SHMRRC Minutes for the Monthly Meeting
Date: January 6, 2026 

The meeting was held at Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, President Jeff Graybill presiding. 

Attendees:
           Jeff Graybill, President
           Warren Ashbrook, Vice President
           Dave Bodnar, Treasurer
           Rich Aubel, Secretary
           Dave Murphy
           Dave Maynard
           Dale Vilsack
           David Damp
          John Kolonay

 
Presidents Report:
The Mt. Lebanon Uptown Market and Holiday Celebration show went well.  Setup was quick and without major problems.  The crowds seemed to be at least as large as last year so we can consider it a success. 

Locomotion Weekend at the Kamin Science Center is scheduled for January 16th through 18th.  Setup will be on Friday, January 16 starting a 9:00 am.  Members should enter the science center at the security entrance in the back of the building and use the elevators beyond the cafeteria to the third floor.  To avoid problems with leaving members should arrive no earlier than 9:00 am to get a parking ticket from the machine.  

The shows will be on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.  Preliminary teardown will begin on Sunday at approximately 3:30 pm or as directed by the Science Center staff.

Dale Vilsack brought up a few problems that needed to be addressed.  He is going to rebuild his corner module to accommodate staging areas and a double track mainline.  The problem we have is a lack of a yard for parking trains between runs so it is suggested that when a train is not going to operate it should be removed from the layout. 

Dale also commented on a problem at the Greenberg Shows caused by our combination with Div 2 and using their power supply.  Their power supply does not accomodate controlling trains using an app on a cell phone.  After some discussion it was decided that the club will purchase a wi-fi adapter that can be connected to the Div 2 power module for using cell phone control.  It was also approved that the club purchase a Digitrax large throttle controller that is used to turn on the system.  Jeff said that he would look into the purchases. 


 
Treasurers Report:
The total in the treasury is $6,004.11 which includes $5,394.11 in checking and $610.00 cash on hand.  Dues will be collected at the January 27th meeting.

 Program:

Dave Bodnar demonstrated an led arrangement that simulated a flickering candle flame that could be used in several different applications. 

 
Next Meeting:
The next SHMRRC meeting will be at the Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church at 7:00 pm on January 27, 2026