News

CTTC January Meeting – January 28, 2026

January 25, 2026 No Comments

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

December 1, 2025 No Comments

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

    October 28, 2025 No Comments

    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

    October 28, 2025 No Comments

    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

      August 26, 2025 No Comments

      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

      July 1, 2025 No Comments

      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

      June 23, 2025 No Comments

      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

      May 26, 2025 No Comments

      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

      March 25, 2025 No Comments

      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.

      CTTC January Meeting January 29, 2025

      January 26, 2025 No Comments

      The January CTTC Meeting will be Wednesday, January 29, at 7:00 PM.
      Doors open around 6:45 PM.
      Theme: Member’s Choice

      ZOOM:

      ZOOM Meeting Part 1 (7:00 – 7:40)
      ZOOM Meeting Part 2 (7:40 – 8:20)
      ZOOM Meeting part 3 (8:30 – 9:00)

      Irwin Nathanson is bringing an incredible lineup of HO trains to our next meeting! Get ready to see European masterpieces, including German (and possibly British) locomotives, with dazzling sound and light functions. Highlights include operating passenger cars—one featuring servo motors, sounds, and lights, and an ‘entertainment car’ with disco vibes. Plus, a camera-equipped loco streaming live video to his iPhone! Irwin will also showcase his NCE PowerPro DCC System to demonstrate all the advanced features. Don’t miss this exciting Show and Tell!

      OLD BUSINESS:
      • 34th Annual Festival of Toy Trains – A Wonderful Success!

      The 34th Annual Festival of Toy Trains was a fantastic event, thanks to all of you who contributed your time and effort! The excitement was palpable as people lined up outside the library, eagerly waiting for the show to open.

      We faced a few minor challenges with the TMCC system on the first day, but thanks to the team’s quick thinking, we switched to conventional mode while troubleshooting. By Saturday, we made some progress, and by Sunday, everything was running smoothly.

      A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who helped make this event possible. Special thanks to Al, Christopher, Cad, Conner, Nick, Christine, Charlie, and Jeremy for your hard work during setup, and an extra BIG thank you to Christopher and Conner for expertly running the show.

      Lastly, a big shout-out to those who stayed to help with takedown: Al, Christopher, Nick, Rob, and Christine. Your efforts made all the difference!

      • Bosse Toy Train Museum – A Memorable Weekend

      The Bosse Toy Train Museum was buzzing with excitement during the same weekend as the Festival of Toy Trains! A special thanks to Conner for working double time that weekend—your extra effort truly kept things running smoothly.

      Of course, the weekend wasn’t without its memorable moments, including the “Disaster of Derailment Gulch”. Despite the unexpected detour, Charlie came to the rescue, getting the trains back on track in no time.

      Overall, it was a fantastic showing filled with fun, teamwork, and a little bit of humor. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this weekend a success!

      • Annual Club Dinner at The Timbers – A Wonderful Evening

      Our Annual Club Dinner at The Timbers was a resounding success! We had a private room that provided a comfortable, friendly atmosphere for great conversation. The turnout was fantastic, and it was a pleasure to catch up with everyone in such a relaxed setting.

      A big thank you to all who attended and helped make this event such a memorable evening. Here’s to many more enjoyable dinners and good times together!

       

      Club Dessert at the Library – A Sweet Sendoff

      Our latest Club Dessert at the library was a fun and memorable one! While it will be the last dessert at the library for a while, don’t worry—it had nothing to do with law enforcement making an appearance! That’s right, for the first time since I’ve been coming to the dessert, the Sheriff showed up. We offered her a chance to blow the whistle and enjoy some desserts with us, but it seems we didn’t have any donuts, so she decided to head out.

      Thanks to everyone who brought and enjoyed the treats and the good company. We’ll be looking forward to the next dessert gathering—location to be determined!

      NEW BUSINESS:
      • Club Shirts

      We have some club shirts still available. Cost $35

      • Dues

      Annual dues for 2025 remain at $10.

      If you haven’t paid your dues yet, please do. Make checks out to Art Bosse.

      Election of Officers

      We will be having election of officers, current positions are:

        • President – Kalvin Quinkert
        • Vice President – Mike Topping
        • Treasurer – Art Bosse
        • Secretary –  vacant

      Anyone interested in running for any of these positions, please let me know.

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