Central Coast Model Railroad (CCMR)
Fourth Saturday Modeling Clinics

For those interested in the Central Coast Model Railroad (CCMR) and improving their modeling skills. Those interested from the general public are encouraged to attend as well. This continuing series of workshops is held at the Museum at noon on the fourth Saturday of each month unless otherwise noticed. Free with Museum admission. Following the clinics, modelers are encouraged to run their own trains on the CCMR (locomotives and rolling stock must be pre-approved for couplers, weight, and wheel conformity to insure a smooth operation on the layout; see the superintendent or lead docent for clearance).

SCHEDULED CLINICS:

To Be Announced

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COMPLETED CLINICS:

DCC Throttles and Operations on the CCMR

September 25, 2021
Noon
Andrew Merriam

Upgrading Turnout Controls

February 22, 2020
Noon
This is an overview of the new Walthers Layout Control System presented by Bob Schrempp, one of the electronic gurus at CCMR. The talk will look at this "fast, fun and affordable way to customize easy turnout operation on new or existing layouts running DC or DCC power, in HO, N, Z, S and O Scale!" This 21st century approach to turnout control uses servo-based components, and features color-coded plug-and-play wiring to eliminate cutting and soldering. The heart of the system is the fully assembled Switch Machine that has a low current draw and comes with great features including an integrated DCC accessory decoder, as well as user-selectable options for quick and easy customizing.

Streets, Rural Roads and Tractor Ruts

January 25, 2020
Noon
A how-to program for those modeling the landscape surrounding our railroads. It will be presented by Charles Crabb who is doing the Oceano scene at the Museum.

Famous Model Railroads in the US

November 23, 2019
Noon
Half hour presentation on famous Model Railroads in the US (following up on our very well received video of the La Mesa Clubs Tehachapi layout last month), a review of CCMR goals for 2020 (Merriam), and a initial discussion of the arduino as applied to model railroading electronics and controls (Chad Stallsworth - a professional in this field and one of CCMRs specialists in control technology). If you do not know what an arduino is, come and find out.

Right of Way and Trackside Details

October 5, 2019
10am
By Bob Chaparro. This is a presentation on exploring the use of details as a means to make your layout a more complete, interesting, and unique model railroad environment. Details exist without the presence of a train yet are "railroady." Details add realism, completeness, and atmosphere beyond the trains and structures, convey to visitors your railroad is a miniature transportation system, reinforce prototype or freelance railroad practice, and are simple and sometimes subtle. Many photographic examples of prototype details will be presented. Bob's talk will also include a brief overview of local model railroads you can visit that weekend (Festival Model Layout Tour). Technically not part of this "Fourth Saturday" program, but we thought you might like to know...

Throttle etiquette and trouble shooting for docents and model operators

September 28, 2019
Noon

Application of SP coast line train operations to our CCMR modeling program

August 24, 2019
Noon

July 27, 2019 - Cancelled (conflict with Southern Pacific Historical conference)

Super-detailing and weathering model vehicles

by Charlie Crabb
June 22, 2019
Noon
Included will be a discussion of models available, fitting them to the era of your model railroad. The primary focus will be on weathering techniques to change the model from a toy to a realistic feature on the model railroad. Use of washes and weathering powders and their application will be covered. Charlie is a car buff having restored full scale vehicles as well as modeling in "n" and "HO" scales. Many of his miniature vehicles are visible at the CCMR.

Soldering tips

by Bob Schrempp
May 25, 2019
Noon
This will be a live video presentation with a question and answer period at the SLORRM big screen seating area. It will focus of soldering techniques for obtaining solid/durable connections between rails, various size wires. Included will be a review of soldering iron sizes and tips, composition of solders and fluxes as well as related means of making electrical connections. Bob has a degree in electrical engineering and has been an active modeler for decades. He is currently assisting in the design and installation of the electrical track and control systems at the CCMR.

Modeling Electronics

by Andrew Merriam
February 24, 2018
2pm