Perspective is often used to add realism to our two dimensional painted backdrops. Museum diorama builders extend perspective to their three dimensional models as well. Although this technique is rarely used in model railroads, Kermit will show you how it can enhance your railroad's visual appeal.



The clinic will include historical background and principles of both two and three dimensional perspective. True perspective modeling is more than just placing objects of different scales behind each other in a scene. Many computer based drafting programs include a perspective feature making it easier to produce suitable model drawings compared to older manual drafting methods.



Examples will be included to illustrate how three dimensional perspective modeling can make your layout seem much larger than it really is.

The materials and methods used to support MRR operations. Topics include Hybrid NCE/Digitrax DCC, multi-line phone system; Color Position Light signals; computer controlled interlocking towers; automated running and integrated operations paperwork.

Introduction and tour of the UCW. Views of recent changes to the layout including new dispatcher and agent office, moving and construction of a new active staging area (aka. The Mole) and changes to the layout. How the agent uses Flex-Bill to generate switch lists, wheel reports, and manage customer waybills. Staging trains using barcodes generated in Flex-Bill.

Layout design based on research from Sanborn Insurance maps, aerial photos, railroad maps, and USGS topographic maps. Some examples that I used on my model railroad as well as some areas close to the convention will be presented. Sources for your own use and exploration will be provided. A great way to study the prototype for design and operation.

Model Railroad Planning editor Tony Koester recently completed a lot of scenery, including various types of farm crops, and structures for his 1954-era HO railroad in preparation for the December 2014 MR feature on his railroad and a follow-up MR Video Plus shoot. He'll discuss recent enhancements such as automated interchanges with 'foreign' railroads, automated 'Interlocking in a Box,' more realistic but easy-to-use waybills, timetable and train-order operations, digital-photo backdrops, and weathering with PanPastels.

Overcoming environmental problems to build a layout in a garage while sharing the space with the family car, and wood working tools. Things to take into consideration including temperature change, dust and dirt, and how I solved the problems. The methods used are also applicable to basement layouts.

Asian railways are more than bullet trains! See model temples, rice paddies, a Taiwan branchline. Locate equipment you can adapt for that Korean or Thai railway you've always craved! Whatever your prototype or scale, you're sure to gain insight into finding sources for the unusual. Be sure to visit the LD/OPSIG room to see the AsiaNRail modular layout that accompanies this clinic presentation!

Integrating the modular concept with other layout design tools allows modelers to create prototypical layouts that can evolve for a lifetime. It helps focus the modeler's attention on the essential functions of a railway. Applying the concept to internal elements on the layout further enhances the concept. It is the best combination of practicality and value for money for today's mobile lifestyle.

An in-depth look at the background, design, construction and lessons learned in building a model railroad layout of the US Military Railroad Aquia Line in 1863 in Virginia in O Scale.

From the primitive 19th century iron horse to the thundering diesels of today, railroads have played an important part in enabling, changing, and sometimes inciting warfare. This talk is an overview of how railroads served in America's wars, and how to apply this information to design and build operating model railroads. Starting with the Crimean War in 1855 and extending to current times, the talk features prototype photos, maps and plenty of examples of world class modeling. It puts special emphasis on the US military in the American Civil War, WWI, WWII and Gulf Wars.