| CLINIC: A Successful 2nd Layout – The 7-Year Journey | ||
| DAY: Friday | TIME: 1:30–2:30pm |
ROOM: Auditorium |
| DESCRIPTION: I define success as having a layout that is complete and fully operational with minimal derailments. A second layout provides many opportunities to make track work/layout improvements based on lessons-learned, and to hone your modeling skills. Please attend if you would like to run long (100+ car) mixed freight trains without derailments using distributed power to climb a 2.25% mainline grade. Curve easements are required. What will your railroad cost? See my detailed investment (cost) analysis broken down into six categories. | ||
| CLINIC: Building a Simple Intermediate Signal System | ||
| DAY: Saturday | TIME: 1:30–2:30pm |
ROOM: Berwyn |
| DESCRIPTION: Let’s take some of the mystery and confusion out of signaling systems. Starting with intermediate signals is an easier first step with good functionally that can be readily expanded. Watch the signals follow a train and automatically change the aspects. My PRR system uses bi-directional (two-way traffic) position light signals with purchased components and does not require programming, switch point position contacts, resistor wheelsets, or any type of block current detection. No need to cut rail gaps or modify the track feeders; the track power wiring and the signal wiring are independent, utilizing reliable infrared detection. The signal heads are highly detailed and built using available kits from a US-based vendor. Construction photographs detail the entire installation process. | ||
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About the Clinician... Rich is a seasoned model railroader with 35+ years of experience in the hobby. He has developed over a dozen clinics with topics that reflect his interest in scratch building structures, cars, scenery, and open loads which have been presented to audiences at NMRA divisional, regional, and national meetings. His modeling skills have earned him three “Best-in-Show” awards in judged contests. His medium-sized HO layout includes 491 feet of track, 30 rail-served industries and 104 car spots. The longest trains (100+ cars) are mixed freight with distributed power units (DPU). |