By Al Babinsky

MMR Gene Swanson opened the September Clinic and the new season on time as always. We had 43 attendees, five of which were newcomers: Cliff Chapman modeling HO Circus trains; Tony Dell and his son, George, modeling HO Milwaukee Road; Jared, just starting in HO; and Chuck Carlson, G scale garden railroad.

Under announcements were several items of note, one of which was that Ken Roe passed away and the estate manager gave his layout and other model railroad related items away to anyone desiring to take and put it to good use. Walt Houston announced that he was organizing a layout tour on November 19 to celebrate National Model Railroad Month. Also, for those of you that remember the Corkscrew Northern, which had its last home at the Boys and Girls Club in North Tacoma and then was in storage for the last twelve years, has found a new home. The layout is going to be moved to the Cannery in Sumner were it will be put back in operation.

Tacoma Trains presented “What’s New at the Hobby Shop” with new items too numerous to mention. There were books, calendars, DVD’s, cars, freight cars with several kits, a rarity these days.

In the “Bring and Brag” (Model of the Month) category were a number of interesting items. Carloads of gold ore, rocks crushed with hammer and then sifted to get the right size. (The rocks had streaks of mica and other shine veins which made them look like they contain gold.) Resin castings of car frames that had lead shot cast in to add weight. A depressed-center flat car kit bashed from three-axle crane trucks and other parts along with a kit-bashed 2-6-2 German-style locomotive. A kit-bashed N scale caboose, an N Scale Architect saw mill model, a HO scale BTS lumber mill kit with complete interior, and a template for brass etchings for the Tacoma Union Station for the PSMRE layout at the History Museum. The Model of the Month winner was Tony Bentley’s BTS lumber mill kit.

The clinic was “Airbrushing for Beginners” by Scott Taylor. Scott talked about safety and proper equipment to use while airbrushing, the different types of paint and how to mix them. Different compressed air sources were discussed as well as regulators and the types of air brushes that are available. And don’t forget the most important thing: clean up, so the equipment is ready to use when needed. He also discussed spraying technique, what to do and not to do. That last item was handy tips for
various things. Everyone was given a handout with all the items discussed. A great clinic and many thanks Scott.

Next month’s clinic is October 13 when Paul Vaughn will discuss resin casting. 7:30 PM at the Pierce County Library Admin. Bldg., corner of 112th St. and Waller Rd. We hope to see you there, so please come and join us for a couple of hours of model railroading fun.