Division 4 NMRA MCR The North Coast Division
last updated 05/09/2008
Serving Ohio's Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Erie, and Huron counties.
Chuck Klein, Superintendent
Regional Convention May 15-18, 2008 in Independence Ohio
Banquet speaker is Jim Wrinn, Editor of Trains Magazine
Jim Hediger from Model Railroader magazine has been added as a clinician.
Registration and other PDF Forms are now available. Confirmed clinics and prototype tours are listed.
The Flatwheel is the Division's newsletter. It is mailed without charge to Division members, however we ask that members with access to this site consider requesting to be removed from the mailing list. Members joining the Division's Yahoo group receive an email notification when the Flatwheel is posted here.
Division meetings:
The June 2008 meeting is scheduled for Saturday June 14th, 2008 as a picnic at the Northern Ohio Live Steamers in Medina, noon until 4. Cooked hot dogs will be provided but bring your own soft drinks, and a side dish to share with everyone. Bring your family of course!
When (normally, but Not in June this year):
Second Friday of most months at 7:45 pm (no meetings in July or August).
Where (normally, but not in June this year:
Church of the Redeemer
23500 Center Ridge Road
Map
Directions
Westlake Ohio
The Division does not charge dues beyond those required for National NMRA membership. Members are strongly encouraged to volunteer their time during the annual Carnival of Model Railroading Train Show since the event's earnings cover expenses which might otherwise require dues or contributions.
The Division now has a Yahoo Group. The main purpose of this group is to share time sensitive information important to the group as quickly as possible. Membership is restricted to Division members with exceptions as specified by the Superintendent. You may sign up for the group at any meeting or by contacting any officer.
This site may be reached directly at www.div4.org or through the NMRA's website.
Layout, Convention and other Events Photos
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Train Shows & Open Houses; Division Events
Carnival of Model Railroading Train Show October 4 and 5, 2008
The Division hosts one the area's largest train shows during the first full weekend of every October. Vendors, including manufacturers, set up in four large buildings. Local area portable/modular layouts are displayed as well. The event is held at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Middleburg Hts Ohio (Bagley Road, west of Engle Road). Go to Carnival page.
Division support for the Medina 4H Model Railroad Club
Photos from the Module Building clinic - click here
The module specs are now online - click here to go to the committee's page.
Monthly Contests:
Division level contests for models are held at all meetings except in December and June. Winners are determined by popular vote of members in attendance. All members are encouraged to enter the contests - easy-to-build kits are welcome (and may wind up winning!) Points are given for first, second, and third place winners; points are accumulated from September to January and then again from February through May. Participants with the most points are awarded certificates and gift certificates at the June meeting. Certificates of participation are also given out to everyone who entered.
Contest Schedule (subject to correction or revision)
Remember to vote.
| Month (2007-2008) | Model |
| May | Bay Window Cabooses |
| June | Awards - no contest |
Raffle
Raffles are held during the monthly meetings. Tickets are cheap and there's usually a good selection of items either donated or purchased for the raffle.
Company Store
The Division's Company Store periodically sells NMRA merchandise, including fund raising projects from other divisions. Currently the Company Store is selling the 2008 Convention N&SS boxcars.
The Tables formerly known as Bring and Brag
Members are invited to display models, photos, railroadiana, etc. at the monthly meetings that would be of interest to general membership. They give a brief description of what they've brought during the membership meeting. Themes generally tie into the evening's clinic, but entries are by no means restricted to any theme. Some meetings require 3 or more tables, so it's a popular part of the agenda.
Clinics
A clinic is presented as part of the monthly meetings unless pre-empted by a special event (e.g., Holiday party, auction, or meeting held at a museum or club).
Holiday Party
A family Holiday party is held in December. Last year's party was held at Wagner's Country Inn on December 14, 2007. We're usually honored by a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Remember that the Carnival income covers a good part of this event's cost. Your hard work in October is appreciated.
Vendors
A variety of items are usually available for sale in one or more of the church's class rooms before/during/after the meetings.
Layout Open Houses
Division members open their layouts for viewing by other members on scheduled dates. These times are usually arranged by geographical location allow visitors see all open layouts on a given date. Specific information is provided as an insert to the Flatwheel whenever tour dates approach.
Open houses in 2008 will be held as part of the Regional convention.
Field Trips
The Division hosts periodic field trips. A group went to the National Train Show in July 2007. Greenfield Village/Henry Ford Museum was the destination the year before. Like the open houses, the 2008 field trips are expected to be part of the Regional convention. The June meeting at the Northern Ohio Live Steamers is also considered a field trip.