top of page

IRON HORSE 2024 CLINICS

​

​

​

HOW-TO CLINICS​

​

Weathering with the (non) Masters

Clinicians:  Bill Cialini, Tim Ellis, and Bob Leonard – 3 ½ Hours – Cost $20 – Class is limited to 20 Students - Clinic will be Friday afternoon, October 11th, 1PM – 4:30PM. 

This clinic will cover weathering three of the primary mediums used in weathering all of our toys, whether those toys are on the rails, or alongside of them. There are three clinicians that will teach their approach to weathering, Gouache paint, Pastels / Powders and Watercolor Pencils. We can’t teach airbrush techniques and practices because no one wants a smelly room!

All who attend will have the opportunity to employ these techniques as you follow along. There will be pre-primed boxcar shells, that will be distributed for your use to practice what you have been taught.  Clinic attendees, if you have a favorite weathering media, bring it to share your knowledge of your technique.  If you want to bring some rolling stock or structures to weather, please do. 
 

Soldering for Beginners –

Clinician:  Allison Dendy – 3 ½ Hours – Cost $20 - Clinic will be Saturday morning, October 12th, 8:15 – 11:45AM.  (If Soldering Projects not completed, the class will continue at 1PM) –

Would you like to learn how to solder?  Are you frustrated trying to solder feeders to track without melting ties?  Are you not satisfied with your wiring connections?  Hesitant about attempting an electronics project?  Then this is the course for you.  After a brief lecture overview, I will personally guide you from how to turn the iron on to tackling any model railroad soldering task with confidence.  This is a practical course with the attention you deserve to assure that you leave with the skills you need.  A comprehensive, progressive list of soldering tasks will be taught with each student performing the work with as much personal guidance and attention as may be required, culminating in the student completing an electronics project to show off to your friends.  

​

Learn to Solder Practice Kit included.  This kit is ideal for beginners.  It has all the necessary electronic components (but no tools) to build a working circuit.  Dive into hands-on learning as you assemble a European siren with flashing lights on a cutting-edge printed circuit board. This project not only teaches basic soldering techniques but also provides insight into circuit functionality. The solder practice kit includes a detailed lesson manual, making it a perfect educational tool for creating an intruder alarm, bicycle siren, or an eye-catching attention-getter.  


Along with instruction on how to solder feeders to rail, cable to connectors, surface-mount resistors to PC cards, and making wire splices, this kit rounds out the learning curricula for this practical clinic so that students will have the skills and confidence to manage their model railroad soldering tasks.

​

Requirements:  Preferably a stick soldering iron with a fine point tip, Rosin Core Solder, needle nose plyers, a small wire cutter, a wire stripper, Helping Hands to hold soldering items, and magnifiers if you have them.  We tried in a test run of this clinic, and found the digital soldering stations did not work very well. 

 

Tree Making Clinic –

Clinician:  Ken Hoot, Region SSR AP Chairman/Rich Paul – 3 ½ Hours – Cost $20 –

Clinic will be Friday morning, October 11th, 8:15 – 11:45AM - Class is limited to 18 Students

Ken will furnish all the materials, tools, jigs, and machines to make over 200 trees in 3 different styles, Bottle Brush, Furnace Filters, and Poly Fiber.  I will furnish each attendee with enough material to build over 30 trees in the workshop.  Also, I will have 3 of my plastic flocking bottles along with all the flocking that is needed to furnish the trees.

 

Pursuing Merit AP Certificates –

Clinician:  Richard Segall – 2 Hours – NO COST – Attendees:  14 Max

 The NMRA Achievement Program offers terrific guidance for quality modeling.  It is a process that empowers modelers to improve.

This Hands-On clinic will address the characteristics of good modeling and remove much of the mystery from the model evaluation process.  Group collaborations will look for common mistakes and omissions.  Together, we will explore strategies to elevate scores to maximize current abilities.

Attaining a Merit Award involves more than just putting a model together; it is the pursuit of quality with multiple focal points.  Knowing what to expect in the assessment process then address its components puts merit attainment within reach of most moderately experienced modelers.

Are you ready to raise your game on you modeling?  Recommended:  Phone camera capable of close-up photography.

 

“Trakin’ with T-TRAK, Back to Basics –

Clinician/Instructor:  Andy Zimmerman, an experienced T-TRAK modeler President of the Sunshine Region of the NMRA and Vice President of NRAIL (T-TRAK) – For any questions about this clinic,  My Cell:  850-524-4399 

Hands-On - Participants: 14 Maximum Duration: 3 hours - Cost:  $20 - Clinic will be Friday evening, October 11th, 7PM – 10:00PM. 

One T-Trak Module Kit will be provided to attendees, and you will take this module home.

This hands-on clinic is designed for model railroad enthusiasts interested in learning how to build a T-TRAK module. T-TRAK is a modular system that allows modelers to create small, portable modules that can be connected with others to form a larger layout. This clinic will cover the basics of module construction, including materials, tools, and techniques.

Agenda:

  1. Introduction to T-TRAK Modules (15 minutes)

    • Brief history and concept of T-TRAK.

    • Advantages of T-TRAK modules: portability, ease of construction, and community building.

    • Overview of module standards and specifications.

  2. Materials and Tools (20 minutes)

    • List of necessary materials: wood, foam, track, wiring, scenery supplies.

    • Recommended tools: saw, drill, screwdriver, soldering iron, glue gun.

    • Tips for sourcing materials on a budget.

  3. Module Base Construction (45 minutes)

    • Measuring and cutting wood for the base.

    • Assembling the base frame.

    • Attaching the top surface (foam or plywood).

    • Ensuring the module is square and level.

  4. Track Laying and Wiring (45 minutes)

    • Choosing the right track: Kato Unitrack or similar.

    • Laying and securing track to the module.

    • Basic wiring techniques: power feeders, bus wires, connectors.

    • Testing the track and wiring for smooth operation.

  5. Scenery Basics (30 minutes)

    • Planning the scenic elements: terrain, buildings, vegetation.

    • Applying basic scenery techniques: ground cover, trees, roads.

    • Tips for realistic scenery and detailing.

  6. Finishing Touches and Troubleshooting (20 minutes)

    • Adding final details: figures, vehicles, signage.

    • Common issues and how to fix them.

    • Maintenance tips for keeping your module in top condition.

  7. Q&A and Hands-On Assistance (30 minutes)

    • Open floor for questions and answers.

    • Hands-on help with individual modules.

    • Sharing resources for further learning and community involvement.

Materials Provided:

  • A sample T-TRAK module kit.

  • Handouts with step-by-step instructions and diagrams.

  • Resource list for additional reading and supplies.

What to Bring:

  • Personal tools if preferred (screwdriver, drill, etc.).

  • Any specific materials or scenery items you wish to use.

Conclusion: Participants will leave with a basic understanding of T-TRAK module construction and the confidence to complete their own modules at home. They will also have the opportunity to connect with other modelers and join a community of T-TRAK enthusiasts.

 

Hourly Clinics

 

The Ubiquitous F Unit –

Clinician:  Bob Leonard

The clinic describes the changes over the years of the (Bulldog) nosed design of EMC-EMD F units, from the 1940s to the 1980s. The emphasis is on the 1st generation of units built and the models that have been produced from the many manufacturers, FTs to F7s. Everyone has done an F unit, pot metal, brass, plastic, they are like “Big Boys” if you have seen one, you have seen them all. Not true!
 

A Short History of Brass –

Clinician:  Bob Handin

A brief history, from the introduction of brass models after WWII, crude, sometimes un-running, but where else are you going to find it? To, a niche facet of model railroading that belies the fact that model railroading is affordable, but where else are you going to find it? From listening to collectors that swore if you painted it, you lost the investment, too, if it not painted, it is not worthy of collecting, and everything in between.
 

Tuscarora Operations –

Clinician:  Robert Raymond Clinic

Operator Robert Raymond (designer of the Tuscarora Branch Line) gives ideas and tips on how to build your dream layout in a small and manageable area.  The Tuscarora shows how much N-scale railroad operations you can pack into a 2x4 foot space. Set in Pennsylvania in 1962, we can accommodate five operators (scheduled freight and local engineer, coal operations, an interlocking lever operator, a station agent and a dispatcher). Come and run!

 

Ops in Tight Spaces –

Clinician:  Robert Raymond

Even if you only have a friend or two or a small space, you can still operate.

Robert will have the Tuscarora Layout for Operations in the Hilton Ballroom.

 

Florida early orange production –

Clinician:  Tom Wilson

In Central Florida, Transportation, Plants, Byproducts, to modern Production and what you did not know what is made from oranges.

 

How to detail your Steel Mills and Coke Ovens -

Clinician:  Tom Wilson

Tom models in HO Scale the Pittsburg& West Virginia Railroad and the Union Railroad.   The Union Railroad (a subsidiary of US Steel) around the Pittsburg area.  US Steel had 2 Steel Mills and Coke Operations around the Pittsburg area.  Tom worked for US Steel for 20 years and will show you how to correctly model steel mills and coke operations, from someone that actually worked in the mills.   

 

Basic Switching Techniques –

Clinician:  Donovan Lewis

This presentation will show the basic techniques and terminology used in delivering cars to customers. Car cards, waybills, and switch lists will be discussed. Techniques of switching will be demonstrated via videos of two railroads.

 

Operation Session Training –

Clinician:  Donovan Lewis

This presentation will go into the details of how a railroad operates and how it can be duplicated in a model situation. Designs of railroads and their effects on operation will be discussed. Timetables, waybills, card cards, switch lists, and train orders will be introduced. Train operation will be illustrated step by step via video and still shots during this presentation.

 

3D Printing Class –

Clinician:  Glenn Kopriva

In this class we will discuss both methods of printing but focus on filament printing.  We will go online to various sites, download and item, "slice" it.  We will actually print an item or two in class and compare an older 3d printer to a new one and discuss costs, speed and enhancements.  

​

Judging for Celebration of Models -

Clinician:  Carl Smeigh (MMR)

This class is mandatory for “New Judges” who are participating for judging in the Celebration of Models to achieve AP Certificates. 

 

Scratch Building with Wood –

Clinician:  John Giammasi (MMR)

John will teach you how to build structures from wood.

 

Installing DCC Decoders and Sound Systems in Locomotives –

Clinician:  Greg Garbacz

​​

What’s in My Toolbox? –

Clinician:  Mark Lewalski

This clinic reveals the mysteries of my modeling toolbox where you will discover WONDERS that you too can own!

 

Creating a Small Switching Layout: Part One (and ½) –

Clinician:  Mark Lewalski

This clinic describes the ongoing building of my small, portable HO shelf switching layout. I cover the ups and downs of my track plan journey, my search for a modeling era, changes I made along the way, and my final decision to put plan into action and actually get some modeling done. I will have my layout available during the clinic.

​
How To Use the ESU LokProgrammer – Clinician: Carl Marchand
This clinic will cover how to navigate the LokProgrammer software and how to upload and upgrade your sound projects. Learn how to take advantage of the latest features using Loksound V5 decoders.
 

JMRI Decoder Pro - A Primer – Clinician: Carl Marchand
Learn how to use Decoder Pro to setup your locomotives and DCC equipped rolling stock. We will cover the basics and some additional tips and tricks to streamline setting up your DCC fleet.


Athearn Blue Box Conversion to DCC – Clinician: Howard Goodwin, MMR
In this clinic, you will learn the steps to convert your older Athearn Blue Box locomotives to DCC from Howard Goodwin, MMR. Follow along as we take the Athearn loco from its basic state of DC to the completion of a DCC installation and a modern up to date locomotive. Steps will include chassis preparation and truck upgrade to all wheel pickup. Learn as well how to prepare for the decoder install and construction of the motor “saddle” on which your decoder will sit. Included will be tips and tricks for LED lighting and the addition of sound. While originally designed for those who are just beginners, this clinic may be just what you are looking for to help take you over the top and encourage you to upgrade your fleet of Athearn locomotives. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
 

Laser Engraving for Rolling Stock – Clinician: David Vescovi
Clinic will discuss using laser engraver for model railroading models, showing the Pros and Cons of Laser Engraving vs 3D Printing. I will talk about the costs and different features of engravers used on acrylic, wood, and Styrene. The Software Program is Lightburn and will show how to setup a project, use, tips, techniques with a demo. Examples: wood caboose, steam car, LNG tender, etc. Followed by discussion and Q&A’s.

​​

*There will be more Hourly Clinics added as they become available*

**Disclaimer:  All Hands-On Clinics are non-refundable after September 1st, 2024.  If you cannot attend any of the Hands-On Clinics, please notify me, so we may open that spot for another person.  If someone fills your Hands-On Clinic spot, we will refund your $20** 

​

The Hands-On Clinics have cost involved to buy all the supplies for the Hands-On Clinics.  The manufacturers have cut back drastically on donating supplies.

 

If anyone is interested in presenting a clinic, please get in touch with me, we are in search of more Clinicians. 

Jeff Guzowski – NMRA Sunshine Region Director

2024 Clinician Chairperson – email:  Jguzowski@Bellsouth.net   Cell:  954-401-0804

bottom of page