Date/Time
Date(s) - Saturday, April 7, 2018
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
Southampton Community Center
913 Willow Street
Southampton, PA 18966
Categories
On Saturday April 7, we return to the Southampton Community Center, 913 Willow Street, Southampton, PA 18966. The time is 9:00am with doors opening at 8:30. Directions and maps can be found on page 7 of March issue of The Dispatcher.
To start out, member Joe Walters will offer a clinic titled, “Scratch Building a 50’ Boxcar in Styrene.” The 50′ boxcar was a staple of all railroads for decades, some outliving their home roads. Joe will discuss the ins and outs of scratch building a 50′ boxcar in styrene and two-part casting, including painting and decaling. He’ll describe the techniques and tools needed to perform the task, as well as the difficulties he encountered along the way.
Joe is an accomplished model railroader who has zipped through the Achievement Program earning no less than five certificates in a very short period of time. He is well on his way to becoming a Master Model Railroader and is happy to help others on their AP journeys, as well.
Our second clinic will be given by member Mike Dettinger, who has titled it,“BlueRail: The Cure for the Rail Blues?” Blue Rail is an entry-level train control system that offers a number of operational possibilities. This clinic explores the BlueRail system by examining the technology, the entry costs, and its expansion potential. Topics will include:
• What is BlueRail?
• Who is target market for BlueRail?
• Who are the players in the BlueRail space?
• Where does BlueRail fit in the context of DC and DCC control systems?
• What can BlueRail do for me?
o BlueRail Sound System.
o BlueRail + Battery = DeadRail.
o Micro Layout operation with BlueRail
BlueRail uses your smartphone to control trains. You may want to download the free BlueRail app for your smart phone in advance of the clinic.
Mike is what you might call a “fringe” modeler. If it’s odd or obscure, he’ll model it and put a decoder in it and/or animate it.
As usual we’ll have coffee, donuts, and Philly soft pretzels, the white elephant table, door prizes, 50/50 raffle, and a model display table. Members are encouraged to bring projects in any stage of completion to display and discuss if desired. A 2019 MER Convention meeting follows immediately after the conclusion of the meet.
The afternoon fare consists of open house layout tours. Hope to see you there!
Note: We welcome guests for a few meets to see what it’s all about, but ask that you join the NMRA if you wish to attend more activities after that. Trial memberships are available at reduced cost.
