CLINICS BY CATEGORY

Earn the Railroading Merit Badge Brewster Bird and Jim Posey 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, Saturday, May 3

There will be six stations, each representing a part of the merit badge pamphlet.  Station one is "Introduction to Railroading" and covers the Railroading Merit Badge video, different departments within the railroad business model, and a general overview of railroading. Station two covers Operation Lifesaver and different types of trains and cars. Station three is about locomotives, braking systems and end of train devices. Station four is about the history and purpose of signals, lineside and whistle codes. Amtrak is station five, featuring deciphering the Amtrak timetable for the Coast Starlight trains. Station six is the Timesaver experience, where participants can run an engine and switch several cars between different tracks.  Each scout or youth who participates will receive a take-home kit.

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Requirements Worksheets

DIGITAL COMMAND CONTROL

DCC Decoder Installations for Brass Steam Locomotives - III Mark Schutzer 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 1 8:30 AM, Friday, May 2

This clinic is designed to remove the mystery and fear of installing decoders in brass steam locomotives.  A beginner’s guide to decoder installation with illustrated examples. Website

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Insurance and Your Model Railroad Mary C. Moore-Campagna 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30 1:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Covers three areas: property (the place where the railroad is located, plus any equipment and fixtures), inland marine (items which can be moved from location to location, especially high-value items which can be specifically described), and liability (what you can be sued for if someone gets hurt or their property damaged as a result of working with your railroad). 

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Track Planning for Beginners Brewster Bird 8:30 PM, Friday, May 2

Bring your protractor, compass and French Curve, scale rule (3-sided architect's rule) , five sheets  of your favorite graph paper and a topographical map showing the rail line you would like to model. Pencils and erasers will be provided. Emphasis will be placed on rail yards, not necessarily the connecting mains or meandering branches. We will look at principles of scale, mapmaking and simple curves. How to 'fudge' turnouts to fit the vagaries of the track plan. Various whys and wherefores about shelves versus islands will be discussed.

Modeling A Western Sierra Shortline Dave Connery 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30 8:30 AM, Saturday, May 3

The western slope of the Sierra Mountains have provided a wide range of exciting railroads to model. The clinic will recap the advantages of modeling a shortline railroad, especially one serving the Sierra and their western foothills. We will then attempt to cover as many of these railroads as possible, showing some of the specific reasons why each would make a great basis for a layout and covering some sources of information and inspiration for modeling each.

The State Belt Railroad Bill Kaufman 8:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30

The prototype ran along the Embarcadero of San Francisco. How to develop a Chuck Hitchcock influenced terminal switching line by looking at its history.

Layout Design Special Interest Group Roundtable (LDSIG) Jim Providenza 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 1

This is the place to exchange ideas, make new friends or renew acquaintances, and ask question of other knowledgeable modelers. All convention attendees are welcome!

Really Big Dreams in an Unlikely Not-So-Big Space Gary Saxton 8:30 AM, Thursday, May 1 10:00 AM, Friday, May 2

Imagine a layout that: 1) Stays true to the spirit of the prototype; 2) Has an area equal to 180% of the room area; 3) Is nearly 20 scale miles long; 4) Shared, as opposed to taken over, the dining room in it first incarnation; and 5) Moved 1500 miles salvaging over 75% of the original layout. After a short review of the prototype, we will jump into the design evolution which includes the use of low-end computer “draw” and spreadsheet programs, everyday experiences and observations, and simple experiments to establish design criteria. 

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Troubleshooting and Repairing Brass Steam Locomotives - I Mark Schutzer 2:30 PM, Thursday, May 1 1:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Brass steam locomotives have a reputation for running poorly.  This clinic will discuss the common problems and show you how to fix them.  A step by step example of a locomotive repair will be illustrated.  This clinic is tailored to the beginner who wants learn how to improve the running of those cranky steam locomotives. Website

Rebuilding Brass Steam Locomotives - II Mark Schutzer 4:00 PM, Thursday, May 1 2:30 PM, Friday, May 2

This clinic will show you how to turn those “noisy growlers” into prize runners that will silently creep down the track.  Re-motoring and re-gearing will be discussed and illustrated in detail.   Topics include motor and gearbox selection, motor mount construction, and the use of universal joint couplings. Website

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Building “Franken-Modules” George Pisching 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 1

These are table units evolved from the Frankenstein concept of interchangeable parts. They are lightweight modular units that can be combined in any number of ways to construct a layout table (the "monster"). If you want to build a module to take home, pay the $10.00 materials fee and work along with George.

Square-foot Modeling - A make and take clinic Brewster Bird 1:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30

Bring two of your favorite structure kits (preferably assembled), one or more pieces of track, a 12" x 12" square of either linoleum, hardboard, or foam core board, Durham rock water putty, white glue, scenery materials, including one bag Woodland Scenics ballast (your favorite color), and one cup of sand or dirt from your favorite prototype spot. Apron and latex gloves optional. Weeds and dried flowers, some ground foam and colored polyester floss, and basic paint colors (coffee, rust, brown, dark green, black) will be provided. Theories discussed will be vanishing point perspective using physical models, the Golden Angle (i.e. what draws one into a scene) and lighting.

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Let's Get Dirty With Our Models - NEW! Giuseppe "Joe" Aymar 8:30 AM, Thursday, May 1 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 3

Hands-on clinic demonstrating basic techniques for weathering rolling stock and equipment using chalks and acrylic paints.to achieve a more realistic look

Resin Kit Assembly Tips and techniques Jack Burgess, MMR 4:00 PM, Friday, May 2 - Added 7:00 PM, Friday, May 2

There are now literally hundreds of resin kits available, allowing modelers to accurately replicate strings of prototype freight cars with all of their subtle variations. However, these kits are not necessarily easy to assemble. In this clinic, Jack will share some tips and techniques to make the assembly of resin kits easier and quicker with less problems and, more importantly, more fun.

Detailing Building Interiors with Photos John Huber 8:30 AM, Saturday, May 3

Using scale photos, this clinic will demonstrate how to create detailed HO scale interiors. John will use photos that he has taken, collected and has been selling on eBay for the past two years to detail the interior of  DPM, Smalltown or other similar sized buildings. The clinic will include how to make easy-to-build lighted signs. A simple detailed interior can be finished in minutes. A super detailed interior can be finished in a night or two.

Contest Entry & Judging Bill Scott 4:00 PM, Thursday, May 1

This clinic will help you fill out contest forms to maximize your ability to tell the judges what you did and increase your score. You will also learn how judging is done, so you can help judge contest entries Saturday morning (judges get a free lunch and Association Volunteer AP points).

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Purse Making Marilyn Long 9:00 AM, Saturday, May 3

To follow along and make a purse you will need the following:
        1 yd  fabric for the outside of the purse
        1-1/2 yd contrasting fabric for inside, pocket, and ties
        1/2 yd of 3/4" heavy elastic
        $5.00 for the bamboo handles, which Marilyn will pick up

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Mail By Rail Robert Clark 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 1 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 3

Mail was sorted in Railway Post Office cars on moving trains for over 100 years. The railroads also moved mail in a variety of other car types. This clinic illustrates and discusses these car types, their operation in passenger trains, and the evolution of interior hardware and sorting procedures.

Case for Operations - NEW! Dave Clemens 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 1

Don't just build a display. Put your efforts in layout and model building to "good use" by applying some simple prototype concepts. Whether you have an existing railroad or are planning/building one, this clinic will provide useful suggestions for developing and implementing an operating scheme.

Creating Switch lists with Microsoft Excel Chuck Harmon 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30 8:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30

Chuck’s Power Point presentation will show how he eased the work of preparing switch lists for his San Joaquin Central using Microsoft Excel. With a simple layout example he will show how to set up the routings for four trains. He will go over how to enter the roster and routings and how to create the switch lists for each train. The use of the switch lists can be experienced at an operating session on the San Joaquin Central during a layout tour.

Beginner's Operations Bill Kaufman 8:30 AM, Thursday, May 1

 Based on a series of articles that appeared in Railroad Model Craftsman, this clinic poses four basic questions. Which cars go where? How do you get them there? How do you keep them from running into one another? How do you make money at it? This clinic hopes to give you a fundamental base so that you can operate successfully on any model railroad.

Model Railroad Communications - NEW! Seth Neumann 4:00 PM, Thursday, May 1

Thinking about how to talk to your operators during a session? Is your layout room too noisy to think while crews are running? Seth presents an updated version of his clinic that explores the history of communications between dispatchers, agent/operators and trains and tells you how to implement an era-appropriate communications system on your layout.

Operations Special Interest Group Roundtable (OpSIG) Seth Neumann 8:30 PM, Thursday, May 1

Is operating your layout in a prototypical manner your cup of tea? Well, this gathering is just for you. Are you interested in learning more about operations? Again, this is for you. These roundtables are always a lot of fun and very informative. All convention attendees are welcome!

Switching: The Heart of Operation Robert Pethoud 8:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30 7:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Bob's Power Point presentation will examine three facets of model railroad operation: way freight switching (pickups and setouts at industries), yard switching (classification and blocking of freight cars), and road maneuvers (meets and passes on the main). This clinic is for novice operators as well as more experienced hogheads.

Agent-Operator - NEW! Jim Providenza 2:30 PM, Thursday, May 1

Join Jim as he explores the roles of Freight AGENT and Train Order OPERATOR. The Agent-Operator can add a whole new dimension to the operations of your railroad and increase the "play value" significantly. This clinic will review the functions of the positions, how they relate to other, more commonly modeled roles, how and why to combine the two roles, and what it takes to put them into practice.

Realistic Car Card Operation Tony Thompson 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30

Operation should be the most satisfying aspect of a layout. “Realistic operation” means capturing the prototype’s variety, interest, and above all, realism in train make-up, train movements, and distribution of freight cars. Prototype examples and photos from the author’s layout are used to illustrate these points, and a complete card operating system is described and illustrated, including new ideas about miniature waybill methods.

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Operation Lifesaver Robert Alexander 1:00 - 5:00 PM; 6:00 - 9:00 PM, Friday, May 2 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 3

Operation Lifesaver is a rail-highway crossing safety program that was founded in Idaho by concerned citizens and UP railroaders in 1973. Operation Lifesaver emphasizes training, awareness, safety and prevention. Backed by grants from the FRA, USDOT, AAR, Amtrak, and the major rail lines, the training is age-appropriate and is focused on such issues as trespassing, safety and prevention, and statistics (how many near incidents, how many incidents, how many fatalities annually). Presenters come from all age groups, every strata of society. Bob Alexander is from the Bakersfield office of OLI and works with the BNSF as Safety Coordinator. The OL Loco Simulator will be at the Ramada Inn Friday evening and will be available for showing an engineman's view of the track and number of incidents one sees while on board the locomotive through Saturday afternoon.
 

Switching Action in the Visalia Industrial Park Brewster Bird 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30

A multi-media presentation, through overhead projector, slide projection and video, will show: the Kelsey Street Yard and its simplicity; traffic generated by the Industrial Park; types of cars seen at Goshen Avenue/Kelsey Street; and Locomotives used by the San Joaquin Valley Railroad. Almost a "Railroad You Can Model". Reprised from the 2001 PCR Convention in San Luis Obispo with some updates.

Riding Amtrak as a Trails and Rails Guide - NEW! Bruce Morden 4:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Amtrak and the National Park Service have partnered to provide passengers an educational narrated guide program on more than a dozen of their long distance trains . Hear about the program from one of the guides. Learn about some of the training that goes into the program. Find out about Amtrak Operations.

Medical Experiences of a Railroad Doctor Ronald Smith, M.D. 2:30 PM, Friday, May 2

This clinic will discuss railroad work related injuries, the hospital system for railroad workers and related subjects.

Hostling a Steam Engine Dave Tadlock 1:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30  New Day and Time

Firing of Sierra Railroad's locomotive #28, a Baldwin 2-8-0 Consolidation built in 1922 for the Sierra. Also describes general steam engine maintenance at Jamestown's roundhouse.

PFE Reefers Tony Thompson 7:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Typical of western reefer operators, Pacific Fruit Express first collected empties in the east, moved them west and cleaned or repaired them, spotted them for loading, then after icing moved them eastward. All the parts of this sequence are described and illustrated in the clinic, along with modeling points for each part. A descriptive handout is provided.

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Collecting Railroad China - NEW! Pat LaTorres 10:00 AM, Friday, May 2

This clinic will give an overview of a specialized portion of the railroad hobby -- collecting and preserving those items that were used on the dining and lounge cars of America's railroads. While the primary focus will be on the chinaware used in dining cars, we will also touch on the ancillary items used in railroad food service. Pat has been involved in this aspect of the hobby for over ten years. This clinic will be of interest to both rail-fans and non-rails alike.

Mid-Century Rails 1940-1960 Jim Martin 1:00 PM, Thursday, May 1 1:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Digital photograph presentation of  railroads east and west, some color, mostly black & white, mostly steam, some early diesels.

Southern Pacific Cabooses Tony Thompson 1:30 PM, Wednesday, April 30 10:00 AM, Friday, May 2

The SP caboose designs over the years were usually distinctive, making these cars “signature” SP equipment. An overview of the history of the SP caboose from 1871 to the end of caboose construction in 1980 is presented. Particular emphasis is placed on steam and steam-early diesel era cars. A few comments about modeling these cars are also included.

Southern Pacific Covered Hoppers Tony Thompson 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 1

This clinic covers SP covered hoppers from their beginning in 1946 until the late 1960s (and with some passing remarks on hopper cars). All covered hopper car types are included, with many in-service views. A handout will provide summary rosters also.
 

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Painting Clouds and Backdrop Scenery Dave Biondi 8:30 AM, Friday, May 2

In this clinic Dave will take you through the basic steps of painting clouds and a backdrop for your layout. Dave will discuss color recipes and demonstrate his techniques for sky, hills, trees, and some basic foreground detail work.

Tree Making 101 John McKenzie 2:30 PM, Thursday, May 1

John will show you how to make pine, fir and aspen trees using the bottle brush method and a "jig" of his own making from start to finish, via a Power Point presentation.

Making HO Redwood Trees Ed Matheny 4:00 PM, Friday, May 2

Ed will demonstrate his technique for making redwood trees. There will be one part of the demonstration that will be hands on.  Those participating in the hands on (not mandatory, you may watch others) will be making their own lower part of a redwood tree to take home with them. An informational handout will be given to each participant after the session explaining materials used.  Two or three finished redwood trees will be on display since it is impossible to finish this type of project in one hour. It takes approximately two days to finish a set of 3-4 medium-sized redwood trees.

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Railroad Prototype Modelers Ron Plies 7:00 PM, Wednesday, April 30

Wednesday night at the movies with El Presidente Del Norte. Ron will be showing some of his 8mm sound films that he made back in 1976 and 1977 in and around the Fresno area. Some of this material has been used in Charles Smiley’s DVDs, but there is a lot that was not. There will be films on the  Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and early Amtrak San Joaquins, as well some other surprises, as time permits.

Five Strands of Narrow Gauge History - NEW! Bill Schaumburg 8:30 PM, Thursday, May 1  New Day and Time 8:30 PM, Friday, May 2

The Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad through time, using photos and present day scenes. 

San Joaquin & Eastern Operations John Vasconcelos 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 1

Upper and lower divisions - Geared locos on the  upper division, rod locos on the lower division. How SJ&E meshed with the SP Friant branch.

Modeling Ideas for the San Joaquin & Eastern Modeler John Vasconcelos 8:30 PM, Thursday, May 1

Using and adapting commercial models to model the SJ&E.

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Weathering and Ballasting Track Chuck Geiger 1:00 PM, Saturday, May 3

How to build up the roadbed, ballast the track and do basic weathering of track and ballast using an airbrush or spray paint.

Turnouts---What You Need To Know Rich Kolm 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 1

Turnouts can be troublemakers, interfering with the reliable operation of trains. This clinic will expand your understanding of turnouts and the options you have when designing and building a layout.

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Website Design For Your Layout and Club Dave Grenier 8:30 AM, Friday, May 2

Have you ever surfed the Internet looking at model railroad layout websites and wished you had one for your layout or club, but didn’t know how to get started? Then this is the clinic for you! In this clinic, Dave will share ideas and techniques on designing and building websites for layouts and clubs, from inception to the World Wide Web. He will cover basic layout and design principles, what tools are available, and publishing on the Internet. Don’t be intimidated – this clinic is for anyone new to creating websites.

Creating Logos and Images For Your Railroad, Club, or Convention George Pisching 2:30 PM, Friday, May 2

Sierra Memories' graphics artist will present this clinic. See the convention's logo for an example of George's work.

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