Downtown Kansas City on my layout is designed for night, as well as day viewing. The streets are filled with over 150 vehicles, all but a few of which have working headlights and taillights. Even motorcycles are lit. I will share my techniques.

Layout lighting was once relegated to headlights, coaches and "whole house" lights. The availability of bright, tiny, light emitting diodes (LEDs) and other new technology opens opportunities for modelers that go beyond the norm. This clinic will look into combining these LEDs with "new" materials and electronic control expanding modeling options even more. These dynamic lighting techniques can enliven scenes and layouts in a big way. Come and find out how to light your way!

This clinic shares the fascinating results of analyzing Cajon Pass trains sheets for May 1-7, 1945. Learn what a train sheet is; the FileMaker database built to analyze them; and what the sheets reveal-including the numbers, lengths, tonnages and speeds of the trains operated, and the types, numbers and assignments of the engines used to haul them. See a day in the life of a steam helper and the Summit operator. Learn how the railroad was run and the engines you need to model.

LEDs have become popular in model railroading because they offer a bright, heat-free light source that should never burn out. Surface mount LEDs are tiny LEDs that can fit almost anywhere you need a light. But, how do you handle them, and how are you supposed to solder wires to them? Barry will show his techniques for working with and installing surface mount LEDs.