CLINICS / WORKSHOPS
NEW FOR 2024 – LAYOUT VIDEO TOURS
As can be seen on the schedule below, room 525/527 is listed as LAYOUT VIDEO TOUR. What this means is that we will be showing video tours of the model railroad layouts that are scheduled for our NCX convention. This is being done, as we have many attendee’s that cannot go up and down stairs. All but one layout on tour is in the basement of the owners house. These video’s will allow you to see these layouts, safely!! We hope you will enjoy this NEW part of our NCX convention. Sit back, relax and enjoy!!
Late Changes!!
Last minute changes not reflected in the printed booklet are indicated with STRIKETHROUGH TEXT.
Friday, October 11
Saturday, October 12
Refer to the Schedule page for a complete event schedule
Clinic Descriptions
STATIC GRASS – FROM THE TOP – DOWN AND THE BOTTOM – UP by Bill McMillan (Friday 9:00-10:00 & Saturday 3:15-4:15)
This clinic will investigate the equipment, tools, and materials needed to successfully create grassy fields and weed overgrown areas on your layout. The clinic will show different methods of using and applying static grass materials to the layout. It will also provide various helpful hints and alternate ways to apply static grass. The clinic will also touch on the concept of how to create scenery in layers for best effect.
THE LOGGING RAILROADS OF PENNSYLVANIA: THE INDUSTRIES SERVED by Bruce De Young, MMR (Friday 9:00-10:00)
The peak period of logging by rail in Pennsylvania ran from 1880 until roughly 1929. During that period there were literally hundreds of logging railroads that came, operated, and then disappeared. About half of those railroads were narrow gauge. In Pennsylvania, unlike in some other logging locations, there were many forest-product related industries served by these railroads. This clinic will discuss the variety of industries in the woods, and how they were interrelated. These will be looked at from both a prototype and modeling perspective. The presentation contains many prototype photos of the period and is augmented by model photos from Bruce’s HOn3 Slate Run Railroad and a sampling of model photos from friends in the hobby.
MODEL TRAIN DETECTION METHODS by John Parsons (Azatrax) (Friday 9:00-10:00)
A survey of train detection methods with pros & cons and example applications.
A WEEKEND IN NARROW-GAUGE COUNTRY – SWISS STYLE by Bruce Wolff (Friday 10:15-11:15)
Come along for a Summer 2017 weekend of riding and railfanning the narrow-gauge trains of Switzerland’s Rhätische Bahn (RhB, aka Rhaetian Railway). We’ll explore the Albula line, Bernina Pass and the Arosa line. The clinic will wrap up with an introduction to some manufacturers of RhB equipment in popular model railroading scales.
RAILROADS AND THE NATURAL ICE INDUSTRY: A SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP by Bruce De Young, MMR (Friday 10:15-11:15)
The harvesting of natural ice to preserve food and cool drinks began in the early 1800’s on farms and homesteads. By the middle 1800’s, it became a large industry. Like many other industries involving heavy, bulky commodities, the ice industry turned to the railroads to transport their product. For the next 50-60 years, the natural ice industry became huge customers of the railroads. At the same time, shipping refrigerated products by rail increased dramatically, and the railroads became huge customers of the ice industry. In this clinic, Bruce will look at the commercial process of harvesting, storing, and shipping natural ice and the role that railroads used in the process.
RAILROAD SIGNALING PRACTICES FOR RAILFANS & MODELERS by John Parsons (Azatrax) (Friday 10:15-11:15)
A beginner’s guide to trackside signaling. What are those lights for and what do they mean?
KITBASHING A DOUBLE-CROSSOVER by Bruce Wolff (Friday 11:30-12:30)
Bruce has been fascinated by switches, frogs and flangeways since his dad used to walk him along the shared BN/CN line through east Vancouver when he was a young boy. He is grateful to the Redford Model Railroad Club in Inkster, Mich. for the inspiration and opportunity to build and install the double-crossover described in this clinic.
MODELING GAS STATIONS FOR THE STEAM ERA, TRANSITION ERA, & TODAY by Bruce De Young, MMR (Friday 11:30-12:30)
In the prototype world, gas stations are one of the more common structures that we encounter in our travels. You will also see them on almost every layout you visit. They are also one of the easier structures to detail to match to (and establish) a specific era. Luckily, gas station kits are plentiful in all scales.
USING THE AZATRAX SIGNAL SYSTEM by John Parsons (Azatrax) (Friday 11:30-12:30)
How to design and install a model block signal system using the Azatrax signaling system with infrared train detection.
A BRIEF LOOK AT THE GREAT LAKES RAILROAD CAR FERRIES by Mark Cowles (Friday 1:30-2:30)
This is a look at the development of the railroad car ferries on the Great Lakes and their connecting rivers. First, we’ll look at the boats and routes on the Detroit and St. Clair rivers and the Straits of Mackinac. Second, the Lake Michigan Car Ferries of the Ann Arbor, Grand Trunk Western, C&O on other smaller lines. Then a brief look at the Chicago River and Lake Erie operations. In addition, models, charts and diagrams will be available for attendees to look at. An extensive, multi-page handout will be part of the clinic and some models will be displayed.
MOTIVE POWER AP – ALSO AS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR RAILROAD by Brook Qualman, MMR & Jay Qualman (Friday 1:30-2:30)
As an AP category toward her MMR, Brook selected Master Builder Motive Power. Seeing this as an opportunity, Jay researched several locomotives required for their Michigan Lines railroad not commercially available. Those selected were the NYC Detroit River Tunnel R-1 Electric, the unique Fort Street Union Depot EMD NW-5, and Pere Marquette #1014, a highly modified Mikado. Jay will discuss his approach to research and parts procurement. Brook will give a step-by-step talk their building.
QUICK INDUSTRIES FOR YOUR MODEL RR by Rich Mahaney (Friday 1:30-2:30)
This presentation is designed give model railroaders industry ideas for their model railroad that can be assembled in several evenings (or days) of work. These industries can quickly increase railroad traffic and new customers. Examples of real facilities and model railroad examples are used.
GETTING THE MOST OF THE DPM KITS by Dan Lewis, MMR (Friday 2:45-3:45 and Friday 4:00 -5:00)
This clinic is about kit-bashing the widely popular DPM kits in O, HO, and N scale. We will work from half a dozen of their kit offerings. From the basic kit components, we will look at kit expansion, kit reduction, kit-bashing, painting, super-detailing, and weathering. We will also address interior detailing as well as roof gizmology. The goal is to end up with a structure that is unique, prototypical, and pleasing to the eye.”
UNDER PRESSURE: OPERATING PERE MARQUETTE 1225 ON THE ROAD by George Van Duyne and Dean Pyers (Friday 2:45-3:45)
The Steam Railroading Institute of Owosso, Michigan owns and operates the Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive, a 2-8-4 Berkshire built by Lima in 1941. This clinic will describe the work needed to maintain the locomotive and the specific steps needed to bring it to life and operate it on excursions.
PERISHABLE OPERATIONS IN THE 1950’S by Rich Mahaney (Friday 2:45-3:45)
This 60 minute (or longer) presentation looks at refrigerator cars for produce, fruit, meat and other similar materials, the supporting operations (icing, cleanout, repair, storage buildings and warehouses, brokers and customers), the paperwork involved, the application of all of this for more realistic railroad operations on model railroads and examples of what people are doing on their railroad layouts involving all of these topics.
TEMPORARY OR MOVABLE SCENERY by Irv Chmielewski (Friday 4:00 -5:00 and Saturday 9:15-10:15)
I found I had place on my layout that were just not interesting. I did not want an extensive amount of scenery since these areas could be used for other purposes at some time in the future. This clinic presents the approach I used to fill in these areas with small inexpensive scenery that can be removed when the time comes for something better.
MODELLING CRUDE OIL AND ETHANOL OPERATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION FOR MODEL RAILROADERS by Rich Mahaney (Friday 4:00 -5:00)
This presentation looks at the following topics: crude oil and ethanol products, hazardous materials, placards, loading and unloading facilities, tank cars for transporting these products, unit trains, high-hazard flammable trains and other related information. This new presentation is designed to help model railroaders that want to add these unit trains and their operations to their modern era layouts. See photos of the ND crude oil loading operations of tank cars.
MODELING RIMROCK AND TALUS SLOPES By Dan Lewis, MMR (Friday 4:00-5:00)
Western railroads that work through the mountains often feature rimrock and talus slopes as part of the natural terrain. This clinic will guide the modeler through creating this natural feature, from the formation of the slopes, to building the substructure, casting the rimrock itself, creating the descending talus, and staining, painting, and adding ground cover.
HISTORY OF GRAIN ELEVATORS by Matt Letts (Friday 7:15-8:15 and Saturday 11:45-12:45)
A brief history of grain elevators from the earliest to the present and pictures of different types of elevators. Also a short description of how grain is moved from farm to elevator to final destination.
RIDING THE MICHIGAN CENTRAL RR THROUGH 19th CENTURY DETROIT by John Bopp (Friday 7:15-8:15)
The Michigan Central Railroad along with its predecessor, the state-owned Central Railroad of Michigan, has been a fixture in the state of Michigan and in the lives of its residents since Michigan statehood in 1837. In this clinic John will outline the nineteenth century history of the MCRR in its headquarters city of Detroit. It will begin with a look at the MC’s 1840s era facilities along the river in downtown Detroit, followed by a train trip along the MC’s main line out to the city limits in what is now known as West Detroit. The clinic will be illustrated with historic illustrations, photographs, and maps.
U.S. NAVY 6 STEP TROUBLESHOOTING METHOD by Jim Baker (Friday 7:15-8:15)
As a Data Systems Technician in the Navy, I was taught a troubleshooting technique for digital computers that is very generic and suitable for troubleshooting anything electronic and there are a lot of electronics in today’s model railroad layouts.
AN INTRODUCTION TO MACHINIST’S TOOLS FOR MODEL BUILDING by John Bopp (Friday 8:30-9:30)
In his years working as a machinist, John acquired an extensive set of measuring tools, fixturing aids, and other precision tools. In this clinic he will show how many of these tools can be used in model building and layout construction. He will describe the tools, show samples of them, and provide suggestions for buying them at affordable prices.
LAYOUT LIGHTING By Pierre Willermet (Friday 8:30-9:30)
Ambient lighting for daytime and night operations, building lighting by LED, UV light and electroluminescence and programmed lighting effects.
DETAILING AND UPGRADING A PLASTIC STEAM LOCOMOTIVE – MY EXPERIENCE by George Van Duyne (Friday 8:30-9:30)
This clinic will describe the presenter’s first-time experience of removing the cast-on details from a Bachmann USRA 0-6-0 steam locomotive and replacing them with wire and cast brass detail parts. In addition, making all-wheel power pickups for the tender, installing a decoder and improving the lighting will be described.
N SCALE CONSIDERATIONS AND SOME OTHER STUFF by Ken Chick, MMR (Saturday 8:00-9:00)
A discussion on N-Scale today. What are some of the advantages and the disadvantages. Where is N-Scale a good fit. How can you improve performance and what should you avoid. Can it be a large empire designed for operation – yes it can. Based on experience building the Danforth Hadley & Northern. This clinic is intended to be a give and take with the audience.
MODELING MANUAL CROSSING GATES by George Van Duyne (Saturday 8:00-9:00)
The technology of crossing gates has changed dramatically since the early years of railroading. Most models available today are of a more modern style of gate. This clinic will describe a bit of the history of crossing gates, operation of the older style of gate used in the steam era, originally operated manually by operators stationed at the crossing, and will describe techniques for modeling this type of gate.
LAYOUT PLANNING CONCEPT STAGE by Tim Fisher (Saturday 9:15-10:15)
This clinic covers the first stage of the Layout Design SIG recommended process for layout design. The emphasis is on scaling the project to fit a Model Railroader’s lifestyle and available resources. The clinic includes layouts, track plans and concept thought starters
BOATS FOR TRAINS by Mark Cowles (Saturday 8:00-9:00)
After an introduction explaining why a model railroader might want to model boats, this clinic looks at a number of prototype settings where lake boats, as well as barges, ferries and ships meet trains and exchange cargoes. Emphasis is the area around the Great Lakes but some sites along the inland rivers and coastal ports are also shown. The second part of the presentation will show how a number of individuals from around the country have modeled such settings. There will also be a discussion of some of the better prototype vessels to use on a layout. In addition to the photos, there will be a display of a variety of available maritime models, mostly in N scale, that can be used on a layout. A handout will be included with the clinic.
DCC REVEALED by Jim Baker (Saturday 9:15-10:15)
This clinic discusses the data packet format and transmission from the command station to the locomotive decoder and uses a DCC packet sniffer to display DCC packets and decode their meaning.
IDEAS: FROM THE PROTOTYPE TO YOUR LAYOUT AND THE IDEA OF STATIC ACTION by Mark Cowles (Saturday 9:15-10:15)
This clinic shows dozens of things the prototype does that can easily be added to a model railroad layout, increasing the detail and interest. Photos show things done or used by the 12″ to the foot guys that you can add to your layout. Fill in the blank areas, enhance yards and industries that you already have. We’ll even show you how you might make use of stuff you can’t use anymore. Boss coming to dinner and might be looking at your layout-there’s an idea or two to impress him or her, or at least to catch their eye. Most of the pictures will be of the prototype, but some modeled examples will be shown. Also included will be a section on what I call “static action”, ways to make figures so natural looking action appears to be taking place rather than having figures frozen in midstep.
DOWN EAST, STEAM AND STEEL – DAVE REGITTKO PHOTO OVERVIEW by Tim Fisher (Saturday 10:30-11:30)
Dave took 8,879 color slide photographs from 1956 to 2008. After his death, his family agreed to donate the collection to the NMRA. While preparing the slides for donation, 1475 images were scanned to speed the process of making them available to members and insure against loss or damage. This overview has 80 slides.
A BEGINNERS’S GUIDE TO 3D MODEL DESIGN by Dave McMullian (Saturday 10:30-11:30)
High-detail 3D printed models and parts begin with CAD programs: Computer Aided Design. There are a number of free software programs available that provide everything you need to create your own designs and get them print ready. We will review a versatile program that is easy to use as well as a more sophisticated platform for added complexity. The clinic will also look at online learning resources, examples of drawings and their 3D prints, and some things you should know to make your designs more compatible with 3D resin printing technology.
I’VE BEEN WORKIN’ ON THE RAILROAD – THE MUSIC OF THE RAILS by Paul Lichau (Saturday 11:45-12:45)
As model railroaders, we are usually concerned with the “visual” aspects of our layouts and trains. There is also the “audio” of the hobby. We aware of the clicking of the track, the multitude of effects that are now available to recreate every locomotive horn, bell, crossing signals and even voices of workers and station announcements. Well, that is not what this presentation is about. I have been researching where railroads have been referenced in the music of many “genres” – on the Radio TV, Pop, Rock, Country (and Western), Broadway and Motion Pictures. Stop by and be entertained for 45 minutes of some familiar and some unfamiliar tunes that help to tell the history of the great industry that we model.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE NMRA by Fred Soward (Saturday 10:30-11:30)
A look at projects and programs that have recently been implemented or are being worked on right now. This is your opportunity to hear from and to ask questions of a member of the NMRA National Board of Directors.”
SOLANO TRAIN FERRY by Bill Rubarth (Saturday 11:45-12:45)
This is the story of two men from Michigan, and one from Arizona, who spent 15 years researching a train ferry in California that had been forgotten from history, 7 years before they found the plans, 4 years to build the models, found the wreck and were in two PBS television shows. A journey lasting 30 years. The Solano was the largest train ferry in the world for 35 years. It sailed as part of the transcontinental railroad for 51 years, and was probably the busiest train ferry in the world.
ACRYLIC PAINTS & THE MODEL RAILROADER by Glenn Joppich (Saturday 11:45-12:45)
In this clinic we will discuss how acrylic paints can be used in the hobby of model railroading. We will look at manufacturers and products that are available. We will talk about tools that can be used with acrylic paints. And we will review techniques you can use on your models to produce excellent results.
ANIMATION FOR YOUR LAYOUT by Mark Ellis (Saturday 2:00-3:00)
When I was a kid, I enjoyed the animation that Lionel trains had. I found it was fascinating, Interesting, and wondered how they did it. Maybe that is the engineering in me, like when as a kid I loved to take things apart. Most people model in HO, there is little commercially available models with animation. I like the challenge to animate HO scenes to add interest to the layout, bring realism to operation sessions, and to made visitors to your layout see something they have not seen at any other layout. I feel many of us model railroaders are very happy with DCC functions, sound, and lights on our locomotives. But what about the layout itself, shouldn’t it too be animated. This clinic will demonstrate the ways you can include animation to make your layout more interesting.
INTRO TO THE NASHVILLE ROAD by Andy Keeney (Saturday 2:00-3:00)
From concept to completion, and with the use of modeler’s license, Andy presents his Nashville Road’s very extensive layout through maps and photos. He covers the incorporation of his railroad with history adapted to fit his vision of it.
REFRIGERATOR CARS OF THE 20TH CENTURY by Larry Wolohon, MMR (Saturday 2:00-3:00)
I will describe how refrigerator cars went from fancy painted boxcars to insulated ice refrigerator cars mechanical cooled reefers. Also, billboard reefers will be briefly covered.
DEVELOPING A CAR CARD/WAY BILL SYSTEM FOR THE NASHVILLE ROAD by Andy Keeney (Saturday 3:15-4:15)
After years of using a computer-based operations program, Andy decided that it would be best for the Nashville Road to develop a CC/WB system used by his friends. This program shows how a CC/WB system was developed and is now used on the Nashville Road, with help from his operations-oriented friends.
A VISIT TO THE PRR’S ERIE DOCKS IN 1900 by John Bopp
This history clinic may be a bit different from most. It will focus on just one photo, of the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Erie, PA, yard and docks in the year 1900. They say one photo is worth a thousand words, but this gem is worth many more. In it we can see details of the Pennsy’s little-known Great Lakes rail-marine operations. We can also trace the development of the P.R.R.’s rolling stock through the last quarter of the nineteenth century in the great variety of freight cars pictured. We will zoom in on details in this ultra high-resolution photo from the Library of Congress Detroit Publishing Company collection and bring them to life with additional photos, maps, builder’s photos, and P.R.R. equipment diagrams.
Our Presenters
Andy Keeney
Andy Keeney has been a model railroader from early childhood on. His true love in the hobby is operations and he has built a large multi deck HO layout with the goal of prototype operations to share with his many friends in this wonderful hobby. Andy was born in England and lived in Canada before emigrating to the United States. He retired from both the Michigan State Police and Michigan National Guard and lives in the country near Lansing with his wife Phyllis and their 4-legged kids.
Bill McMillan
Bill is a retired University Professor and has been in the hobby for over 65 years. He has primarily modeled in HO, with a few years in O scale, and now primarily modeling 1/29th scale G Gauge. Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada he still has a soft spot in his heart for modeling the Canadian Pacific and Canadian National railroads. Moving to the USA and living in Dearborn, Michigan during high school introduced him to the Wabash, Norfolk Western, C & O, and the NYC. All these roads are represented in Bill’s modeling. His current passion in model railroading is scratch building and creating realistic scenery.
Bill Rubarth
I have been an HO modeler of the Southern Pacific Railroad since I was a young teenager in the 1950’s. I model the late steam and early black widow diesel era. However the Solano train ferry adventure led me through 1879 to 1930.
Jay & Brook Qualman, MMR
As personal background Jay was looking for a challenge in retirement. He found it in model railroading. He was able to convince Brook to build some structures and it progressed into an MMR for her. Jay and Brook’s HO scale Michigan Lines layout, depicts many of the railroads radiating out from the Detroit waterfront to the various communities across SE Michigan. Their railroad includes many of the Qualman’s favorite scenes from the area including family homes and business.
Bruce De Young, MMR
Bruce was a 71-year resident of New Jersey before moving to southeast Michigan in 2018. He currently lives with his wife Bonnie in Rose Township, Michigan. He is happy to be a member of the Clinton River Division of the North Central Region. Having recently moved, he is currently rebuilding his HO scale Jersey Highlands Railroad which features the anthracite railroads of northwestern New Jersey and his Hon3 Slate Run Railroad depicting a logging railroad in Pennsylvania . Bruce is a frequent clinician at both National and Regional Conventions.
Bruce Wolff
Bruce has been passionate about the Rhaetian Railway since seeing Swiss Rail Journeys on Seattle’s PBS station in the early ’90s. Since 2007 he’s been lucky enough to work for a company whose head office is a 2 1/2 hour train ride from the RhB’s base of operations in Chur, Switzerland.
Dan Lewis, MMR
Dan began his model railroading career in his mid-20s, while serving in an early professorship at an undergraduate college on the west coast. Though he started in HO, he switched to N scale due to the limited space of campus housing, and while he appreciated all the scales, he has remained in 1:160 scale. In the 1990s Dan began completing the various categories in the NMRA’s Achievement Program, eventually completing nine of the eleven certificates and becoming MMR #268. Dan’s North Montana Line layout has been featured in most of the major magazines as well as most years of the NMRA annual calendar.
Dave McMullian
Dave McMullian models the railroads of Maine in the early 50s, including the Boston & Maine, Maine Central, and Bangor & Aroostook. He is building a 35′ x 22′ layout with NCR DCC, signals, nautical scenes, and sound in all engines. Much of the traffic involves the potato industry, milk, and seafood. Work is currently underway to complete his rolling stock fleet and design an ops plan for 5-7 operators. Dave particularly enjoys scratchbuilding, design for 3D model printing, and passenger trains. Organizationally, he has served as NCR President, VP, and Director as well as Superintendent of the Black Swamp Division, Asst. Supt., Director, and Clerk.
George Van Duyne
Like many model railroaders, George Van Duyne became hooked on trains in childhood. The hobby was on hold during military service but George came back to model railroading some decades back, joining the NMRA after retiring and having more time for the hobby.
George began his layout over 30 years ago, beginning in a previous house and moving part of it to the current home, working on it as other obligations permitted. His free-lanced Rochester & Richmond Railroad is HO scale, modeling the late steam era in Appalachia.
Glenn Joppich
Glenn Joppich is a well-known modeler in the North Central Region. He has participated in local, regional and national events. His models are recognized for their excellent quality. His weathering techniques on structures are recognized as some of the best around.
Irv Chmielewski
My first entry into the hobby was a Lionel train set I received from my Father some seven decades ago. I am currently working on my third HO gage layout. I am a member of the NCR Division 8 where I am the current secretary.
Jim Baker
Jim Baker served as a Data Systems Technician in the U.S. Navy where he learned electronics and computer programming. After military service, he earned a degree in Computer Science and had a career in Information Technology. Jim is now retired and he scratches his itch for electronics and programming by consulting with other model railroaders to analyze and troubleshoot pesky layout problems and designing and building custom electronics and JMRI programs for layout automation. Jim’s other interests include Fly Fishing and home improvement projects that don’t include plumbing, he hates plumbing. Jim and his wife Cathy live in Troy, MI, have 3 grown children and 7 grandchildren.
John Bopp
John Bopp is Division 6’s Historian. He started in model railroading with the gift of an American Flyer set on his fifth birthday. When he later changed to HO he began his continuing interest in period railroading or, as it is now called, Early Rail. He has presented His History Lessons, which now appear in the North Central Region Hotbox, at Division 6 meetings since 2014. His main modeling interest now is the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1900-1910 era. He is a retired industrial robotics technical specialist and has also worked as a machinist and manufacturing engineer.
John Parsons (Azatrax)
John Parsons started very young with an American Flyer train set. He was intrigued by the wig-wag signals at grade crossings near his home and by age four made wig-wag replicas with Tinker Toys. He’s been on a mission ever since to improve the realism of model railroad signal operation in a way that’s accessible to the average modeler. John is the instigator and owner of Azatrax.
Ken Chick, MMR
Ken Chick, MMR it an active N-Scaler with a large operating railroad. He is active in Div. 6 and the NCR of the NMRA. He is an NMRA Achievement Program assistant and helps individuals earn their AP Certificates. He is also a long-time member of the Midnight Pocatello Yardmasters model RR club. He has had several articles published in a number of magazines.
Larry Wolohon, MMR
I have been modeling railroads since 1972. I started building Ambroid wood kits of freight cars, then resin kits of freight cars, I started in HO scale, now I model in 2 rail 1/4″ scale or 2 rail O scale. I am Master Model Railroader #295, which I received in 2000. I am working on my layout.
Mark Cowles
I am mostly an N scale modeler with a home layout loosely based on the Cleveland Flats area around the Cuyahoga River in the 1960s. I grew up next to the NKP and it tends to be my favorite road, followed by the East Jordan and Southern, my first fan trip. I now live next to CSX’s old C&O Plymouth Sub. I’ve also lived next to or connected to the CB&Q, Rl, NH, CA&E and British Rail. Ok, so I never met a RR that I didn’t like. I started with Lionel, some still run along the top of the wall in the train room, went to HO, now with some trolley & interurban cars. I’ve also got G gauge in case N scale becomes too small. I’m Superintendent of LaNtrak, clerk & newsletter editor for Division 5 and a board member of the Michigan RR Club and Ann Arbor Technical & Historical Assoc. as well as their calendar editor.
Mark Ellis
I have been modeling for about 30 years, enjoyed Lionel trains when I was a kid, but stopped when I went to college and got married. I had been a lone wolf modeler for 12 years, until 2006, then joined Division 6 to help with the National NMRA convention 2007 held in Detroit. I saw the opportunity to become a better modeler while attending several clinics at the NMRA convention. I have learned a lot of great tips for modeling and feel I need to pass them on so others can enjoy modeling trains like I do. I have been a clinician, Fall Show Chairman, and Division 6 Superintendent.
Matt Letts
I have been in the hobby seriously since the late 70’s. I model the Santa Fe and a fictional short line running on part of the old Rock Island in Kansas in the early 80’s. Living in Kansas I saw a lot of grain elevators, but they were just part of the backdrop. But through extensive research I put together this clinic.
Paul Lichau
Paul is a retired music educator and band conductor. He was in music education for a total of 49 years. He taught Band for 29 years (27 at Carrollton MS/HS in Saginaw, MI) and then was an administrator with the MI School Band & Orchestra Association for 20 years. He retired after serving 11 years as the MSBOA Executive Director. He also was a 51-year member of the Saginaw Eddy Concert Band serving his last 22 years as the Associate Conductor/Conductor.
After he retired, he decided to revisit his admiration for model trains. Then Covid hit and things came to a halt, as far as construction was concerned, since he was not yet up to date on the details. He joined Division 6, North Central Region, National Model Railroad Association and attended their ZOOM meeting for over a year. He learned a lot and proceeded to plan and build his layout in some available space in their basement.
He is currently serving his 2nd year as the Superintendent of Division 6, NCR, NMRA.
Pierre Willermet
Model railroad hobbyist and division 6 member for 30 years, have been participating in weekly round robin operating sessions for a number of years.
Rich Mahaney
Rich Mahaney has spent his entire 50-year plus career working in the areas of loss prevention, emergency response, disaster planning and the design and delivery of training programs. Working in the specific areas of fire protection, firefighting, hazmat, safety to help protect people, property and the environment using the education he received from Oklahoma State University. Rich’s photography skills and travel have allowed him to photograph trains and other related subjects and to develop lots of railroad and model railroad related clinics to present to groups all across North America. Rich’s railroad of interest is the Great Northern Railway, the railroads that interchanged with it and the movement of perishables from WA east. Rich has presented clinics and taught in more than 30 states and 5 providences of Canada. In 2022, Rich presented 48 one-hour clinics to model railroad groups, meetings, and conventions. In 2023, Rich presented 30 one-hour clinics for model railroad groups, meetings and conventions, a slow year for Rich. Rich is currently serving as the President of the North Central Region of the National Model Railroad Association.
Tim Fisher
Tim Fisher is working on his fourth railroad since 1973 based on the Santa Fe during the steam era. He was occasionally NCR Region President, Vice Chairman of the 2007 National Convention, and presenter of clinics at Division and Region events on Layout Planning, the Auto Industry, and Wiring. He is a member of the NMRA, Layout Design SIG, Santa Fe Historical and Modeling Society and South Oakland Model RR Club. He and Dave Regittko were members of a round robin group where he was mentored to build skills.
Fred Soward
Fred’s interest and involvement in the hobby have been constant throughout his life, despite more than two dozen moves around the world. He has served as the Mid Central Region Secretary and as a Trustee, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent, as well as holding several committee chair roles, in his local Division in Louisville, Kentucky. He earned his MMR in 2022. His primary model railroading interest is in operations and both model and prototype photography. He has built layouts in N scale, HO scale, O27, and G gauge. Fred’s latest HO scale home layout, currently under construction, centers around the Santa Cruz & Felton Railway, a re-imagined Southern Pacific Santa Cruz Branch line set in 1981. He has presented in-person and virtually on a wide variety of topics for Region and National Conventions, multiple NMRA Divisions, and NMRAx. He is a member of the LDSIG and OPSIG as well as several railroad historical societies. In addition to a career in the US Army, Fred taught at both the college and corporate level. He also managed a team of information technology instructors at a private training company and created and taught online and in-person information technology learning content at a Fortune 100 company until his second retirement.
Dean Pyers
Dean Pyers is currently the Executive Director of the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso, Michigan. Previously he was a volunteer there for many years while working as a manufacturing engineer for General Motors in Warren. He is co-author of the Arcadia history book about Pere Marquette 1225, and is also a former Treasurer of the North Central Region. Dean is a member of the South Oakland club and has an interest in modelling the New York Central in HO scale.