This clinic is a sister clinic to the signals clinic and also designed for beginners. It introduces systems that are required to make signals go blinky-blink. There is no requirement to see both; each can be attended independently of the other.
Archives: Tooltips
Model Railroad Signaling: Signals
This clinic is designed for the beginner who is thinking about installing signalling on their model railroad, from basic turnout indication to more advanced systems. It is designed to show the modeler what what types of signals are out there, costs, and some installation thoughts.
Fun With Flats
This clinic focuses on the flat car and how to improve its appearance, along with some load ideas and their construction. Want to improve and make your flatcars look better? This is for you
What’s New on the Old Ma & Pa
Progress continues on Bob’s three-deck version of the Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad on May 5, 1924. Bob will touch on his latest projects including trackwork in York; completion of Baldwin, MD; hybrid structures combining 3D printing with other techniques; scratchbuilt 500-series boxcars; and more.
Ralph DeBlasi
Ralph has been modeling for 55 years and is a historian of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. He loves doing clinics and has presented countless over the years at various regional conventions.
Bob Sprague
Bob has been a model railroader since he was 5 days old, when he received a train set from an overeager grandfather. After modeling the ’70s-era Chessie System in HO, he abruptly switched in 2016 to the steam era Ma & Pa RR and is currently working on a three-level reproduction in the basement of his home in Baltimore. A noted layout designer, Bob has had 14 plans published in Model Railroader and operates a side business called Bob’s Track Plans.
Adam Eyring
Adam is a long-time model railroader since getting a Tyco set in the 1970s. Currently he focuses on modeling trolleys with the East Penn Traction Club, but has done HO-scale railroading with a modular club in the Philly area.
Making a G-scale Trolley from Scratch
I will go through the steps of constructing a G-scale trolley out of wood and metal to fit over a G-scale truck. Being in G-scale makes it fun to use common tools because the parts are not too tiny. There are no known plans available, so dimensions are based on images.
Make & Take: Kato Mini-Module
Mini-Modules Base: As with T-TRAK, there are not many rules for Mini-Modules, however it starts with a good foundation. We will be building the Kato Mini-Diorama Circus Module kits. The build will be geared toward N scale, however we will have a number of HOn30/On18 track options for folks who would like larger ties. Bring your tools: A larger paint brush, hobby knife, screwdriver.
Mini-Modules Landforms: Starting with the completed base, we begin the design phase. We will need to build up the landforms out of foam. We will look at the design criteria and craft the landforms that will be determining the final shape of the mini-modules. Bring your tools: A hobby knife and paintbrushes.
Mini-Module Finishing Touches: Adding scenery elements and final touches. Bring your tools: A hobby knife and small paintbrushes.
Introduction to Kato Mini-Modules
Mini-Modules are a new way to practice model railroading and much more on a smaller scale. It is an excellent introduction to model railroading, yet challenging enough for veteran model railroaders. If you would like to try something out of the ordinary, Mini-Modules may be for you. If you opt for the hands-on clinic, you’ll get to build one from start to finish. This clinic is open to everyone and is not a prerequisite for the Make & Take clinic.
