By Al Carter

SECOND ANNUAL JOINT CLINIC – April 14, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

All are invited to Mount Vernon on April 14 for the second annual joint program of the Skagit Valley / Whidbey Island and the Mount Vernon clinics.  Rather than having an agenda of set clinics throughout the day, the format we employ is to have several tables set up with chairs around it, with a “clinician” actively working on a subject, demonstrating techniques, answering questions, etc.  This is sort of an “up close” format, and in some cases, attendees may get to try certain techniques themselves.

Also, we will have a “swap area” where people can bring items for sale/trade/free.  We did this last year and it was hugely successful.  No charge for table rent, as we are not looking to commercialize this.  You must put your name and price on each item.  You do not have to stand by your table; you should be easily able to find the owner of something if you are interested in it.

The location for this event is again at the Mount Vernon Senior Center, 1401 Cleveland Street, Mount Vernon.  This is easily accessed from the Kincaid Street exit off of I-5.  West on Kincaid Street to Cleveland, and turn left (south) and go several blocks to the senior center on your right.

Note:  access is only through the rear door – the front door must remain locked.

Doors open at 9:00. Come in, have a cup of coffee and chat with old friends before the morning session begins!

No lunch is provided – you are on your own.  There is one “walk up” burger joint a few blocks away; otherwise, eating places are a mile or so north in Mount Vernon.  Or, bring your brown bag lunch – an eating area is provided.

Below is a list of “clinicians” and their subjects.  Most of these will either be morning or afternoon sessions, although some may continue from the morning into the afternoon session.   Schedule subject to revision.

Morning Session, 10-12 am:

  • Tom Buckingham – General layout construction, mounting Tortoise switch machines from above, joining Masonite, bending Micro Engineering flex track, layout lighting using LED’s–strip and flood.
  • Alan Murray – Precision wood construction techniques
  • Rich Blake – Hand laid track technique and servo control installation for turnout
  • Tom Hawkins, Scenery Methods with Ground Goop

Afternoon Session, 1-3 pm:

  • Cliff Aaker, Rocks and Roads
  • Al Carter – Building Hydrocal Structures
  • Mark Malmkar, Electrical Details for Structures
  • Ted Becker – Decoder Pro, Locomotive programming, Arduino.

This is a very informal get together with some outstanding modelers sharing their talents, techniques, and secrets.  We would love to have you join us!

If you have a topic that you would like to demonstrate, please contact Ted Becker (rail.bird@att.net).  It is not too late to add someone – we can set up more tables.  Remember, though, that these are not traditional “classroom” type of clinics, but more casual, live demonstrations of various techniques.

Al Carter