Saturday, March 26, 2022

Learn how to operate diode matrix turnout controls at our April meeting

At our April meeting WMRC past president Larry Leavens will show us how to use diode matrix turnout controls. How many times have you aligned a turnout the wrong way when aligning several turnouts in a yard lead resulting in the train going down the wrong track? 

By using a diode matrix turnout control any number of turnouts in the yard ladder can be correctly aligned with a single push of a button. Multi switch panels can be located at convenient locations to operate the yard lead. The only extra material needed to make the diode matrix are some diodes, peg board and a bunch of 6/32 machine screws, washers and nuts.

The fun starts on Friday, April 1, at the Tank Room in the Charleswood Legion, 6003 Roblin Boulevard. We're holding our meeting a week earlier than usual as we're having out annual spring open house (our first one in three years!) on April 9 and 10. 

Please note that the time of our meetings has been permanently changed from 7:30PM to 7:00PM. We will be holding our monthly model and photo display, and the canteen will be open. The Legion requires proof of full vaccination for entry. Wearing of masks will be required at the meeting.

This will be a combination in-person and a Zoom meeting. All members will receive a Zoom link. If you are not a member and wish to attend, please email us at wmrc.trainclub@gmail.com and we will send you a link.

 

Sunday, March 20, 2022

You can now view the video of the 1983 Railway Jamboree NMRA national convention on You Tube!

 

At our March 2022 meeting we screened a rarely seen video of the 1983 Railway Jamboree NMRA national convention held in Winnipeg. The response was so enthusiastic that we've decided to post it on You Tube for everyone else to see!

The late Roger Kiendl shot this video using a heavy, bulky video camera with a separate battery pack in a canvas bag slung over his shoulder. We estimate that he was lugging around about 40 pounds of equipment during that very hot week in July. This was state of the art equipment back then! 

The video contains great footage of first and second generation diesel power at the CP Weston Shops and the CN Transcona Yards. Roger also took his camera into the convention's public train show,  held at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Check out the awesome N scale iron ore loading dock!

You can vie the video by clicking the link here: https://youtu.be/jvIJ39zLzGs
 

Saturday, March 12, 2022

WinNtrak to hold its first public display in two years at Kildonan Place

Great news! The gang at WinNtrak will he holding their first public display of their fabulous N gauge modular layout in over two years. They will be displaying at Kildonan Place Shopping Mall on Friday, March 18 and Saturday, March 19. Kildonan Place is open from 10AM to 8PM on Friday and from 10AM to 6PM on Saturdays.
 

Saturday, March 05, 2022

Journey back to the 1983 Winnipeg Railway Jamboree at the Winnipeg Model Railroad Club's March 2022 meeting

We have a very special nostalgic treat at our next meeting! A video of the 1983 Railway Jamboree NMRA national convention held in Winnipeg, which has been viewed only once, has been digitized and will be screened at our March meeting. 

The video was made by the late Roger Kiendl, who carried around a very bulky video camera and taped several highlights of the convention in this 35 minute video. We will also have a short presentation about the making of this landmark convention,  followed by a Q&A session with some of the participants and volunteers at this convention. 

Neil Carleton will also conduct a workshop on how to make small flicker free LED lighting for cabooses and passenger cars.

The fun starts on Friday, March 11, at the Tank Room in the Charleswood Legion, 6003 Roblin Boulevard. Please note that the time of our meetings has been permanently changed from 7:30PM to 7:00PM. We will be holding our monthly model and photo display, and the canteen will be open. 

Please note that the provincial guidelines are still in effect at this date. The Legion requires proof of full vaccination for entry. Masks will be required at the meeting.

This will be a combination in-person and a Zoom meeting. All members will receive a Zoom link. If you are not a member and wish to attend, please email us at wmrc.trainclub@gmail.com and we will send you a link.