. Ned is working on the roster, and it will be made available to all.

Paul Brennecke has accepted the Achievement Program chair position. Direct any questions on the achievement program to Paul, and he will be working on a listing with Rich on the achievement progress of members of the Division. The layout tour was held on the 24th with the group split between the layouts alphabetically. We will need feedback on the tour.

The Rocky Mountain Region Board Meeting was held with some items of note to the Front Range Division. There was continued emphasis on the efforts to combine the Front Range Division and the Flatirons Division. We have seen some interest from the Flatirons members and hope to continue this work. The Northern Colorado Division is struggling and continues to meet at the Colorado Model Train Museum in Greeley. Of note is the NMRA has revisited the “At Risk Policy”, and it has been posted on the website. This is less restrictive in nature and allows some flexibility in youth activities.

The Rocky Mountain Train Show is to be held April 1st and 2nd at the National Western Complex. They have a large number of manufacturers and supplies already noted on the website. This will be a suitable substitute for the now shuttered Merchandise Mart. For more information see the website at: rockymountaintrainshow.com. It was stated on January 21st, there was to be a train swap meet at the Green Mountain Presbyterian Church. Indications are the swap meet will be held the third Saturday of alternating months this year.