Somehow it doesn’t seem possible, but this was the fifth year that FUNTRAK has conducted its annual Valley Rail Sights show at the Masonic Lodge in Ilion. As usual, everything went swimmingly due to the efforts of FUNTRAK’s club members and the folks at the lodge. FUNTRAK was fortunate to entice a new vendor to the show this year, Doug Davis, who was extremely pleased with the show. Doug brought many new and exciting products to the show and everyone benefited from his wares. Both Doug and FUNTRAKare looking forward to his return next year.

The venue for this year was updated, as FUNTRAK decided to not bring the usual N-Trak layout. The N scale T-Trak layout was expanded, as was the HO T-Trak layout. Our friend and great supporter, Rich Petitto from Syracuse, was in attendance and brought a G scale display. Lorenzo supplied his small Z scale oval and Brian supplied the children’s Lionel layout. Rich says that next year he will bring a small S scale layout to round out all the scales. FFUNTRAK also managed to acquired a new member at the show this year. Welcome aboard to Bill Whittaker who joins us with an HO scale interest. This will be most helpful to Greg Brockway who has been the sole supporter of HO for the time being. Greg recently got his van roadworthy and is now able to transport the HO layout much more easily. With more manpower, better transportation, and new ideas and interests, FUNTRAK should be able to expand its horizons in the other scales. We are all eagerly looking ahead to the new HO modules to be built and shown in the future.

One of the first outings for Greg’s van came on Saturday, April 27th at Fisher Elementary School. Greg brought the entire HO layout without having to cram everything into his Pontiac. Now the new module era can begin and Greg will be able to haul them with much less difficulty.

Overall, things are looking up for FUNTRAK as new members, vehicles, ideas, scales, support, vendors, and model railroading in general are falling into place. This month, traditionally a slow model railroading month, FUNTRAK expects to meet and discuss future plans as well as conduct a work session to build some of the future equipment for the upcoming shows. June should see FUNTRAK at Dave’s Diner near the end of the month in conjunction with Dave’s famous and popular Cruise In’s. We plan to try out the new small generator recently acquired to see how it works out. Hopefully, it won’t be too loud! July may find FUNTRAK at Clayt’s and possibly another work session. Volunteers to hold meetings are always welcome, let Brian know and meetings will be scheduled accordingly. August will see FUNTRAK back at the Fonda Fair through Labor Day. September begins the cycle of FUNTRAK’s shows all over again. Check back regularly for information regarding shows and events.

Until next time–> keep on training!
Brian

So as I sit here contemplating what to write for the new year, everyone is anxiously awaiting what is going to happen in the coming year financially and politically. Will these events affect FUNTRAK’s future and if so, how? Let me review what has transpired for FUNTRAK over the past twelve months and see how it relates to what we can expect over the next twelve months.

Up first is the FUNTRAK website. This has been ADDRESSED AND UPDATED OVER THE PAST YEAR. The website has been fairly well maintained and updated on a regular basis to keep folks apprised of what is happening with FUNTRAK and the model railroading hobby. Thanks to our webmaster, Anna K.Amendolare, who shamelessly gives herself credit for these accomplishments. So much for the website.

Successes and failures over the last year have also been a part of FUNTRAK’s ongoing endeavors. Unfortunately, not every venue continues to be a success as was the case with the Chocolate Train Wreck show in Hamilton and the Christmas display at Preswick Glen. However, along with less than desirable results, we also had some successes in our involvement with other shows. Of particular interest this past year was Fisher Elementary School where FUNTRAK displayed layouts on various occasions throughout the year and FUNTRAK’s involvement with the Genesee ‘N Ontario group and others at a giant T-trak display in Syracuse. These activities prove the viability of both FUNTRAK and the T-trak concept. These shows also point to the decline in the presentation of full sized N-trak layouts as they become less popular and T-trak rises in popularity, mostly because of transportation issues. The compromise between available space for scenery and the ability to transport the modules is being won by the smaller T-trak modules. N-trak advantages are longer trains and more scenery, while T-trak has the advantage of easier setup and transportation. There is certainly room for both concepts, but currently, T-trak appears to be ahead in the popularity arena. To support this claim, FUNTRAK recently finished a mountain division of the T-trak concept and is continuing to expand with more mountain modules on the way. Additionally, FUNTRAK is now fully engaged in HO T-trak with our newer members carrying the responsibilities for this expansion.

Other ideas for the N scale T-trak are utilizing current modules in new and innovative ways to create such fascinating layouts as the double bubble and triple bubble concepts and modules being constructed to support the one-trak concept. In the HO realm, an inside corner is in the works as well as many new double modules. Most of these ideas were displayed at FUNTRAK’s most recent show at the Oneida County Historical Society with both HO and N scale layouts being displayed for the public. This was FUNTRAK’s largest HO layout so far and was well received by the community. Supplementing the HO, the N scale T-trak layout was the longest club only layout at over two and three quarters scale miles long on the red line. Not bad for a small club!

Finally, FUNTRAK wishes to welcome our newest member, Paul Boehlert into our midst. Hopefully, FUNTRAK can contribute to Paul’s interests and he in turn can help FUNTRAK move forward in its endeavors to promote the hobby. It should also be noted that our other new member this year, Greg Brockway, has contributed significantly to the club, especially with the HO T-trak modules. Greg’s efforts have greatly enhanced FUNTRAK’s image as well as its abilities to attract new members by increasing the field of scales being presented to the general public. FUNTRAK really does appreciate your efforts, Greg. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to a great new year, keep on training.

Brian

Twenty 0ne. FUNTRAK has reached that pinnacle this year. Like the ace, FUNTRAK is the number one train club in the area and like the jack, FUNTRAK’s members are jacks of all trades. FUNTRAK’s newest venue, The Riverfront in Amsterdam, exemplifies FUNTRAK’s continuing efforts to support and entertain the public with its fantastic display of model trains. FUNTRAK will keep on working to preserve the model railroading hobby by presenting its fabulous displays whenever possible.

FUNTRAK runs trains with the Oswego Valley Railroad Association at their annual holiday show in Fulton, NY.