Take a break from your usual routine
and try logging modeling. |
We think you’ll find the hobby interesting and will challenge your modeling skills. |
With many eras and a wide variety of logging methods, there is something to appeal to any modeler. |
From complex structures – |
– to interesting and unique rolling stock, this hobby has much to offer. |
If mining is of interest, any number of
prototype railroad mining operations
would be a good basis for a model railroad,
such as The Merced Gold Mining Company
pictured here. |
Modeling the unique world of mining offers the
same challenges and modeling possibilities
that modeling logging equipment does. From the
most complex of structures, |
to some of the most unusual equipment, the modeler’s
talents and imagination are fully engaged. |
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DON'T MISS THE 2012 EVENT! |
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Click Pictures to Enlarge |
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The Logging & Mining Modeler's Convention is a great place to meet and talk to fellow modelers. Jim Vail, Jack Burgess, and Dave Braun are taking a few moments to discuss a subject or two.
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Glenn Tyra started it all by hosting the first "West Side Reunion" in his home way back in February of 1986. There were a total of 18 attendees including Glenn's Mom. |
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Model railroad hobbyists can find a wide variety of model railroad equipment in the Logging & Mining Modeler's Convention dealer sales area. All scales, including N,
HO, S, O, and G, are represented. Antique logging, mining, and railroad memorabilia, photographs, books, videos, and souvenirs are also available at the show. |
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Sometimes you have to hunker down low to see all the details of a scale model log car, ore car, caboose, locomotive or some other piece of logging/mining railroad equipment
on display at the Logging & Mining Modeler's Convention. Visitors can see scale model equipment representing hardware from the 19th century all the way to modern times. |
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Skillfully assembled scale models of lumber mills, engine houses and all kinds of logging, mining and railroad equipment are on display at the Logging & Mining Modeler's Convention. |
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Informative clinics that cover model building, historical and technical aspects of logging and mining history and the model railroading hobby are part of the
Logging & Mining Modeler's Convention. Shown is Joel Bragdon, presenting a clinic on mold making and casting for modelers. |
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That’s Right! We have added mining to the scope of the Modeler’s Convention.
We’ve been thinking about this for some time and it just seemed to be a natural
combination of interests. We have made several changes to the model contest
rules and expanded the categories, so now more awards than ever are given. So
come join us as we celebrate our 25th year!
Included in the event are informative and entertaining clinics presented by experts
in the field of model railroad construction and operation, railroad, mining and
logging history and the technical aspects of those areas. Professional photographers,
researchers, film makers, historians and others keep the audiences entertained and
interested with their well presented programs.
A major part of the event is the model contest that’s open to models in all scales and
representing all kinds of railroad, mining and logging equipment including structures
and dioramas. Voting for the winners is by popular ballot, with each attendee allowed
one vote. We have revised the rules for the contest and added several new categories and
will include First, Second, and Third Place plaques in all categories as well as
one ”Best Of Show” Award. We heartily encourage anyone to bring models for the
contest, even if they are only slightly related to mining, logging and/or railroading.
Our judge will help you determine the most appropriate category for your model.
There’s also a large and well-stocked dealer area where attendees can find a wide variety
of model railroad and logging related items to purchase. Children’s toys, shirts, hats, video
tapes, books and photographs are among the treasures to be discovered in the convention’s
dealer sales area.
Admission price for the all day event is $20.00 per person. 8 ft. Dealer tables are available
for $40.00 for the first table, which includes 1 Pass. Each additional 8 ft. table is $20.00. Each
additional person at your table(s) is $20.00 for their pass. Tickets are available in advance or
at the door. Please reserve tables early. Make all payments payable to John R. Swiger.
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2012 SCHEDULE
| 9:00 AM |
Doors Open |
| 9:30 AM |
Logging Clinic |
| 11:00 AM |
Modeling Clinic |
| 12:00 Noon |
Lunch Break |
| 1:00 PM |
Mining Clinic |
| 2:30 PM |
Modeling Clinic |
| 4:00 PM |
Logging Clinic |
| 5:30
PM |
Contest Awards
and Prizes |
Schedule subject to change. Thank You. |
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Related Activities and Events:
The 4th Annual Sierra Railway Historical and Modeling Seminar will be held Sunday,
April 22, 2012, at the Senior Center, 540 Greenley Road, Sonora, CA. Doors open at 9:00
AM. Admission $15 for the morning, $25 all day. Contact: glennsutherland@sti.net. Tickets available at the door and
the Logging Modeler’s Convention. For additional information and details of the program,
please click here.
Railtown has scheduled movie star engine 4-6-0 #3 to be the locomotive pulling the Seminar train. It will be pulling the regular 3:00 p.m. excursion train, but the Sierra group will have separate seating and
special interpretation. Don’t miss this unique opportunity!
Special Seminar Operating Session on John Zach’s Sierra Railroad layout.
In response to inquiries, John has scheduled a special operating session for Seminar attendees on his fabulous Sierra Railroad 1955 layout. Designed and
built especially for operations, John’s huge multi-deck HO layout features the entire Sierra mainline as well as Hetch Hetchy, Pickering, and West Side
operations. For more information on the layout, go to www.sierrarailroad55.com. The special Seminar operating session will be held Saturday evening, April 22
at John’s home in Twain Harte (a few miles above Sonora on Highway 108). If you want to hold one of the 14 operating positions, please sign up in advance by e-mailing John at jzach@hrblock.com. Specific jobs will be assigned just prior to the session. Numbers 15 and 16 to sign up will be first alternates, and beyond
that you are welcome to come but may not have a chance to operate. Even if you just want to observe, all Seminar attendees are welcome.
If you sign up as an operator, please arrive at John’s home by 7:00 p.m. Operations will start promptly at 7:30 and should be completed by about 11:00. Directions
to John’s house. Please click this link for a map to this beautiful Model Railroad. If you haven’t operated on John’s layout, and especially if you’ve never seen it,
we urge you to take advantage of this special opportunity.
Steve Hayes will open his extensive O Scale Western Pacific layout to visitors, as well.
If realistic operation and detail is for you, then this is one you don’t want to miss. Please
click here for his schedule and a map to his home.
Those persons interested in a ”G” Scale Yosemite Valley Railroad garden railroad tour,
Darryl & Linda Bramlette will host a Model Railroad Open House on Sunday, April 22nd
from 10:00 to 4:00. Please click this link for a map to their home.
Railtown 1897: Steam Train Excursions and Roundhouse Tours Saturday and Sunday.
Please check their website at http://www.csrmf.org/railtown/default.asp for schedule. |
Related Websites:
Please visit the following link: http://www.pacificmodelloggerscongress.com. Jeff Johnston and Lon Wall are hosting a day of logging for modelers in their neck of the woods Saturday, March 16th. I know it is short notice but it should be worth the trip. Jeff and Lon are both knowledgeable and fine modelers, and have contributed immensely to the West Side Reunion convention over the years.
Mike Azzarello has been actively involved in negotiating with the local Miwok Indian tribe, which owns the West Side mill property in Tuolumne, to preserve some of the historical equipment and remaining structures. If you would like to help him let the tribe know how important this effort is, visit http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/wsletter/, sign the petition, and show your support. Mike's website is http://www.wsrestoration.com/.
Also, try joining one of the discussion forums on Yahoo.com such as the West Side Lumber Co. forum, the Loyal Legion of Logged-on Loggers, Pickering Lumber Corp forum, Logging Railroad Modelers, South East Forest Industry Modeling, New England Logging and 3' Railroads, Northwest Rail Logging Society or even the Historic Sierra Railway forum. There is even a forum for Logging Railroad modelers in Europe.
Or how about Narrow Gauge? Australian Narrow Gauge Railways or go to http://groups.yahoo.com/ and search for narrow gauge groups. There are 171 different forums as of this posting.
Some Other Railroad Groups:
Tap Line's Southeast Railroad History includes some narrow gauge and logging, or if your interest is in all industrial railways try http://groups.yahoo.com/group/industrial-railway/.
Besides meeting some pretty great people, these are a great way to share information, photos, modeling ideas and techniques. |
Contact Information:
John R. Swiger
728 E. 18th St..
Rifle, CO 81650
Home: 970-665-9077 Cell: 559-760-0161
E-Mail: shayman@sti.net
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