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.
Make & Take Baggage Shed – Jack Dziadul
A baggage shed was a common feature of 20th-century railroading and could be found next to many passenger stations. The prototype still exists as a privately owned storage shed. The model has a small footprint allowing it to fit just about any model railroad.
This is a relatively simple kit to build. Beginners will get their feet wet in building a craftsman kit and more experienced modelers will have an opportunity to add a prototype structure for additional detail on their layout. Skills learned include following instructions, distressing basswood, adding details, and weathering with stains and powders. The kit is available in N, HO, S, and O scales.
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.