Club News and Announcements

Club Update (updated 5/12/08) *NEW* Club Members be advised the next few meetings will be serious business as discussion at the May meeting has proved we need a revison in Bylaws, Club name, Club stature and members. It was proposed to host Officer Elections in July and work on this other business. Please try to make it to the next meetings as the club future is in need of revision, clarity and direction most of all. We, as a club, have been looking for a location to go to each week as we had before in 2005. In this time of raised fuel costs and long distance show destinations, we, as a club at the May meeting, have discussed the need to make large changes over period of a few months in our operations as a club to become more of a Tucson based club insted of a travel club. The past few years have lead us in direction that many members cannot continue to support. Discussion of this need to be made at the next few meetings, now is the time. OLD We have been informed by the owner of the Winslow Snowdrift (who hosts Winslow RR Days 06 & 07) that he has just accepted a position as project director for the restoration of El Garces in Needles, CA. El Garces is another abandoned Harvey Hotel situated right next to the BNSF mainline. The restoration will include 20+ rooms with balconies that are within 100ft of the mainline. It should be a railfan's dream. Having said that, we might have a Needles Railroad Days in the works after the long restoration is finished . Here are some photos of the restoration progress so far and a new website has been constructed by one of the restoration board members... WEBSITE NEWS Members be advised of urgent meeting news...Winslow 08/09 reviews...New Business Meeting Dates in Schedule... HELP The club still wants/ needs more events to go to and set up a layout at. It doesn't have to be big, Ntrak is so flexible we can make a layout into almost any shape and size. The club needs your help in finding events to go in Tucson, AZ or nearby, for example near San Diego or in NM. We also need your help in finding a somewhat permanent place to set up a small or large layout in. Please if you have any ideas for space/ events or you have extra space in the Tucson Area then please contact us via e-mail and we will promptly get a back to you. Our 'space' needs are something along the lines of: Needs to have electricity to run layout. Heating, cooling and water are not needed (that all can be used via power fans, heaters and lights through outlets). A good sized room, garage, shed, basement, small building, etc.. Is ideal for the club. Something with its own access, something that has its own door to where we can have access at all times. Looking for something close to Tucson. Would like to be able to move in our stuff for a minimum of a few months (other wise its not worth it to set it up). We can pay rent, but only a very small amount (less than $50 per month). This list will give you an idea of what were looking for, but changes can be made. Please help us! Thanks, Tucson Ntrak

A Note from John (Tucson Ntrak's Show coordinator) (updated 5/12/08) The Great Train Expo has informed us that Tucson will not be on the end of 2008 schedule. We were informed that there was not enough room to squeeze it in this year. Possibility of Scottsdale in 2009 have not been reached. The scheduling for 2009 is a ways out. If you have any questions e-mail me (John Scott, bnsfry@yahoo.com) and I will give you any news I know. Keep in touch here for the latest updates. For USA Train Expo schedules visit this link below: Check for new show updates Thanks, John Scott