Continuing the tool-focused format of David's Ghost White Toner and Cricut clinics, this presentation follows a single project—an A&Y maintenance-of-way tool car—from raw research to finished model using Claude, Anthropic's AI assistant. We'll cover using AI to cross-reference historical correspondence and interpret prototype drawings, identify detail parts, develop lettering artwork, and generate a 3D-printed part with no CAD experience required. Equally important: the ground rules that keep AI honest for prototype modeling, where it saved hours, and where it failed. No AI experience needed. A finished model will be on hand.

JT is owner of Scale Sound Systems LTD and veteran of many DCC and sound locomotive installs. This clinic provides an understanding of the parts that go into a DCC-Sound install and how to choose and arrange them for best results, revealing some new parts and concepts many modelers are not familiar with.

This clinic covers everything from equipment (and why one’s equipment may be fighting them), solders and fluxes, temps and cleaning, and ultimately various techniques—some demonstrated on video. JT will lift the veil of difficulty to reveal that soldering quite easy if you have a thorough understanding of the basic principles and materials.

This clinic uses 3 short case studies outlining 3 different approaches I have used in historical modeling. The 1st is scratchbuilding using elevation drawings found in existing documents/texts. The 2nd is modifying/backdating RTR rolling stock to period standards based on period photos and other documentation. The 3rd uses historical images and known dimensions to extract critical information from historical photos for scratch building.

Do you still think that the EBT was only a coal-hauling railroad? Pete and Jane will change your mind. This clinic will explore the joys and challenges of modeling the EBT (mostly) in HOn3. This will include advice on where to find models and scale drawings, and how to use the EBT Archives to find photos, drawings, and maps. Photos of Pete and Jane’s layout will be featured. The clinic will also give a brief update on the 1:1 scale EBT. Since the EBT Foundation purchased it in 2020: Mikado #16 has returned to service, track has been re-laid south to Pogue, the Saltillo station has been rebuilt, and much more!

Participants should bring a car or two to learn how do quick and easy weathering with Ammo by MIG products. Donation accepted for material costs.

After modeling prototype railroads in the Colorado mountains for many years, Andrew wanted to model something with a mixture of railroads and ships. The clinic will focus on the conversion process, why the location selection, issues dealing with an entirely different environment, how to readjust the trackwork to its new use and traffic requirements, the myriad of problem-solving issues involved, and lessons learned.

When the Virginia Central Railroad’s Blue Ridge Tunnel opened to rail traffic in April 1858 it was, at 4,237 feet (1,291 m) in length, the longest railroad tunnel in the United States. The project was surveyed, designed, and built by Colonel Claudius Crozet, a former French artillery officer under Napoleon, and who served three times as chief engineer for the state of Virginia and its Board of Public Works. Constructed by Irish laborers and enslaved African Americans, the Blue Ridge Tunnel offers a fascinating window into railroad civil engineering projects in the antebellum United States. Also known as Crozet Tunnel, the structure was designated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1976 and is now open for visitors’ year rounds as part of a Virginia rails to trails project. The tunnel was a key part of Chesapeake and Ohio Mountain Subdivision mainline until it was replaced by a larger adjacent tunnel in 1944.

The 90th anniversary of the NMRA in 2025 provided the opportunity for examining the early years of scale model railroading in greater historical detail. This clinic examines the birth of scale model railroading in the United States by focusing on the cultural, social, economic, and technological development of our hobby in the years prior to 1955. This clinic focuses on various topics including the importance of large O-scale model railroad clubs, the creation of magazines such as The Model Craftsman and The Model Railroader, the evolution of layout design and operational approaches, and the tools and technologies built and developed by early hobby pioneers that were foundation for the hobby we enjoy almost a century later. While this clinic is based on a series of articles published in The NMRA Magazine it will appeal to anyone interested in the early years of the hobby.

Even though the most numerous cars in the steam era hauling freight were boxcars, many larger loads had to be carried in other types of cars. Whether it be lumber, machinery, scrap, metal products, or mineral traffic, sometimes open0top cars were employed to carry these commodities. As modelers we all like unique loads. So why not capitalize on this opportunity to model these unique but very frequently seen commodities? Matthew will discuss tried-and-true methods as well as newer ways to model open-top loads for your steam-era flats, gons, and even hoppers.

An overview of pertinent information for how to capture the flavor of Big Blue through its different eras. Photo by Paul Ruta.

Learn about the Historical Societies that are embracing modern platforms and technology to support modelers well into the future.

At MARPM ‘23, Bryan concluded his presentation with a list of future-world plans for his C&O Alleghany Subdivision. Top of the list was implementing a relatively “simple” CTC signal system based on 1950s C&O practices. “Simple”? Well, sometimes yes, and sometimes no. Bryan will share what he's learned using Digitrax signals, JMRI Panel Pro, and Logix, so you can begin developing your own system armed with corrections to the mistakes he's made: • dividing the railroad into blocks • using Digitrax components for block detection and signal and turnout control • designing a traditional-looking (virtual) Union Switch and Signal Company-style CTC panel • using Digitrax signals and/or model signals such as those by Tomar • using JMRI's Logix – the “brains” of the signal system

The session will give an overview of the three railroads Linn models, along with various tips and tricks he's learned over the years to build, operate, and maintain this fairly large layout. Much of what will be presented applies to any model railroad regardless of scale, prototype, or period modeled. Some topics covered include: working order boards, fusees, scenery construction, telegraph system, car dispatching, dual gage switching challenges, and maintenance. Some time will be spent on existing layout modifications and why they were done.

Layout room preparation and staging construction for a 1200 square foot multilevel layout. How to go from paper to plywood building the first stage of a new home layout.

This clinic is about defining what projects would benefit from using advanced laser cutting and 3d printing technology to produce the prototypes, then gaining the skillsets to get the job done. Dave will cover what he learned, and what worked and what did not (really living up to “Make new mistakes.”) He will detail the hardware and software he purchased and what he would do differently.

This clinic will cover the planning and research Dave used to build and operate his New York Harbor Railroad. He will go over the research that he used to make his decisions, and the technology that he used to bring the railroad(s) to life.

In this presentation, we will take a look at some practical and efficient ways to include staging for your model railroad that help add flexibility to your operations. The presentation features hundreds of photos, diagrams, charts, and track plans you can use as examples.

In 1966, with help from the B&O, General Motors acquired a site north of Martinsburg, Vest Virginia, and built a huge parts warehouse complex. Rail shipments of replacement auto parts poured into the new GM behemoth. For more than a decade, the majority of outgoing parts shipments from Martinsburg to regional Parts Distribution Centers throughout the country were by rail as well. The B&O built 9-track Pearson Yard and other trackage to handle the many freight cars needed, and B&O, and later CSX, crews switched the warehouse. This presentation will describe the history of GM Martinsburg as well as the trackage, trains and freight cars that served it from 1967 to the present day.

Not exactly a scratchbuild but as close as it gets. Using a test resin shell casting given to me that looked somewhat like an ECO locomotive, and an old Athearn chassis which Tony later established did not fit this resin cast chassis, he almost created a GP33ECO engine—more a fantasy freelance engine. The build involved removing 50% of the roof, rebuilding and adding other details noted in photos. This clinic is a sequenced step by step journey of the build creating a freelance GP33ECO running number GBFX 4371.

Kurt's on his third real layout. Both the HO and O scale versions of the C&LE have been removed. Rising from the ashes, he is building an O scale version of C&O's Brooke Ave. facility which was located in Norfolk, VA up until 1982. He is building it to Proto 48 standards, which means all the cars and track will be gauged to the prototypical size of 56-½ inches, instead of the more common 5 ft gauge most O scale two railers go for. With this layout, Kurt hopes to complete the AP certificates for Scenery and Prototype Modeler. With AP Motive Power possibly thrown in for good measure. Kurt is already MMR 619."

Since Kurt's Brooke Ave. layout will have some sidings at or just beyond his normal reach, an improved uncoupling system has to be developed. Along with (coupled with, pun intended) the reach issue, Kurt doesn't want to have to shave down O Scale Kadee uncoupling ramps to fit the P48 correct gauge. So to make uncoupling work, Kurt is developing an uncoupling system that will be resident in each freight car. The system will consist of the HM10 Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, a LiPO battery, two micro motors, and some string.

In this clinic, a self-proclaimed average modeler explains what he learned after building more than 20 kits by Funaro and Camerlengo, Westerfield, and Sunshine. The clinic looks at what’s available, modeling references, comments on the good and bad of available kits, costs, dealing with old decals, after-market parts, and recent 3D offerings. He finishes with lessons learned, suggestions for first kits and thoughts about the future of resin car kits.

Weathering adds to your layout the dimension of time. Effective weathering tells a story about the history of each model, invites comparison with other models, reveals patterns in trains and operation and complements other layout elements. Weathering is most effective when the treatment of all models and of other parts of the layout work together. David Vaughn will tell how to think through integrating weathering to tell your layout’s story most effectively.