This section provides various resources for use by current and prospective TCMR members.
OPERATIONS
Formal operations have started on the current layout. TCMR’s method of freight car forwarding utilizes procedures developed with JMRI software.
The presentation documents below (compiled by Steve Prevette, former member) are useful in understanding operations concepts. Each presentation is in PowerPoint format. Click on the titles to access the available information. PLEASE NOTE: When you click on the files below, they may download automatically to your desktop and await to be opened there.
LIBRARY
The TCMR library is available to all members. We have an extensive collection of items that covers many western railroad operational histories, technical railroad information, and modeling resources. These books are available for your use and can be checked out and taken home. Use of the library is on the honor system. There is a checkout log that simply requires the book title, your name, the date you checked it out, and the date it was returned. At this time none of these books are for sale and non-members cannot check out books. The books are categorized by railroad or topic as applicable and there is an identifying label on the edge of the shelf. Please do your best to return any books you pull to the correct location. If you have any books you would like to donate, please contact Bernie Reiselman, current TCMR Librarian. A PDF with current library items is below:
EDUCATIONAL CLINICS AND DOCUMENTS
TCMR gives a variety of clinics to its members and the general public. The scheduling of in-person clinics vary throughout the year, based upon requests and interest. As documentation on clinics is prepared, they are listed below.
This clinic gives a host of helpful tips for improving any kind of a rolling stock unit or locomotive. Originally presented at a Regional Convention and to gain the most from this topic, interested persons should view the author’s major PowerPoint presentation and example results from his techniques.
This clinic takes the viewer through the entire process of installing a commercial turnout and switch machine and then tuning the components for their best performance.
This clinic provides a major discussion and photos on the choices and how-to’s of adding lights to your modeled buildings. This clinic has been given local, mini-meet and NMRA events.
This demonstration shows the basic steps in making trees from readily-available, commercial materials. A list of other information sources on tree-making is also provided.
This clinic and accompanying slide show provides information on locomotives and consists in the last years of the Northern Pacific and initial usage by the (then) newly created Burlington Northern.
This clinic and slide show discusses motive power and various scenes in the later years of the 20th Century as well as later-generation locomotives and even scenes from the Yakima Valley Transit.
Common trainset troubleshooting tips. Locomotive not running or running erratically? Cars tend to derail? Different types of tracks and roadbed?
Covers a basic electrical schematic and provides a description for a standard direct current trainset vs a digital command control trainset.
PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
Persons interested in becoming a member should come visit the club during our open hours on Saturdays. An application process is used along with necessary contacts with current members. Once accepted into the organization, the prospective member will have a 6 month probationary status. Applications can be obtained at the 11 W Kennewick Ave, Kennewick, WA 99336 on Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm.
OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES
The documents listed below are used in the TCMR’s activities.
OTHER ONLINE RESOURCES
For other useful sources of information, click on the appropriate link below:
50th Anniversary Slide Show
TCMR passed the 50 year mark in 2022—quite an accomplishment with some of the charter members still active with the club for the celebration.
HAVING TROUBLE PRINTING A FILE?
Most of the linked files above are in Adobe Reader (.pdf) file format. However, commands from the drop-down menu of a web browser may not enable you to print an opened Adobe file. If you experience that situation, then try this: after opening the linked file, use the Adobe pop-up shadow menu that appears as you pass your cursor across the document and issue a print command from there. If a print problem still persists, then download a copy of the file to your desktop, open the file there and then try to print.