Clinics

There are over 35 different clinics, presented by 28 experienced clinicians, on topics ranging from layout design, operations, scenery, prototype and many others. Below is a listing of clinics scheduled as of 6/1/2010 - watch this page for updates, and more information. We still have some openings for clinics - if you are interested in presenting, click here to send an email to Don Fowler, Clinician Chairman.

Click here for Clinic Schedule

Clear to San Diego 2010 PSR Convention - Clinic Descriptions
Topic & Description Presenter
Pre-Reg?
Fee
  Airbrushing Techniques  Scott Mason
No
No
 

Learn some quick & easy airbrushing techniques from the professional model railroad/structure builder and author of “Building Craftsman Structure Kits” DVD series.

  
  Backdrop Painting (2 periods)   Dorothy Slikker
Yes
Yes
    Learn from an expert how to give trees & mountains the look of distance using dark to light, color and size techniques.  This will be a two session clinic requiring a reservation and materials fee – see Extra Fare list.  
  Basic Airbrushing Ed Hall
No
No
    This clinic will demonstrate the basics of the airbrush, taping/masking techniques how to use Scalecoat paints for the best possible results.  
  Basic Layout Design With Operations In Mind Carl Heimberger
No
No
    This clinic will cover the basic design steps in schematic form to develop a medium sized layout built with operation in mind.  Items covered will include double ended staging yards, mainlines, industries, classification yards & train movement.  
  Building Craftsman Structures    Scott Mason
No
No
    This professional model builder will teach you tips, tricks & techniques used to build award winning craftsman structures.  You won’t need a toolbox full of tools or a workbench full of paint & adhesives.  Designed for beginners & veteran builders alike.  
  Citrus Industry Operations     Bob Chaparro
No
No
    Learn about railroad perishable operations as they relate to the Southern CA citrus industry between 1910-1971 that will include refrigerator car preparation, loading, in-transit servicing, routing and delivery.  
  Constructing a Multi-Deck Layout for Operations Iim Hanna
No
No
    A “how to” clinic utilizing 100+ photos showing complete construction from an empty room to a fully scenicked & operating large three level layout with an eight level helix.  
  Craft Products for Model Railroaders Kim Fowler
No
No
    Hundreds of inexpensive and useful items are lurking in local craft stores.  Highlighted products include glue, paint, raw materials, and tools well suited for model railroading.  
  Developing Operations for the State Belt  Bill Kaufman
No
No
    San Francisco’s State Belt turned out to be a unique terminal railroad with some very interesting features.  Operations evolved as a result of space limitations and the existing necessity of activities.  
  Figure Painting & Modification           Matt Wellhauser
No
No
    Learn to modify and personalize scale figures along with some neat tricks for painting them as well.  
  Helpful Hints for Beginners Frank Tepedino
No
No
    Problems and mistakes commonly made during the construction of model railroads are identified and corrected in this presentation.  
  Here Comes the Judge Rodger Gredvig MMR
No
No
    Learn how to evaluate & score NMRA contest entries utilizing the most recent scoring methods & forms.  
  High Speed Rail in Southern CA Mitch Alderman
No
No
    Are you curious about the future of prototype railroading in Southern CA?  Take a peek into the future with one of our local experts in the field.  
  How to Enter NMRA Model Contests Bill Jacobs
No
No
    This clinic will cover contest entry preparation (what judges are looking for) and how to document your efforts so that judges understand and appreciate your work.  
  Introduction to Weathering Powders Jimmy Simmons
No
No
    Learn to use different tools & techniques to add texture & realism to your models with powders alone or with other mediums like paint, stencil magic, Dullcote & alcohol.  Techniques will also include creating metal effects like rust, galvanized & old steel.  
  Leight Weight Modules Harold Whitely
No
No
    Easy light weight module construction with stiff spines, pop rivets & PVC fittings for fast & easy assembly/disassembly with no nuts & bolts.  
  Micro & Macro of Operations Tony Koester
No
No
    The editor of Model Railroad Planning literally wrote the book on operations (Realistic Model Railroad Operations – Kalmbach 2003).  Tony will discuss aspects of operation, documenting a more realistic type of waybill and review basic timetable & train–order operations.  
  Model Airplane Servos for Model RR's Duncan Mcree
No
No
    This show & tell clinic will explain and demonstrate how to use this technology to control turnouts and semaphores.  Layout installation examples will be shown and working models will be available for examination  
  Modeling a Pulpwood Transfer Yard Gary Robinson
No
No
    Prototype layout and operation of this industry from truck to rail owned and operated by International Paper with modeling suggestions for your railroad.  
  Modeling Prototype Loads for Operations Chuck Nauman
No
No
    This clinic will cover considerations in modeling & photographing realistic static & removable open loads that can be easily and quickly unloaded & reloaded to add realism for operating sessions.  
  Multi Deck Model RR Design/Construction Tony Koester
No
No
    The editor of Model Railroad Planning will provide a report on the development & operation of the large multi-deck HO railroad he is currently constructing.  Focal points will include lower deck fluorescent & LED lighting systems, layout height considerations, narrow shelf scenery techniques & use of photo backdrops.  
  Orientation - Convention Ops Sessions (2 session) Dick Roberts
No
No
    This two session clinic is a must for all who plan to operate on the many model railroads offering operating sessions during the Convention.  It may also be of interest to others who want to learn a variety of operating systems.  
  Overview of the State Belt Bill Kaufman
No
No
    The State Belt Railroad ran along the waterfront of San Francisco from 1892 to 1992 from AT&T Park to the Presidio.  Aspects of its origin, strikes, expositions, wars, boom and eventual bust will be covered.  
  Plywood Central to Landscaped Layout in 1/2 Hour Carl Heimberger
No
No
    This clinic will cover the basic steps to take your Plywood Central to a landscaped layout.  Subjects covered will include basic land forms, realistic soil, ground covers, weeds, shrubs, painting/ballasting track & how to create a scene that makes your layout look real.  
  Resin Casting - Parts Iz Parts Dave Allen
No
No
    Learn how easy it is to cast your own parts with instruction and explanation of necessary materials/techniques.  
  Tips & Tricks for Building Wood Structures Gordon Miller
No
No
    Learn a variety of tips & tricks for the successful construction of wood structures.  Gordon will also cover the documentation requirements for the NMRA’s Achievement Program as it pertains to the “Structures” category.  
  Signaling - For the Rest of Us Dave Allen
No
No
    This presentation includes an overview of simplified signaling with an emphasis on the need for it with DCC systems.  Handouts will include circuit descriptions, PC board layouts and material resources.  
  Small Space - Big Operation Don Mitchell
No
No
    Design & operation of a relatively small (140 sq ft) HO layout is covered in detail by the author of many layout design articles in the modeling press. Concept, track plan & operation that keeps a five person crew busy are included.  Advantages & disadvantages will be discussed for consideration in future layout planning.  
  Spanning the Bear River Dick Roberts
No
No
    Learn the fundamentals of scratch building a bridge through research of the prototype & techniques of model construction to create the steel Bear River Bridge using photos and plans.  
  Speed Matching for DCC Locos Eric Bradford
No
No
    Learn step by step a new & easier way to do this automatically using block detection circuitry & freeware software from the Internet.  This method works regardless of manufacturer, loco model or decoder used - you won't believe it until you see it!  
  Tabletop Tortoise Machines John Sigurdson MMR
No
No
    This Master Model Railroader will show how to install & hide Tortoise switch machines on top of the layout instead of underneath it.  
  The Ghosts of Gasoline Alley Richard Wehr
No
No
    Gas station evolution from the 1880’s to today.  Enhance your railroad and set the period by selecting the appropriate style, equipment and brands for your geographic area and time period.  
  The Future of Modular Model Railroading Mark Carnigham
No
No
    Modular club layout displays have now become the public face of model railroading.  This two session panel discussion will explore the role of club based modular layouts as they relate to the long term future of our hobby.  
  The Hernia Gauge - 1 1/2" Scale Railroading  Dan Williams
No
No
    Live steam and outdoor railroad fans will enjoy this presentation on this exciting scale featuring the Chula Vista Live Steamers.  
  The Kidder Mansion Dick Roberts
No
No
    This presentation provides the research sources and actual construction of this prominent structure on the Nevada County Narrow Gauge RR with some very innovative modeling techniques.  
  Tips & Techniques for "Bullfrog Snot" Bill Cook
No
No
    Meet the owner/inventor of Bullfrog Snot & learn firsthand his special tips & techniques for this most amazing product.  
  Training For NMRA Officers/Officials Ben Sevier & Bill Kaufman
No
No
    If you’re interested in the roles and duties of NMRA officers and officials or looking for ways to get more from the NMRA for yourself or for your Division, this presentation and roundtable by PSR President Ben Sevier and NMRA Vice-President Bill Kaufman will provide you with information and newly developed tools to help you out.  
  Using Photoshop to Enhance Your RR Photos Steve Harris
No
No
    Steve has won many awards for his photography and had them published on covers of the Gazette & Model Railroader magazines.  He will share his secrets and provide demonstrations for adding smoke, haze and enhancing backdrops.  
  Weathering Freight Cars Scott Mason
No
No
    Learn easy techniques used by experienced experts for weathering freight cars using artist’s oil paints that are also easy to fix/change if necessary.  Scott will also explain how Mother Nature and man cause freight cars to look the way they do.  
  Weathering Wood With Powders Jimmy Simmons
No
No
    Weather & distress wood to create realistic looking models using powder & other mediums.  Jimmy will also demonstrate a paint peeling technique that delivers realistic results.  
  What's in YOUR Toolbox? Pete Steinmetz
No
No
    Interactive discussion about what modelers carry in their toolbox.  Highlights will be on unique/unusual tools that get the job done faster & with more accuracy.  Non-scale specific prizes will be given to attendees who bring a favorite tool & participate.  
  Wood Block Models Burton Maxwell
Yes
No
    Hands on clinic to learn techniques & build beautiful models from wood scraps, cardboard & typing paper.  This class has no additional fee but is limited to 20 participants.