The On-Line Clearboard

Model Railroad Club News.

August, 2000

Club News

BENCHWORK CONSTRUCTION RESUMES

After weeks of inactivity, benchwork construction in the new building has resumed.  Building Department Head Ray Russell had suspended construction due to a lack of plans and unresolved issues concerning the basic shape of the benchwork in temporary Hoboken – particularly the placement of the engine terminal area.  

By late July benchwork plans, drawn by Paul Preuss, began arriving, and the Track Planning Committee adopted a revision to the Hoboken engine terminal plans.  These events paved the way for work to proceed.  Portions of several aisles are now rapidly taking shape.  Construction is moving from the temporary wall toward the shop.

 Only that portion of benchwork needed to hang the remainder of the sprinkler pipe is being built at this time.  This is one of the major projects needing completion before a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) can be issued.

 Any member wishing to help with construction should see Ray. 

MEMBERSHIP HONORS PAUL MALLERY

Founding member Paul Mallery was honored at a dinner held at the Club on Saturday, July 15.  Nearly forty members, and several guests, were on hand to thank Paul for his numerous contributions to the hobby, and for his unwavering support for the Club.  Paul recently relocated to California to be nearer to family.

  Club President Bill Jambor and Development Department Head Bob Nalbone – serving as MC – presented Paul with several gifts on behalf of the membership.  Among them were a brass heavyweight observation car, which was painted by member Tony Somma, and a plaque.  Bill then read a resolution passed by the Board of Directors granting Paul lifetime unlimited access to the Club.  The Board passed this resolution as a token of thanks, and to let Paul know that he will always be welcome at the place that has meant so much to him.

TRACK PLANNING COMMITTEE  MEETS, FINALIZES HOBOKEN AREA BENCHWORK SHAPE

The Track Planning Committee held a meeting on Saturday, July 8.  The sole item on the agenda was finalizing the basic benchwork shape for temporary Hoboken, specifically the treatment of the engine terminal area. 

  The committee was operating under a resolution proposed by Bob Nalbone, and passed earlier that afternoon by the department at the quarterly HO Department meeting.  The resolution gave the committee full authority to finalize the location and shape of the basic benchwork.

  Several ideas and suggestions were discussed, but a sketch submitted by Dick Kunig garnered the most support.  After further examination and discussion, the committee voted to have Rich Cornell prepare a scale drawing of the Kunig sketch.  The committee then agreed to meet on July 22 to review the scale drawing and cast a final vote.  When the committee met on the 22^nd, it reviewed the scale drawing, and voted unanimously to adopt the change.  Committee chairman Bob Nalbone communicated the result to HO Department Head Roger Oliver.

The Hoboken benchwork issue was one of the matters that caused a suspension of construction in the new building.  Although some lingering questions regarding the float bridges and its benchwork remain, a major hurdle was overcome.  The new design addresses all major objections previously held.  The new scale drawing has been pasted on the large track plan drawing, currently located in the new building.

Jersey Shore & Western News
The N-Scale Report
By Jack Grasso

New Power Department!  Burlington Northern SD40-2, #6799, has joined our operating fleet.

 Industry after industry has taken advantage of the fine freight service provided by the Jersey Shore & Western.  In our own area, customers are eager to ship with a sure winner.  At Brill, Inland Cement finds the on-time performance of the JS&W a big factor in its profits.  At Port Newark, Capital Graphics, Cargill Grain, Champion Air Compressor, Duncan Transfer, Federal Cold Storage and Genetic Industries cash in on the profit making formula of the JS&W, as well as Graystone Industries, National Scrap Metal Co., Port Newark freight house, Redwing Milling Co., Union Cold Storage, US Paint Co., and Woods Furniture.

 Off-line shippers like Water Street Freight Terminal, Oil City and Variety Printing Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, in addition to Sly Stone and Gravel and New City Mine of Garrettville, Pennsylvania, also know a good thing when they see it.

 In order to keep our shippers happy, the JS&W must provide high speed and efficient hot shots that bring the goods home.  No hot shots are finer than the Chicago Merchandise, which operates from Elizabeth to Chicago, and the New England Merchandise, which operates from Chicago to Elizabeth.  Connections are made with New England railways.  Both trains also connect with a branch at Brill that goes to Port Newark and Claremont in the Newark industrial area.  Other through trains operate between Philadelphia and Cleveland.  The last through train is called the Fruit Loop.  It’s an all refer hotshot from Chicago to Cleveland, and Claremont, New Jersey.

 Three local trains operate out of Cleveland.  One serves local industries in the Buckeye City.  Another handles New City Coal Mine tonnage.  The third concentrates on the vast resources of Sly Stone & Gravel.

 The Jersey Shore & Western is a great freight railroad.  It is also an outstanding passenger carrier. We will cover this in a future column.

Guess what?  Claude Kelsoe has made the JS&W News again.  Let me correct myself.  Claude and his lovely wife, Ann, have made the JS&W News again.  Let me correct myself again!  Claude, Ann and Maryann Kelsoe have made the JS&W News.  Yes, the stork brought Claude and Ann a lovely daughter.  Congratulations, and best wishes on this blessed occasion.  See you next month.

Back Issues
2000
July, 2000 March, 2000 February, 2000 January, 2000

1999
December, 1999 November, 1999 October, 1999 September, 1999

The One-Line Clearboard contains excerpts from the Model Railroad Club's membership newsletter The Clearboard.  All information published in The One-Line Clearboard is unofficial and is for reference and informal information.   No information contained within The One-Line Clearboard can be used without the express consent of The Model Railroad Club, Inc.