News

CTTC July 31, 2024 Meeting

July 16, 2024 No Comments

The June CTTC meeting will be Wednesday July 31st at 7:00,

Doors open around 6:45.

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)

OLD BUSINESS:

Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy at Roseville 7/12-7/13

Roseville set to welcome UP’s famed ‘Big Boy No. 4014’

NEW BUSINESS:

Dave Halbeisen Update
December Festival of Toy Trains
- Setup 12/13
- Show 12/14, 12/15
- Take down 12/16
Annual Club Dinner – 12/14
- Should it be at the Timbers?
September meeting WILL NOT be held on Wednesday, September 25. It will be at Fred Duerner’s on Saturday, September 28.

SHOW and TELL:

Member’s Choice

The July CTTC will be at Bob Sponsel’s garage.

If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 805-886-0628.

Santa Barbara Motorsports and Goleta Valley Athletic Club addresses are
6466 Hollister Ave. (SB Motorsports)
1701 Los Carneros Way for the health club.
The garage is in the SB Motorsports building on the end closest to the Athletic Club.
Parking is best entered from Los Carneros Way.

CTTC JUNE 26, 2024 MEETING

June 25, 2024 No Comments

The June CTTC meeting will be Wednesday June 26th at 7:00,

Doors open around 6:45.

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)

OLD BUSINESS:

Those of you who have ordered club shirts, please make sure to Dr. Charlie has you recorded as paid.
Dino’s collection should have additional items this month. Tara should be at the meeting for purchases.

NEW BUSINESS:

Union Pacific 4014 Big Boy at Roseville 7/12-7/13

Roseville set to welcome UP’s famed ‘Big Boy No. 4014’

SHOW and TELL:

Member’s Choice

The June CTTC will be at Bob Sponsel’s garage.

If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 805-886-0628.

Santa Barbara Motorsports and Goleta Valley Athletic Club addresses are
6466 Hollister Ave. (SB Motorsports)
1701 Los Carneros Way for the health club.
The garage is in the SB Motorsports building on the end closest to the Athletic Club.
Parking is best entered from Los Carneros Way.

CTTC May 29, 2024 MEETING

May 10, 2024 No Comments

The May CTTC meeting will be Wednesday May 29th at 7:00,

Doors open around 6:45.

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)

The May CTTC will be at Bob Sponsel’s garage.

If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 805-886-0628.

Santa Barbara Motorsports and Goleta Valley Athletic Club addresses are
6466 Hollister Ave. (SB Motorsports)
1701 Los Carneros Way for the health club.
The garage is in the SB Motorsports building on the end closest to the Athletic Club.
Parking is best entered from Los Carneros Way.

CTTC April 24, 2024 Meeting

April 23, 2024 No Comments

The April CTTC meeting is this Wednesday at 7:00,

Doors open around 6:45.

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)

The April CTTC will be at Bob Sponsel’s garage.

If there are any questions please feel free to contact me at 805-886-0628.

Santa Barbara Motorsports and Goleta Valley Athletic Club addresses are
6466 Hollister Ave. (SB Motorsports)
170 Los Carneros Way for the health club.
The garage is in the SB Motorsports building on the end closest to the Athletic Club.
Parking is best entered from Los Carneros Way.

New meeting location

April 23, 2024 No Comments

The club has gotten so large, we can no longer find parking at the Rancho Goleta Clubhouse.

Bob Sponsel has been kind enough to offer his Antique Car Garage as our new meeting site starting April 24, 2024.

Santa Barbara Motorsports and Goleta Valley Athletic Club addresses are
6466 Hollister Ave. (SB Motorsports)
170 Los Carneros Way for the health club.
The garage is in the SB Motorsports building on the end closest to the Athletic Club.
Parking is best entered from Los Carneros Way.

Cade brought an HO scale Bachman 260 steam locomotive with DCC and sound. Since we didn’t have any HO track or power, we couldn’t experience any of its features. However, we discussed the possibility of setting up a small HO loop and transformers so that we can explore the world of HO scale in the future.

Mike Toppings shared his Williams scale Southern Pacific Daylight Passenger cars from the 1980s. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a working engine to pull them around. We’ll ensure we have a working locomotive for future meetings to showcase these beautiful cars properly.

Nick Pearce displayed New York Central glassware. The interesting backstory is that the Meredith Publishing Company, known for Better Homes and Gardens, had an employee who had to travel to New York City for business. To get there, he took the Rock Island and then boarded the New York Central 20th Century Limited to New York. After each trip, he brought back a set of glassware, and one set was passed down to Nick.

Dr. Charlie presented his 763E locomotive with a 2203 whistling tender, a number 2814 boxcar, number 2812 gondola, number 2816 hopper car, and the number 817 caboose. It was fascinating to watch these vintage pieces run around. We had a slight issue with traction, but it turned out to be a track-related problem, and they looked and sounded great.

Dave showcased something he purchased from the Ventura show – a Happy Time train set. This Sears Marx train set features plastic couplers, metal wheels, and a wedge tender, which is unique as the engine is wider than the cars, and the tender narrows down to the width of the train cars at the back.

Al shared his Lionel number 50 gang car. We had fun running this little car, as we’d extend our hands to change its direction, making it go back and forth. It was a delightful and entertaining addition to the meeting.

Leo brought in his standard gauge passenger car, which he was able to purchase on eBay.

September Meeting Notes

October 24, 2023 No Comments

September 27, 2023

UPCOMING EVENTS

Bosse Toy Train Museum:

October 28th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
November 4th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
November 18th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The 33rd Annual Festival of Trains:

December 8th (Setup)
December 9th
December 10th
December 11th (Takedown)

Club Dinner:

December 9th
- Dinner at The Timbers
- Dessert to follow at the Goleta Libarary.

Brief Notes

Our meeting on Wednesday, September 27th, commenced at 7:05 PM, with President Kalvin leading the way. We had the pleasure of hosting ten regular members and one member joining us via Zoom.

Treasurer's Report

The treasurer, Art Bosse, was engaged in a special event that evening and, therefore, couldn’t provide a Treasurer’s Report. We’re pleased to report that all members have paid their dues.

Old Business

TrainFest at Union Station:

On September 10th, Leo and Kal went to Train Fest at Union Station in Los Angeles. The event featured various model train layouts, including those from the Amtrak Club, the Orange County Model Railroaders, the Southern California Traction Club, and the Southern California Z Scale Model Railroading Group. Alongside these layouts, there were real trains on display, such as the Amtrak P42 number 203 and various passenger equipment, including sleeper cars. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a Metrolink F125 locomotive and the Bombardier cars, with access to the locomotive cab and informative descriptions. Additionally, there were private cars available for tours, including the Talgo passenger car observation car and a Union Pacific car.

The event showcased several locomotives, including one from Burlington Northern Santa Fe, although it was not accessible for visitors. The SoCal Railroad Museum had the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe 5704 painted in red, white, and blue, and the San Bernardino Railroad Historical Society’s Santa Fe number 3751 steam locomotive. Visitors could explore the steam locomotive’s cab, and it was operational, allowing attendees to blow its whistle, although this was limited to avoid losing steam pressure. It was an enjoyable and educational experience.

The Bosse Toy Train Museum:

Held an open event on September 16th, which drew a nice turnout of visitors. On September 27th, the museum hosted a special event from 12:00 to 2:00 for the Antique Auto Club of America.

New Business

Zoom

We had a productive discussion about our Zoom account during the meeting. Currently, we are using a free version of Zoom, which limits our meeting times to 40 minutes and often interrupts us right in the middle of Show and Tell. We explored the option of getting a paid subscription, which would cost $150. However, considering the number of people using the Zoom account, we collectively decided that the cost doesn’t justify it. Instead, we plan to schedule two Zoom meetings, one immediately following the other. This way, we can make the most of our time without disruptions.

Club Dinner

Club dinner will be at the Timbers: Our next item of business concerns the December Club dinner. Based on the positive experience last year, where we dined at the Timbers, we are considering revisiting the venue. However, this time, we need to determine if the Timbers can provide separate receipts for each group within the party. Last year, the club covered most of the bill, with each member contributing only around $10. As our group has grown, we will not be covering the bill this time, but we are discussing how the club can supplement it. Further details will be discussed at the next meeting.

33rd annual Festival of Trains

Dave’s Festival of Trains: It’s that time of year again, and the 33rd annual Festival of Trains, Dave’s Festival of Trains, is set to take place on December 9th and 10th, with setup on the 8th and teardown on the 11th. The event will run from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. We’re looking for volunteers to help with setup, operation, and takedown. Details will be discussed at the next meeting.

Club Shirts

There has been a growing need for more Club shirts, given our increasing membership. Art is currently exploring options for having more shirts made. The club may consider contributing toward the cost of the shirts as well.

Next Month's Theme

As we approach October, we discussed our theme for the next meeting. Given that it’s the Halloween season, we decided to make it Halloween-themed, focusing on BLACK and ORANGE or anything SPOOKY. Feel free to bring your ghoulish train-related items, and we’ll have a spooktacular time!

SHOW AND TELL

September Show and Tell

DAVE HALBEISEN’S 33rD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF TOY TRAINS

October 12, 2023 No Comments

333rd Annual Festival of Toy Trains: A Timeless Celebration of Model Train Magic

Dates:

December 9: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
December 10: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Location: Goleta Valley Library, 500 N Fairview Ave, Goleta CA 93117

For the past 33 years, Dave Halbeisen has curated and shared his remarkable collection of model trains, turning the library into a miniature wonderland filled with the charm and nostalgia of Lionel Standard and 3 rail O-Gauge trains. The display features a delightful array of colorful accessories and scenes, spanning the eras from Lionel prewar to modern, offering a journey through the rich history of model train craftsmanship.

Attendees can expect an interactive and immersive experience as Dave strolls around the display with a TMCC Cab1, inviting young enthusiasts to take part in the magic. The opportunity to blow the whistle or horn adds a hands-on element, creating cherished memories for the next generation of train enthusiasts.

The Festival of Toy Trains has become a cherished tradition in the community, bringing together families, friends, and train enthusiasts to celebrate the timeless allure of model trains. The event continues to capture the imagination of all ages, offering a unique blend of nostalgia, education, and entertainment.

Join us at the Goleta Valley Library on December 9, from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and December 10, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, to witness the magic of the 33rd Annual Festival of Toy Trains. Admission is free, and all are welcome to experience the joy and wonder of model trains in this enchanting community event.

August show and tell

September 10, 2023 No Comments

Mike Topping’s Lionel 6-18071 Southern Pacific Daylight GS-4 Locomotive & Tender: Mike Topping showcased the Lionel 6-18071 Southern Pacific Daylight GS-4 Locomotive & Tender, a meticulous replica of the iconic steam locomotive, complete with TMCC Command Control for precision operation. Paired with scale Williams passenger cars, this setup delivers an authentic representation of the Southern Pacific Daylight train, featuring puffing smoke, die-cast construction, realistic sounds, a working headlight, and directional lighting on the tender. This Lionel model combines history and craftsmanship, offering enthusiasts an immersive railroad experience.

Art Bosse presented an intriguing assortment during the show and tell session. The centerpiece was his Lionel number 2332 Pennsylvania Railroad black GG1 locomotive, notable for its distinct absence of the customary stripes. Art shared that this unique variation was a testament to the wear and tear of time, offering an authentic glimpse into the locomotive’s history of use and maintenance. Alongside this fascinating piece, Art displayed a Lionel Boxcar 820, specifically variation L, showcasing the rich diversity within Lionel’s boxcar production. Additionally, his collection of meticulously detailed WW-I and WW-II army men provided a historical journey in miniature, evoking a sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past. Art’s presentation combined the allure of vintage model trains with a window into history, making it a captivating highlight of the meeting.

Dave Halbeisen’s presentation featured a remarkable Prewar American Flyer Champion Passenger Set, offering a glimpse into the rich history of model railroading. This set holds a unique distinction as one of the more affordable options produced during its era, making it an intriguing find for collectors. While the passenger cars in the set had their roofs removed, the locomotive itself demonstrated impressive performance, running smoothly and reliably. While additional details about the set were expected, it undoubtedly added depth to Dave’s collection and provided a valuable point of interest for fellow enthusiasts.

Leo Quinkert’s presentation unveiled a captivating collection of Pre-war Lionel Standard Gauge trains, evoking nostalgia for a bygone era of model railroading. This assortment included the #53 steam locomotive, the #181 Combo Car, and the #182 Observation Car, each bearing a unique charm and historical significance. Notably, the set should have also included a #180 Passenger car, although its whereabouts remain a mystery. These pieces appeared to have been well-loved over the years, evident from their repainted exteriors and past modifications aimed at interior lighting.

Originally cloaked in maroon livery, the cars had been painted over with olive drab, while both the locomotive and tender had undergone repainting as well.

August Meeting Notes

September 10, 2023 No Comments

August 30, 2023

Upcoming events

Saturday September 16, 10:00-1:00 Bosse Toy Train Museum
Wednesday September 27, 12:00 – 2:00 AACA at Bosse Toy Train Museum
Wednesday September 27, 7:00-9:00 CTTC September Meeting, Theme: Members Choice, your latest acquisition.
Saturday September 30, 10:00-1:00 Bosse Toy Train Museum
Saturday December 9, 10 Holiday Festival of Trains at Goleta Library.

Brief Notes

The August meeting of CTTC convened at Rancho Goleta on Wednesday, August 30th, promptly at 7:05 PM, with our club president, Kalvin Quinkert, at the helm.

We were pleased to see a robust turnout, with nine of our regular members in attendance and the company of three newcomers: Cade Statucki, Nick Peterson, and his wife, Donna. Cade, who has a particular interest in HO models, discovered our group during a visit to the Bosse Toy Train Museum. Nick and Donna, who have their own collection of O-Gauge trains, learned about our club through Bonnie.

I’m delighted to announce that Nick officially joined our ranks by the end of the August meeting. Let’s extend a warm welcome to Nick and Donna!

TREASURER'S REPORT

Treasurer, Art Bosse, presented the treasurer’s report. With a current count of 19 members, the club’s financial position remains healthy, boasting a reasonable financial reserve.

OLD NEWS

In August, the Bosse Toy Train Museum hosted a pair of events. On August 13th, they threw a friends and family gathering that pulled in a good-sized crowd. Everyone from pals and families to die-hard train lovers gathered to explore the museum. What’s great is that Brian and Mike, the masterminds behind the museum’s layout, were there in the thick of it all. They chatted up visitors, fielded questions, and received heaps of well-deserved praise for their layout work.

It was a great surprise to have Ray Wilson attend. It has been a while since Leo and I have chatted with him, and it was really great to catch up. It was so great to see him again; perhaps we can convince him to come for the “Festival of Trains,” dinner, and dessert this December!

New news

The Bosse Toy Train Museum is set to welcome visitors on Saturday, September 16th, and Saturday, September 30th, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. On Wednesday, September 27th, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, the museum will offer a special showing to the America’s Auto Club Association, an organization linked to Art. If available, members are encouraged to check with Art for possible assistance, considering the school and work schedule conflicts for some.

Further on the horizon, the Festival of Trains is scheduled for December 9th and 10th at the Goleta library. Set up will commence on Friday, December 8th, with takedown following on Monday, December 11th. The 9th of December holds special significance, as it marks the club dinner and dessert event at the library. Preliminary discussions on funding and venue selection for the dinner are on the agenda.

A topic that requires our attention in the upcoming meetings is our Zoom account. Currently, we provide a Zoom link for our meetings, a resource that Steve Ferry consistently utilizes. Recently, my Zoom subscription has expired. An essential feature of the paid account is the ability to host meetings without any time restrictions. However, the free subscription only grants us 40 minutes, which poses an issue, especially during the Show and Tell segment that could be cut off prematurely.

The annual cost of the paid subscription amounts to $150.00. It’s worth noting that during the pandemic, Zoom played a pivotal role in our club’s survival, serving as our primary means of meeting. It’s important to recognize that it was Steve Ferry who initially suggested the adoption of Zoom.

I propose that we engage in a discussion about renewing the paid subscription for another year. This investment would enable us to maintain seamless and uninterrupted meetings, a crucial component of our club’s continued success.