I want to mention a few things about "belonging to something" in our
modeling life. I joined the NASG when I was in the sixth grade--and boy
did I know nothing! However, I volunteered under Bernie Thomas's rein,
to coordinate the states of N. Dak, S. Dak and Neb into some kind of
organization. So I got out our old Smith Bros. typewriter and typed
out a letter of introduction to about a dozen or so folks in the area,
with the idea of starting a circuit letter and eventually some kind of
get-to-gether. How, a kid who was now in the 7th grade was actually
going to pull that off I'm not sure, but I tired and received six
responses--two in each state. So like Bob states, some of us are spread
a great distance, so anybody with any interest in modeling can help. I
would bet some HO dude could start helping him with scenery, while he
could offer to paint a couple of boxcars.
We've had, over the last many years, two member move to Oklahoma and
give up S modeling because there wasn't a group up that way--well guess
what, if those two could have found one more guy--they would have had a
club!
I've also mentioned that I'm the current president of the largest model
railroad club in the Houston area. We have a monthly meeting where
everybody can pretty much learn something at each meeting and there are
always sub groups getting together for operating sessions and at other
times--just guys helping guys. We are a 100% NMRA membership club for
the second time in it's history. It started out that way, then the
requirement was dropped and then started again mainly for financial
requirements. When this last requirement was implemented we did loose
several members because they too had reasons not to join--sometimes it's
just a few dollars too many while at other times it was more of a
political decision--and these guys weren't S people either.
However, every year we put on a local trainshow that provides the group
all it's revenue for the year. All the venues we've used have the
requirement of a substantial liability policy. If you're ever dealt
with this problem--they ain't cheep! However the NMRA does provide
liability insurance to cover all our events for just a few dollars. At
that point it was a no-brain'er for us. So if your particular S club
wants to put on an event, consider becoming a 100% member, save some
dollars and perhaps have some influence further down the road--who knows
maybe Bill will get his clearance gauge yet!
Bob Werre
PhotoTraxx
--- In [email protected] <mailto:S-Scale%40yahoogroups.com>,
"Willam Fraley" <wjfraley@...> wrote:
>
> I've supported the NMRA and the NASG since 1962.
>
> I've never understood the malevolence (hateful) remarks of a few
very vocal
> S gaugers on the NMRA, yes, many of them who do not belong the NASG
either,
> those who make sarcastic notes on this list and otherwise.
>
>
>
> I and many others on this list wish You Anti- organization Guy's
would keep
> your negative remarks to yourself.
>
> Frankly, I'm sick and tired of it!
>
> "S"incerely,
>
> Bill Fraley
__________________________________________________________
I second that! My isolated status has its advantages at times. How
much bandwidth have we wasted on this topic?
For the record, I am a life member of NMRA since 1973, and a member of
NASG since my earliest days in S.
Bob Nicholson __________________________________________
