Greetings from Bill Voogd and the 5th Division. Most of us are enjoying a relatively mild and light snow winter. It certainly makes it easier to travel. My apologies to the skiers in the audience, as I know you don’t share these sentiments. In recent months, 5th Division has co-sponsored a couple of special events at the River City Modelers club in Spokane. John Langlot, a retired conductor for the Great Northern and Burlington Northern, did a very well received presentation on the GN operations between Kettle Falls, Washington, and Nelson, British Columbia. Jeff Hermann, our PNR President and 5th Division member, conducted a very comprehensive clinic on weathering rolling stock, using numerous techniques and products. It was a great hands-on learning experience for the attendees. We are also approaching the time for the 5th Division Annual meeting. The date is Saturday, April 20th, and the Inland Northwest Rail Museum in Reardan has graciously offered to host the event again this year. It is a fun location for this event. We continue working on the 2025 PNR convention, to be held in early May at the Red Lion Inn in Pasco, Washington. Tours and clinics are starting to come together. If you have a clinic you would like to present, please let us know. Volunteers are always needed and if you would like to help in some capacity, contact either Bill Fassett, the convention chair, or myself. I look forward to seeing you at future 5th Division events.
Bill Voogd
Superintendent