I thought I’d give a quick update on my activities so far this year. I have been pretty lazy about updating the blog since I created the WVR website.
I have been working on the WVR although it’s coming along slower than I’d like. It is amazing how much time I am spending scratch building structures, designing and 3D printing, ballasting, and landscaping. It is a big slowdown from building benchwork and laying track. The engine terminal is starting to take shape. I had some hesitation starting to put down the cinders in the yard area since it’s not something I had ever done, and I want it to look right. I finally just jumped in, and like everything else in scenery, if I don’t like it, I’ll figure out how to fix it.
Though I try, updating or adding content to the WVR’s website often takes a back burner to other things. I am keeping active in the National Model Railroad Association. I’m a board member in the Midwest Region and although my stint as trainmaster (board member) in the Central Indiana Division is just about up, I am still involved. As manager of the CID’s Danville, Indiana train show and since taking on the editor role for the CID newsletter this year, I will still attend board meetings.
I just received my Achievement Program (AP) certificate for author earlier this year. That is number four of the seven that is required to become a Master Model Railroader. I have two more requirements all but done, official and volunteer. Then I will need to build some train cars to get the last certificate for the MMR. That one’s going to take a while since I’m still keeping busy making structures for the WVR..
I just gave my first clinic titled “Modeling Water on Your Layout” at our Division’s Modeler’s Meet. It was received well, in fact I was to give it again for the April 26th NMRAx, which is a YouTube presentation serving a world-wide audience. I was about 30 minutes into the clinic when I was interrupted by the MC located in Texas saying the internet was down at the host’s location in Australia. Well, it was good practice, and we will try it again May 10th. I will also be giving the clinic live at the NMRA Convention in Novi, Michigan in July.
