Our facilities allow for us to have 8 clinics presented simultaneously throughout the entire convention. Clinics will be offered from the first day of the convention to the final day. On Monday the clinics will start at 1:00PM and run until 8:30PM, all other days, they will run 9:00AM to 8:30PM. Over the course of the convention there will be more than 200 clinic slots. Clinics are one hour in length including time for questions and answers. Most clinics will be repeated so that attendees will have at least two opportunities to catch a particular clinic.
The FULL LIST of clinics is now available! Click the buttons below to view the complete Station No.VI agenda, including clinics, and use the itinerary feature which is available on the mobile site.
To make the clinic schedule as versatile as possible we have also included the searchable table view below. The list can be sorted using the up/down arrows in the table headers and includes a search function so you may find exactly what you are looking for. A printable Day-by-Day grid is also available by clicking HERE.
WARNING: THIS LIST WILL CHANGE! The latest and greatest clinic list will always be the on the Agenda and the Mobile Site. Printing the clinic list is NOT recommended as changes can happen at any time!!!
| Date | Starts | Ends | Clinic | Description | Clinician | Tracks | Room |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Building Craftsman Kits (Part 1 of a 2 Part Series) | Fifty years ago there were Campbell and Suydam kits. Scratch building was the only way to get great looking structures on your layout. Today there are hundreds of kits from dozens of manufactures. This clinic will cover both the basics of kit construction and how to build award winning kits and dioramas. The use of basic and advanced tools; adhesives; paints stains; washes and chalks will be covered. Construction techniques and various methods will be shown. Interior and exterior detail and signage is also demonstrated. We will quantify the difference between a layout model and an award winning kit. | Dave Capron; MMR | Construction; Structures | Charlevoix |
| 7/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | I Love Tank Cars! | This clinic explores the various types of tank cars based on the current DOT specifications. The audience will learn about low pressure tank cars involving DOT spec 111; 111-CPC 1232; 117; 117R and AAR 211. The audience will learn about high pressure tank cars DOT spec 105; 112; 114 and 120. The clinic will also briefly look at cryogenic tank cars. | Rich Mahaney | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Meat Packing Plants: Prototype and Model (Part 1 of 2) | A look at the Meat Packing industry; its history and development; using photos of a variety of meat packing plants; with Sanborn and railroad maps; and interviews. There will be a special focus on the Decker & Son's Meat Plant in Mason City; Iowa and how the I modeled Decker's in HO scale. Handouts will be provided. | Douglas Harding; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | NMRA History Trivia | This Clinic is a fun Interactive Clinic with questions involving the 90 years of history; NMRA. Attendees may attempt to answer (oral) the questions.I'm currently in the process of writing the 90 year history of the NMRA with Gordy Robinson's approval. This history will be the largest history ever assembled for the NMRA. Out of this history are many interesting pieces of information.These bits of information are asked in questions with attendees given the opportunity to answer. I anticipate there may be some discussion or comments after each question.This is a very informative; interesting and fun presentation. | John Coy; MMR | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | The Anachronistic Railroad | How to avoid things that do not conform to your era. Many model a specific time period; a year; a month or in some cases a specific day in time. Are the people on your railroad wearing the correct clothing for your time? The miniskirt did not exist before the 1960's. Are the vehicles correct? What about the rolling stock and locomotives. The style of architecture and structures can exist from times past but not from the future. | Mark Juett; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Marquette |
| 7/14/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Interfacing a Computer to Your Model Railroad via C/MRInet | This clinic will show how to interface a computer to your model railroad. Up to 128 nodes can be distributed around your layout reducing the amount of wiring required. Simply connect any device to the nearest node. The only required wiring between nodes is a single 4 wire cable. We will focus on reducing layout wiring; prototypical turnout control; a range of signaling systems; staging track control and interfacing to DCC. | Scott Schrader | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/14/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Building Craftsman Kits (Part 2 of a 2 Part Series) | Fifty years ago there were Campbell and Suydam kits. Scratch building was the only way to get great looking structures on your layout. Today there are hundreds of kits from dozens of manufactures. This clinic will cover both the basics of kit construction and how to build award winning kits and dioramas. The use of basic and advanced tools; adhesives; paints stains; washes and chalks will be covered. Construction techniques and various methods will be shown. Interior and exterior detail and signage is also demonstrated. We will quantify the difference between a layout model and an award winning kit. | Dave Capron; MMR | Construction; Structures | Charlevoix |
| 7/14/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Layout Planning Concept Stage | This clinic covers the first stage of the Layout Design SIG recommended process for layout design. The emphasis is on scaling the project to fit a Model Railroader's lifestyle and available resources. The clinic includes layouts; track plans and concept thought starters. | Tim Fisher | Construction; Layout | Interlochen |
| 7/14/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Operations of Meat Packing Plants and Meat Traffic (Part 2 of 2) | A two part clinic: First an explanation of Operations; "How did railroads work meat plants?" This includes a listing of commodities and cars that move in and out of meat plants and the special paperwork for the reefer moves. Second will be a look at meat trains and meat traffic; "What happened to that reefer after it left? This will include samples of meat train Train Orders; comments from dispatchers; etc. We will study the railroad operations of the Decker & Son's Meat Plant using car cards with a special insert. Handouts will be provided." | Douglas Harding; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/14/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Signals with Very Few Wires | Four mini clinics rolled together to build a signal system:Illumination using programable LEDs (Neopixels). One signal wire can control a practically unlimited number of LEDs at a signal node. Wireless communication between signal nodes using ESP32 microcontrollers and ESP-Now which can cover distances up to hundreds of meters.Distributed control architecture. Micro controllers only; no PC; Mac; Raspberry Pi; etc. Infrared occupancy detection. | Gary Saxton | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/14/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | How to Treat your Track | Unless your locomotives are battery powered (i.e.; power-on-board or dead rail); you need good reliable contact between the wheels and the rail. This clinic will give you a few steps to condition your rails to stay clean longer. It will also cover cleaning track and cleaning locomotive wheels. Reliable contact is essential to good operation. | Mark Juett; MMR | Tools and Techniques | Marquette |
| 7/14/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | LCC – What Can I Buy in 2025? | This is a non-technical overview clinic about the LCC products that are; or will be available in 2025 from commercial vendors. It will describe their main features and what they can be used for on layouts. Many of the products described should be on display in the SIG Room | Alex Shepherd | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/14/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Modeling Coal Train Operations at JH Campbell Power Plant | Consumers Energy Corporation operated the JH Campbell power plant in Port Sheldon; Michigan from 1962 until earlier this year. They wanted to build a HO scale model of their entire large rail complex as a training tool for employees. They approached the Holland Modular Railroad Club to assist in the planning and construction of this layout. | John Bona | Operations | Charlevoix |
| 7/14/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Business Cars; Private Cars | We will discuss railroad business cars and many different private cars that served on North American railways. | Paul Hobbs | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/14/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Livestock Facilities for Handling Livestock at Shipping Points in the Corn Belt Region | Starting with government reports and photographs this will be a detailed look at railroad stockpens and other facilities used to handle livestock. The main focus will be small towns in the Mid-west; though facilities from across the United States will be included. We will also briefly look at stockcars. Material presented will include photos; Sanborn and railroad maps; railroad drawings and standard plans; ICC Valuation reports; government reports on livestock and livestock transportation. Information gleamed from interviews will be interspersed. Handouts will be provided. | Douglas Harding; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/14/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Thin and Light Benchwork for Sectional and Multilevel Layouts | The benchwork for sectional layouts is the struggle to find the sweet spot between several conflicting objectives. Light; but robust enough to take the handling. Joints that are easy to use but stay together. A wiring plan that is reliable but can be easily connected or disconnected. Here is one modeler's swing at it with the following results: Light 1-1/2 inch high frame.Simple connect disconnect.Can be tipped on its backs for easy under the table work.The underside cavity has room for microcontroller; other electronics and servos for switch machines and other animation.Thin facia for toggle switches. | Gary Saxton | Construction; Layout | Keweenaw |
| 7/14/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Proper Placement of Railroad Signals | Learn the engineering philosophy on why the prototype places; Signals and Signal equipment where they do. Following these basic prototype principles will allow your model railroad signal system to operate just like a Class 1 railroad. | Michael Burgett | Prototype/Railfanning | Marquette |
| 7/14/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Special Effects On-Layout Lighting | Overview of special effects lighting you can achieve using commercial products. Will show how to use and program; using LCC and DCC; the Light EFX-16 board from Logic Rail Technologies. A small diorama will be used to demonstrate many of the possible effects. The element of time-based triggering of lighting events will also be demonstrated. | Chuck Stancil | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/14/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Bound for Glory | In the late 1800s and early 1900s; thirteen special passenger cars were fitted out for use as railroad chapels by Episcopalians; Baptists; and Catholics. These chapel cars ran on most of the major railroads; especially those roads in the west where population was sparse and churches rare. In a world where the popular saying was; "There is no law west of Kansas City; and west of Fort Scott; no God"; the builders of these chapel cars shared the vision of mission service in remote areas. This clinic will be a history of these cars; how they were built; where they traveled; who used them; and what were the outcomes. | Dan Lewis; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Charlevoix |
| 7/14/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Creating Believable Rural Scenes on a Model Railroad | Modelling rural scenes requires a focus on the kinds of buildings; industries; community life; and scenery that are typical of small town or "out-in-the-country" areas. Many rural areas have long been characterized by farming; forestry; and fishing — and the rural lifestyle that goes with those industries.Using ideas I have used on my HO-scale Carleton Railway; this clinic will describe practical ways to create the feeling of a rural area on a model railroad. | Steve McMullin | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/14/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Introduction to 3D Printing | ln 2020; I acquired what has quickly become an indispensable tool in my modeling arsenal – a resin-based 3D printer. This clinic covers basic questions of:Why 3D printing?What printers are available and what can they do? Where can I get printers and files? When is 3D printing appropriate?How do I go about doing this? This is designed as an introduction to 3D printing; with specific application to structures; rolling stock; and details. | Ray Persing | New Technologies/Electronics | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/14/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Tappets; Dogs; and Bridles – Basic Principles of Mechanical Interlocking — Part 1 | Part One defines mechanical interlocking; and looks at much of the component hardware – tower structure; levers; cranks; pipeline; etc. – associated with a mechanical interlocking plant. Signal aspects are covered and the basic operation of the locking bed (where all the actual mechanical interlocking takes place) is introduced as a lead in to Part Two of the clinic. | Patrick Golden | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/14/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Favorite Freight Cars 11; Freight Cars of Muncie; Indiana | This clinic describes railroading in general and how the model railroading community was involved with the freight cars both common and unique to this midwestern city manufacturing center. Muncie was served by four class one railroads as well as a local switching railroad. | Mont Switzer | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/14/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Model Train Detection Methods and Uses | Comparison of various methods of detecting model trains on a layout. Pros and cons; matching the method with the application. Considerations for AC; DC; and DCC track power as well as dead rail (battery-on-board systems). | John Parsons | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/14/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Shootin' the Rails | Model Railroad photography is a hobby within the hobby. Some aspects of this niche will be similar to the techniques used in the larger field of photography; but some are unique to model railroading. This clinic will mostly focus on the latter. Assuming the attendee uses a high-end digital camera; this clinic will address lighting and color temperatures; apertures and shutter speeds; focusing; depth-of-field; focus-stacking; composition; front surface mirrors; gaining space on the front edge; and shooting for publication. | Dan Lewis; MMR | Tools and Techniques | Charlevoix |
| 7/14/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Incorporating Potato Farming and Shipping on a Model Railroad | This clinic presents prototypical ways that potatoes were stored and shipped by rail in the 1960s in eastern Canada. Modelling potato fields & farm equipment; and constructing models of potato warehouses & production facilities (for potato starch; potato chips; french fries) will be discussed; as well as how products were shipped by rail. The clinic will include prototype photos and photos from operations on my HO-scale Carleton Railway. | Steve McMullin | Operations | Interlochen |
| 7/14/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Scratchbuilding in Wood | Nothing makes a more realistic model of a wood structure than using wood as a modeling medium. In an era when craftsman kits are becoming increasingly expensive; scratch-building makes high-quality models possible on a budget. For the modeler who is considering scratch-building but either hasn't started or has started with limited success. We'll cover techniques used in constructing wood models by stepping through the construction of a prize-winning structure. Methods used to build a Merit Award quality model; as well as a number of warnings of things not to do; and alternative methods to achieve similar effects. | Ray Persing | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/14/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Tappets; Dogs; and Bridles – Basic Principles of Mechanical Interlocking — Part 2 | Part Two builds on Part One in that a mechanical interlocking "locking bed" is built step-by-step on the PowerPoint screen and then lineups are made to demonstrate how manipulating various levers lock out others and how levers are manipulated in a precise order to make lineups and clear signals. Trains are then "run" through the interlocking plant.A crossing (diamond) is introduced to demonstrate the need for "crossing" or "route" levers; trap circuits to protect the dead section of track at the diamond are discussed and time release mechanisms are discussed when it is necessary to take down a signal previously cleared in order to change a lineup. | Patrick Golden | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/14/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Favorite Freight Cars 12; Freight Cars of Muncie; Indiana | This clinic describes the modeling opportunities for the bright yellow THE BALL LINE Mather patent and steel boxcar fleets; the red/yellow Marhoefer Packing refrigeration cars; the giant Westinghouse Schnabel transformer cars; and commonly seen automobile parts cars. There is a handout with this clinic. | Mont Switzer | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/14/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | North American Railroad Signaling for Railfans and Modelers | A beginner's guide to understanding trackside signaling. What do those colored lights mean? What's the reason for so many signal types? What kind of signals are appropriate for my layout and where should I put them? Come and find out! | John Parsons | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/15/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Enhancing Your Railroad by Lighting Structures and Scenes | By adding lighting to structures and scenes you can generate excitement and interest in your railroad. A small depot without lighting is just that. Add lighting and you can see people in the waiting room; the station agent selling tickets and railroad posters on the wall. The depot has now become a point of interest on your railroad. There is increased interest in lighting structures and scenes and this is reflected by the growth in commercial options available for lighting structures. The components and features of several commercial options will be briefly reviewed. The main focus of the presentation will be on the lower cost “do-it-yourself" method taking into consideration the desired results. Various lighting components will be reviewed including power supplies; bulb selection for different purposes; fiber optics; distribution systems; wiring; lighting control and new technologies. These methods and considerations will be illustrated with actual installations which reflect both daytime and nighttime operations. | Steve Harsh | New Technologies/Electronics | Charlevoix |
| 7/15/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Using "Generators" to Create Structures WITHOUT Learning CAD | Learning CAD for 3D Printing is hard. Filling out a form with design parameters is easy. Dave has created "Generators" which are MS Windows based forms that create 3D structure models at the push of a button. Building walls; roofing; windows are all a part of the collection that allows you to create custom models without learning CAD; and best of all; they are free.Introduced at the 2022 National Convention; Dave has continued to create new; innovative tools for creating structures. Even if you have seen an earlier version of this clinic; come see "What's New" and add Generators to your toolbox for creating structures. | David Ackmann | Tools and Techniques | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | The Railway Post Office; 1860-1977 | A look at the rise and fall of the Railway Post Office and its equipment; from the first attempts to quickly deliver mail; to the Pony Express; to an American Institution; to the slow decline of the Railway Mail Service; as highways; airplanes and automatic sorting made it obsolete. | Mark Tomlonson | History | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Weirton Steel's Open Hearth | The presenter will discuss his scratch-built Weirton Steel Open Hearth and its role in 1950's steel making. This large O scale structure (37" w x 72" l x 38" h) features four (4) of the prototype's 14 furnaces; their smoke stacks; and a highly detailed building interior. The operating smoke units and LED lighting help simulate the production of steel. The clinic will highlight the extensive research conducted and the presenter's journey towards better design; construction; electrical; and weathering techniques. This model won the Dean Freytag Award (Photography) at the Steel Mill Modelers Special Interest Group annual meeting in 2023. Later that year; it received a Structures Merit Award; earning 112 out of a possible 125 points. | George Pandelios | Construction; Structures | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | SIG Activity | Some SIG activity to be determined later. | NMRA and SIG | Marquette | |
| 7/15/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Iron & Steel: the Industry | The steel industry has a rich history and formed the backbone of America's growth. From moving raw ingredients to delivering finished product; steel has been an integral part of railroading. This clinic will provide you with a basic understanding of steel making processes and vocabulary. It will give you a guide to the inner workings of rolling mills and some of the specialized railroad equipment found in and around a steel plant. Many references (both prototype and modeling) will be presented to enable you to accurately add this fascinating industry to your own layout. Although mostly a prototype clinic; modeling ideas will be injected as the presentation develops. | Doug Geiger; MMR | History | Petoskey |
| 7/15/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Building an Industrial Switching Layout for Maximum Enjoyment: Planning and Design Ideas | How can modelers develop a modest-sized layout for operations that provides lots of activity and enjoyment? This presentation will show how a well-researched plan and specific design elements can result in lots of rail traffic; offer interesting variety; and provide realistic yet challenging switching jobs. We will review: Six key planning componentsFive research tools for prototype or freelanced layoutsSeveral design optionsUsing research to maximize traffic and switching opportunitiesSeveral switching assignments/puzzles on the layoutThe project is the speaker's second HO scale layout. Designed for operations; it is a major departure from his first. The prototype is the Toronto; Hamilton & Buffalo Railway. The setting is the Canadian city of Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula. The era is the 1970s. This is just before the major recession that decimated the steel and other primary industries in the northeast United States and the Niagara Peninsula. It is also the ‘second' transition era. This featured some significant AAR rule changes; major railway consolidations; and major changes to freight car fleets and car designs; among other developments. | Paul Hurly | Operations | Charlevoix |
| 7/15/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Modeling C&O Prototype Scenes | Modeling prototype scenes is a rewarding challenge! This clinic presents a framework for planning and developing prototype-based scenes; including goal setting; track planning; scene planning; and the identification and modeling of signature and supporting elements. Examples come from the presenter's home layout; the C&O Ryder Gap Sub.The framework can lead a modeler through the process of goal setting; track planning; scene planning; and the identification of signature and supporting elements. Successful prototype-based scenes can be developed in many different ways; the framework is intended to help a modeler think through their choices in advance to increase their enjoyment and their chances of success.Examples are drawn from my layout; the C&O Ryder Gap Sub. The layout has been published in Model Railroad Planning; Modern Railroader; and Railroad Model Craftsman. | Joe Green | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Tips & Tricks for Scratchbuilding and Kitbashing | The speaker shares their tips and tricks for scratchbuilding and kitbashing structures for a model railroad layout. | Leslie Eaton; MMR | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | My Bridge Obsession | Grif Teller's 1953 calendar painting Crossroads of Commerce immortalized the double-track Panhandle Division bridge across the Ohio River between Steubenville; Ohio and Weirton; West Virginia. As a boy growing up in Weirton; this structure and its two predecessors were always a source of fascination for me. In this clinic; I will describe all three bridges using historical construction photos (some dating back to the 1860s). I will also display photos from my expeditions to the bridge as well as shots of the nearly 12' long model bridge on my O-scale layout. My efforts to recreate Grif Teller's painting appeared in the 6-part series Pour Me A River published in O Scale Trains magazine. | George Pandelios | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | SIG Activity | Some SIG activity to be determined later. | NMRA and SIG | Marquette | |
| 7/15/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Iron & Steel: the History | The steel industry has a rich history and formed the backbone of America's growth. From moving raw ingredients to delivering finished product; steel has been an integral part of railroading. This clinic will provide you with a basic understanding of steel making processes and vocabulary. It will give you a guide to the inner workings of rolling mills and some of the specialized railroad equipment found in and around a steel plant. Many references (both prototype and modeling) will be presented to enable you to accurately add this fascinating industry to your own layout. Although mostly a prototype clinic; modeling ideas will be injected as the presentation develops. | Doug Geiger; MMR | History | Petoskey |
| 7/15/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Producing A Museum-Quality Backdrop for Your Layout (Part 1 of 3) | If you are tired of flat blue walls and interested in having an effective backdrop for your layout this is the clinic for you. Painting a backdrop can be the quickest way to add a lot of scenery to your model layout in the shortest amount of time. It is also a great way to unify all of your scenic ideas and give focus to your modeling theme. The clinic will cover pre-production choices and backdrop painting techniques. We will show you; with a Power Point Program and will go over material and the steps to help you have a backdrop that will enhance your layout and models. | Norman Logan | Construction; Scenery | Charlevoix |
| 7/15/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Railroads and the Natural Ice Industry: a Symbiotic Relationship | The harvesting of natural ice to preserve food and cool drinks began in the early 1800's on farms and homesteads. By the middle 1800's; it became a large industry. Like many other industries involving heavy; bulky commodities; the ice industry turned to the railroads to transport their product. For the next 50-60 years; the natural ice industry became huge customers of the railroads. At the same time; shipping refrigerated products by rail increased dramatically; and the railroads became huge customers of the ice industry. In this clinic; Bruce will look at the commercial process of harvesting; storing; and shipping natural ice and the role that railroads used in the process. | Bruce DeYoung; MMR | History | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | SIG-WIMRR Presents – Women in Model Railroading | Learn about the Women in Model Railroading Special Interest Group and meet other members of the SIG. The WIMRR SIG connects women across the hobby and supports the work of women in model railroading. | Cinthia Priest | NMRA and SIG | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | 75 Year Anniversary Milwaukee NMRA Convention/Consummate Railfan | 2025 is the 75 year anniversary of the 1950 Milwaukee Wisconsin NMRA conference. Russell Porter (my dad) was a NMRAX member and one of the 23 person committee that presented the national conference. During the conference; Russ presented his HO gauge model railroad; the Western Valley Line. More than 90 attendees visited his model railroad. On Saturday; the members rode the Speed-Rail interurban. During the morning; two two-car trains collided and 10 NMRA members died and 47 were injured.Thereafter; 1956; Russ took first place in the Minnesota–MRA conference; receiving the best-of-show honors. He took second place at the NMRA conference in Minneapolis. He became an associate editor for Model Railroader and then; midwest editor for Railroad Model Craftsman.Russ was an artist who created over 200 paintings including magazine and book covers; was a photographer who took more than 60; 000 slides which are now owned by the national railroad museum. He was a historian who helped to rebuild passenger and interurban cars; and restore a depot. He owned a Pullman private car and he authored three railroad pictorial books.Russ was a consummate rail fan! | Robert Porter | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | JMRI / DecoderPro User Community Meeting | The annual community meeting for users of the Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) and DecoderPro. | Bob Jacobsen | Tools and Techniques | Marquette |
| 7/15/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Producing A Museum-Quality Backdrop for Your Layout (Part 2 of 3) | During this clinic; Mr. Logan will talk about designing scenes to tie in the “Far away hills" with the foreground. We will also show how the use of pictures and clip art from catalogs and magazines can add scenes; cities; industry to enhance; detail; and add depth to you backdrop.The clinic will cover pre-production choices and backdrop painting techniques. We will show you; with a Power Point Program and will go over material and the steps to help you have a backdrop that will enhance you layout and models. | Norman Logan | Construction; Scenery | Charlevoix |
| 7/15/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | The Logging Railroads of Pennsylvania: the Industries Served | The peak period of logging by rail in Pennsylvania ran from 1880 until roughly 1929. During that period there were literally hundreds of logging railroads that came; operated; and then disappeared. About half of those railroads were narrow gauge. In Pennsylvania; unlike in some other logging locations; there were many forest-product related industries served by these railroads. This clinic will discuss the variety of industries in the woods; and how they were interrelated. These will be looked at from both a prototype and modeling perspective. The presentation contains many prototype photos of the period and is augmented by model photos from Bruce's HOn3 Slate Run Railroad and a sampling of model photos from friends in the hobby. | Bruce DeYoung; MMR | History | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Milwaukee Road 13th Sub – Designing a Layout based on the Prototype | A how-to clinic on designing a layout based upon a full-sized; Class 1 railroad in an unconventional area – the vast; big-sky spaces of the upper Great Plains running from western Minnesota to eastern Montana. We will discuss:Why one would want to model the prototypeThe type of modeler one is (operator or railfan)Types of operational schemes (in the cab or on the ground)How to fit a linear railroad into a confined spaceHow to apply track charts; station maps; valuation drawings and SPINS/CLIC/ZTS maps to track planning. We then assess the CMStP&P 13th Sub design as a case study towards the goal of effective prototype layout design; using the presenter's home layout (on this week's LDSIG tour) as an example. An interactive Q&A will follow. | Dan Mitzel | Construction; Layout | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Modeling Motion | DCC has fundamentally changed model railroad operations; and decoders have improved significantly over the past decade. In addition to more sound and lighting functions; motor control has also improved to a point where we can more prototypically model train motion.The clinic uses prototype video to show starting and stopping and how current decoders can emulate prototype motion. | Robert Blake | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Landscaping 101 | The bench work is done; the track is laid; and maybe a couple of buildings are built. What happens next? I will cover painting; weathering; and ballasting track. A brief mention of backdrops before streets and sidewalks. Moving on to terrain-dirt; grass; hills; bushes; trees; and water. | Brook Qualman; MMR | Construction; Scenery | Marquette |
| 7/15/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Understanding Signals – Prototype Signaling (Part 1 of 2) | In this presentation; we explore the fundamentals of mainline railroading and how signaling is related to safe and efficient operations. The concepts of blocks; operating speed; braking distance; and signal aspects & indications are explored and tied together to give the audience an understanding of why signals are placed where they are. | Kevin Rudko | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/15/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Producing A Museum-Quality Backdrop for Your Layout (Part 3 of 3) | During this clinic; Mr. Logan will talk about using and the installing of clipped photos from magazines and internet photos. There will be a discussion of matching photos to models on your layout. We will also discuss how to paint around and over photo create a scene that will blend in with the layout on the forefront. Lastly; Mr. Logan will do some painting “live" to show how different brushes work to create trees and other foreground details. | Norman Logan | Construction; Scenery | Charlevoix |
| 7/15/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | PRR X29 and B&O M-26 Boxcars | This clinic is designed to familiarize steam and transition-era modelers with the ubiquitous Pennsy X29 and the very similar B&O M-26 boxcars. Emphasis on spotting features and correlation with the still-commonly available Red Caboose HO-scale kits. Also covers construction of the Red Caboose kits with additional details and weathering with an eye toward the NMRA Cars AP Certificate. Also includes a section on improving the Red Caboose kit trucks. | Mike Hauk | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | ABS Signaling with Layout Command Control | This clinic will describe and demonstrate how to implement Automatic Block Signaling on your layout utilizing Layout Command Control (LCC). The clinic will cover design; use case discovery; LCC infrastructure; documentation; implementation strategies and process; and testing. This clinic is for all knowledge levels; but attendees with some baseline knowledge of LCC will get the most from it. The described methodology would be useful for other layout control buses; such as CMRI; however this clinic is focused on accomplishing it with LCC. | Rick Lull | New Technologies/Electronics | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Kick Up Your Switching | Prototype switching is often much more involved than simply setting out and picking up cars from a customer. We'll look at prototype operations at several modeled customers to see how switching can be more involved without resorting to switching puzzles. | Robert Blake | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Prototype Scratch Building – Houses and Other Structures | Make your layout really personal. I will show you how to research and scratch-build structures that no longer exist and those that do. My methods can be used for any structure. This clinic is on how I built several family homes for our Michigan Lines layout. It evolves into other significant buildings needed for the towns we are replicating. | Brook Qualman; MMR | Construction; Structures | Marquette |
| 7/15/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Signal System Types & Layout Case Study – Prototype Signaling (Part 2 of 2) | In this presentation; we explore different types of signal systems; and how these systems coupled with operating rules and methods of control; govern train movements across the railroad. A high-level history of railroad operations are discussed as part of the explanation of each system.Finally; a sample layout is used as a case-study illustrating how to design a signal system for your model railroad layout. | Kevin Rudko | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/15/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Easier; Neater Decoder Installations With A Decoder Buddy | NixTrainz is the home of the Decoder Buddy. Decoder Buddys are motherboards for diesel and steam locomotives. They hold a 21-pin decoder from any manufacturer. Soldering to a $100 decoder; choosing and installing resistors for LEDs; and separating the locomotive frame from the shell are now problems of the past. Up to 12 lighting functions are available for you to use if your decoder provides outputs. Decoder and motherboard upgrades and conversions from DC to DCC are benefited greatly using a Decoder Buddy. | Nick Santo | New Technologies/Electronics | Charlevoix |
| 7/15/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Photography 101 for Railfans and Modelers (Part 1 of 2) | Clinic compresses a community-college level introduction to photography into two one-hour sessions geared toward railroad photography. The first 45-60 minutes covers the basics of exposure; lens selection; editing; and tips for cellphone use. The second session dives into composition; again geared toward railroad photography as a genre. | Mike Hauk | Tools and Techniques | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Revolutionizing Model Railroading with AI: Discover How ChatGPT Can Transform Your Hobby | This presentation aims to showcase; through a series of examples; the transformative potential ChatGPT holds for model railroading enthusiasts. We will explore the ways in which ChatGPT can become an essential companion for hobbyists by providing tailored advice; innovative suggestions for design; and a deeper understanding of railroading's history and technical details. By tapping into ChatGPT's capabilities; hobbyists can not only enhance their planning and design workflows but also deepen their knowledge and appreciation for this intricate hobby. Join us to learn how artificial intelligence can enrich the art and science of model railroading; making it more approachable; enlightening; and enjoyable for all who partake. | Pat Fleming | Tools and Techniques | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Signaling over LocoNet | This clinic will cover signaling where the communication is over LocoNet. Though LocoNet is proprietary to Digitrax; you don't need to use a Digitrax command station to use LocoNet with your signals. This clinic will cover hardware selection (of Digitrax and other vendors) and basic configuration. | Scott Walton | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Getting Down and Dirty With Weathering | See demonstrations of weathering cars; structures; and scenery for your model railroad that are essential for a realistic appearance. Join Leslie Eaton; MMR and learn a variety of techniques including airbrushing; dry brushing; and the layering of colours to achieve prototypical results. Simple and effective weathering techniques for cars; structures; and scenery as well as color selection will be demonstrated. | Leslie Eaton; MMR | Weathering | Marquette |
| 7/15/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Before the Motor City: The Railroad Car Builders of Detroit | In the early twentieth century; Detroit earned the nickname “Motor City" for its leading role in the meteoric rise of the American automobile industry. But; half a century earlier; Detroit was in the forefront of the rise of another kind of car industry; the railroad car industry. Beginning on the 1850s; Detroit was the home to eight rail car manufacturing companies. Some were large; long-lived; and well-known. Others were short-lived and obscure. In this clinic; I will present a picture of them all; from powerhouses Michigan-Peninsular and Pullman to the little-remembered Robinson; Russell & Company; and the Detroit Car Company.In this clinic; I will use maps; contemporary illustrations; and photos of their products to tell the story of each of these companies. | John Bopp | History | Petoskey |
| 7/15/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Photography 101 for Railfans and Modelers (Part 2 of 2) | Clinic compresses a community-college level introduction to photography into two 1-hour sessions geared toward railroad photography. The first 45-60 minutes covers the basics of exposure; lens selection; editing; and tips for cellphone use. The second session dives into composition; again geared toward railroad photography as a genre. | Mike Hauk | Tools and Techniques | Interlochen |
| 7/15/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Two Prototypes; Two Models | Sam Swanson; MMR®; and Steve Zapytowski; MMR® compare and contrast their modeling techniques for two very different models. A range of methods were employed on both models; including conventional stick building; using forms and jigs; 3D modeling; the use of a craft cutter; and 3D printing.Sam details the construction of his C.F.F. & Co. cement mixing car. Sam used a period publication from the Browning Engineering Company in Cleveland; Ohio as his source material. A visit to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut inspired Steve's Pacific Cordage. He took measurements and photos in and around their Plymouth Cordage building from which he built his model. | Steve Zapytowski; MMR; Sam Swanson; MMR | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/15/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Signaling over LCC (Layout Command Control) | LCC adds a new dimension to signaling. With LCC; you can run your signals without a computer attached. You will need a computer to configure them; but once configured; you can (but don't have to) run the signals without the computer. This clinic will cover hardware and basic configuration. I will have a demonstration layout that shows the signal system operating with LCC on a table at the front of the room. | Scott Walton | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/15/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Full and Complete Operations on a Room Size Layout | This clinic will show you how to have satisfying operations on your small room size layout; this like the basement empires do. The ideas and suggestions presented will change the way you view your layout. There are possibilities that our presentation and discussion will permit you to find in and around your layout. The number of operators you will need for a round robin group of larger layouts. Come and see the real size of your layout. | Dave Capron; MMR | Operations | Marquette |
| 7/15/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Riding the Michigan Central Through Nineteenth Century Detroit | The Michigan Central Railroad along with its predecessor; the state-owned Central Railroad of Michigan; has been a fixture in the state of Michigan and in the lives of its residents since Michigan attained statehood in 1837. In this clinic; I will outline the nineteenth century history of the MCRR in its headquarters city of Detroit. I will begin with a look at the MCRR's 1840s-era facilities along the river in downtown Detroit; followed by a train trip along the MCRR's main line out to the city limits in what is now known as West Detroit. The clinic will be illustrated with historic illustrations; photographs; and maps. | John Bopp | History | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Dead Rail Options for Today's Modeler | A brief description of dead rail; pro's and con's; and products available to today's modeler. Tim talks about equipment needed with any dead rail system as well as installation ideas. Finally; Tim shows how he implemented dead rail on his HO scale equipment with some lessons learned. | Tim Verburg | New Technologies/Electronics | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Modeling Coal Train Operations at the JH Campbell Power Plant | Consumers Energy Corporation operated the JH Campbell power plant in Port Sheldon; Michigan from 1962 until earlier this year. They wanted to build a HO scale model of their entire large rail complex as a training tool for employees. They approached the Holland Modular Railroad Club to assist in the planning and construction of this layout. | John Bona | Operations | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Meat Packing Plants: Prototype and Model (Part 1 of 2) | A look at the Meat Packing industry; its history and development; using photos of a variety of meat packing plants; with Sanborn and railroad maps; and interviews. There will be a special focus on the Decker & Son's Meat Plant in Mason City; Iowa and how the I modeled the Decker's plant in HO scale. Handouts will be provided. | Douglas Harding; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | B&O Allegheny Yard Branch | A forgotten six-mile Pittsburgh industrial branch that inspires my next layout project set in 1926. Team yards; department store warehouses; the HJ Heinz factory; two more pickle packers; metal fabricators; and other manufacturers were customers along the branch. | Eric Hansmann | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Make It Run Like a Dream: Locomotive | Want your locomotives to run as good as (or better than) they look? Joe Fugate shares several decades of learnings and expert advice for getting (and keeping) your locos running as flawlessly as possible. | Joe Fugate | Tools and Techniques | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | B&O Prototype History | The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was a railroader's railroad; simply because of its personality; its charisma and romance. This clinic will exhibit the toughest piece of mainline real estate east of the Rockies; in which the B&O (now CSX) moved products on its rails. The clinic will show photos from Cumberland; Maryland to Grafton; West Virginia; which is called the West End. | Keith DeVault | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Full and Complete Operations on a Room Size Layout | This clinic will show you how to have satisfying operations on your small room size layout; this like the basement empires do. The ideas and suggestions presented will change the way you view your layout. There are possibilities that our presentation and discussion will permit you to find in and around your layout. The number of operators you will need for a round robin group of larger layouts. Come and see the real size of your layout. | Dave Capron; MMR | Operations | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Introduction to 3D Printing | ln 2020; I acquired what has quickly become an indispensable tool in my modeling arsenal – a resin-based 3D printer. This clinic covers basic questions of:Why 3D printing?What printers are available and what can they do? Where can I get printers and files? When is 3D printing appropriate?How do I go about doing this? This is designed as an introduction to 3D printing; with specific application to structures; rolling stock; and details. | Ray Persing | New Technologies/Electronics | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Operations of Meat Packing Plants and Meat Traffic (Part 2 of 2) | A two part clinic: First an explanation of operations; How did railroads work meat plants? This includes a listing of commodities and cars that move in and out of meat plants and the special paperwork for the reefer moves. Second will be a look at meat trains and meat traffic; What happened to that reefer after it left? This will include samples of meat-train train orders; comments from dispatchers; etc. We will study the railroad operations of the Decker & Son's Meat Plant using car cards with a special insert. Handouts will be provided. | Douglas Harding; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Team Tracks & Team Yards | An historical review of team tracks and team yards in cities and towns. These facilities are key for serving local customers who do not have dedicated rail service. They are important delivery points for retailers and wholesalers that served the local population. These underutilized layout additions are universal industries which can increase layout operational interest and play value across many eras. Modern railroads use a similar facility known as transload tracks. | Eric Hansmann | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | The Most Realistic Buildings Possible | The camera lies; at least for the layout. How to take a picture; correct it for the layout; and print it for making 3D buildings and backgrounds. Nothing looks more real than the real thing so why not take advantage of “Mother Nature" and use her buildings on your railroad; especially if you want to model a prototype railroad! It's easier than you think. | Miles Hale; MMR | Construction; Structures | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Up and Over Sand Patch Grade | This clinic will showcase the many struggles and beauty that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad overcame going from Cumberland; Maryland to Connellsville; Pennsylvania. The Allegheny Mountains gave the railroad many challenges in transporting passengers and freight over the vast geography of the 100 miles between towns. I will present scenes from the steam era to today's modern diesels of CSX; including the famous Sand Patch Grade and Tunnel. | Keith DeVault | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Weirton Steel's Open Hearth | The presenter will discuss his scratch-built Weirton Steel Open Hearth and its role in 1950's steel making. This large O scale structure (37" w x 72" l x 38" h) features four (4) of the prototype's 14 furnaces; their smoke stacks; and a highly detailed building interior. The operating smoke units and LED lighting help simulate the production of steel. The clinic will highlight the extensive research conducted and the presenter's journey towards better design; construction; electrical; and weathering techniques. This model won the Dean Freytag Award (Photography) at the Steel Mill Modelers Special Interest Group annual meeting in 2023. Later that year; it received a Structures Merit Award; earning 112 out of a possible 125 points. | George Pandelios | Construction; Structures | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Scratchbuilding in Wood | Nothing makes a more realistic model of a wood structure than using wood as a modeling medium. In an era when craftsman kits are becoming increasingly expensive; scratch-building makes high-quality models possible on a budget. For the modeler who is considering scratch-building but either hasn't started or has started with limited success; we'll cover techniques used in constructing wood models by stepping through the construction of a prize-winning structure. Methods used to build a Merit Award quality model; as well as a number of warnings of things not to do; and alternative methods to achieve similar effects. | Ray Persing | Construction; Structures | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Livestock Facilities for Handling Livestock at Shipping Points in the Corn Belt Region | Starting with government reports and photographs; this will be a detailed look at railroad stock pens and other facilities used to handle livestock. The main focus will be small towns in the Mid-west; though facilities from across the United States will be included. We will also briefly look at stockcars. Material presented will include photos; Sanborn and railroad maps; railroad drawings and standard plans; ICC Valuation reports; government reports on livestock and livestock transportation. Information gleamed from interviews will be interspersed. Handouts will be provided. | Douglas Harding; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Thin and Light Benchwork for Sectional and Multilevel Layouts | The benchwork for sectional layouts is the struggle to find the sweet spot between several conflicting objectives. Light; but robust enough to take the handling. Joints that are easy to use but stay together. A wiring plan that is reliable but can be easily connected or disconnected. Here is one modeler's swing at it with the following results: Light 1-1/2 inch high frame.Simple connect disconnect.Can be tipped on its backs for easy under the table work.The underside cavity has room for microcontroller; other electronics and servos for switch machines and other animation.Thin facia for toggle switches. | Gary Saxton | Construction; Layout | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | What's New on the Nickel Plate? | Tony Koester and his small but dedicated work group have been busy adding interlocking systems; working water tower spouts; and other devices to help slow down runs over the 8-scale-mile Nickel Plate Road's St. Louis Division main line; thus increasing the play value for all concerned. New scenic features and structures have also been added to the railroad set in the fall of 1954 as diesels began to encroach on NKP's steam stronghold. | Tony Koester | Construction; Layout | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Fire Trucks and Trains – They Just Go Together! – Part 1 (Prototype Information) | Fire trucks and trains just seem to go together. But what type of fire truck or other fire apparatus is appropriate to a specific era; a specific application; or to a specific locale or region that is being modeled? There are many models out there; but they don't all necessarily work for your layout. This clinic will present an in-depth look at the evolution of firefighting vehicles over the years; how each type of fire truck was most commonly used; and also how prototype fire apparatus related to various aspects of railroading throughout history. Specialty firefighting vehicles will also be discussed. Don't know if a particular model fits your era; locale; or theme? These topics and much more will be considered in this interesting and informative presentation for the "fireman" in all of us. | Daniel Mack | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | My Bridge Obsession | Grif Teller's 1953 calendar painting Crossroads of Commerce immortalized the double-track Panhandle Division bridge across the Ohio River between Steubenville; Ohio and Weirton; West Virginia. As a boy growing up in Weirton; this structure and its two predecessors were always a source of fascination for me. In this clinic; I will describe all three bridges using historical construction photos (some dating back to the 1860s). I will also display photos from my expeditions to the bridge as well as shots of the nearly 12' long model bridge on my O-scale layout. My efforts to recreate Grif Teller's painting appeared in the 6-part series Pour Me A River published in O Scale Trains magazine. | George Pandelios | Prototype/Railfanning | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Creating Believable Rural Scenes on a Model Railroad | Modelling rural scenes requires a focus on the kinds of buildings; industries; community life; and scenery that are typical of small town or "out-in-the-country" areas. Many rural areas have long been characterized by farming; forestry; and fishing (and the rural lifestyle that goes with those industries). Using ideas I have used on my HO-scale Carleton Railway; this clinic will describe practical ways to create the feeling of a rural area on a model railroad. | Steve McMullin | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Beginner's Guide to 3D Model Design | High-detail 3D printed models and parts begin with CAD programs: Computer Aided Design. There are a number of free software programs available that provide everything you need to create your own designs and get them print-ready. We will review a versatile program that is easy to use as well as a more sophisticated platform for added complexity. The clinic will also look at online learning resources; examples of drawings and their 3D prints; and some things you should know to make your designs more compatible with 3D resin printing technology. Sample models will be displayed and reviewed. | Dave McMullain | New Technologies/Electronics | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Signals with Very Few Wires | Four mini clinics rolled together to build a signal system:Illumination using programable LEDs (Neopixels). One signal wire can control a practically unlimited number of LEDs at a signal node. Wireless communication between signal nodes using ESP32 microcontrollers and ESP-Now which can cover distances up to hundreds of meters.Distributed control architecture. Micro controllers only; no PC; Mac; Raspberry Pi; etc. Infrared occupancy detection. | Gary Saxton | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Favorite Freight Cars 11; Freight Cars of Muncie; Indiana | This clinic describes railroading in general and how the model railroading community was involved with the freight cars both common and unique to this midwestern city manufacturing center. Muncie was served by four class one railroads as well as a local switching railroad. | Mont Switzer | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Fire Trucks and Trains – They Just Go Together! – Part 2 (Modeling Considerations) | This clinic will cover the wide variety of model fire apparatus; fire stations; and fire trains in various scales that have been produced over the years; and how to incorporate different models into era or operationally appropriate scenes. Want to include an old fire truck on your layout but model a different era? There are ways to do it and still be prototypical. Want to build or kitbash an appropriate firehouse on your layout? These unique buildings make an interesting accent for any layout. Whether you are a rivet counter; prototype modeler; or an “anything goes" train collector; there will be lots of great ideas and guidance for everyone. | Daniel Mack | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Building the Whitefish; Montana Depot Using New Techniques | In this clinic; I will use an exquisite model structure to demonstrate attention to the details contained within the prototype building. I will discuss the use of original railroad engineering drawings supplemented by the use of close-up detail photos of the actual structure. I will also discuss the use of new (at least to me) techniques to build the walls and create windows using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and innovative use of computer printing. The model; on display in the Model Display Area at this convention; is probably the most complex N scale structure I have ever built. Many hundreds of hours of design and build time were spent on this model. | Bruce DeMaeyer | Construction; Structures | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Incorporating Potato Farming and Shipping on a Model Railroad | The clinic presents prototypical ways that potatoes were stored and shipped by rail in the 1960s in eastern Canada. Modelling potato fields & farm equipment; and constructing models of potato warehouses & production facilities (for potato starch; potato chips; french fries) will be discussed; as well as how products were shipped by rail. The clinic will include prototype photos and photos from operations on my HO-scale Carleton Railway. | Steve McMullin | Operations | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Superdetailing Steam Locomotives | Virtually every aspect of constructing or modifying steam locomotives will be examined here. Topics include:ResearchDrive mechanismLighting and electronicsRunning gearUse of commercial partsScratch-built detailsFinishingThe clinic will focus on a Boston & Maine 4-6-2 that has over 1; 000 parts and 300 hours of construction time. I will share techniques that I learned along the way related to soldering detailed assemblies; fabrication from various materials; parts attachment; creating decals; and application of rivet decals . | Dave McMullain | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Interfacing a Computer to Your Model Railroad via C/MRInet | This clinic will show how to interface a computer to your model railroad. Up to 128 nodes can be distributed around your layout reducing the amount of wiring required. Simply connect any device to the nearest node. The only required wiring between nodes is a single 4 wire cable. We will focus on reducing layout wiring; prototypical turnout control; a range of signaling systems; staging track control and interfacing to DCC. | Scott Schrader | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Favorite Freight Cars 12; Freight Cars of Muncie; Indiana | This clinic describes the modeling opportunities for the bright yellow THE BALL LINE Mather patent and steel boxcar fleets; the red/yellow Marhoefer Packing refrigeration cars; the giant Westinghouse Schnabel transformer cars and commonly seen automobile parts cars. There is a handout with this clinic. | Mont Switzer | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Special Effects On-Layout Lighting | Overview of special effects lighting you can achieve using commercial products. I will show how to use and program; using LCC and DCC; the Light EFX-16 board from Logic Rail Technologies. A small diorama will be used to demonstrate many of the possible effects. The element of time-based triggering of lighting events will also be demonstrated. | Chuck Stancil | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Shootin' the Rails | Model Railroad photography is a hobby within the hobby. Some aspects of this niche will be similar to the techniques used in the larger field of photography; but some are unique to model railroading. This clinic will mostly focus on the latter. Assuming the attendee uses a high-end digital camera; this clinic will address lighting and color temperatures; apertures and shutter speeds; focusing; depth-of-field; focus-stacking; composition; front surface mirrors; gaining space on the front edge; and shooting for publication. | Dan Lewis; MMR | Tools and Techniques | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Painting With Panpastels | In this clinic; I will show attendees the techniques I have discovered using Panpastels to paint detail castings; stone walls; and wood. Models will be on display showing the results possible using this medium to replace the lost paint brands that modelers used for years. Time will be available for anyone wanting hands on practice.Sam Swanson is the driving force behind my drive to MMR so that he can have Panpastels used in his Modeling with the Masters clinics on weathering. He and I did an imitation Modeling with the Masters clinic at the National Narrow Gauge Convention. | Randall Allio; MMR | Weathering | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Prairie Town Layout Design | This clinic will show the various standard town designs used by railways on the Canadian Prairies and how to model them.Using prototype station grounds plans this clinic will explore various common track designs found in western Canada. The clinic will emphasize modeling the typical and how to create a believable representation of a prairie town on your layout including examples from the presenter's home layout. | Cal Sexsmith | Construction; Layout | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Iron & Steel: the Industry | The steel industry has a rich history and formed the backbone of America's growth. From moving raw ingredients to delivering finished product; steel has been an integral part of railroading. This clinic will provide you with a basic understanding of steel making processes and vocabulary. It will give you a guide to the inner workings of rolling mills and some of the specialized railroad equipment found in and around a steel plant. Many references (both prototype and modeling) will be presented to enable you to accurately add this fascinating industry to your own layout. Although mostly a prototype clinic; modeling ideas will be injected as the presentation develops. | Doug Geiger; MMR | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | What Industries for your Freight Cars? | How do you pick the industries for your layout? Most modelers have a fleet of freight cars before building their layout; which often leaves to their favorite cars with no place to go on the layout except from staging to staging. So why not choose industries that serve as many of those cars as possible? This clinic shows a technique to match your cars to proposed industries and will explore a few infrequently modeled industries that can provide a "spot" for many those unique; special purpose cars we love so well. | John Lowrance; MMR | Operations | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Tappets; Dogs; and Bridles – Basic Principles of Mechanical Interlocking – Part 1 | Part One defines mechanical interlocking; and looks at much of the component hardware – tower structure; levers; cranks; pipeline; etc. – associated with a mechanical interlocking plant. Signal aspects are covered and the basic operation of the locking bed (where all the actual mechanical interlocking takes place) is introduced as a lead in to Part Two of the clinic. | Patrick Golden | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/16/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Bound for Glory | In the late 1800s and early 1900s; thirteen special passenger cars were fitted out for use as railroad chapels by Episcopalians; Baptists; and Catholics. These chapel cars ran on most of the major railroads; especially those roads in the west where population was sparse and churches rare. In a world where the popular saying was; "There is no law west of Kansas City; and west of Fort Scott; no God"; the builders of these chapel cars shared the vision of mission service in remote areas. This clinic will be a history of these cars; how they were built; where they traveled; who used them; and what were the outcomes. | Dan Lewis; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Charlevoix |
| 7/16/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Advantages of going Dead Rail | In this clinic; I discuss the reasons that I chose to build my new layout using Dead Rail technology. I will have examples of several different systems available and models with them installed. Installation challenges will be covered and the tools needed to do conversions will be reviewed. Time will be allowed for attendees to run trains on the table top without track.As an aside I am working with Ray Persing (National head of the achievement program) to include Dead Rail in the requirements for the Model Railroad Engineer Electrical. This is to be discussed at the Board meeting in Amherst this January. If there are changes I will include this at length in the clinic. | Randall Allio; MMR | New Technologies/Electronics | Interlochen |
| 7/16/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Setting up Operations on Your Railroad | This clinic will show how I set up operating sessions on my former layout with an inexperienced crew. The goal is to show that you don't need a basement filler to have satisfying sessions. The main theme is that you should start with a simple system and increase complexity as you and your crew gain experience and the layout grows. | Cal Sexsmith | Operations | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/16/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Iron & Steel: the History | The steel industry has a rich history and formed the backbone of America's growth. From moving raw ingredients to delivering finished product; steel has been an integral part of railroading. This clinic will provide you with a basic understanding of steel making processes and vocabulary. It will give you a guide to the inner workings of rolling mills and some of the specialized railroad equipment found in and around a steel plant. Many references (both prototype and modeling) will be presented to enable you to accurately add this fascinating industry to your own layout. Although mostly a prototype clinic; modeling ideas will be injected as the presentation develops. | Doug Geiger; MMR | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/16/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Scenery Ground Cover Materials Palette | Today there are so many scenery products to choose from that it is difficult to know which ones to buy; and which ones to use to achieve a consistent "look" across the entire layout. The goal of this clinic is to show how to create a reference "palette" of colors and textures that best represents the area you are modeling. This "palette" can be used to guide helpers working on your club or home layout to ensure a consistent look of your prototype geographic area. We will answer the following scenery questions: How to choose colors that best match your prototype region? What is texture and when to use it? What sequence should I apply my scenery materials? …and more | John Lowrance; MMR | Construction; Scenery | Marquette |
| 7/16/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Tappets; Dogs; and Bridles – Basic Principles of Mechanical Interlocking – Part 2 | Part Two builds on Part One in that a mechanical interlocking "locking bed" is built step-by-step on the PowerPoint screen and then lineups are made to demonstrate how manipulating various levers lock out others and how levers are manipulated in a precise order to make lineups and clear signals. Trains are then "run" through the interlocking plant.A crossing (diamond) is introduced to demonstrate the need for "crossing" or "route" levers; trap circuits to protect the dead section of track at the diamond are discussed and time release mechanisms are discussed when it is necessary to take down a signal previously cleared in order to change a lineup. | Patrick Golden | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | How to Light Your Layout Room | The clinic details out the types of lamps that are available for lighting your layout room along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.I will provide methods to design your layout room lighting based off lighting engineering principles. This is done in an easy to understand way; even for the non-technical person.I also talk about the light color that you choose; along with an explanation of the importance of paying attention to Color Rendering Index (CRI). CRI is something that I've found most modelers are either unaware of or are misinformed of what it is. Paying attention to CRI contributes greatly to the high quality illumination of our layouts. | Mark Mincek | Construction; Layout | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Photography 101 for Railfans and Modelers (Part 1 of 2) | This clinic compresses a community-college-level introduction to photography into two one-hour sessions geared toward railroad photography. The first 45-60 minutes covers the basics of exposure; lens selection; editing; and tips for cellphone use. The second session dives into composition; again geared toward railroad photography as a genre. | Mike Hauk | Tools and Techniques | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Building Craftsman Kits (Part 1 of 2) | Fifty years ago there were Campbell and Suydam kits. Scratch building was the only way to get great looking structures on your layout. Today there are hundreds of kits from dozens of manufactures. This clinic will cover both the basics of kit construction and how to build award winning kits and dioramas. The use of basic and advanced tools; adhesives; paints; stains; washes; and chalks will be covered. Construction techniques and various methods will be shown. Interior and exterior detail and signage is also demonstrated. We will quantify the difference between a layout model and an award winning Kit. | Dave Capron; MMR | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Scratching My Way to an AP Cars Certificate | Has the very thought of scratchbuilding cars derailed you from moving forward towards becoming a Master Model Railroader? There are some in our hobby who are superb model builders… and then there are the rest of us. Come along as I share my experiences on what worked (and didn't work) for me. I'll provide you with a specific roadmap that will allow you to gradually build up both your skill and confidence. You can do this! | Don Winn; MMR | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Proper Placement of Railroad Signals | Learn the engineering philosophy on why the prototype places; signals and signal equipment where they do. Following these basic prototype principles will allow your model railroad signal system to operate just like a Class 1 railroad. | Michael Burgett | Prototype/Railfanning | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | SIG-SMM Presents – The NUCOR Steel Model Finds a Permanent Home on a Steel Mill Layout | In 2017; 3 members of the Steel Mill Modelers SIG were commissioned by NUCOR Steel to build a model of NUCOR's Crawfordsville; Indiana steel mill. NUCOR planned to use the model as a recruiting tool at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in Rapid City; South Dakota in September 2017. After South Dakota; the model traveled to NUCOR's plant in Crawfordsville; Indiana plant for display; then to Kent; Ohio for a weekend; to the NMRA Convention in Kansas City; and then the Carnegie Museum of Montogomery County; Indiana for two years. And now the NUCOR model has a permanent home in Jim DiPaola's basement on Pittsburgh; Youngstown & Ashtabula Railroad/Davies Steel layout. This is the story of how the NUCOR model was fitted into the layout. | Jim Dipaolo | Construction; Structures | Petoskey |
| 7/17/2025 | 9:00 AM | 3:30 PM | 3D Computer-Aided Design for Model Railroading | The clinician hosting this make-and-take clinic has been designing and constructing prototypical buildings for his layout using Autodesk Fusion360 since 2016. He has repeatedly been asked to present a class that would teach model railroaders how to draw and use the 3D CAD package that he uses. This clinic is a cursory introduction to Autodesk Fusion360. It will take about four one-hours sessions; with plenty of break time between sessions; to learn the basics of the software tool.Important: You will need to provide your own computer for this session. To determine if your computer is compatible with the hobbyist free version of Autodesk Fusion360; please visit the hardware requirements page.Topics covered in the first session:Introduction to Autodesk Fusion360 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Internet ConnectivitySoftware Download and installationLogin and Account Creation for SoftwareTopics covered in the second session:User Interface OverviewDrawing a simple 20mm cubeAdding inscribed text (X; Y; Z)Topics covered in the third session:Introduction to HO rolling stock modeling in 3D (1/4 of a car)Adding End Sills; Side Sills and Intermediate SillsAdding BolstersAdding DeckingModifying 1/4 to accommodate Kadee #5 CouplerTopics covered in the fourth session:NBW's and Stake pocketsMirroringBrake line (drawing and cutting from modelGondola SideGondola EndExporting for 3D printing | Eric Smith | Make-and-Take | Manitou |
| 7/17/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Taking Fast Tracks Turnouts to the Next Level | The clinic is a collection of methods and ideas that can improve the construction experience; reliablility; and the look of your Fast Tracks Turnouts.This is not a clinic that replaces the Fast Tracks instructional videos available on YouTube or on DVD. This clinic goes beyond those instructions and discusses tips and techniques to make the build experience more enjoyable with better results. | Mark Mincek | Construction; Layout | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Photography 101 for Railfans and Modelers (Part 2 of 2) | This clinic compresses a community-college-level introduction to photography into two one-hour sessions geared toward railroad photography. The first 45-60 minutes covers the basics of exposure; lens selection; editing; and tips for cellphone use. The second session dives into composition; again geared toward railroad photography as a genre. | Mike Hauk | Tools and Techniques | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Building Craftsman Kits (Part 2 of 2) | Fifty years ago there were Campbell and Suydam kits. Scratch building was the only way to get great looking structures on your layout. Today there are hundreds of kits from dozens of manufactures. This clinic will cover both the basics of kit construction and how to build award winning kits and dioramas. The use of basic and advanced tools; adhesives; paints; stains; washes; and chalks will be covered. Construction techniques and various methods will be shown. Interior and exterior detail and signage is also demonstrated. We will quantify the difference between a layout model and an award winning Kit. | Dave Capron; MMR | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/17/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Kitbashing – Thinking Outside of the Walthers Box | You need dozens; perhaps hundreds; of structures for your home or club layout. There's not enough time to scratchbuild them all; but building a kit to the instructions leaves you with a layout that looks more like a Walthers sales display and less like the unique railroad you are trying to present. Also; many of the spaces you have on your railroad are oddly shaped where a rectangular building won't fit. We'll discuss tips and tricks to help you build structures that fit your layout and will hopefully inspire you to customize your buildings to tell your railroad's story. | Don Winn; MMR | Construction; Structures | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | SIG-LD Presents – What Would You Do Differently? | Every year at the NMRA convention the Layout Design Special Interest Group (LDSIG) offers a panel of layout owners (usually local hosts during the convention) who discuss lessons learned under the heading of "What Would You do Differently?" In line with LDSIG's motto of "Make only new mistakes" owners share their journey to building a layout (in many cases the latest in a series) and explain what worked and what didn't perform as expected. The format is a panel with a moderator (Seth Neumann) and audience participation is strongly encouraged. | Seth Neumann | Construction; Layout | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | SIG-SMM Presents – Kit bashing a Walters Blast Furnace | In this clinic; we cover how we kit bashed a Walters Blast Furnace model to recreate the actual Number 3 Blast Furnace at the Edgar Thompson Works. | Phil Burnside; MMR | Construction; Structures | Petoskey |
| 7/17/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Model Railroad Communications (Phones for Ops) | This clinic will describe the history of Dispatcher-to-Train communications on the prototype and how to model them in your model railroad's operating scheme. The speaker covers design considerations; matching your communications to the operations of your prototype; system design; equipment selection including use of period telephone and telegraph equipment or inexpensive modern equivalents. He describes simple circuit boards that he and his collaborators have developed for model railroad use. Parts sources; connection diagrams and other tips are included. | Seth Neumann | Operations | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Modeling Water on Your Layout | Water is all around us in the real world; so naturally it should be part of the scenery on our model railroads. Adding water to your layout is not as difficult as it sounds. Dave will discuss scenes on his Wildcat Valley Railway that feature water and how they were created. The presentation will include Mistic Falls which was featured in the November 2024 NMRA Magazine; two river scenes; and a mill pond with a log flume. | Dave Mashino | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Tips & Tricks for Scratchbuilding and Kitbashing | The speaker shares their tips and tricks for scratchbuilding and kitbashing structures for a model railroad layout. | Leslie Eaton; MMR | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/17/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Using "Generators" to Create Structures without Learning CAD | Learning CAD for 3D Printing is hard. Filling out a form with design parameters is easy. Dave has created "Generators" which are MS Windows based forms that create 3D structure models at the push of a button. Building walls; roofing; windows are all a part of the collection that allows you to create custom models without learning CAD; and best of all; they are free.Introduced at the 2022 National Convention; Dave has continued to create new; innovative tools for creating structures. Even if you have seen an earlier version of this clinic; come see "What's New" and add Generators to your toolbox for creating structures. | David Ackmann | Tools and Techniques | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Modeling the Wabash High Line in Proto:48 | Tony Koester is building a circa-1953 two-town tribute to the Wabash Railroad's Mogul-powered 11th District in northwestern Illinois; better known as the High Line; in O fine-scale in his enclosed 13 x 25-ft. porch. The branch's light rail required hand-laying code 100 track and turnouts. Tony's goals for building it are totally different than those of his HO railroad that fills his 30 x 60-ft. basement. | Tony Koester | Construction; Layout | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Arduino Circuits for Operations | This clinic describes simple circuits using Arduinos to enhance operation and provide animation on your model railroad. He explains the use of both commodity circuit boards and boards he has designed to implement train order board control; grade crossings; approach indicators and many more useful functions.Many of us model prototypes that did not have extensive signaling systems or Centralized Traffic Control. In many cases; simpler signaling systems (ABS/APB) overlayed Timetable and Train Order schemes which date back to the 1850s. These manual systems; supplemented by Interlocking Plants (Towers) served the railroads well into the modern era; being supplanted by radio and verbal authority with the adoption of GCOR in 1986. These systems had their own requirements; such as Train Order Boards; Approach Indicators and Interlocking Plants which can be easily modeled with Arduino based circuits. | Seth Neumann | New Technologies/Electronics | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Understanding Signals – Prototype Signaling (Part 1 of 2) | In this presentation; we explore the fundamentals of mainline railroading and how signaling is related to safe and efficient operations. The concepts of blocks; operating speed; braking distance; and signal aspects & indications are explored and tied together to give the audience an understanding of why signals are placed where they are. | Kevin Rudko | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | NMRA History Trivia | This clinic is a fun Interactive clinic with questions involving the 90 years of history; NMRA. Attendees may attempt to answer (oral) the questions.I'm currently in the process of writing the 90 year history of the NMRA with Gordy Robinson's approval. This history will be the largest history ever assembled for the NMRA. Out of this history are many interesting pieces of information.These bits of information are asked in questions with attendees given the opportunity to answer. I anticipate there may be some discussion or comments after each question.This is a very informative; interesting and fun presentation. | John Coy; MMR | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | What's New on the Nickel Plate? | Tony Koester and his small but dedicated work group have been busy adding interlocking systems; working water tower spouts; and other devices to help slow down runs over the 8-scale-mile Nickel Plate Road's St. Louis Division main line; thus increasing the play value for all concerned. New scenic features and structures have also been added to the railroad set in the fall of 1954 as diesels began to encroach on NKP's steam stronghold. | Tony Koester | Construction; Layout | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Enhancing Your Railroad by Lighting Structures and Scenes | By adding lighting to structures and scenes you can generate excitement and interest in your railroad. A small depot without lighting is just that. Add lighting and you can see people in the waiting room; the station agent selling tickets and railroad posters on the wall. The depot has now become a point of interest on your railroad. There is increased interest in lighting structures and scenes and this is reflected by the growth in commercial options available for lighting structures. The components and features of several commercial options will be briefly reviewed. The main focus of the presentation will be on the lower cost “do-it-yourself" method taking into consideration the desired results. Various lighting components will be reviewed including power supplies; bulb selection for different purposes; fiber optics; distribution systems; wiring; lighting control; and new technologies. These methods and considerations will be illustrated with actual installations which reflect both daytime and nighttime operations. | Steve Harsh | New Technologies/Electronics | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Signal System Types & Layout Case Study – Prototype Signaling (Part 2 of 2) | In this presentation; we explore different types of signal systems; and how these systems coupled with operating rules and methods of control; govern train movements across the railroad. A high-level history of railroad operations are discussed as part of the explanation of each system.Finally; a sample layout is used as a case-study illustrating how to design a signal system for your model railroad layout. | Kevin Rudko | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | UTLX Tank Cars | An overview of UTLX tank cars over the first half of the 20th Century. This clinic covers the history and development of the largest fleet of privately owned tank cars in the country. Connections are made to available models; including the recently released Rapido cars and some possible future additions to that lineup.Steve "wrote the book" on this topic and has shared different versions and subsets of this clinic at RPM and NMRA meets. | Steve Hile | History | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/17/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 75 Year Anniversary Milwaukee NMRA Convention/Consummate Railfan | 2025 is the 75 year anniversary of the 1950 Milwaukee Wisconsin NMRA conference. Russell Porter (my dad) was a NMRAX member and one of the 23 person committee that presented the national conference. During the conference; Russ presented his HO gauge model railroad; the Western Valley Line. More than 90 attendees visited his model railroad. On Saturday; the members rode the Speed-Rail interurban. During the morning; two two-car trains collided and 10 NMRA members died and 47 were injured.Thereafter; 1956; Russ took first place in the Minnesota–MRA conference; receiving the best-of-show honors. He took second place at the NMRA conference in Minneapolis. He became an associate editor for Model Railroader and then; midwest editor for Railroad Model Craftsman.Russ was an artist who created over 200 paintings including magazine and book covers; was a photographer who took more than 60; 000 slides which are now owned by the national railroad museum. He was a historian who helped to rebuild passenger and interurban cars; and restore a depot. He owned a Pullman private car and he authored three railroad pictorial books.Russ was a consummate rail fan! | Robert Porter | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | ABS Signaling with Layout Command Control | This clinic will describe and demonstrate how to implement Automatic Block Signaling on your layout utilizing Layout Command Control (LCC). The clinic will cover design; use case discovery; LCC infrastructure; documentation; implementation strategies and process; and testing. This clinic is for all knowledge levels; but attendees with some baseline knowledge of LCC will get the most from it. The described methodology would be useful for other layout control buses; such as CMRI; however this clinic is focused on accomplishing it with LCC. | Rick Lull | New Technologies/Electronics | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Business Cars; Private Cars | We will discuss railroad business cars and many different private cars that served on North American railways. | Paul Hobbs | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Painting in a Post-Floquil World | Is your stash of Floquil / PollyScale running out? Get weaned off Floquil / PollyScale and map the familiar colors to other model paints. We'll also cover tips and tricks for airbrushing; brush painting; washes; and storing paints to last longer. | Joe Fugate | Tools and Techniques | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | B&O Allegheny Yard Branch | A forgotten six-mile Pittsburgh industrial branch that inspires my next layout project set in 1926. Team yards; department store warehouses; the HJ Heinz factory; two more pickle packers; metal fabricators; and other manufacturers were customers along the branch. | Eric Hansmann | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Getting Down and Dirty With Weathering | See demonstrations of weathering cars; structures; and scenery for your model railroad that are essential for a realistic appearance. Join Leslie Eaton; MMR and learn a variety of techniques including airbrushing; dry brushing; and the layering of colours to achieve prototypical results. Simple and effective weathering techniques for cars; structures; and scenery as well as color selection will be demonstrated. | Leslie Eaton; MMR | Weathering | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Capturing the Commonwealth – How I Recreated Pennsy's Middle Division | Inspired by a trip to Pennsylvania's Juniata River Valley in 1975; Neal has attempted to capture the scenic beauty of that area on his model railroad which depicts PRR's Middle Division. He will identify the critical geologic and scenic features of central Pennsylvania as well as those of the railroad's physical plant that are necessary to create a highly accurate model of that railroad. His clinic includes many photos of the layout and the prototype scenes upon which it is based. The layout has appeared numerous times in the model railroad press including Model Railroad Planning; Great Model Railroads; and Model Railroad Hobbyist. | Neal Schorr | Construction; Layout | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Revolutionizing Model Railroading with AI: Discover How ChatGPT Can Transform Your Hobby | This presentation aims to showcase; through a series of examples; the transformative potential ChatGPT holds for model railroading enthusiasts. We will explore the ways in which ChatGPT can become an essential companion for hobbyists by providing tailored advice; innovative suggestions for design; and a deeper understanding of railroading's history and technical details. By tapping into ChatGPT's capabilities; hobbyists can not only enhance their planning and design workflows but also deepen their knowledge and appreciation for this intricate hobby. Join us to learn how artificial intelligence can enrich the art and science of model railroading; making it more approachable; enlightening; and enjoyable for all who partake. | Pat Fleming | Tools and Techniques | Manitou |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Little Cats and Big Cats – Modeling Construction and Mining Machinery Loads | Manufacturing construction machinery is a $67 billion business in the United States; which is the worldwide industry leader. Caterpillar; John Deere; and Komatsu are a few of the manufacturers with plants in the US. These companies ship many of their products by rail; and the loads are interesting to model. This clinic will describe how to model construction machinery loads with methods that are applicable to all scales. Machinery model selection; car selection; weathering; and tie down methods will be covered in the clinic. At least ten different types of loads will be covered; with photos of the prototypes and the corresponding models. Discussion and questions are welcome. | Tom Persoon; MMR | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Layout Planning Concept Stage | This clinic covers the first stage of the Layout Design SIG recommended process for layout design. The emphasis is on scaling the project to fit a model railroader's lifestyle and available resources. The clinic includes layouts; track plans and concept thought starters. | Tim Fisher | Construction; Layout | Petoskey |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Make It Run Like a Dream: Locomotive | Want your locomotives to run as good as (or better than) they look? Joe Fugate shares several decades of learnings and expert advice for getting and keeping your locos running as flawlessly as possible. | Joe Fugate | Tools and Techniques | Charlevoix |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Team Tracks & Team Yards | An historical review of team tracks and team yards in cities and towns. These facilities are key for serving local customers who do not have dedicated rail service. They are important delivery points for retailers and wholesalers that served the local population. These underutilized layout additions are universal industries which can increase layout operational interest and play value across many eras. Modern railroads use a similar facility known as transload tracks. | Eric Hansmann | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Prototype Modeling of the 1951 Maine Central Portland Division | Rich's HO scale layout is a representation of the Maine Central (MEC) Portland Division; situated in mid-coast Maine; as it existed in 1951. The aim of constructing this layout is to: Model key portions of this scenic line so that they are recognizable. Reproduce the operational experience of the prototype. In this presentation; Rich will briefly illustrate the prototype and talk about the choices and compromises made to represent it in layout form. We will then take a photographic tour focusing on the modeling of several notable locations and discussing the various approaches used to represent specific structures and features. Finally; Rich will summarize operational aspects; showing some information on the prototype procedures and how these have been adapted for timetable and train order (TT&TO) layout operations. | Rich Gibson | Construction; Layout | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Modeling Stone Arch Railroad Bridges | One of the signature items of the Pennsylvania Railroad were its stone arch bridges. Neal's layout which portrays the railroad's Middle Division features the three different types used by the Pennsy; including a tangent; curved; and skewed structure. All are highly accurate scale models and each required a different method to model them. This clinic will explain in detail how he constructed them out of hydrocal plaster to closely resemble the prototype. | Neal Schorr | Construction; Structures | Keweenaw |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Animation on Your Layout | Animation can be an easy way to add interest; and fun to your layout. l will show simple easy ways to add animation to your layout. Interaction with visitors through the use of sensors or buttons can draw your visitors into your layout; and can enhance operations for operators during an operating session. When you attend this clinic; I hope to get you excited and motivated to add animation to your layout. | Mark Ellis; MMR | Construction; Structures | Manitou |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | NMRA Achievement Program Update | The Achievement Program is one of the great perks of being in the NMRA – a structured way to learn more about this great hobby; improve your modeling skills; and have a great time in the process. For people who aren't active in the AP; we'll show you how participating in the AP can make you a better modeler and for those who are further along on their journey we'll talk about what we're doing at all levels to improve the experience for everybody! | Ray Persing | NMRA and SIG | Marquette |
| 7/17/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | LCC – What Can I Buy in 2025? | This is a non-technical overview clinic about the LCC products that are; or will be; available in 2025 from commercial vendors. It will describe their main features and what they can be used for on layouts.Many of the products described should be on display in the SIG Room. | Alex Shepherd | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Railroads and the Natural Ice Industry: a Symbiotic Relationship | The harvesting of natural ice to preserve food and cool drinks began in the early 1800's on farms and homesteads. By the middle 1800's; it became a large industry. Like many other industries involving heavy; bulky commodities; the ice industry turned to the railroads to transport their product. For the next 50-60 years; the natural ice industry became huge customers of the railroads. At the same time; shipping refrigerated products by rail increased dramatically; and the railroads became huge customers of the ice industry. In this clinic; Bruce will look at the commercial process of harvesting; storing; and shipping natural ice and the role that railroads used in the process. | Bruce DeYoung; MMR | History | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | How to Light Your Layout Room | The clinic details out the types of lamps that are available for lighting your layout room along with the advantages and disadvantages of each.I will provide methods to design your layout room lighting based off lighting engineering principles. This is done in an easy to understand way; even for the non-technical person.I also talk about the light color that you choose; along with an explanation of the importance of paying attention to Color Rendering Index (CRI). CRI is something that I've found most modelers are either unaware of or are misinformed of what it is. Paying attention to CRI contributes greatly to the high quality illumination of our layouts. | Mark Mincek | Construction; Layout | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | The Most Realistic Buildings Possible | The camera lies; at least for the layout. How to take a picture; correct it for the layout; and print it for making 3D buildings and backgrounds. Nothing looks more real than the real thing; so why not take advantage of “Mother Nature" and use her buildings on your railroad; especially if you want to model a prototype railroad! It's easier than you think. | Miles Hale; MMR | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Model Train Detection Methods and Uses | Comparison of various methods of detecting model trains on a layout. Pros and cons; matching the method with the application. Considerations for AC; DC; and DCC track power as well as dead rail (battery-on-board systems). | John Parsons | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Introduction to Static Grass | This clinic is designed to introduce and demystify the use of static grass in creating model railroad scenery. We'll cover a bit of history; grass applicators; and a few tips and techniques that will hopefully encourage modelers who are unfamiliar with static grass to give it a try on their own layouts. A live hands-on demo can be done if time permits. | Mike Hauk | Construction; Scenery | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | What Industries for your Freight Cars? | How do you pick the industries for your layout? Most modelers have a fleet of freight cars before building their layout that often include favorite oars with no place to go on the layout except from staging to staging. So why not choose industries that serve as many of those cars as possible? This clinic shows a technique to match your cars to proposed industries and will explore a few infrequently modeled industries that can provide a "spot" for many those unique; and special purpose cars we love so well. | John Lowrance; MMR | Operations | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 9:00 AM | 10:00 AM | Painting With Panpastels | In this clinic I will show attendees the techniques I have discovered using Panpastels to paint detail castings; stone walls; and wood. Models will be on display showing the results possible using this medium to replace the lost paint brands that modelers used for years. Time will be available for anyone wanting hands on practice.Sam Swanson is the driving force behind my drive to MMR so that he can have Panpastels used in his Modeling with the Masters clinics on weathering. He and I did a imitation Modeling with the Masters clinic at the National Narrow Gauge Convention. | Randall Allio; MMR | Weathering | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | The Logging Railroads of Pennsylvania: the Industries Served | The peak period of logging by rail in Pennsylvania ran from 1880 until roughly 1929. During that period there were literally hundreds of logging railroads that came; operated; and then disappeared. About half of those railroads were narrow gauge. In Pennsylvania; unlike in some other logging locations; there were many forest-product related industries served by these railroads. This clinic will discuss the variety of industries in the woods; and how they were interrelated. These will be looked at from both a prototype and modeling perspective. The presentation contains many prototype photos of the period and is augmented by model photos from Bruce's HOn3 Slate Run Railroad and a sampling of model photos from friends in the hobby. | Bruce DeYoung; MMR | History | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Taking Fast Tracks Turnouts to the Next Level | The clinic is a collection of methods and ideas that can improve the construction experience; reliablility; and the look of your Fast Tracks Turnouts.This is not a clinic that replaces the Fast Tracks instructional videos available on YouTube or on DVD. This clinic goes beyond those instructions and discusses tips and techniques to make the build experience more enjoyable with better results. | Mark Mincek | Construction; Layout | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Two Prototypes; Two Models | Sam Swanson; MMR®; and Steve Zapytowski; MMR® compare and contrast their modeling techniques for two very different models. A range of methods were employed on both models; including conventional stick building; using forms and jigs; 3D modeling; the use of a craft cutter; and 3D printing.Sam details the construction of his C.F.F. & Co. cement mixing car. Sam used a period publication from the Browning Engineering Company in Cleveland; Ohio as his source material. A visit to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut inspired Steve's Pacific Cordage. He took measurements and photos in and around their Plymouth Cordage building from which he built his model. | Steve Zapytowski; MMR; Sam Swanson; MMR | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | North American Railroad Signaling for Railfans and Modelers | A beginner's guide to understanding trackside signaling. What do those colored lights mean? What's the reason for so many signal types? What kind of signals are appropriate for my layout and where should I put them? Come and find out! | John Parsons | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | PRR X29 and B&O M-26 Boxcars | This clinic is designed to familiarize steam and transition-era modelers with the ubiquitous Pennsy X29 and the very similar B&O M-26 boxcars. Emphasis on spotting features and correlation with the still-commonly available Red Caboose HO-scale kits. Also covers construction of the Red Caboose kits with additional details and weathering with an eye toward the NMRA Cars AP Certificate. Also includes a section on improving the Red Caboose kit trucks. | Mike Hauk | Prototype/Railfanning | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Scenery Ground Cover Materials Palette | Today there are so many scenery products to choose from that it is difficult to know which ones to buy; and which ones to use to achieve a consistent "look" across the entire layout. The goal of this clinic is to show how to create a reference "palette" of colors and textures that best represents the area you are modeling. This "palette" can be used to guide helpers working on your club or home layout to ensure a consistent look of your prototype geographic area. We will answer the following scenery questions:How to choose colors that best match your prototype region?What is texture and when to use it? What sequence should I apply my scenery materials?…and more | John Lowrance; MMR | Construction; Scenery | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Advantages of going Dead Rail | In this clinic; I discuss the reasons that I chose to build my new layout using Dead Rail technology. I will have examples of several different systems available and models with them installed. Installation challenges will be covered and the tools needed to do conversions will be reviewed. Time will be allowed for attendees to run trains on the table top without track.As an aside I am working with Ray Persing (National head of the achievement program) to include Dead Rail in the requirements for the Model Railroad Engineer Electrical. This is to be discussed at the Board meeting in Amherst this January. If there are changes I will include this at length in the clinic. | Randall Allio; MMR | New Technologies/Electronics | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Building the Whitefish; Montana Depot Using New Techniques | In this clinic; I will use an exquisite model structure to demonstrate attention to the details contained within the prototype building. I will discuss the use of original railroad engineering drawings supplemented by the use of close-up detail photos of the actual structure. I will also discuss the use of new (at least to me) techniques to build the walls and create windows using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and innovative use of computer printing. The model; on display in the Model Display Area at this convention; is probably the most complex N scale structure I have ever built. Many hundreds of hours of design and build time were spent on this model. | Bruce DeMaeyer | Construction; Structures | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Producing A Museum-Quality Backdrop for Your Layout (Part 1 of 3) | If you are tired of flat blue walls and interested in having an effective backdrop for your layout this is the clinic for you. Painting a backdrop can be the quickest way to add a lot of scenery to your model layout in the shortest amount of time. It is also a great way to unify all of your scenic ideas and give focus to your modeling theme. The clinic will cover pre-production choices and backdrop painting techniques. We will show you; with a Power Point Program and will go over material and the steps to help you have a backdrop that will enhance your layout and models. | Norman Logan | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Landscaping 101 | The bench work is done; the track is laid; and maybe a couple of buildings are built. What happens next? I will cover painting; weathering; and ballasting track. A brief mention of backdrops before streets and sidewalks. Moving on to terrain-dirt; grass; hills; bushes; trees; and water. | Brook Qualman; MMR | Construction; Scenery | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Prairie Town Layout Design | This clinic will show the various standard town designs used by railways on the Canadian Prairies and how to model them.Using prototype station grounds plans this clinic will explore various common track designs found in western Canada. The clinic will emphasize modeling the typical and how to create a believable representation of a prairie town on your layout including examples from the presenter's home layout. | Cal Sexsmith | Construction; Layout | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Modeling Water on Your Layout | Water is all around us in the real world; so naturally it should be part of the scenery on our model railroads. Adding water to your layout is not as difficult as it sounds. Dave will discuss scenes on his Wildcat Valley Railway that feature water and how they were created. The presentation will include Mistic Falls which was featured in the November 2024 NMRA Magazine; two river scenes; and a mill pond with a log flume. | Dave Mashino | Construction; Scenery | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Modeling the Wabash High Line in Proto:48 | Tony Koester is building a circa-1953 two-town tribute to the Wabash R.R.'s Mogul-powered 11th District in northwestern Illinois; better known as the High Line; in O fine-scale in his enclosed 13 x 25-ft. porch. The branch's light rail required hand-laying code 100 track and turnouts. Tony's goals for building it are totally different than those of his HO railroad that fills his 30 x 60-ft. basement. | Tony Koester | Construction; Layout | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Cincinnati Terminal Operations | This presentation will be about Baltimore and Ohio Railroad operations in the Cincinnati Terminal District covering the period from 1927-1960. The presentation will include numerous photos and maps. | Dave Ori | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | HO Scale Model of the Ann Arbor Railroad | Focus is on northern Michigan and freight operation in the summer of 1955. Layout is 320 square feet on two staggered levels with a fully landscaped helix connecting the levels (55" and 44" high). Trains run from the Selma Yard in Cadillac to the Boat Landing Yard in Elberta. Freight cars are then loaded onto Ann Arbor No. 7 for a trip across Lake Michigan to two ports in Wisconsin.Landscape features 3600 trees; Manistee River; Crystal Lake; Betsie River; and Betsie Bay. Towns along the route include Mesick; Beulah; Thompsonville; Cadillac; and Elberta. Industries include Chris Craft Boat Factory; Yuma Sand Pit; and Elberta Packing Company. | Ralph Moxley | Prototype/Railfanning | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Producing A Museum-Quality Backdrop for Your Layout (Part 2 of 3) | During this clinic; Mr. Logan will talk about designing scenes to tie in the “Far away hills" with the foreground. We will also show how the use of pictures and clip art from catalogs and magazines can add scenes; cities; industry to enhance; detail; and add depth to you backdrop.The clinic will cover pre-production choices and backdrop painting techniques. We will show you; with a Power Point Program and will go over material and the steps to help you have a backdrop that will enhance you layout and models. | Norman Logan | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Prototype Scratch Building – Houses and Other Structures | Make your layout really personal. I will show you how to research and scratch-build structures that no longer exist and those that do. My methods can be used for any structure. This clinic is on how I built several family homes for our Michigan Lines layout. It evolves into other significant buildings needed for the towns we are replicating. | Brook Qualman; MMR | Construction; Structures | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Modeling Motion | DCC has fundamentally changed model railroad operations; and decoders have improved significantly over the past decade. In addition to more sound and lighting functions; motor control has also improved to a point where we can more prototypically model train motion.The cliniic uses prototype video to show starting and stopping and how current decoders can emulate prototype motion. | Robert Blake | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Milwaukee Road 13th Sub – Designing a Layout Based on the Prototype | A how-to clinic on designing a layout based upon a full-sized; Class 1 railroad in an unconventional area – the vast; big-sky spaces of the upper Great Plains running from western Minnesota to eastern Montana. We will discuss:Why one would want to model the prototypeThe type of modeler one is (operator or railfan)Types of operational schemes (in the cab or on the ground)How to fit a linear railroad into a confined spaceHow to apply track charts; station maps; valuation drawings and SPINS/CLIC/ZTS maps to track planning. We then assess the CMStP&P 13th Sub design as a case study towards the goal of effective prototype layout design; using the presenter's home layout (on this week's LDSIG tour) as an example. An interactive Q&A will follow. | Dan Mitzel | Construction; Layout | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Setting up Operations on Your Railroad | This clinic will show how I set up operating sessions on my former layout with an inexperienced crew. The goal is to show that you don't need a basement filler to have satisfying sessions. The main theme is that you should start with a simple system and increase complexity as you and your crew gain experience and the layout grows. | Cal Sexsmith | Operations | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Farming in N Scale Made Cheap | This clinic shows off how easy it is to model both corn; and soybean fields in N scale in way that won't break the bank. Delve into how to make your fields stand out; how to make both corn and soybean plants; and how to make your fields look realistic. | Jordan Kramer | Construction; Scenery | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Dead Rail Options for Today's Modeler | A brief description of dead rail; pros and cons; and products available to today's modeler. I will talk about equipment needed with any dead rail system as well as installation ideas. Finally; I will show how I implemented dead rail on my HO scale equipment with some lessons learned. | Tim Verburg | New Technologies/Electronics | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Producing A Museum-Quality Backdrop for Your Layout (Part 3 of 3) | During this clinic; Mr. Logan will talk about using and the installing of clipped photos from magazines and internet photos. There will be a discussion of matching photos to models on your layout. We will also discuss how to paint around and over photo create a scene that will blend in with the layout on the forefront. Lastly; Mr. Logan will do some painting “live" to show how different brushes work to create trees and other foreground details. | Norman Logan | Construction; Scenery | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Operations for Modular Layouts using JMRI Switch Lists | This clinic will discus how to use JMRI's OperationsPro software to generate switch lists for a modular layout. Examples will come from the Free-moN layout setup in conjunction with Operations Road Show that will be running operating sessions during the convention. We'll cover OperationsPro topics that are relevant to all layouts while also providing tricks and techniques that are specific to modular layouts that typically change every time they are assembled. | Paul Bender | Operations | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Kick Up Your Switching | Prototype switching is often much more involved than simply setting out and picking up cars from a customer. We'll look at prototype operations at several modeled customers to see how switching can be more involved without resorting to switching puzzles. | Robert Blake | Prototype/Railfanning | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Building an Industrial Switching Layout for Maximum Enjoyment: Planning and Design Ideas | How can modelers develop a modest-sized layout for operations that provides lots of activity and enjoyment? This presentation will show how a well-researched plan and specific design elements can result in lots of rail traffic; offer interesting variety; and provide realistic yet challenging switching jobs. We will review: Six key planning components;Five research tools for prototype or freelanced layouts;Several design options; Using research to maximize traffic and switching opportunities; andSeveral switching assignments/puzzles on the layout. The project is the author's second HO scale layout. Designed for operations; it is a major departure from his first. The prototype is the Toronto; Hamilton & Buffalo Railway. The setting is the Canadian city of Hamilton and the Niagara Peninsula. The era is the 1970s. This is just before the major recession that decimated the steel and other primary industries in the ne United States and the Niagara Peninsula. It is also the ‘second' transition era. This featured some significant AAR rule changes; major railway consolidations; and major changes to freight car fleets and car designs; among other developments. | Paul Hurly | Operations | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Car Cards on the Fall River Line | This clinic will describe Car Cards and Waybills on Jim Kubajak's Fall River Line; a branch line in western Virginia in 1927. The FRL serves on line coal mines; a coal cleaner; and other on line industries; as well as being a connection between the C&O and B&O / N&W. Traffic is in several overlapping patterns which have been balanced over time. Jim's meticulously built craftsman kits; kitbashes as well as scratch built rolling stock rotate on and off the layout via the card system.The car card system predates modern printed cards and waybills; but would work perfectly with the newer cards. Car cards and waybills are prepared using MS Excel templates which will be shown. | Alvin Kempf | Operations | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Modeling C&O Prototype Scenes | Modeling prototype scenes is a rewarding challenge! This clinic presents a framework for planning and developing prototype-based scenes; including goal setting; track planning; scene planning; and the identification and modeling of signature and supporting elements. Examples come from the presenter's home layout; the C&O Ryder Gap Sub.The framework can lead a modeler through the process of goal setting; track planning; scene planning; and the identification of signature and supporting elements. Successful prototype-based scenes can be developed in many different ways; the framework is intended to help a modeler think through their choices in advance to increase their enjoyment and their chances of success.Examples are drawn from my layout; the C&O Ryder Gap Sub. The layout has been published in Model Railroad Planning; Modern Railroader; and Railroad Model Craftsman. | Joe Green | Construction; Scenery | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | HO Scale Model of the Ann Arbor Railroad | Focus is on northern Michigan and freight operation in the summer of 1955. Layout is 320 square feet on two staggered levels with a fully landscaped helix connecting the levels (55" and 44" high). Trains run from the Selma Yard in Cadillac to the Boat Landing Yard in Elberta. Freight cars are then loaded onto Ann Arbor No. 7 for a trip across Lake Michigan to two ports in Wisconsin.Landscape features 3600 trees; Manistee River; Crystal Lake; Betsie River; and Betsie Bay. Towns along the route include Mesick; Beulah; Thompsonville; Cadillac; and Elberta. Industries include Chris Craft Boat Factory; Yuma Sand Pit; and Elberta Packing Company. | Ralph Moxley | Prototype/Railfanning | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | B&O Prototype History | The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was a railroader's railroad; simply because of its personality; its charisma and romance. This clinic will exhibit the toughest piece of mainline real estate east of the Rockies; in which the B&O (now CSX) moved products on its rails. The clinic will show photos from Cumberland; Maryland to Grafton; West Virginia which is called the West End. | Keith DeVault | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | The Anachronistic Railroad | How to avoid things that do not conform to your era. Many model a specific time period; a year; a month or in some cases a specific day in time. Are the people on your railroad wearing the correct clothing for your time? The miniskirt did not exist before the 1960's. Are the vehicles correct? What about the rolling stock and locomotives. The style of architecture and structures can exist from times past but not from the future. | Mark Juett; MMR | Prototype/Railfanning | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Operations on the Minnesota Heartland | The romance of railroads is often captured in sleek passenger trains or long freight hauls; eating up the miles between towns. While these trains may be glamorous; the true work of the railroads happens on the last miles—the moments when the railroad shakes hands with the customer. On the Minnesota Heartland Railroad; operators perform this handshake in downtown alleys; industrial parks; and rural towns.This presentation will take you behind the scenes to explore the environment that shapes operations; the paperwork that supports them; and the hands-on experience that brings everything together. You'll see firsthand how all the preparation culminates in the operation of the Minnesota Heartland Railroad. Set in the mid- to late-1960s during harvest season; the railroad is bustling with traffic; but the weather is beautiful; trains are running smoothly; and there's a sense of calm in the air. | Ken Zieska | Operations | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Operations for Modular Layouts using JMRI Switch Lists | This clinic will discus how to use JMRI's OperationsPro software to generate switch lists for a modular layout. Examples will come from the Free-moN layout setup in conjunction with Operations Road Show that will be running operating sessions during the convention. We'll cover OperationsPro topics that are relevant to all layouts while also providing tricks and techniques that are specific to modular layouts that typically change every time they are assembled. | Paul Bender | Operations | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Beginner's Guide to 3D Model Design | High-detail 3D printed models and parts begin with CAD programs: Computer Aided Design. There are a number of free software programs available that provide everything you need to create your own designs and get them print-ready. We will review a versatile program that is easy to use as well as a more sophisticated platform for added complexity. The clinic will also look at online learning resources; examples of drawings and their 3D prints; and some things you should know to make your designs more compatible with 3D resin printing technology. Sample models will be displayed and reviewed. | Dave McMullain | New Technologies/Electronics | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 7:00 PM | 8:00 PM | Fire Trucks and Trains – They Just Go Together! – Part 1 (Prototype Information) | Fire trucks and trains just seem to go together. But what type of fire truck or other fire apparatus is appropriate to a specific era; a specific application; or to a specific locale or region that is being modeled? There are many models out there; but they don't all necessarily work for your layout. This clinic will present an in-depth look at the evolution of firefighting vehicles over the years; how each type of fire truck was most commonly used; and also how prototype fire apparatus related to various aspects of railroading throughout history. Specialty firefighting vehicles will also be discussed. Don't know if a particular model fits your era; locale; or theme? These topics and much more will be considered in this interesting and informative presentation for the "fireman" in all of us. | Daniel Mack | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | I Love Tank Cars! | This clinic explores the various types of tank cars based on the current DOT specifications. The audience will learn about low pressure tank cars involving DOT spec 111; 111-CPC 1232; 117; 117R and AAR 211. The audience will learn about high pressure tank cars DOT spec 105; 112; 114 and 120. The clinic will also briefly look at cryogenic tank cars also. | Rich Mahaney | Prototype/Railfanning | Charlevoix |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Up and Over Sand Patch Grade | This clinic will showcase the many struggles and beauty that the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad overcame going from Cumberland; Maryland to Connellsville; Pennsylvania. The Allegheny Mountains gave the railroad many challenges in transporting passengers and freight over the vast geography of the 100 miles between towns. I will present scenes from the steam era to today's modern diesels of CSX including the famous Sand Patch Grade and Tunnel. | Keith DeVault | Prototype/Railfanning | Interlochen |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | How to Treat your Track | Unless your locomotives are battery powered (i.e.; power on board or dead rail) you need good reliable contact between the wheels and the rail. This clinic will give you a few steps to condition your rails to stay clean longer. It will also cover cleaning track and cleaning locomotive wheels. Reliable contact is essential to good operation. | Mark Juett; MMR | Tools and Techniques | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | 90 Years of Development and Achievement in Model Railroading | Our hobby today is vastly different from that available to our organization's founders in 1935. We will review a number of significant events; processes; inventions; companies; and individuals contributing to the progress of our hobby. | Paul Hobbs | History | Keweenaw |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | The Use of Color in Model Railroading | This clinic deals with the application of color from both scientific and perceptual points of view. Options for enhancing ground and sky are emphasized with colorful examples and commentary. Emphasis is placed on creating the illusion of depth in limited space. I separate scientific fact from opinion; and welcome questions and information from the group. | Larry Goodridge | Tools and Techniques | Manitou |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Superdetailing Steam Locomotives | Virtually every aspect of constructing or modifying steam locomotives will be examined here. Topics include:ResearchDrive mechanismLighting and electronicsRunning gearUse of commercial partsScratch-built detailsFinishingThe clinic will focus on a Boston & Maine 4-6-2 that has over 1; 000 parts and 300 hours of construction time. I will share techniques that I learned along the way related to soldering detailed assemblies; fabrication from various materials; parts attachment; creating decals; and application of rivet decals . | Dave McMullain | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/18/2025 | 8:30 PM | 9:30 PM | Fire Trucks and Trains – They Just Go Together! – Part 2 (Modeling Considerations) | This clinic will cover the wide variety of model fire apparatus; fire stations; and fire trains in various scales that have been produced over the years; and how to incorporate different models into era or operationally appropriate scenes. Want to include an old fire truck on your layout but model a different era? There are ways to do it and still be prototypical. Want to build or kitbash an appropriate firehouse on your layout? These unique buildings make an interesting accent for any layout. Whether you are a rivet counter; prototype modeler; or an “anything goes" train collector; there will be lots of great ideas and guidance for everyone. | Daniel Mack | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | The Use of Color in Model Railroading | This clinic deals with the application of color from both scientific and perceptual points of view. Options for enhancing ground and sky are emphasized with colorful examples and commentary. Emphasis is placed on creating the illusion of depth in limited space. I separate scientific fact from opinion; and welcome questions and information from the group. | Larry Goodridge | Tools and Techniques | Charlevoix |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | The Ergonomics of Layout Design for Senior Modelers | As we age we face mobility issues we seldom have expected or experienced before. We will look at and discuss someways to overcome limited mobility issues and other limitations in manipulating a model road and tactics and ideas to include in designing and building your retirement layout. Layout size; location; building materials and dimensions are all part of this discussion. So are the social aspects of the hobby. | John Young | Construction; Layout | Interlochen |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | UTLX Tank Cars | An overview of UTLX tank cars over the first half of the 20th Century. This clinic covers the history and development of the largest fleet of privately owned tank cars in the country. Connections are made to available models; including the recently released Rapido cars and some possible future additions to that lineup.Steve "wrote the book" on this topic and has shared different versions and subsets of this clinic at RPM and NMRA meets. | Steve Hile | History | Isle Royale – Leelanau |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Signaling over LocoNet | This clinic will cover signaling where the communication is over LocoNet. Though LocoNet is proprietary to Digitrax; you don't need to use a Digitrax command station to use LocoNet with your signals. This clinic will cover hardware selection (of Digitrax and other vendors) and basic configuration. | Scott Walton | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Easier; Neater Decoder Installations With A Decoder Buddy | NixTrainz is the home of the Decoder Buddy. Decoder Buddys are motherboards for diesel and steam locomotives. They hold a 21-pin decoder from any manufacturer. Soldering to a $100 decoder; choosing and installing resistors for LEDs; and separating the locomotive frame from the shell are now problems of the past. Up to 12 lighting functions are available for you to use if your decoder provides outputs. Decoder and motherboard upgrades and conversions from DC to DCC are benefited greatly using a Decoder Buddy. | Nick Santo | New Technologies/Electronics | Manitou |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Before the Motor City: The Railroad Car Builders of Detroit | In the early twentieth century; Detroit earned the nickname “Motor City" for its leading role in the meteoric rise of the American automobile industry. But; half a century earlier; Detroit was in the forefront of the rise of another kind of car industry; the railroad car industry. Beginning on the 1850s; Detroit was the home to eight rail car manufacturing companies. Some were large; long-lived; and well-known. Others were short-lived and obscure. In this clinic; I will present a picture of them all; from powerhouses Michigan-Peninsular and Pullman to the little-remembered Robinson; Russell & Company; and the Detroit Car Company.In this clinic; I will use maps; contemporary illustrations; and photos of their products to tell the story of each of these companies. | John Bopp | History | Marquette |
| 7/19/2025 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM | Prototype Modeling of the 1951 Maine Central Portland Division | Rich's HO scale layout is a representation of the Maine Central (MEC) Portland Division; situated in mid-coast Maine; as it existed in 1951. The aim of constructing this layout is to: Model key portions of this scenic line so that they are recognizable. Reproduce the operational experience of the prototype. In this presentation; Rich will briefly illustrate the prototype and talk about the choices and compromises made to represent it in layout form. We will then take a photographic tour focusing on the modeling of several notable locations and discussing the various approaches used to represent specific structures and features. Finally; Rich will summarize operational aspects; showing some information on the prototype procedures and how these have been adapted for timetable and train order (TT&TO) layout operations. | Rich Gibson | Construction; Layout | Petoskey |
| 7/19/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Animation on Your Layout | Animation can be an easy way to add interest; and fun to your layout. l will show simple easy ways to add animation to your layout. Interaction with visitors through the use of sensor or buttons can draw your visitors into your layout. Can enhance operations for operator during an operating session. When you attend this clinic; I hope to get you excited and motivated to add animation to your layout. | Mark Ellis; MMR | Construction; Structures | Charlevoix |
| 7/19/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Current Thinking and Design of Modules for Bench Work | This clinic will discuss the use of modules for model railroad bench work and the challenges they pose. It will cover the key attributes a module needs to over come to make its use worth the extra carpentry involved. Legs; connectors; weight; and strength are some of the areas that will be highlighted. | John Young | Construction; Layout | Interlochen |
| 7/19/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Signaling over LCC (Layout Command Control) | LCC adds a new dimension to signaling: with LCC you can run your signals without a computer attached. You will need a computer to configure them; but once configured; you can (but don't have) run the signals without the computer. This clinic will cover hardware and basic configuration; I will have a demonstration layout that shows the signal system operating with LCC on a table at the front of the room. | Scott Walton | New Technologies/Electronics | Keweenaw |
| 7/19/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Riding the Michigan Central Through Nineteenth Century Detroit | The Michigan Central Railroad along with its predecessor; the state-owned Central Railroad of Michigan; has been a fixture in the state of Michigan and in the lives of its residents since Michigan attained statehood in 1837. In this clinic; I will outline the nineteenth century history of the MCRR in its headquarters city of Detroit. I will begin with a look at the MCRR's 1840s-era facilities along the river in downtown Detroit; followed by a train trip along the MCRR's main line out to the city limits in what is now known as West Detroit. The clinic will be illustrated with historic illustrations; photographs; and maps. | John Bopp | History | Marquette |
| 7/19/2025 | 2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Cincinnati Terminal Operations | This presentation will be about Baltimore and Ohio Railroad operations in the Cincinnati Terminal District covering the period from 1927-1960. The presentation will include numerous photos and maps. | Dave Ori | Prototype/Railfanning | Petoskey |
| 7/19/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Car Cards on the Fall River Line | This clinic will describe Car Cards and Waybills on Jim Kubajak's Fall River Line; a branch line in western Virginia in 1927. The FRL serves on line coal mines; a coal cleaner; and other on line industries; as well as being a connection between the C&O and B&O / N&W. Traffic is in several overlapping patterns which have been balanced over time. Jim's meticulously built craftsman kits; kitbashes as well as scratch built rolling stock rotate on and off the layout via the card system.The car card system predates modern printed cards and waybills; but would work perfectly with the newer cards. Car cards and waybills are prepared using MS Excel templates which will be shown. | Alvin Kempf | Operations | Charlevoix |
| 7/19/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | The Railway Post Office; 1860-1977 | A look at the rise and fall of the Railway Post Office and its equipment; from the first attempts to quickly deliver mail; to the Pony Express; to an American Institution; to the slow decline of the Railway Mail Service; as highways; airplanes and automatic sorting made it obsolete. | Mark Tomlonson | History | Interlochen |
| 7/19/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Operations on the Minnesota Heartland | The romance of railroads is often captured in sleek passenger trains or long freight hauls; eating up the miles between towns. While these trains may be glamorous; the true work of the railroads happens on the last miles—the moments when the railroad shakes hands with the customer. On the Minnesota Heartland Railroad; operators perform this handshake in downtown alleys; industrial parks; and rural towns.This presentation will take you behind the scenes to explore the environment that shapes operations; the paperwork that supports them; and the hands-on experience that brings everything together. You'll see firsthand how all the preparation culminates in the operation of the Minnesota Heartland Railroad. Set in the mid- to late-1960s during harvest season; the railroad is bustling with traffic; but the weather is beautiful; trains are running smoothly; and there's a sense of calm in the air. | Ken Zieska | Operations | Keweenaw |
| 7/19/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | Little Cats and Big Cats – Modeling Construction and Mining Machinery Loads | Manufacturing construction machinery is a $67 billion business in the United States; which is the worldwide industry leader. Caterpillar; John Deere; and Komatsu are a few of the manufacturers with plants in the US. These companies ship many of their products by rail; and the loads are interesting to model. This clinic will describe how to model construction machinery loads with methods that are applicable to all scales. Machinery model selection; car selection; weathering; and tie down methods will be covered in the clinic. At least ten different types of loads will be covered; with photos of the prototypes and the corresponding models. Discussion and questions are welcome. | Tom Persoon; MMR | Construction; Rolling Stock/Engines | Marquette |
| 7/19/2025 | 4:00 PM | 5:00 PM | 90 Years of Development and Achievement in Model Railroading | Our hobby today is vastly different from that available to our organization's founders in 1935. We will review a number of significant events; processes; inventions; companies; and individuals contributing to the progress of our hobby. | Paul Hobbs | History | Petoskey |