News

CTTC February Meeting – February 25, 2026

The February CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

Doors open around 6:45 PM.

Announcements

  • AFTER SHOW AND TELL
    • Irwin Nathanson will be presenting an early 2000s entry of Hornby (UK) into the realm of (essentially) HO live stream
    • Including
      • Some videos of how the system works.
      • Irwin’s model of the famous loco “Mallard” which in 1938 set the world’s speed record for steam.  A record still held today. 
      • There won’t be time to light his loco off but will show it, and it’s unique command & control system.  
      • Video showing him running it on a rolling road.
  • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
  • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
  • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
  • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
    • We’re looking for volunteer docents. Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–2:00 (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
    • Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
  • High School Service Hours
    • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements. We’re currently looking for:
    • Docents
    • Ticket agents
    • Research to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)
    • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.
Old Business
  • Dues
    • Dues for 2026 are $15.
      • Thank you, everyone who has paid.
      • Anyone still needing to pay, I will be taking cash and or checks at the meeting. Checks should be made out to Art Bosse.
    •  
  • Shirts
    • New members, shirts are $35. We have a number of sizes in stock and can order more.
  • Election of Officers
    • By unanimous consent :
    • Kal Quinkert – President
    • Leo Quinkert – Vice President
    • Art Bosse – Treasurer
    • Donna Peterson & Nick Pierce – Secretary
  • Microphones and Sound
    • As our club has grown, not everyone is able to sit around the table or hear Show and Tell presentations clearly. A request was made to purchase a PA system supporting 2 or more microphones. After brief discussion, a motion was made to authorize the purchase of an appropriate system not to exceed $100. The motion was seconded and passed by unanimous vote.
    • NEW Business
      • Great American Train Show – Ventura
      • O-Scale West (3/6 -3/7 Palo Alto)
      • Rides to club meetings
        • Now that cars are using much brighter headlights, it has become increasingly more uncomfortable for some of our members to attend our meetings. Let’s look into the feasibility of providing rides for these members.
     
     
     
     

    CTTC January Meeting – January 28, 2026

    The January CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 7:00 PM.

    Doors open around 6:45 PM.

    ZOOM:

    Announcements

    • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
    • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
    • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
    • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
      • We’re looking for volunteer docents. Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–2:00 (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
      • Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
    • High School Service Hours
      • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements. We’re currently looking for:
      • Docents
      • Ticket agents
      • Research to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)
      • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.
    Old Business
    • Annual Club Holiday Party
      • Thank you everyone who attended our Annual Holiday Party.
    New Business
    • Dues
      • Dues for 2026 are $15.
        • Thank you, everyone who has paid.
        • Anyone still needing to pay, I will be taking cash and or checks at the meeting. Checks should be made out to Art Bosse.
    • Shirts
      • New members, shirts are $35. We have a number of sizes in stock and can order more.
    • Election of Officers
      • It’s the time of the year to elect officers.
      • Current Officers Are:
        • Kal Quinkert – President
        • Leo Quinkert – Vice President
        • Art Bosse – Treasurer
        • Donna Peterson & Nick Pierce – Secretary
     
     
     
     
     
     

    CTTC November/December Meeting – December 3, 2025

    The November/December CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, December 3, at 7:00 PM.
    Doors open around 6:45 PM.

    ZOOM:

    Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
    Show and Tell Pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
    Show and Tell Pt 2 (8:30 – 9:00)

    Announcements

    • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
    • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
    • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
    • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
      • We’re looking for volunteer docents.
        Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–1:00
        (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
        Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
      • High School Service Hours
        • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements.
          We’re currently looking for:
          • Docents

          • Ticket agents

          • Research to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)

        • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.

    OLD BUSINESS

    • Need 6-8 FasTrack straight track to maximize the O-Gauge track on the table.
    • Now collecting dues for 2026.
      • Dues are $15.00
      • Make checks payable to Art Bosse
    • Club Dinner

     

    New Business

      • January will have election of Officers
        • If you are interested in running for a position, please let Kal know.
          • We still have a secetary position open
          • Current Officers
            • President – Kal Quinkert
            • Vice President – Leo Quinkert
            • Treasurer – Art Bosse
            • Secretary – Vacant

      2025 Coast Toy Train Club Dinner

      Date Change

      • The Timbers overbooked for Saturday December 13 and has asked if we could reschedule for Sunday December 14 at 6:00
      • Upgraded to private room at no charge
      • Complementary Holiday Dessert Buffet
      • Adult beverages will be on individual bills
      • Payment is due by the December 3rd club meeting.

      CTTC October Meeting – October 29, 2025

      The October CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, October 29 at 7:00 PM.
      Doors open around 6:45 PM.

      ZOOM:

      Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
      Show and Tell Pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
      Show and Tell Pt 2 (8:30 – 9:00)

      Announcements

      • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
      • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
      • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
      • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
        • We’re looking for volunteer docents.
          Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–1:00
          (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
          Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
        • High School Service Hours
          • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements.
            We’re currently looking for:
            • Docents

            • Ticket agents

            • Research to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)

          • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.

      New Business

          • November Meeting
              • The last Wednesday of November falls the day before Thanksgiving.
              • Traditionally, we move the meeting to the first Wednesday of December.
              • The November CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday December 3.
            •  

          • Table Expansion
            • A big THANK YOU to Donna Peterson for her generous sponsoring of the table expansion
            • FasTrack expansion
              • The O-Gauge FasTrack has been expanded as far as we can go with the track we have. We could extend the both directions by another track length, but we will need 6-8 straight tracks. If anybody has straight track they would like to donate, we would be most appreciative.  
            • Standard Gauge
              • A big THANK YOU to Bob Burtness for his donation of standard gauage straight track. We could use 4 or 6 more to maximize the loop.
            • HO
              • A big THANK YOU to Irwin Nathanson for his generous donation toward the HO expansion
              • A big THANK YOU to Bob Burness for his donation of HO track
        • Club Dinner
          • Date Change (up for vote)
            • The Timbers overbooked for Saturday December 13 and has asked if we could reschedule for Sunday December 21.
            • Upgraded to private room at no charge
            • Complementary Holiday Dessert Buffet at no charge.
            • For groups 20 and larger, the Timbers will not provide the full menu.
              • Like last year, we will provide a list of entrees to choose from.
              • Prices include tax and tip.
              • Adult beverages will be on individual tabs.
              • Members planning need to pay in advance. Check (payable to Art Bosse) or cash, due December 3.
          • Dessert at the Clubhouse CANCELLED
              • Due to the date change, we will not be having dessert at the Rancho Goleta clubhouse
              • I am sorry, but it was previously booked.

          • 2026 Dues
            • $15 per member
            • Check (made payable to Art Bosse)
            • Cash

        CTTC August Meeting – August 27, 2025

        The August CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, August 27, at 7:00 PM.
        Doors open around 6:45 PM.

        ZOOM:

        Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
        Show and Tell Pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
        Show and Tell Pt 2 (8:30 – 9:00)

        Announcements

        • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
        • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
        • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
        • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
          • We’re looking for volunteer docents.
            Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–1:00
            (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
            Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
          • High School Service Hours
            • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements.
              We’re currently looking for:
              • Docents

              • Ticket agents

              • Research to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)

            • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.

        CTTC July Meeting – July 30, 2025

        The July CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, June 30, at 7:00 PM.
        Doors open around 6:45 PM.

        ZOOM:

        Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
        Show and Tell Pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
        Show and Tell Pt 2 (8:30 – 9:00)

        Announcements

        • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
        • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
        • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
        • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
          • We’re looking for volunteer docents.
            Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–1:00
            (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
            Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
          • High School Service Hours
            • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements.
              We’re currently looking for:
              • Docents

              • Ticket agents

              • Summer help to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)

            • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.

        OLD BUSINESS

        • Food Bank Fund Drive
          • Conner sent out a nice letter encouraging everyone to participate in the Food Bank of Santa Barbara Food Drive.
          • Members have 2 options for this:
            • Personal Checks or online donations to receive the tax benefits.
              • If you do this, please let us know so we can count the number of people.
              • You do not need to tell us the amount!
            • Cash
              • If you want to do this, please give the cash to Art Bossé
              • Art will write a check to the Food Bank with the total.
          • At the June meeting, we collected $XXX in cash contributions.
        • July 4th at Fred’s Dinner
          • Fred and Cyndy Duerner will be hosting a dinner at the Glenn Annie Ranch on Friday July 4th, 6:00pm
            • Bring your own main dish
            • Bring a shared side dish
            • Stay to watch the Drone Show
        • Dave Halbeisen’s 35th Annual Festival of Toy Trains
        • Donna Peterson has reached out the Santa Barbara Public Library
          • The Library is willing to wave the usage fee for the non-profit organizations
          • There is need to discuss the logistics for
            • Loading / Unloading
            • Security of the layout and trains
            • After hour access
              • Final touches of the layout have been done after hours in the past

        New Business

        • Club Dinner – 12/13/2025 ? 
        • Club Dessert Location ideas

        CTTC June Meeting – June 25, 2025

        The June CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, June 25, at 7:00 PM.
        Doors open around 6:45 PM.

        ZOOM:

        Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
        Show and Tell Pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
        Show and Tell Pt 2 (8:30 – 9:00)

        Announcements

        • Show and Tell presentations should be 5–7 minutes in length
        • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.
        • Feel free to help fold chairs at the end of the meeting.
        • Volunteer Opportunities at Bosse Toy Train Museum
          • We’re looking for volunteer docents.
            Open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturdays each month, 10:00–1:00
            (You don’t have to work every weekend!)
            Talk to Kal if you’re interested.
          • High School Service Hours
            • Volunteer hours at the museum can count toward high school service requirements.
              We’re currently looking for:
              • Docents

              • Ticket agents

              • Summer help to write summaries of train sets for the self-guided tour (Research can be done remotely)

            • Talk to Kal if you or someone you know might be interested.

        Old Business

        • Dave Halbeisen’s 35th Annual Festival of Toy Trains
          Dave was unable to attend; no updates available.
        • Annual CTTC Dinner
          • Suggestions for location are now being taken.
          • Individual billing is preferred for fairness and financial stability.
          • Date depends on if/when Dave’s Festival is scheduled.
          • Dessert after dinner is still open for discussion.

        New Business

        • Food Bank Fund Drive
        • July 4th at Fred’s
        • July Meeting Location
        • Dave Halbeisen’s 35th Annual Festival of Toy Trains
        • Annual CTTC Dinner

        CTTC May Meeting – May 28, 2025

        The May CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, May 28, at 7:00 PM.
        Doors open around 6:45 PM.

        ZOOM:

        Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
        Show and Tell Pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
        Show and Tell Pt 2 (8:30 – 9:00)

         

        Announcements

        • It has been requested that individual Show and Tell presentations be 5–7 minutes in length.

        • Please take side conversations away from the train table as a courtesy to others.

         

        Old Business

          • Conner and family visited the Grand Canyon over spring break and got to ride on the Railway, which included a train robbery.

          • Dr. Charlie was in New York and told a great description of visiting the subway, which led to some great stories of the hidden control room and some very old switch levers.

          • Bosse Toy Train Museum

            • Now open the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Saturday starting in May.

            • Work on the expansion is coming along, and the hope is that the expansion will open by the end of the year.

        New Business

        • Bosse Toy Train Museum:

          • Father’s Day Special – June 14, fathers with children get in free. Tell your friends.

          • Looking for Volunteer Docents.

            • With the increase in weekends and the upcoming expansion, more help is needed. It doesn’t have to be every weekend. Talk to Kal if interested.

          • High School Service Hours:

            • The museum is a 501(c)(3), and volunteer hours count towards high school service hours.

            • Summer help needed for writing summaries of train sets on display. Interested? Talk to Kal.

        • Dave Halbeisen’s 35th Annual Festival of Toy Trains:

          • Any updates on whether it will be held this year?

          • There was talk of hosting it at one of the Library’s satellite sites or the Montecito Public Library.

          • Any suggestions are welcome.

        • Annual CTTC Dinner:

          • Do we still want it at the Timbers?

          • We are requesting this year to have separate checks.

          • Date depends on the Festival of Toy Trains.

        • Annual CTTC Dessert:

          • This was usually held at the Library after the dinner.

          • Do we want to hold this again this year?

          • Location is unknown, depending on the Festival of Toy Trains location and policies.

          • Any suggestions are welcome.

        CTTC March Meeting March 26, 2025

        The March CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, March 26, at 7:00 PM.
        Doors open around 6:45 PM.
        Theme: Member’s Choice

        ZOOM:

        ZOOM Meeting Club Business (7:00 – 7:40)
        ZOOM Meeting Show and Tell pt 1 (7:40 – 8:20)
        ZOOM Meeting Show and Tell pt 2(8:30 – 9:00)

        Thank You, Bob Sponsel!

        One year ago, Bob Sponsel graciously opened his garage to the Coast Toy Train Club, providing us with a dedicated space for our monthly meetings. Thanks to his incredible generosity, we’ve not only had a place to gather but also the opportunity to build a permanent layout and grow our community in ways we never imagined.

        Bob’s kindness, knowledge, and friendly nature have been invaluable to our club, and we are deeply grateful for all he has done. His support has truly been a godsend, and we cannot thank him enough for his hospitality and dedication.

        Thank you, Bob, for everything you’ve done to help our club thrive!

         

        OLD BUSINESS:

        • NMRA Pacific Coast Region Convention
          • March 27 – 30
          • San Luis Obispo
          • Our Own Irwin Nathanson will be presenting
        • March 1 L&N Eastern Kentucky Operating Session will have CTC working.
        • Special THANK YOU top Donna Peterson for sponsering the club’s table extension.
        • Great Train Show
          • March 8 – 9
          • Ventura, CA

        NEW BUSINESS:

        • Bosse Toy Train Museum 
          • Starting April, will be opened the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturday of each month.