We have multiple great clinics and presentations lined up for everyone this year! Look them over and decide if you want to attend one, several or all of them!
Clinic/Presentation Schedule
Friday May 9
11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Good Enough: Simple Landscape Concepts for Garden Railroads, Frank Dunbar Lakeshore Garden Railway Club
2:00 PM to 2:45
PM Conductivity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Maximize It (David Bergmann, Split Jaw Products
Saturday May 10
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Modular Layouts: The Basics of Construction and Setup, Nico Corbo 4 Track RR
11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Good Enough: Simple Landscape Concepts for Garden Railroads, Frank Dunbar Lakeshore Garden Railway Club
1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Getting the Maximum Life from your Boiler: The best ways to design, operate, and maintain boilers. Marty Knox Ridge Locomotive Works
"Good Enough: Simple Landscape Concepts for Garden Railroads" Dr. Frank Dunbar from the Lakeshore Garden Railway Club
Struggling with how to landscape your garden railroad? Not sure what materials to use, plants to buy, or scenes to create? This is your workshop!
Dr. Dunbar has a garden railroad, but also was, for many years, a landscape architect. He has modified and applied concepts that he used in that profession to the miniature landscapes we attempt to create as a part of our garden railroad empires.
In this workshop he will share some of his thoughts on materials to consider, ones to avoid, as well as some specifics on plant material choices and pruning techniques. In addition, some time will be spent on the creation of scenery that is good enough to convey the message without going overboard.
Bring your questions and enjoy talking about the garden part of large scale railroading.
"Getting the Maximum Life from your Boiler" Marty Knox from Ridge Locomotive Works
For those passionate about large-scale and ride on trains, a well-maintained boiler is the heart of smooth operation. That’s why Marty Knox, an industry expert and owner of Ridge Locomotive Works, is conducting a specialized clinic: **”Getting the Maximum Life from Your Boiler.”** This session is designed for the enthusiasts who want to optimize the performance, longevity, and efficiency of their boilers.
During this clinic, Marty will share his wealth of experience on the **best design practices, operational techniques, and essential maintenance strategies** to ensure your boiler runs at peak condition for years to come. Whether you’re working with an older steam locomotive or a modern steam one, you’ll gain practical insights to **reduce wear and tear, maximize heat efficiency, and enhance overall safety.**
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss common boiler issues, and get expert recommendations tailored to their specific setups. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer or just starting to explore steam locomotives, this clinic promises valuable knowledge that will keep your locomotive running strong.
"Conductivity: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Maximize It" David Bergmann from Split Jaw
For large-scale railway enthusiasts, maintaining reliable track conductivity is essential for seamless operation. This educational session is designed to deepen your understanding of how electrical conductivity impacts the performance of large-scale trains/tracks and how to optimize it for trouble-free operation.
During this clinic, David will guide participants through the different types of metal used in track construction, discussing how their conductivity varies and what factors influence electrical efficiency. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how material choice affects power distribution, locomotive performance, and long-term durability.
Most importantly, attendees will learn practical techniques to enhance conductivity—from maintenance best practices to installation methods that reduce electrical resistance and improve overall reliability. Whether you’re building a new layout or troubleshooting an existing one, David’s expertise will help you achieve the highest level of conductivity and minimize operational disruptions.
This is a must-attend clinic for anyone looking to optimize their railway system and ensure smooth, reliable performance for years to come.
"Modular Layouts: The Basics of Construction and Setup" Nico Corbo from 4 Track RR
If you’re looking to build a **G gauge modular layout**, understanding the fundamentals of **construction, planning, and setup** is key to ensuring a trouble-free experience.
In this session, Nico will cover everything from **initial layout planning to full implementation**, offering insight into **common techniques** that help make modular layouts **versatile, durable, and easy to transport or expand**. He’ll break down the **challenges you may encounter** during the construction process and provide **practical solutions** to avoid pitfalls before they become major issues.
Beyond the basics, attendees will also learn how to **optimize modular layouts for smooth operation**, ensuring consistent connectivity, stability, and alignment between sections. Whether you’re new to modular track systems or looking to refine your existing setup, this clinic is designed to give you the tools and knowledge needed to **build a layout that runs reliably and efficiently**.