Author: Dale Kraus

Dale G. Kraus

Photos by author

It was a full house at the Tacoma Clinic on February 8.  After announcements, Rob of Rob’s Trains and Hobbies   showed us what was new… and not-so-new. He has several collections of gently-used equipment on N, HO, and O scales at bargain prices.

This month’s clinic was  HO Scale Wooden Trestle Construction  presented by Scott Taylor. He explained and demonstrated everything you need to know about posts, piles, braces, sashes, caps, stringers, girts, and ties.

The Modeler’s showcase was  well-populated, with 19 models shown by eight modelers.

Leo’s  HO flat car load.  (Model of the Month)

John’s old HObbyline tank cars

Kurt’s  N  diesel/overhead electric Japanese train

Kurt’s Laser-cut paper building kits (also N)

Dennis’ srcatchbuilt N Turntable

Mitch’s  HO  German water tower and  “Rathaus”

Mike’s On30 locos

Warren’s  HO “fallen flags”  U.P. diesels

Gene’s HO drover’s caboose with full interior

The next Tacoma Clinic will be on March 8  at 7PM in the usual place.  After that we will be moving.  Watch the Grab Iron for notification of our new location.

Accidently omitted in the November report was the Model of the Month winner.
Paul Vaughn took the honors with his On30 car barge and apron.

Don’t forget, Dirty Santa is coming to the December meeting. Dec 14 at the Puyallup Community Baptist Church.   See the main Nov report for details.

Dale G. Kraus

Photos by author

Twenty-seven model railroaders gathered at the Pierce County Library administration building on November 9 and were called to order (sort of) by Wain Miller, substituting for the ailing Gene Swanson.

The topic for the evening was  The Art of The Streamliner, a fascinating computer/slide program  narrated by railroad historian Joe Welsh.  The program covered both steam and diesel streamliners, including the Twentieth Century Limited, the Broadway Limited, the Super Chief, the Burlington Zephyr, and others.

The modeler’s showcase again had only three entrants: Warren Kerr’s Hon3 2 truck shay. Paul Vaughn’s On30  kitbashed car float, and a four building Swiss  village by yours truly.

Warren’s Shay

Paul’s Car Float

Dale’s Village

We REALLY need more models.  C’mon, guys and gals. This January bring along something to show.

Remember. the December clinic will be held   at the Puyallup Community Baptist Church, 1318 9th Ave SW, Puyallup WA 98371.  It’s the Christmas party, so bring your appetite and a gift for Dirty Santa.

Sorry, Scot.  That loco is obviously DM&IR

Dale G Kraus

Thirty-two modelers gathered at the Pierce County Library admin building to kick off the 1017/18 season.  Emcee Gene Swanson  welcomed  all of us and introduced two newcomers.

The clinic topic for this month was  DC and DCC troubleshooting, presented by Mike Shaw.  Mike used a simple reversing loop display to demonstrate the  wiring differences  between the two, and how to avoid short circuits and detect and correct them if they occurred. The presentation was complete with a detailed handout. He showed us a handy device which can be made with a buzzer and a 9V battery which  will detect any shorts by buzzing. Use it before all the feeders are hooked up to the DCC system.  Mike’s handout is comprehensive and shows how to find DC or DCC shorts.

Four models were presented in the modeler’s showcase.

An Sn3 flat car by Paul Vaughn.

The Norfolk and Western business car Ohio State University  by Dale Kraus

A craftsman kit-built N scale industry by Dennis Reeve. (Model of the Month)

A brass HO Bessemer and Lake Erie  0-10-0  detailed and modified by Scott Taylor.

The October Clinic will be held at the Puyallup Community Baptist Church, 1318 9th Ave SW, Puyallup WA 98371.

The Tacoma Clinic kicks off the season on
September 14 at 7:00 PM in the
Pierce County Library Admin building
3005 112th St E, Tacoma 98446. 
Plan to attend and meet old and new friends and fellow modelers.

Don’t forget to bring those models you’ve been building this summer and show them off for us.

Dale G. Kraus

Photos by author

The May clinic was brought to order by MMR Gene Swanson at the Lakewood Library.  After brief announcements,  Wain Miller was presented a civil engineering Merit Award for a scratchbuilt  double-diamond level crossing.   Wain is one  piece of track-work away from  his Model Railroad Engineer – Civil     certificate.

 Greg Price  Presented his excellent clinic on Building (and improving) Wooden Structure Kits .  An extensive, detailed handout provided a step-by-step recap.  His tips included: 1. Inventory the kit first. 2. Square up the sides. 3. Paint everything before assembly. 4. use a squaring jig when assembling.  and many others. Greg uses a sponge to color the sides, and distresses the siding for extra detail.   A light India ink wash then brings out the detail. Some of the buildings he used as examples are shown below.

The modelers’ showcase was very sparse.  A scratchbuilt coaling tower by your humble author and  Russ Segner’s old PFM brass 2-6-6-0 and water tank car were the only models shown.

The next clinic will be held  at the Pierce County Library admin office (3005 112th St. E. Tacoma 98446) on June 8 at 7PM .