DCC Reversing Demystified – Allan Gartner

DCC reversing continues to frustrate model railroaders. This clinic aims to change that. I will provide an explanation of what reversing is, how to determine you have or need one (or more) reversing sections, how to plan for it, what you need to do to your track, how to wire a reversing section, and how to make sure it is working properly. A survey of available products will be given. Coordination of reversing sections, electronic circuit breakers, and Frog Juicers will be covered. Finally, how to deal with adjacent reversing sections will be discussed

Forecast Weathering – Phil Brooks

Following typical prototype weathering patterns to improve freelance model weathering. Weathering techniques including airbrushing, paint washes, Pan Pastels, and powders are also covered.

Modeling the Paducah & Louisville Railway’s Mayfield District – Steven Flowers

An overview of the Paducah & Louisville Railways Mayfield District. Included in the preview is a timetable, a list of industries, and also a list of railcars that are often seen of the line from its 1986 start-up to present day. As this is the subject of my HO scale railroad, we will cover modeler’s license, expanded operations, and cars on the layout.

Operations 101 – Steven Flowers

Basic operations for your model railroad from a 23-year veteran professional railroader. We will be covering why our railroads exist, what they haul, and the industries they serve, their reason for being. We will also dive into what cars are used to deliver the goods to and from the industries.

Trackside Control Panels – Tom Gordon

Through many years of trial and error, and observation of other folks’ approaches, an easy & cheap method for constructing small (4″x4″) local trackside control panels for turnouts and other locally controlled items was devised. These panels are not only simple to build, but they are also designed to allow removal and replacement for future enhancements. They are constructed with inexpensive materials mostly available from Amazon and local home improvement stores, along with the use of computer printed graphics. Detailed instructions on how to build these panels will be presented and parts lists will be made available.

What Can You Do with an Arduino – Tom Gordon

This clinic will introduce you to some of the useful features of Arduinos, their expansion boards (usually referred to as shields) and how to quickly take advantage of this technology. It will give some insight into how to simply use them on your layout to provide some automation without breaking the bank. Yes, there will be a small bit of example code – but only basic stuff to get you going. References to further expand your adventures in this technology will be provided.

Working N-Scale Mine Tram for the Clinch River RR – Phil Brooks

How to construct a working coal mine tram in N-Scale. Robotics parts and super magnets can animate vehicles in multiple scales.