Hello Western Kentucky Chapter NRHS Members. My oh my, another month has come and gone… Where does the time go? I hope this August addition of the E-news Letter finds everyone well. With the recent high temperatures and allergens in the air, some of even the healthiest of people are down with ailments.

I was very impressed with Our Man Thomas Bryan and his attentive report on his time at Rail Camp. This young man has overcome what for some people would be a life challenging impairment. As a result he has come about in life with a confidence and stamina for knowledge, respect and an intelligent repose. I am proud of him and that he represented our Chapter (the first ever from our region) at Rail Camp. Well Done Thomas.

The last three weeks of the “month between the meetings” have been a productive and fun one for some of us. The most recent event our Chapter participated in was the August 12th version of Madisonville’s Friday Night Live. Wally, Thomas and Jim Bryan, Steve Miller, my Wife Kathy and I were on hand from 5:15PM until well after dark. We were set up next to the Illinois Central Railroad Centennial marker on the North side of the Court House, in the grass. We had shade, a grand view of the car show and we were easily accessible. Wally and Thomas ran several of Wally’s steam engines as visitors came and went. I gabbed with the one’s that appeared to be keenly interested or had little one’s that were. While the Chapter may or may not see a direct benefit from the time spent and brochures handed out, I feel we as a Chapter have upheld an obligation to the National Organization and the Community. Next year will provide us the same opportunity to share and spread the news of our Chapter and further promote the same. I would like to say “Many thanks to all those whom found time to attend and help out”.

Last month I suggested a work session at our meeting place, the former Louisville & Nashville Railroad Station to clean and remove weeds from the facility. Being as I did not get a robust and overwhelming amount of input from the members present that night, I took it upon myself to “organize” an impromptu work session on the following Saturday, July 30th. Kathy and I were at the Station by 7:50 AM to beat some of the heat of the day. Wally joined in just after 9:00 AM (our original planned time) and helped out with picking up what turned out to be a Ranger Pickup load of weeds and trash. We finished up by 9:30 and the place looked a lot better. I wish to say “Thank You” to Wally, whom at 79 years of age (soon to turn 80) can still work circles around a lot of punk kids I know! And wouldn’t you know it, only Wally ended up with a bad case of Poison Ivy!

Following Thomas’ report on Rail Camp, I presented a video from O Gauge Railroading Magazine. In the video was a nice story by and about Tony Lash’s three rail model train layout. I had several members comment on Mr. Lash…oddly enough, not on his fabulous layout but of his comments pertaining to his business and that he (a black man) never took advantage of government subsidy or contract, he made his business a success in the private sector. I point this out as I seem to notice the fact that this hobby and trains fans in general tend to be of a stronger moral and intelligent back ground. We can point out several of our own members that fit that moniker. Let me close by saying “I am proud to be a member and acquainted with this Chapter. Thank You.”

As we come to the end of July, the 7th month of the year perhaps it is time to reflect on a few things. The second Friday Night Live is history. Wally Watts, Thomas Bryan, Steve Miller and I had an enjoyable time entertaining passing guests during the event. Next month will be the last one for the year. Perhaps a few more members could attend and talk with people as they take a look at the display. Next month’s Friday Night Live will be held on August 12th from 6:00PM to 10:00PM. The months of June/July were also months of hosting. Bill Thomas had us as guests at his home on June 16. This was covered in our last newsletter. Keith Kittinger hosted guests at his home on Thursday July 16. Keith has a nice start to his HO Scale model train layout in his work shop. With numerous coal trains and motive power his plans to operate trains prototypically will be very doable and enjoyable.

Our Chapter has taken the reins this year so to speak. We have been getting out and getting the word out about our Chapter. Results are slow but none the less, if we do nothing we can expect nothing in return. Speaking of returns, I still believe our Photo Archive is a very strong attribute that we are not taking advantage of. Steve Miller is working on the photo disk(s) he has of the Archive. Once he has them up and running we can decide how to use and benefit from the many photo’s stored, at this point in time, just out of reach. The Archive could be our “signature” contribution to maintaining rail related history.

With even more events coming up, the year is, and has been full of opportunities to promote our local rail history. The annual Crofton Picnic hosted by our Hopkinsville KY Members, The Clayton/Watts Open House, one more Friday Night Live and possibly other visits to members homes.

And of course, Christmas is less than six months away! That’s right, we need to look ahead for our December meeting and start the decision process as to what we would like to do for the meeting, program and dinner.

To recap, the Photo Archive needs to be discussed, the final Friday Night Live event as well as the up coming events just mentioned. Jump in here people, this is a group effort. So make an effort to attend the meeting and events. One never knows just who will show up or what will be discussed.