Stephen M. Priest, MMR and editor of Railroad Model Craftsman will be speaking about the first two years of the HO Scale St Louis Division. This railroad is 3400 square feet and is about 1/3 complete. It features the Santa Fe Railway in 1978. The route is fictitious although the Santa Fe did repeatedly try to acquire and or build a line from Chicago through St Louis to Kansas City. We are building the railroad as if one of these attempts early last century had panned out. The railroad features state of the art benchwork, wiring and hand laid trackwork from Fasttracks. It also features innovative lighting with 100% LED use for all illumination both in structures and in rolling stock. Electronics planning will include DMX lighting and sound allowing time of day and night to be computer controlled. DMX can also create such effects as thunderstorms that roll across the layout from end to end featuring lightning and thunder. The railroad is being built by a group of 15 modelers in the Kansas City area under the direction and design of Stephen M. Priest, MMR. Join us for a look at a new railroad for a new century.
A description of the narrow gauge Pacific Coast Railway's facilities in San Luis Obispo, California, and the construction of a sectional layout in Nn3 modeling these facilities WITHOUT COMPRESSION; includes a discussion of Ultra-Light benchwork construction and hand-laying of Code 40 Nn3 track.
So, you're not a transition era modeler? Well, how about the 1980's? Boxcars are at their peak, the Staggers Act has deregulated the
railroad rate structures, and say "good bye" to the caboose - railroads are rapidly changing. Come find out what you need to know to model this era!
The earliest attempted crossing of the Sierras by rail terminated in this town in late 1887. By 1900 two large saw mills - one of which later built a connecting branchline - along with a box factory, fruit packing sheds , a foundry, and farms were all shipping products, while mines, businesses and farms were importing machinery, fuel, and supplies. From 1915-1953 traffic expanded up to two trains daily of 20-30 cars each in late summer and during WW II. Presenter illustrates with photos and maps.
Join Greg Wright as he describes how to fit a model railroad into any space and make it
look and feel bigger. Greg will share his ideas, his favorite reference material, and
use his Consolidate Republic Mining Railroad to illustrate his points.
I will moderate a panel of 4 or 5 local layout owners, SIG Tour hosts, and pose a series of topics about lessons learned about design, construction and operation. We usually record this so we can share the transcript in the LDJ.
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.
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.
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.