Al Babinsky

In the absence of MMR Gene Swanson, Al Babinsky opened the clinic and welcomed all to the 2012-2013 season. Gene decided that he would rather be in Alaska than doing the clinic but he missed an interesting clinic on how to become a “Sparky.”

Only 24 modelers attended, mostly due to the Narrow Gauge Convention in Seattle. Ed Liesse read a letter from his friend in Alaska concerning Gene’s visit. Mike Shaw gave us some information about the Video Library and obtaining access to the library. Bill Deutscher from Tacoma Trains presented what’s new at the Hobby Shop which included books and models in the scales from O to Z, including a model of a saw mill from Woodland scenic, almost good enough to qualify for the model of the month.

Speaking of the model of the month, we only had two entries; a couple of GP’s from Walt Houston in N scale and three cabeese to show how weight was installed. Walt Houston won the model of the month.

After the break, Al Babinsky presented a clinic on how to build a DC adjustable power supply. Power supplies are available at reasonable cost, but sometimes the output voltage is not correct, so by building one you can correct that problem. Not everyone is a “sparky” but if you follow the rules and watch out you should not have a problem. The high amperage adjustable regulators have the case as the output which is positive and need a heat sink. Be sure that the case of the regulator has insulation between it and the heat sink and that the screws have an insulating sleeve and washer. The DC power supply is required to use the SPROG II to program and then run the programmed locomotive. In the hand-out it was explained how to get 16V out of a 12v transformer and how to carry the load required without a drop in voltage. The handout will attached to this report so that anyone desiring to build one has the required information.

Next month clinic will be on October 11 at our usual location the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg. the corner of 112th Street and Waller Road at 7:30 PM. Hope to see all of you there. Bring a friend to share in our good time and learn something new.