4-H For All
It’s become a tradition. Every August, Atlas representatives are invited to judge the model railroad handiwork of young people at the Somerset County, New Jersey 4-H Fair. The only 4-H fair in the area to feature a model railroad club for pre-teens and teens, the Somerset County event brought 23 Trainmasters together to display and discuss their creations. Each participant worked on a 3-Rail O Scale three-foot module, which they attached under their large tent to form one continuous layout. As part of their efforts, they each decorated a freight car. Atlas reps judged both the modules and the freight cars. “The model railroad portion of the fair has grown significantly during the five years I’ve been judging,” said Ted Reimlinger, Atlas Quality Control Specialist, who has been with Atlas for 18 years. “When I first attended, only about a dozen kids participated. I enjoy interacting with them and seeing what they create.”
A nice feature of the judging is that every child receives a ribbon for participating, said Bob Lawrence, Atlas O, LLC national sales manager, who attended for the second time in 2007. “Participants must research their project before they build it, then give a short presentation, and are graded on their presentation, craftsmanship and artwork.” Members are judged in seven categories based on age, including scratch-built structures, custom decorated cars and special projects. Atlas donated structures and prizes, and brought catalogs and other literature to give away. The invitation to attend and judge comes from Jan Kucsma, owner of the Big Little Railroad hobby shop in Somerville, New Jersey. The first judge from Atlas to attend was Jim Weaver, Vice President of Atlas O, LLC. Also attending for his first time this year was Don Fidecaro, Atlas’ HO and N Scale Technical Consultant.
“The crowd showed tremendous interest,” Ted said. “I love doing it. The model railroad tent always draws a crowd and therefore gets many young people involved in the hobby beyond the club members. There were so many people in the tent, they had to cordon off the modules!” Bob Lawrence said it’s especially enjoyable to see the young people receive enthusiastic applause from the appreciative crowd. He was so impressed, he shared the experience with his many Atlas contacts across the country. “I’d be happy to judge again next year, and would very much look forward to it,” Don summed up; a sentiment echoed by both Bob and Ted.
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