Hi Ed and all ---
I am not speaking for the NASG BOT, but I am going to talk a bit about it as
the western VP.
As the BOT is comprised at the present time, I believe only one member is not
SCALE. As far as I know, all but Gerry Evans (just moved) have a model
railroad. This is a far higher rate than the average on this list, I bet.
Therefore, I think that as a group, the BOT has a very strong interest in what
happens to S.
The BOT has had its issues over the last year for many reasons (I will not name
names), including jobs, housing, jobs, other assignments, jobs, health, jobs,
deaths in the family, jobs, etc.. I am sure you get the picture. The BOT is
not unlike the rest of the group on this list, they have just taken on a
volunteer job for the benefit of the scale and its adherents (we hope) that is
“optional” when real life gets in the way. There have been some standouts on
the BOT and the NASG chairpersons: Jim Kindraka has done most of the heavy
lifting as treasurer for at least two years, has had to nursemaid me along as a
VP, and coordinate all the other NASG activities at the same time; Claude
Demers as membership chair has completely redone all the membership files and
brought things current after Stan Furmanak died; Greg Klein who has rescued our
promotions committee from the financial axe; and Dave Blum who, because of
another’s illness, has had to prepare for next year’s convention nearly single
handedly. I nearly forgot – terrible oversight – Doug Peck who has managed
the AF annual car. This is one of the very few real money makers for the
NASG. Not my cup of tea, but you play the ball as it lies.
It is only in the last week that the BOT has come back to full staffing. I am
hoping that when the dust settles there will be a lot more progress on the NASG
projects, including a remake of the website. Jim Bresnahan has been working
on that for nearly a year now, mostly bringing it up to current information.
We are hoping to give it a new image and make it more easily navigated.
Re: all the commentary about the SSGMR, the NASG has been looking at this as a
handout for non NASG events and interested newcomers. I suppose a DVD would
also work, and might be tried as an adjunct, but I think most folks would
prefer being able to hide in their motel room after the day’s events and relax
with a nice book of photos of some of our better model railroads. I am also
pretty sure the NASG would accept donations towards such a publication, as we
have talked about “sustaining” memberships, and the membership directory issue
has had private party support ads for years. And the NASG has Jeff Madden,
the “Dispatch” editor, who is already familiar with the publishing process and
has a printer that can do what is needed.
If you are not a member of the NASG, it seems that you might want to become one
– it IS easier to change things from the inside and the NASG can use your help
(and dues! ). You can always run for office... (These comments are not
aimed at Ed personally, but all the list.) The NASG is always looking for
willing and capable volunteers. I am sure that Dave Blum can use help in the
Chattanooga area as the time for the convention draws near.
The NASG has worked with the commercial press, particularly Carstens, to
advertise the scale. This has NOT been a money making endeavor, but is
instead what has been considered a reasonable expense to promote the scale.
If anyone has better ideas, they should contact me or the members of the BOT or
Greg Klein (promotions chair). There is a line item in the budget (not very
big) for that sort of thing...
Lastly, my email is [email protected] (as in Scale S Only – no
highrail). I will pass along HELPFUL comments to the NASG cadre and try to
answer any questions you might have, or refer you to the person who might have
the answer.
Have fun!
Bill Winans
Prescott Valley, AZ
NASG western VP
--------------------------------------
1. I don't see that the NASG has taken advantage of all those assets you
mention....
2. If we care at all about the greater "model railroad community", and if the
NASG BOT has so many advantages over the great unwashed,...
....
I'm not looking to pick a fight. I just think we care more about S Scale than
anyone else including the BOT....
Ed Kozlowsky
Sanford, Maine
>________________________________
>
>Technically we don't NEED NASG to do this, but we would need some person or
>persons with the drive and funds sources to push it through. NASG has some
>advantage in funding, contacts and other resources. Also maybe some "standing"
>to talk to people and organizations and be taken seriously.
.....
>Pieter E. Roos
.
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