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SUPERINTENDENT (2018) WALT LILES

wliles.crrman@gmail.com 678 896-6311

OPERATIONS (2017) ROYAL BRUCE

royalbruce@comcast.net 941 374-1911

FINANCE (2017) JOE SULLIVAN

joesullivanx2377@gmail.com 404 705-9465

ADMINISTRATION (2018) MIKE FLEMING

drmtf@yahoo.com 770 891-9446

MEMBERSHIP (2018) M IKE CUMMINGS

ELrailroad1970@gmail.com 770 715-8071

JOHN FALK (2018)

johnfalk@aol.com

678 361-4458

STEVE FUNSTEN (2017)

stevefunsten@bellsouth.net

404 312-6467

DAVID GELMINI (2017)

atcgel@gmail.com

770 707-5019

PERRY LAMB (2018)

perry_lamb@mindspring.com

770 218-9744

NORM LUNDIN (2017)

normanlundin@me.com

770 251-8035

ALAN MOLE (2017)

alanmole@bellsouth.net

770 315-7244

BRIAN SANDBERG (2017)

briansandberg@comcast.net

678 920-1803

JIM TRAVIS (2018)

jgtravis@comcast.net

770 289-2020

D IRECTORS AT LARGE

SUPERINTENDENT EMERITUS

PETER YOUNGBLOOD, MMR

santaferailway@aol.com 770 966-1661

P I EDMONT D IV IS ION

LEADERSHIP

The Piedmont Division is rolling along at a steady pace this year. Spring was very

busy and summer seems to be heading the same direction with activities. Are you

heading to Orlando or maybe somewhere else? Don’t stop modeling or watching

trains because its summer. Wonderful time to explore unfamiliar places. I would also

like to encourage our members to think about submitting the paperwork to earn a

GOLDEN SPIKE AWARD. If you have questions call me. I would like to see about 20 new layouts get awards before

2018.

Our April meeting was shifted by a week due to scheduling issues at our location. Perry Lamb was our clinician for

the evening, speaking and demonstrating “BASIC SCNENERY for your MODEL RAILROAD”. We had many members

bring items for Bring & Brag as well. April was also our Spring Model & Photo Contest.

On April 22nd Howard Goodwin held a BSA Merit Badge Day in Duluth at the Southeastern Railway Museum. He

had a full clinic with Boy Scouts for the day. His team of volunteers really came through that day. He was cutting it

close, but a few members stepped up and allowed the session to happen. Many THANKS, EVERYONE!

On April 23rd Al Churella opened his home layout to many visitors on the Sandy River & Rangely Lakes RR. It is an

On2 layout that accurately captures Franklin County, Maine during the summer of 1919. Al has done a superb job

of capturing the prototype with scratch built structures and cars.

On Saturday April 29th Steve Funsten, one of our directors, sponsored ROSWELL RAILROAD DAYS at Blue Ox Trains.

There were lots of tables, with trains for the swap meet and trains running. Steve had free hamburgers and hotdogs

for visitors as well. It was warm, but we had a wonderful day. Chris Haon setup his G Gauge trains in the parking lot

for folks to enjoy as well. Mike Cummings and Tim Lambert recruited 6 new members that day. FANTASTIC JOB! It

was a very fun event. Excellent job, Steve Funsten!

On Saturday May 6th Perry Lamb, our Train N Camp coordinator, organized “Model railroading 102-Basic Scenery.”

We had 8 attendees, and Perry prepared 4 foam bases for the students to use. The Piedmont Division provided

materials so modelers could try "hands on”. Howard Goodwin, MMR, Perry Lamb, Jim Travis and I (Walt Liles), all

members of North Atlanta Rail Barons, assisted students creating their scenery projects. It was a wonderful day,

and everyone’s projects looked fantastic.

For National Train Day (week) the Piedmont Division had its 4th annual Facebook Photo Contest. For 7 days (May

6th to May 13th), folks could post photos taken that week for entries. Models and prototype were eligible. Rick

Wade, a former member, won with his model entry of a L&N train on a very well modeled scene. Brian Sandberg

won Prototype with a black and white photo of a CSX train going around a curve in Rydal, GA. Cool Photo! We

had many great entries that did not win but still were great photos.

On May 16th, we had our monthly meeting. Again, we had to shift to the 3rd Tuesday due to a scheduling conflict

at the church where we meet. Charlie Crawford, MMR did a clinic on “Loggers Lingo and How We Use It Today”.

(continued on next page)

PIEDMONT DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT'S

REPORT JUNE 2017

(continued from previous page)

We also had awards presented by Randall Watson from our previous month’s con-

test. Congratulations to George Stickel for earning a Merit Award for his model and

the Robert McIntyre award. Joe Sullivan also won a merit award for his model and

got Best in Show. Mike Cummings earned an AP Certificate for Volunteer.

On May 21st Peter Youngblood opened his home layout to 45 visitors. Peter has cap-

tured the Santa Fe Railway at its best with great scenery, excellent lighting and a

fine running railroad. Peter is an excellent modeler and great encourager of our

hobby.

On Saturday May 27th, the Piedmont Division attended and set up a membership

table at TRAINMASTER MODELS in Buford, GA. They had a swap meet in the ware-

house behind the store. Raymond Stewart and his wife volunteered to staff the ta-

ble. I stopped by to meet folks and talk trains for about 2 hours. We had 2 new

members join that day. Thanks to Raymond and his wife for their help.

Many of our members attended the SER Convention in Bessemer, AL. We all had an

enjoyable time and some good fellowship. There were some excellent clinics given

and some nice layouts to visit. The speaker did a presentation on Swiss Rails from

Alabama from his bicycle. It was cool! There is beautiful country in Switzerland, and

he captured what he models on his home layout.

The Train Show was busy on Saturday. Country Railroads from our division was exhib-

iting and running a very impressive layout. We also had one of our newer members

selling a new product called NANOTRAINS. Check Diane Martin’s products out at

www.nanotrain.com. These are very small desktop trains.

While at the SER banquet the Piedmont Division brought home some top honors for

the evening. Peter Youngblood was presented a plaque for the Vern Yarborough

Award for outstanding service to the Southeastern Region. Rick Coble, who was not

able to attend, was presented with the Chairman’s Award for his dedicated service

to the SER Region and all that he does.

I was presented with the Dave Muller award for Individual Achievements & Volun-

teerism at the division level in Promoting Model Railroading. It was a fun trip, and I

encourage everyone to think about May 24-27, 2018 in Lake Junaluska, NC. It will be

sponsored by the Carolina Mountain Div. 15.

On Tuesday June 13th, we had our monthly membership meeting. This meeting was

special as Charles Mason was presented his MMR Certification and plaque by Ran-

dall Watson. Congratulation to Charlie on this huge accomplishment. He is MMR

#586.

Member Pete Silcox presented “All Aboard Atlanta “. He discussed Atlanta Passen-

ger Stations in the 1970s. Bring & Brag was also a big hit with lots of models brought.

On Saturday June 17th Dr. Paul Schenk had a Layout Open House on his railroad.

Also on Saturday June 17th TRAINMASTER MODELS of Buford, GA celebrated its 20

Year Anniversary at the store. They had BBQ and cake for visitors as well as excep-

tional discounts for the week. Congratulations ,TRAINMASTER MODELS.

Until next quarter keep checking your wheels, couplers and weights and have fun

model railroading in the Piedmont Division NMRA.

Respectfully,

Walt Liles, Superintendent of the Piedmont Division NMRA

Calendar

2016

January thru

May 2017

Opening Balance less Out-

standing Checks $ 71,152.00 $ 76,311.00

Train Shows

Income $ 54,376.00 $ 46,291.00

Expense $ (38,758.00) $ (24,086.00)

Net Income $ 15,618.00 $ 22,205.00

Other Programs

Income $ 6,121.00 $ 888.00

Expense $ (16,477.00) $ (3,496.00)

Net Expense $ (10,356.00) $ (2,608.00)

Donations (incl. venue) $ 1,747.00 $ 698.00

Administrative Expense $ (1,850.00) $ (243.00)

Closing Balance less Out-

standing Checks $ 76,311.00 $ 96,363.00

Note that most income appears in the first five months while

substantial expenses occur in the last seven months.

Monthly Financial Reports are presented to the Board of

Directors.

OVERVIEW OF PIEDMONT DIVISION FINANCES

FOR 2016 AND FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF 2017

PIEDMONT DIVISION SUPERINTENDENT'S

REPORT JUNE 2017

TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2017 6 PM BOD; 7-9 PM Piedmont Division Mtg

CLINICIAN: JOHN TRAVIS MMR TITLE: Layout and Structure Lighting

An overview of setting up good lighting for the layout, with examples of structure and street

lighting using home-made LED lights.

BRING & BRAG: Structures of any sort. Bring your favorite or whatever you have been working

on and want to share.

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 10 AM to 2 PM

DIVISION PICNIC: Free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. Bring a covered dish, chairs, and a

tent for shade.

North Georgia Live Steamers, 1632 Centennial Olympic Pkwy, Conyers 30013

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017 All Day

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA CHAIRPERSON: HOWARD GOODWIN

Summer 2017 BSA Railroading Merit Badge Clinic at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2881 Can-

ton Road, Marietta, Georgia 30066

SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2017 10 AM to 4 PM

LAYOUT OPEN HOUSE: MORRIS SMITH Here’s a layout that has not been on the Piedmont

Pilgrimage for years, so this is your chance to see it.

2945 Pilgrim Mill Rd, Cumming 30041. 678-234-4326

JULY 22 through AUGUST 6, 2017

NMRA NATIONAL CONVENTION: ORANGE BLOSSOM SPECIAL in ORLANDO FL

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2017 6 PM BOD; 7-9 PM Piedmont Division Mtg

CLINICIAN: MIKE CUMMINGS TITLE: Fallen Flags in the 60’s & 70’s

A fast-paced look back at the bankruptcies, mergers and acquisitions of the Northeast Ameri-

can railroad scene during the 1960's and 1970's, - a period of unparalleled industry consolida-

tion, and all roads led to Conrail, N&W and the Chessie System.

BRING & BRAG: Fallen-flag equipment, locomotives and rolling stock or whatever you have

been working on and want to share.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2017 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

OPERATING SESSION: JOHN RIEKEN’S fabulous basement-filling HO model railroad in Homer is

designed for operations. This layout features a network stretching from Pittsburgh to St. Paul,

MN and Chicago. This includes the PRR Pittsburgh to Chicago, the Belt RR of Chicago in Chica-

go, and the Burlington from Chicago to St. Paul. The central point of activity is Chicago, where

trains are yarded (six yards), broken up, interchanged, and spotted at industries. Chicago also

includes a two-track Union Station. There are about 18 industrial spots adjacent to all the

freight yards in Chicago. This operating session is limited to 16 so register early to reserve your

spot. THIS IS OPEN ONLY TO ACTIVE MEMBERS !

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19, 2017 1 PM to 4 PM

TRAIN N CAMP # 3 CHAIRPERSON: PERRY LAMB

Laser Cut Structures at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, Geor-

gia 30066 8 seats available by RSVP to perry_lamb@mindspring.com

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 2017 1 PM to 5 PM

LAYOUT OPEN HOUSE: CHRIS WHITE’S UP-Yellowstone North AND British Railways Waterloo/

Wessex.

The UP is a freelanced layout from Green River to South Yellowstone, WY (HO 22’ by 14’ dou-

ble decked) around 1960. The Waterloo to Wessex Line is HO/OO 20’ by 16’ in May 1960 and is

single level point to point that is 100% completed. You’ll think you are in the UK!

290 Chasen Wood Way, Roswell 30076, 770-594-2618

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26,2017 9 AM to 4 PM

53rd ATLANTA MODEL TRAIN SHOW at INFINITE ENERGY CENTER 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy,

Duluth, GA 30097

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 6 PM BOD; 7-9 PM Piedmont Division Mtg

CLINICIAN: PETER YOUNGBLOOD MMR TITLE: Balsa Foam

Balsa Foam is different from other plastic foams because it can easily be carved with tradition-

al and nontraditional hand tools to create the shape and design you want. It can then be

decorated with any paint just like balsa wood. Peter Youngblood, MMR will demonstrate some

of the many ways this versatile material can be used in model railroading .

BRING & BRAG: War Bonnet Day! Bring anything Santa Fe, locomotives or rolling stock or

whatever you have been working on and want to share.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2017 1 PM to 4 PM

LAYOUT OPEN HOUSE: LARRY LAMMES’S Boston & Maine is a terrific HO model railroad with a

point-to-point track plan and a five-track staging yard located at each end of the 260’ main-

line. There are two helixes connecting three levels. The layout is freelanced, based on New

York and Western Massachusetts in 1957 or the early McGinnis era of the Boston and Maine .

230 Sawgrass Place, Griffin GA 30233, 770-233-8544

P I EDMONT D IV IS ION CALENDAR

P I EDMONT D IV IS ION MEMBER ACHIEVEMENTS

In the April model con-

test, George won a Mer-

it Award and 1st Place

Structure for his salvage

tug. He was also award-

ed the BOB MCINTIRE ME-

MORIAL AP AWARD for this

achievement in his first

contest.

GEORGE S T ICKEL

In the April model contest

Joe won a Merit Award,

1st Place Rolling Stock

and the Best-of-Show

Award for his gondola

JOE SULL IVAN

In April, David received

Merit Awards for Scenery

(layout) and two for Struc-

tures (cooperage and via-

duct) in the Model Contest

DAVID R EVER Congratulations To MASTER MODEL RAILROADER #586!

Charles A. Mason is the 13th Piedmont Division member and the 31st in

the Southeastern Region to earn a MASTER MODEL RAILROADER.

Charlie’s road to MMR includes a GOLDEN SPIKE AWARD and Certificates in

the following categories:

Master Builder - Cars Master Builder - Scenery

Model Railroad Engineer - Civil Model Railroad Engineer - Electrical

Chief Dispatcher Association Volunteer

Model Railroad Author Master Model Railroader #586

For anyone who has not had the opportunity to visit Charlie’s Delaware

Valley Line railroad, you have missed a real treat. Charlie’s levels of skills

and workmanship are demonstrated throughout his railroad. Charlie is a

proven asset to the Piedmont Division and the Southeastern Region for his

willingness to help and mentor everyone. He demonstrates the true char-

acter and heart of an MMR.

Charlie’s commitment to support members and his service to the hobby

are the driving forces behind the Achievement Program. As you join the

ranks of the Division’s MMRs that have gone before you, know that your

efforts guarantee the continuing success of the Achievement Program in

the Piedmont Division.

Charlie, once again congratulations on reaching MMR status. I hope eve-

ryone in the Division will extend their best wishes and congratulations to

Charlie Mason, MMR #586

Randall Watson

Southeastern Region Achievement Program Manager

CHARLES A . MASON

MASTER MODEL RAILROADER # 586

Photos courtesy of James Bando

Mike was awarded a Certif-

icate of Achievement for

Association Volunteer at

the May meeting

M IKE CUMMINGS

Ovidiu Trifanescu shows

his On3 2-8-2 loco

TRAIN SHOW

2017 SER C ONVENTION - CROSSROADS OF D IX IE BESSEMER C IV IC CENTER JUNE 9-10 , 2017 H OSTED BY THE S TEEL C I TY D IV IS ION

Photos courtesy of Walt Liles

CONVENTION CONTEST ROOM

L to R: Walt Liles acknowledged with the DAVE MULLER AWARD

for exemplary service at the Division level. Peter Youngblood,

MMR, honored with the VERN YARBOROUGH AWARD for outstand-

ing service to the Southeastern Region. Rick Coble receives

the CHAIRMAN'S AWARD in recognition of doing everything and

anything he's asked to do at any level!

WALT L I LES , PETER YOUNGBLOOD ,

AND R ICK COBLE RECOGNIZED AT SER

David Shelly Alex Hristov

Martin Hale From Locerby UK

Robert Meyer

Harvey George Larry Hartnagle

Austin Anders Lawrenceville

John Andujar Sharpsburg

Glenn Barnett Atlanta

Jim Bernier Alpharetta

Lynn Blackmore Buford

Tom Body Atlanta

Craig Brotman Atlanta

Mark Butler McDonough

Peggy Cain Canton

Ron Cain Canton

Philip Carlson Rosaca

Tina Christie Luthersville

Greg Cloer Marietta

C. Jack Clower Douglasville

Tyler Danz Dallas

Jacob DeCesare Senoia

Emil Decker Dawsonville

Kevin Dixon Ball Ground

Timothy Douglas Alpharetta

Steven Dudley Stone Mtn

David Durrence Decatur

George Edelstern Dunwoody

George Eichelberger Smyrna

Larry Fish Sandy Springs

Brian Fisher Stockbridge

Josh Foster Newnan

Mike Foster Moreland

Joshua Furtak Cumming

Tim Garland Hiram

Harvey George Fayetteville

Greg Gerakaris Sharpsburg

Charles Gilpin Griffin

Gary Goffredson Jasper

Mickey Goodson Decatur

Clark Goodwin Atlanta

Harry Gordon Villa Rica

Dee Gorla Marietta

Levi Gould Newnan

Phil Greene Atlanta

Lance Hale Milton

Tommy Hale Mableton

Lawrence Hartnagel Roswell

Eastyn Hawkins Monroe

Armeen Heidari Marietta

Devin Holmes College Park

Jim Hunter Brooke

Benjamin Hupka Tyrone

Skye Jackson Atlanta

Tommy Jackson Marietta

Justin Jankauskas Hoschton

Bailey Janseen Acworth

Scott Kateman Dallas

James Kelso Roswell

Martin Kendra Lake Spivey

Tim Kennedy Cumming

Henry Knox-Dick Atlanta

Glen Landgren Rockmart

Ron Leach Douglasville

Danny Lewallen Alto

Larry Lewallen Cornelia

John Lewis Acworth

Family Liles Marietta

Terry Manning Lilburn

Jon Marcklinger Hoschton

Diane Martin Kennesaw

Phil Mc Garity Royston

Maddox McKenzie Jefferson

Declan McMahon Lawrenceville

Christopher Melehan Canton

Robert Meyer Canton

Mac Miller Atlanta

William Miller Atlanta

Richard Mindel Roswell

Richard Morhard Flowery Branch

Rick Morris Dacula

John Muth Gainesville

Timothy Nealin Lawrenceville

John Newport Woodstock

Robert O'Donnell Marietta

Carl Panke Peachtree City

Vijay Perumbeti Atlanta

Ronald Pirtle McDonough

Kathy Piselli Atlanta

Jackson Poe Decatur

Jeff Popwitz Duluth

Erehais Pratar College Park

Jaden Prince Marietta

Doug Rasque Suwanee

Tom Reardon Stockbridge

Geoffrey Reid Sandy Spring

James Reimer Cumming

Orville Richards Jr Jonesboro

Ray Roberts Newnan

Chris Routzahn Cumming

Jeff Routzahn Cumming

Frederick Rovner Senoia

Steve Rowe Snellville

David Shelley Dallas

Charles Skinner Acworth

Chris Smih Kennesaw

Bradley Smith Snellville

Brian Smith Locust Grove

Dale Smith Johns Creek

Kevin Stemple Holly Springs

Christy Stewart Jasper

Jim Strawn Dunwoody

Doug Suits Lilburn

Matthew Sutter Lawrenceville

Lori Thomas Dawsonville

Peter Thomas Dawsonville

David Torres Jr Marietta

Andy Tourville Lawrenceville

Art Triana Blue Ridge

Fred Tuck Dunwoody

Heinrich Van Niekerk Suwanee

Johannes Van

Niekerk Suwanee

Joseph Welch Canton

Bryan West Jr Snellville

Ayden White Stockbridge

David Whitham Buford

Greg Wicharo Lawrenceville

Eric Wieberg Jasper

Thorne Winter Atlanta

James Wylie Lilburn

P IEDMONT D IV IS ION NEW MEMBER ROSTER F IRST T IME M EET ING A TTENDEES

TRACK OCCUPANCY DETECTION TIPS AND TIDBITS

Lots of folks need track occupancy detection for lots of reasons. There is the obvious

need for signaling, but there are also needs for detection for hidden tracks, turnouts

and animation.

Basically, there are two broad categories of occupancy detection: block detection

and point detection. Block detection will indicate whether there is a train within a

track block, and point detection will give occupancy information regarding specific

location on the layout.

Let’s first cover block detection.

Generally, this is the most useful for most trackwork. It is also potentially the costliest

and most difficult to install. The way block detection works is that an electronic

circuit determines that some piece of equipment is drawing current within a

specific, electrically isolated piece of trackwork (a block). Prototype railroads do

detection in this manner. The installation of axle resistors on all rolling stock is

necessary, since otherwise, they would be invisible to the electronics. (One resistor

per freight car is usually sufficient.)

There are two electrical approaches to block detection – current sense detection

and voltage drop detection. Current sense is the most ‘isolated’ and requires some

sort of alternating current (AC) to function. DCC uses an AC signal. The detector is a

coil mounted around one of the block leads into which a small current is induced

when juice flows through to the block. Detection circuitry sees that induced signal.

Current-sense detection is electrically isolated from the track, which is good for

reliability.

Voltage-drop detection determines occupancy by noticing voltage differential

around a diode that is in the circuit that feeds the block. Generally, diodes drop

voltage about 2 volts. This voltage difference triggers the occupied state. Voltage

drop circuitry is not totally isolated from the detection electronics, giving the very

real possibility that gremlins could occur, and shorts on one device could adversely

affect another. Voltage drop works with both DC and DCC.

The big item here is that mixing current sense and voltage drop does NOT work well.

The voltage drop approach reduces track voltage, and trains will change speed

when traveling between blocks detected by different means. This speed change

will also occur when moving from detected to nondetected blocks with the voltage

drop method. (There would be no speed change with the current sense approach.)

If you use DCC, you can use either option, but understand you may have to

increase track voltage a bit to compensate for a voltage-drop detector.

If you use DC, you cannot use current sense – it just will not work reliably since there

is no alternating current to induce a charge on the coil. If you are starting from

scratch (and use DCC or AC track power), use current sense. It is the most reliable,

the most economical, and the most flexible.

What if you are using battery-powered engines? Well, it depends. If you charge the

batteries as they ride on the track, either approach will work if you use an AC

supply. If the track does not carry electricity, maybe applying a small amount of

juice could help. This is an area that is still under development by the industry, and a

subject of future discussion.

OK, let’s talk point detection.

This approach shows something is occupying a specific, short location. Usually,

occupancy is determined by some sort of optical detector (infrared or visual light). If

an object breaks the light beam, the circuitry says that point is occupied. There are

numerous manufacturers that make devices that go across the track, or detect from

underneath. This approach only shows something is at the specific point detected.

Point-detection electronics is always isolated from the track and works with all track

powering technologies.

Point detection is excellent for protecting fouling points on turnouts and anything

else that requires some precision (like grade crossings.) This is not very good if you

want to know if a train is in a block, unless the light beam covers the entire block

(not likely).

An example combining point and block

I have a couple of hidden turnouts that I really don’t like to troubleshoot during an

op session or open house. They are remotely operated, and the passing siding they

create is used frequently. What to do if I don’t want to install several video

cameras? I use occupancy.

Here is my solution. The turnouts themselves have their own block detectors, each

approaching track block has a detector, and fouling notification is provided via

point detection for each of the diverging routes to prevent a train from overshoot-

ing its track. This works, but it does take a bit of training of the operators to under-

stand how it all functions.

(continued on next page)

GETTING WIRED WITH TOM GORDON

TRACK OCCUPANCY DETECTION TIPS AND TIDBITS (continued from previous page)

This diagram is one end of the passing siding. B1and-B4 are block detectors. P1

and P2 are point-detection devices. If a train is on the passing siding protected by

B3, and it approaches the turnout too closely, enough for P2 to be triggered, the

turnout is likely fouled. B2 may not show occupied yet, but it is fouled. If the train is

to stop on the passing siding, it should back up a bit to prevent a side-swiping

derailment from a train on the main. If the train on the siding goes so far is to

occupy the turnout protected by B2, it is even further into the turnout mechanism,

which will cause a derailment if the turnout alignment is not correct, or if the turn-

out is thrown with a train on top. The point detector makes sure that overhanging

equipment (pilots, etc.) doesn't affect the other route. Also, this makes sure trains

pull completely onto the siding without leaving a caboose overhanging onto the

turnout.

All of this is handy, too, when implementing grade crossing signals. You can use

point or block detectors for this, depending on how you wish to wire the circuitry. I

generally am lazy and do crossing signals for an entire block, but using point de-

tectors with a bit of circuit delay (built into the crossing logic) works very well too.

I hope this helps with understanding of the different detectors. There is a wealth of

information available on manufacturers' web sites regarding this. There are also

articles written in most of the modeling publications. Just do a search on

‘occupancy detection’ from any of the magazine indices, and you will get a flood

of information.

B1 - main B2 - turnout B4 - main

B3 - siding P2

P1

As I have not been an active member until recently, I thought it

appropriate to provide a brief introduction including both train

and non-train information.

1. I am a Cheesehead by birth

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I

also served time in Green Bay and Sheboygan,

which means I make a pretty mean brat.

My family abandoned the frozen tundra after a

winter that featured a week of low's between -25°F

to -45°F. We actually had to remove our car bat-

tery at night to avoid it from freezing, cracking and

leaking battery acid in the engine compartment.

The damage to the undercarriage and body work

from the salt applied to the icy roads was more

than enough damage for my taste.

2. I model N-Gauge Milwaukee Road in November 1941

Of course the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific is my home road. I actually

road the diesel version of the legendary Hiawatha to Minneapolis

as a child. What I most vividly remember is the smell of the passen-

ger cars—a very positive memory.

I don't have a layout because of the two cats who run our

household. We have an understanding: they do not go

outside but everything inside is a cat toy.

Case in point: When Broadway Limited Imports introduced

an HO version of Milwaukee #261, an S-3 4-8-4 steam en-

gine with a sound card using actual recordings from the

prototype, I just had to have it. I setup a small track oval on

the floor and delicately set my new engine on it. I got up to

get my controller and heard a horrible crunch behind me.

My brand new, very expensive engine lost its bell and front

grab irons before it ever fired up.

Actually, working in N-Gauge makes it practical to run trains in a cat controlled

household. I have set out as much as 2 scale miles of main line and sidings on my

dining room table. I just cannot leave any rolling stock or structures unattended.

If you wonder why I model November 1941, watch this column for future updates.

3. Most of my adult life has been spent in the bathroom

My career has been in marketing and product development for plumbing manu-

facturers, including Kohler and American Standard. I have studied the ins-and-outs

of every plumbing fixture and fitting. It is not always as glamorous as that sounds.

My wife and I have a PR and Marketing agency specializing in building product,

architecture and design firms. Our company’s headquarters is actually in Chicago.

Why are we here rather than there? Re-read section 1.

4. I am a certified ADVANCED BREEDER

In addition to the Piedmont Division, I am active in the

Atlanta Area Aquarium Association (note: AA and AAA

were already taken so they went with AAAA.) Like our AP

Program, they have a Breeder Awards program.

I have attained ADVANCED BREEDER status, and am

working on SUPERIOR BREEDER. (My children are so proud.) I

focus primarily on a group of dwarf (N-Gauge) fish called Apistogramma. They are

known for outstanding parenting, and the 3/4" females are known to be hyper-

aggressive and will fiercely defend their territory against much larger fish.

This is where I point out that my wife is from New Jersey. Coincidence? I think not.

5. I have witnessed a Solar Eclipse on another planet

I am also a member of the Atlanta Astronomy Club

which maintains a site in rural Taliaferro county

that has extremely dark skies. On a very still and

crystal clear evening, I was observing Jupiter and

watched as the shadows of two of its moons

raced across the cloud tops of the planet.

For a hobby that is completely dependent on time

of day/year, weather, clouds and wind conditions,

moments like that make the hunt worthwhile.

On August 21, 2017 the entire Piedmont Division will experience an outstanding solar

eclipse between 2:30 and 2:40 PM with about 95% coverage of our local star. NEVER

LOOK DIRECTLY AT THE SUN EVEN DURING AN ECLIPSE! If anyone would like some

advice on safe viewing, please contact me.

So that’s a little bit about me. I look forward to getting more involved on both the

division and regional level.

Please—I welcome comments, criticism and advice on making this publication bet-

ter. It can only best serve you if you are involved in its direction. I look forward to

meeting and working with all of you and PLEASE SUBMIT ARTICLES, PHOTOS AND IN-

FORMATION FOR OUR WINTER ISSUE!

FIVE FACTS ABOUT YOUR

NEW TIMETABLE EDITOR

I only chomp

Dad’s most

expensive roll-

ing stock

Official WI Migrant Green (Bay) card

Apistogramma borellii males

ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

Randall Watson randallvwatson1@bellsouth.net

770 831-5736

ADVERTISING AND

APPAREL/DIVISION STORE

AND PIEDMONT PILGRIMAGE

Gary Jarabek gjarabek@bellsouth.net

770 509-6941

PRODUCTION AND MEMBER AID

Ovidiu Trifanescu piko7403@yahoo.com

678 230-3184

BOY SCOUTS MERIT BADGE

Howard Goodwin, MMR horn69@bellsouth.net

770 529-2103

TRAIN SHOW

Joe Gelmini, MMR papagel@comcast.net

770 460-8873

LIBRARY—BOOKS

Stephen Leydon sleydon1@bellsouth.net

770 338-4966

LIBRARY—VIDEOS

David Gelmini actgel@bellsouth.net

770 707-5019

COFFEE COORDINATOR

John Falk jwfalk@bellsouth.net

678 361-4458

GOOD AND WELFARE

Chuck & Mary Ann Hoesch hoesch@brmemc.net

828 837-9686

NAME TAGS

James Bando horailroader@comcast.net

770 928-2135

MARKETING

Sally Bando sbandogeorgia@comcast.net

770 928-2135

RAFFLE LAYOUT

Walt Liles wlilies.crrman@gmail.com

678 896-6311

REFRESHMENTS

Dr. Gary Fish bigfish600@gmail.com

770 846-2222

TRAIN’IN CAMP

Perry Lamb training@piedmont-div.org

770 331-1669

SPECIAL PROJECTS

Scott Chatfield blindog@mindspring.com

678 467-6480

WEBMASTER

Scott Povlot spovolot@yahoo.com

770 569-4678

P IEDMONT D IV IS ION COMMITTEE , PROGRAM AND ACTI VI TY

CHAI RS AND CONT ACTS

P IEDMONT D IV IS ION T IMETABLE V OLUM E 21 NUM BER 3

EDITOR AND PUBLISHER Jim Datka jdatka@mindspring.com 770 772-1538

ASSISTANT EDITOR Tom Bohannon

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Bob Wood

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Tom Gordon

PHOTO EDITOR James Bando

CONTRIBUTORS Tom Bohannon Walt Liles

Steve Funsten Randall Watson

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS FOR THE WINTER 2017 TIMETABLE:

Wednesday, September 13, 2017 Please send your submissions to jdatka@mindspring.com