Division 12, Mid Central Region, NMRA, Inc., also known as the Alleghany Western Division, is a recently formed division of the National Model Railroad Association, located in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Southwestern New York.
For the most up-to-date information about our organization, membership meetings, or public events please use the News/Events page or search button at the bottom of this page.
Next Membership Meeting Event:
Meeting via Zoom, Saturday January 11th 2025. 10 AM. Program: Cleveland 101:Overview of the Rail Routes and Operations in the Cleveland Area Over the Past 50-60 years. Presented by Jerry Jordak. Link will be sent out tot he membership prior to the event.
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Superintendent’s Letter for January 2025:
Well, here it is 2025 already! That sounds so futuristic to my 63-year-old mind. While we wait for practical fusion power and flying cars, let’s talk a little model railroading:
“Let’s remember that model railroading is an act of artistic expression, where the builder becomes a creator of miniature worlds. It’s not just about assembling trains and tracks; it’s about crafting a narrative, a living landscape, and an experience that invites others into a personal vision of reality. The beauty lies in capturing the essence of the world in its most intricate details, turning imagination into tangible form. In creating these miniature worlds, we shape and preserve the essence of a moment in time, imbuing it with meaning, emotion, and context. The model railroad is an extension of the builder’s personality, interests, and values. What one chooses to model-whether it’s a specific geographic location, historical period, or fictional universe-reveals something about their worldview. Each layout tells a unique story that reflects the builder’s identity and the narrative they wish to express. My layout is a mirror to my soul. It is not just a railroad but a story of who I am, where I’ve been, and where I wish to go.”
Wow, kind of profound, eh? Well, those aren’t my words; they are an excerpt from an essay produced by a prompt to ChatGTP, a large-language model AI. I have found these sorts of AI tools to be useful as “hooks” to focus my thinking when writing on various topics. In truth, once you’ve seen enough “writing” produced by an AI, it becomes pretty obvious when blocks of text have been created this way. There is a certain sterility and sameness to them all. Still, it can be an excellent way to stimulate one’s own thoughts. I hope I never get lazy enough to simply cut-and-paste some AI-produced text as my own thoughts; fingers crossed on that!
Another way AI tools can be helpful is in editing photographs. Photoshop (Adobe), Topaz, and other photo-editing software products now have extremely powerful AI tools for masking, sharpening, retouching, and other techniques to make one’s photos even better. Many of these AI tools simply automate and do in seconds what would have taken hours in Photoshop only 2-3 years ago. I’ve been quick to embrace these tools, as they allow you to focus on the creative aspect of photography instead of what used to be editing drudgery.
So, instead of turning up your nose at “AI”, maybe you can use it to improve or unleash more of your creativity in your modeling hobby. It is the 21st century you know!
Mike Hauk
Superintendent, Division 12, MCR
Current Builder’s Plate newsletter available here.
Current Mid-Central Region Kingpin newsletter available here.
Know of any train shows in Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, or North East Ohio? Please send them to me at webeditor@div12mcr.org
Allegheny Western Facebook Page or Facebook Group
National Model Railroad Association
Mid Central Region