Well folks, the frost is still nipping, the garden is snoozing, and our locomotives are nestled snug in their winter bunkers (or, in my case, under a blanket in the basement next to the water heater). But here at the Indiana Large Scale Railroaders, we know that even if the rails outside are frozen, the love of the hobby keeps chugging along inside.
Let’s be honest—winter is that season where you start missing the smell of crushed limestone, the hum of a transformer, and the thrill of watching your perfectly tuned Shay slowly tip over a plastic goat you forgot to move last fall.
But don’t worry! While the flowers nap and the track heaves like a rollercoaster at Holiday World, we press on:
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Need a winter project? Now’s the perfect time to clean those wheels—just remember: if your brass track is too clean, your trains might start sliding into 2026.
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Dreaming of spring? You’re not alone. I caught myself drawing ballast lines on the kitchen counter last week. My spouse was… less enthusiastic.
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Fighting cabin fever? Try talking to your locomotives like they’re coworkers. Bonus points if you name one “HR” and blame it for the derailments.
In all seriousness, we hope your holidays were joyful, your trains stayed warm, and your controllers didn’t short out from cookie crumbs and stray pine needles.
As we roll into 2025, we want to wish each and every member a blessed and joy-filled New Year. We’re excited for another season of running trains, fixing track, pulling weeds, and making memories with our club family.
🚨 Quick reminder: Club dues are now due! 🚨
Your dues help keep our club running smoother than a freshly-oiled Pacific. They fund events, maintain the layout, and make sure we always have just enough money for emergency rail clamps and donuts.
So please send those in soon—you don’t want to be that car that gets left in the siding come spring.
Stay warm, stay steamy (or battery-powered—we don’t judge), and keep those dreams of green grass and clean track alive.
It is with a sad heart that we pass along the sad news of Marion Hensley’s passing August 18th, 2019. You can read more here: 
With Summer upon us, there are a few noteworthy items to be passed along.
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