Clinics

Rails to Raleigh will have a full slate of clinics to offer both the model railroader and non-rail attendees. Several clinics will be presented more than once so attendees have more opportunity to attend all their desired clinics without conflict in time.

In addition there will be a number of extra fare clinics which will involve a hands-on effort by attendees. In these clinics you will learn how and actually do some modeling on the clinic's topic.

If you would like to present a clinic at Rails To Raleigh, please contact Gene Sing at g249sing@hotmail.com.

 
In the listing below the name of the Clinician is listed in blue and the name of the Clinic is listed in red. Clinics are listed alphabetically by the name of the Clinician.

 
Please check the registration area at the Convention for final schedules and location.

 
Special Note: Model Railroad videos wi il be shown in the clinic rooms at times when a clinic is not scheduled. The video titles, time and locations are shown in the Clinic Schedule section. These are Dave Frary/Bob Hayden videos. Used with permission.

Marshall D. Abrams
Making an Urban Backdrop Using the Internet

We will cover commercial backdrops, backdrop painting ideas especially clouds, getting and using pictures from the Internet, manipulating pictures, sharpness, resolution & printing, how to touch-up pictures, and perspective. We will see how to mock up the scene, paste buildings to backdrop, and use standoff spacers for 3D appearance. Pictures of a finished scene will inspire your modeling. Reference material includes lots of pointers to web resources, a list of top free or shareware photo editors, and a book list. Computer briefing with many examples; briefing handout provided.

Friday

8:30 – 9:30pm

Bellamy

Mark Anderson
Making Rock Faces from Ceiling Tiles

Learn how to make sedimentary rock formations for your model railroad using inexpensive ceiling tile. Step-by-step instructions with questions and answers. Several examples will be shown and handouts will be distributed to all.

Steve Barry
Submitting Articles to Carstens Publications

Steve will discuss the method of submitting articles to Carstens Publications. This includes the types of articles that magazines desire, how to write them and how to submit them so they have the best chance of being selected for publication. THe second part of the clinic will cover photographs for magazines: film vs. digital; black-and-white vs. color; resolution, composition, etc.

Saturday

11:00am – 12:00noon

Cameron

Vic Bitleris
Structure Lighting

The clinic will show how to choose and install different types of light bulbs for structures, such as outside lighting and interior lighting. I will also discuss and recommend various available power sources and adjusting the lamps voltage requirements to the available power supply. I will show this by using several different methods, including parallel and series wiring as well as using resistors to match the voltage needed.

Martin Brechbiel
Scratch Building with Wood
Registration: Clinic 601

Scratch build a semi-generic small freight station/whistle stop/platform structure — board-by-board in O and in HO scale! All of the wood parts will be supplied cut to length or nearly so and with rudimentary instructions. The decking is supplied pre-stained along with some Grandt Line detail parts. Bring the tools you think you will need and those you don't; sanding, cutting (saw or really sharp knife), weights and drills would be a good idea, etc. Martin will bring his traveling tool bag/box, glues, pin vises, drill bits, etc.. 70% of participants will be 80% done and 30% will be close to 100%. Don't ask how that was figured. Detail parts on the platform and sign are not included.

Fee: $10.00
Seats: 20 maximum

Tom Brodrick
Red Iron, Using Structural Steel to Create Industries and Scenes

We will show some of the use of steel after it leaves the mill and before it becomes a finished building. The emphasis is on distribution from the mill, basic explanations of shapes and their designations,the use of these shapes in the building frame; pictures, descriptions, and ideas about the equipment used in steel erection. Computer slide show with handouts.

Friday

9:30 – 10:30am

Mendenhall

Dick Bronson
JMRI Software Project: PanelPro Introduction

PanelPro is a computer based system for building CTC control panels. A discussion of supported systems and a demonstration of constructing a control panel for a passing siding will be included. PanelPro is part of the free software suite developed by the Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) Project. More information, including download instructions, is available at http://www.jmri.info.

Dick Bronson
JMRI Software Project: DecoderPro — A Tool for Programming Decoders

DecoderPro is a tool for programming decoders using a computer. This clinic is an introduction to programming with DecoderPro. An overview of supported DCC systems will also be included. DecoderPro is part of the free software suite developed by the Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) Project. More information about the project, including download instructions, may be found at http://www.jmri.info.

Bill Cox
Two Trains to Towanda

This clinic is "Two Trains to Towanda: The Williamsport and North Branch". The clinic handout will include some maps which are detailed sufficiently to give the reader a basic understanding of the railroad's line. The history of the railroad (1875 to 1938) will be reviewed, then its operations will be described including industries along the line and engineering features. Finally, the locomotives and rolling stock will be discussed. At each section, modeling possibilities of the railroad will be suggested.

Bill Day
Fine Scale Animation for Operation
Registration: Clinic 606

Following a slide presentation on a variety of animated structures, participants will build the "key mechanism" of a warehouse roll-up door, using two Design Preservation Module panels, styrene sheet, styrene rod and styrene H columns, all provided by me (hence, the clinic charge per participant of $5.00). Cement will be provided. Time and cost preclude building the entire warehouse structure in the clinic — which could require between 6 and 18 DPM modules. Later, participants will need to complete the model at home and provide at that point a Tortoise switch to make it work. (However, a finished, working, powered, award-winning roll-up door model using a Tortoise switch, will be shown at the clinic as a teaching aid). No participant will need to bring a Tortoise switch to the clinic.

Fee: $5.00
Seats: 20 maximum

Bruce Faulkner
Designing the CSXT Shenandoah Division

This clinic covers the prototype and operating influences on the design of the CSXT Shenandoah Division, a 17' x 43' N scale double-deck layout. Bruce will share insights into designing a large model railroad for operations. In addition, design techniques applicable to any scale or any size layout will be discussed. The prototype-freelanced Shenandoah Division is heavily based on CSX's former Clinchfield Railroad route. Prototype images illustrating various design decisions are included along with a virtual layout tour showing the latest construction progress on the layout.

Thursday	8:30 – 9:30pm	Cameron
Friday	1:00 – 2:00pm	Reynolds

Richard Genthner, MMR
The Cass Scenic Railroad

Visit the Cass Scenic Railroad via an amateur camcorder show. The Cass still operates several of the remaining SHAY locomotives on the East Coast and the video includes the sights and sounds from a recent visit. This should wet your appetite to make a visit yourself. Driving directions and history of the Cass are included in the presentation.

Charles Gregory
DCC Basics & Decoder Installation from Beginning to End

John Griffith
Introduction to Resin Casting

This is an introduction to those who would like to do castings. It will provide you the information needed to do your own simple castings. It covers the safety, tools, and materials required. We will talk about making masters, walk through how to prepare a mold from a master, and demonstrate how to cast parts. Along the way I will offer tips on what I find works and what doesn't. A summary handout including sources of information and supply will be provided

Chuck Hladik
Weathering Techniques

There are many ways of weathering buildings. I will present my technique on using grits as a weathering technique to simulate peeling paint on painted surfaces.

Friday	7:00 – 8:00pm	Mendenhall
Sunday	8:00 – 9:00am	Mendenhall

Noll Horan, MMR
How to Weather Wood

Various techniques of weathering wood will be described and demonstrated. Hands-on participation will focus on weathering the wood for the O-scale structure kit to be assembled in the Wood Scratchbuilding clinic or bring your own.

Friday

9:30 – 10:30am

Bellamy

Noll Horan, MMR
Kits vs. Scratchbuilding

A panel discussion about the differences between scratchbuilding and kit-building, and what is necessary to take a variety of kits to Merit Award-winning point scores. With examples. Featuring MMRs, and Charlie Flichmann, the AP Coordinator.

Friday

2:30 – 3:30pm

Reynolds

Clint Hyde
Airbrushing Techniques

Kinds of brushes, kinds of paints, kinds of materials, other tools. Hands-on participation will focus on painting the accessories for the O-scale structure kit (Wood Scratchbuilding Clinic). In addition, we'll weather a few freight cars with the airbrush, and some other items. Held outdoors, weather permitting.

Friday

11:00am – 12:00noon

Bellamy

John Paul Locher, MMR
Handlaying Trackwork

This clinic is in two parts. In Part I, the items you will need for Handlaying Trackwork will be covered. In some cases, items are available commercially and in other cases information is given for making the items yourself.

In Part II, the use of these items for Handlaying Trackwork will be covered. You will need all the tools, jigs, templates and materials described in Part I to do the work described in Part II.

There is a handout that will be available at the clinic that contains all the items covered with dimensions and materials. A slide projector is used so all can see.

Friday

4:00 – 5:00pm

Cameron

John Paul Locher, MMR
Weathering

In Weathering, there are as many ways as there are modelers. In this clinic, we will cover all the materials that we have found to be useful. Samples or actual materials will be shown so you can see what is used and what the brands are. We will also cover, in a reference manner, many of the techniques that are used, were found to be useful, and are described in many different places.

There will be a handout at the clinic that has the references as well as descriptions of the various ways of weathering. The emphasis is on structures but the techniques covered apply to rolling stock as well. A slide projector is used so all can see.

Saturday

9:30 – 10:30am

Cameron

Darrell Logan
Inexpensive Pine Trees

Have you ever shopped for commercial trees for your layout, only to receive a severe case of sticker shock? The purpose of this clinic is to produce a large quantity of trees for a very low cost. Pine trees are prevalent in all parts of the country, so lets get started. After a short discussion and demonstration, each participant may participate and build their own tree.

Judy Logan
Cloud Backdrops

Enhance you backdrops with clouds. Change those "clear blue skies" to eye-pleasing realistic skies with light fluffy clouds or more densely defined clouds. Both are very easy to accomplish with a can of spray paint and a few readily available accessories. After a brief demonstration, each participant may try their hand.

David Lynam, MMR
Scratchbuilding Tobacco Barns
Registration: Clinic 603

Tobacco barns in North Carolina are an integral part of the scenery. In fact, throughout the Mid-East Region these structures are quite a common sight. This is a "Hands on Clinic" to construct North Carolina's version of the tobacco barn. You will see a slide presentation of local tobacco barns still standing, learn a little history, build from card stock, learn to make your own corrugated siding, and take home your own version of our tobacco barns for your layout. The models will be in N and HO.

Fee: $5.00

Thursday

8:30 – 10:30pm

Bellamy

Fred Miller, MMR
Light and Sound Animation for Model Railroads

Lights and sounds are becoming commonplace for our model locomotives. But this clinic will explore other ways to add lights and sounds to your layout. Various projects will be described and demonstrated, some using commercial products, others with electronic circuit details for construction provided. The clinic will cover flickering lights for fires and welding machines, cycling building lights, random background sounds and even the rising and setting sun. The clinic will make ample use of actual implemented projects on Fred's Gotham City Traction modules.

Friday	11:00am – 12:00noon	Cameron
Saturday	8:00 – 9:00am	Cameron

Rich Newmiller
Scratchbuilding Prototype Structure: The Yard Office at the East Broad Top RR

If you like scratch building, prototype structures, plaster carving or the EBT Railroad, this clinic will have something of interest for you. The presentation will show how the builder modeled the original stone farmhouse that the EBT currently uses as their yard office. The structure is 100% scratch built. The only commercial components are paint, wire, plaster, styrene and weathering chalks. The presentation topics are as follows:

1. Stone and brick reproduction method

2. Dimensions via photographs

3. Cutting & carving the stone walls

4. Duplicating the windows and doors

5. Cornice molding and roofing (standing seam & rolled sheet)

6. Wooden shed construction

7. Details, paint & weathering

Edward C. Ovsenik
Using Maps to Plan Layouts

Whether an armchair model railroader, in the process of designing or building a dream layout, or have a fully functional model railroad empire, model railroaders are always seeking to better represent an actual area or the "look and feel" of an area. My talk on Using Maps to Plan Layouts will provide you with the means to obtain actual maps of towns and cities from the early 1900's through the 1945&ndsah;50 time frame. I will present information on what these maps depict, how to obtain the maps for free, and how to then use them in planning your layout. Sample maps from Hamlet, NC will show how the railroad facilities in and around Hamlet developed over time. Come and learn how to get better information to better plan and build your layout.

Friday	2:30 – 3:30pm	Cameron
Saturday	2:30 – 3:30pm	Mendenhall

Kim Parker
DCC Installs

Overview
Who should attend? Anyone who has a desire to learn to install his/her own DCC decoders or anyone who is just curious about how it is done.

What will be learned? The attendee will learn to identify locomotives that can be "decoded" and learn how to decode those locomotives.

Direct Current — Basics
Rediscover the basic electronics associated with today's engines. A discussion of the difference between open-frame and can motors, three pole and five pole, machine wound and skew or hand wound and why this is important to DCC. Also a discussion of today's basic rail pick-up designs.

Engines, Structure & Electrical
Review physical body types like split frame, body common and insulated frames. Steam and diesel differences. Also a survey of common manufacturers and their typical design philosophy.

Digital Command Control — Basics
Understanding the DCC environment. The discussion will center around a box diagram of the system and a very elementary primer on DCC theory and practice.

Installation (Lab)
Overview and bullet-by-bullet process for an install.

Review
Final review of concepts. Show-and-tell of various decoded engines. Discussion of lessons learned, review of concepts missed. Question and Answer period.

Kimberly J. Peterson
Creative Memories Clinic
Registration: Clinic 607

At the Creative Memories Clinic you will learn four simple steps to turn your photos and memorabilia into safe, meaningful photo albums. Creative Memories mission is to "Preserve the Past, Enrich the Present, and Inspire Hope for the Future". You'll want to bring 6 to 10 photos of a recent event or single theme (a spouse, child, or special event). This is an educational hands-on experience which includes creating an album page using Creative Memories simple formula for completing meaningful albums. You will also receive a free gift for attending.

Fee: $10.00

Saturday

9:30 – 10:30am

Mendenhall

Tony Reevy
The Railroads of Durham

Despite being one of the major tobacco processing centers of the South, Durham, North Carolina was never on a primary, main-line railroad. Although it lacked main-line service, Durham was reached by no less than five railroads — the Durham & Southern, Norfolk & Western, Norfolk Southern, Seaboard Air Line and several routes of the Southern Railway. It also had one of the most architecturally significant railroad stations in the South, Durham Union Station, a streetcar system, and a logging railroad. Tony Reevy explores these lines with us, especially the D&S, N&W, NS and SAL lines, which offer interesting modeling possibilities. All of the steam railroads that served our convention host city — Norfolk Southern, Seaboard Air Line, and Southern-also served Durham, so you will learn a bit about the railroad history of Raleigh from this presentation.

Rob Rousseau
The James River Rambler

Quietly nestled in central Virginia is a shortline railroad affectionately known locally as the "BB". Formally it is the shortline Buckingham Branch Railroad. Three times a year the Old Dominion Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society and the BBR run an excursion train on the quaint 17.3 mile mainline from Dillwyn to the James River and back. This clinic describes a short history of the Buckingham Branch Railroad and the author's trip experience. Included afterwards is a slide show of the train and various industries along the way including views over the James River. This trip is unique in that the railroad is not primarily a tourist railroad, but a working one with industries to educate the public what a real shortline railroad does today. A handout with more information is included.

Thursday

7:00 – 8:00pm

Cameron

Joseph Rugarber
Bicentennial Diesels on Parade

Come back to 1976 and relive the days of specially decorated diesels celebrating the 200th birthday of our country. The railroads were proud to show off their locomotives in patriotic paint schemes. There were even some freight cars done in appropriate colors, such as cabooses and box cars.

Joseph Rugarber
The Delaware & Hudson: Gone But Not Forgotten

The Delaware and Hudson survived for over 150 years until it was purchased by the Canadian Pacific. As you view the slides, you will see some of the unique locomotives of the road and the beautiful scenery it traversed. The D&H used diesels from ALCO, GE, and EMD. There are some shots of freight cars, passenger cars and stations in the presentation.

Tom Staley
Building Mountains

This clinic will demonstrate how to scratch build realistic mountains in 15 minutes, and then add a waterfall and lake. Next add a tunnel with portals built-into the mountain for realistic railroad operation. The class will conclude with scenicking techniques for completing the mountain and integrating it into the overall layout scenery.

Friday

8:30 – 10:30pm

Mendenhall

Tom Staley
Making Trees
Registration: Clinic 604

This hands-on class will teach attendees how to build trees using weeds as trunks and branches, and various scenic materials as foliage. You will learn how to select weeds, techniques for attaching the foliage and highlighting using spray paint. You may build and keep as many trees as time permits.

Cost: $6.00
Seating: 40 maximum

Saturday

4:00 – 5:00pm

Mendenhall

John M. Wallis
DCC Design for Modular Layouts

Modular layouts, especially NTRAK layouts, set up at train shows are almost never the same size, shape or with the same number of modules. Frequently modules from many individuals and/or clubs are connected together for the first time. This clinic provides DC design guidelines for modular layouts of varying shape, size and number of modules. The electrical environment of the show venue is examined with recommendations for minimizing potential interference to the DCC system.

Friday

1:00 – 2:00pm

Cameron

John M. Wallis
Introduction to Digital Command Control

This clinic is intended for those considering the move to Digital Command Control (DCC). It will explain what DCC is and what it will do for your layout. The practical side of DCC will be emphasized rather than theory. Information on installing decoders in locomotives will be covered as will converting an existing layout to DCC. Locomotive control using DCC will be demonstrated.

Thursday

10:00 – 11:00pm

Cameron

John M. Wallis
Recommended Practices for Module Wiring

Most module electrical wiring standards were developed prior to the advent of Digital Command Control. While they were adequate for analog control they have several shortcomings for DCC control. This clinic describes a new Recommended Practice for Module Wiring which meets the needs of both DC and DCC control.

Steven Wills
Truss Bridge Building
Registration: Clinic 602

This hands on class will cover the building of wood Truss Bridges. I will include a discussion of scale vs. building to scale. Selection of material — pros, cons and cost. Using a Balsa Striper. The design of your Truss and the building of a jig. The assembly of a Truss Bridge. You may build as many trusses as time permits. The Jig and any Trusses/Bridges that you make will be yours to keep.

Cost: $5 per person
Seating: 12–18 per class

Charles L. Wood
Layout Wiring Clinic

This clinic is primarily designed for those who favor manual control but useful for any who have wiring concerns. Expect to cover various kinds of wire, soldering, spade lugs, control switches, panels, transfer boards, speed control, power supplies, protective devices, and related items. A question and answer period will follow the presentation.

Day

Time

Room

Topic

Thursday

7:00–8:00pm

Mendenhall

Video: Rocks and Basic Scenery Made Easy

7:00–8:00pm

Bellamy

Structure Lighting

7:00–8:00pm

Cameron

James River Rambler

8:30–9:30pm

Mendenhall

Video: Easy Model Railroad Weathering Techniques

8:30–9:30pm

Cameron

Designing the CSXT Shenandoah Division

8:30–10:30pm

Bellamy

Scratchbuild a Tobacco Barn

10:00–11:00pm

Mendenhall

Video: Finishing Your Scenery

10:00–11:00pm

Cameron

Introduction to Digital Command Control

Friday

8:00–9:00am

Mendenhall

Video: How to paint Model Structures

8:00–9:00am

Bellamy

Introduction to Resin Casting

8:00–9:00am

Cameron

PanelPro Introduction

9:30–10:30am

Mendenhall

Red Iron — Using Structural Steel . . .

9:30–10:30am

Bellamy

How to Weather Wood

9:30–10:30am

Cameron

DecoderPro

11:00am–12:00noon

Mendenhall

DCC Installs

11:00am–12:00noon

Bellamy

Airbrushing Techniques

11:00am–12:00noon

Cameron

Light & Sound Animation

11:00am–12:00noon

Reynolds

Two Trains to Towanda

1:00–2:00pm

Cameron

DCC Design for Modular Layouts

1:00–2:00pm

Reynolds

Designing the CSXT Shenandoah Division

1:00–3:30pm

Mendenhall

Truss Bridge Building

1:00–3:30pm

Bellamy

Scratchbuilding with Wood

2:30–3:30pm

Cameron

Using Maps to Plan Layouts

2:30–3:30pm

Reynolds

Kits vs. Scratchbuilding

4:00–5:00pm

Mendenhall

DCC Basics & Decoder Installation

4:00–5:00pm

Bellamy

Making Rock Faces from Ceiling Tiles

4:00–5:00pm

Cameron

Handlaying Trackwork

4:00–5:00pm

Reynolds

Wiring Clinic

7:00–8:00pm

Mendenhall

Weathering Techniques

7:00–8:00pm

Bellamy

The Delaware & Hudson: Gone But Not Forgotten

8:30–11:00pm

Mendenhall

Building Mountains

8:30–9:30pm

Bellamy

Urban Backdrops

10:00–11:00pm

Bellamy

Fine Scale Animation for Operation

Saturday

8:00–9:00am

Mendenhall

Inexpensive Pine Trees

8:00–9:00am

Bellamy

Scratchbuilding Prototype Structures

8:00–9:00am

Cameron

Light & Sound Animation

9:30–10:30am

Mendenhall

Creative Memories Clinic

9:30–10:30am

Cameron

Weathering

9:30–11:30am

Bellamy

Truss Bridge Building

11:00am–12:00pm

Mendenhall

Bicentennial Diesels on Parade

11:00–12:00noon

Cameron

Submitting Articles to Carstens Publications

1:00–2:00pm

Mendenhall

The Cass Scenic Railroad

1:00–2:00pm

Bellamy

Cloud Backdrops

1:00–2:00pm

Cameron

Recommended Practices for Module Wiring

2:30–3:30pm

Mendenhall

Using Maps to Plan Layouts

2:30–3:30pm

Bellamy

The Railroads of Durham

4:00–5:00pm

Mendenhall

Making Trees

4:00–5:00pm

Bellamy

DCC Installs

Sunday

8:00–9:00am

Mendenhall

Weathering Techniques

8:00–10:00am

Bellamy

DCC Installs

This Page:

Last Updated:

Webmaster:

This page and all contents are Copyright 2005 by the Carolina Piedmont Division 13, NMRA MER.
(CPD13 is a Not-For-Profit Corporation incorporated in North Carolina.)
The various logos and heralds shown here are the property of their respective organizations.