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1/64 Scale Model Trains
Founded 1948
HomeConvention Clinics

Convention Clinics

For a printable schedule of clinics arranged in time sequence click here.

How-to Clinics


American Flyer Repair - Don Hasenzahl Sat 10:30AM
Step by step demonstration on how to re-wick a steam locomotive smoke unit - starting with instruction on how to open up the locomotive and advice on how to get best smoke output!


DCC Update  (Digital Command Control) - Michael Greene Fri 9:00AM

This clinic will provide an update of NMRA Digital Command Control and its application to modeling in S. This includes updates on new products — both recent DCC products (systems, decoders, etc.) as well as products that include DCC. Also this clinic will touch on the topics of installations in S, tools that are useful with DCC, and related products & technologies like the layout control bus.


Decals Wet Transfer method Step-by-Step - Geoff Graeber Fri 9:00AM
This system provides for the precise application of decals to a surface using quality masking tape to delineate where the lateral and inferior margins of the decal will go. Methods will be presented for both the right and left handed modeler.


Decals Dry Transfer Method Step-by-step- Geoff Graeber Sat 10:30AM
Using a diagram that has enlarged the guiding diagram provided by the manufacturer to the exact size of the car or piece you wish to letter; the placement and dimensions of the dry transfer can be placed on the surface. Procedures will be presented for both right and left handed modelers to facilitate placement.



Ken's Make It / Take it Clinic  - Wed 6:00PM & Fri 11:00AM Cost is $30,  Attendance limit is 25 people.
How would you like to start and finish a model during the NASG Convention?  During the last three NASG Conventions, participants who had never built a kit and modelers looking to broaden their kit building skills have gone home from the convention with finished structures ready to put on their layouts.  Then join Ken Zieska, nationally recognized modeler during the 2018 New England S-PRESS NASG Convention  for a Make It, Take It clinic.  During two clinic sessions totaling about 3 hours you will start and potentially complete a building from a kit.  You will learn about different glues, paints, and techniques.  The charge for the kit (at our cost) of $30 is the cost of the clinic. Ken will have several glues and some of his suggested tools and paints for you to use, however, you are encouraged to bring a set of tools, i.e. knife, cutting surface, pin vice, tweezers, razor saw, etc.


Modeler's Tips, Tricks, and Shortcuts - Malcolm Houck Fri 2:00PM
The clinic covers speciality shop-made tools, jigs, templates and soldering tips. We'll discuss some scenery tips for modeling water and trees as well.




Modeling Milk - Ed Loizeaux Sat 9:30AM

An interesting overview presentation of the dairy industry and its dependence
on railroad transportation.  A visual slide show follows the physical movement
of milk from cow to table.  Emphasis is on horse-drawn carts, small trucks,
trackside platforms, trains, interurban/trolley cars, can cars, creameries, ice
houses, ice harvesting, icing machines, bulk milk cars, entire milk trains,
pasteurization, homogenization, bottling plants, larger trucks and conversion of
milk to other products such as butter, ice cream, cheese, etc.  Each step of the
process is illustrated with both prototype and model images so the modeler can
recreate all, or a portion, of the dairy industry on his home layout.


Scenery: The World around your Trains - Phyllis Sieger and Pat Fucile Fri 10:00AM

See how suggestions and ideas about perspective, history, people, your hobbies and whimsy can enhance scenery and help make your layout uniquely yours. Learn about non-commercial sources to explore: from your back yard or travel locations, to your kitchen and junk drawers.
Watch as two dioramas start with a building and a scene is created around them using these ideas.
Share some of your ideas with us as well.

After all, in this case, “The world is what you make it!”


Understanding 3D printing for S Gauge -Bob Frascella Fri 3:00PM

A basic introduction to 3D design and Printing and how it benefits S Scale Modelers. The clinic will walk the modeler through obtaining and using free design software, basic 3D design, and how to to print the design using a commercial printing company. An electronic copy of the presentation materials will be provided to all in attendance via email.

Information Clinics



A.C. Gilbert - American Flyer Engine prototypes - Carl Byron Fri 11:00AM
A closer look at A.C. Gilbert engine models as toy trains, and how closely he followed the prototype from the small 0-6-0 Docksider to the Union Pacific 4-8-4 locomotive. If time permits, some more information on A.C. Gilbert and the Misto Magic Company.


Going to Provincetown (Cape Cod)?  Ride the Rails! -Roy E Jones III Fri 10:00AM

Go for a train ride from Hyannis/Yarmouth down to Provincetown. Take in the sights through historic pictures and some model railroading of actual locations.  We’ll be on a freight so will have to do some switching like Route 6 building materials in Brewster or some coal for Camp Wellfleet. We’ll have to check for the barrel at Pleasant Lake. We will talk about the construction of the Cape Cod Central and how Chatham got left out.  We’ll put Chatham on the Rail Map too! If we took this trip before 1937 we might have ridden a passenger car so let’s see if we could have beaten today’s traffic in the late 1800’s. Yes we’ll pick up a couple loads of Cranberries in North Harwich. Come enjoy a wonderful and eventful rail ride!


Railroads in the Civil War 1861- 1865 - Roy E Jones III   Thur 7:00PM

This talk will discuss some interesting or little known aspects of Railroads in the Civil War.  We’ll talk about how Rail and Massachusetts troops were involved in first war battle.  How was Massachusetts involved in getting troops to Washington?

Who tricked the Baltimore & Ohio RR?  Who stole locomotives without track?  Then stole track to build a railroad?  Who was this guy Herman Haupt?  We use things today in Model Railroading that he invented. Was he a Prophet in his writings and work?  The costly big dig wasn’t the first in Massachusetts. Hear about it! We’ll see that Taunton, MA had a big role in the Civil War railroads.
As we talk we’ll see how effective the U.S. Military Railroad System was.  It followed Grant almost to Appomattox for the surrender.


Ride The Rutland - Jeff English Wed 6:30PM
An overview and discussion of the sights along the rails for the Green Mountain Vermont rail tour from Bellows Falls to Ludlow, Vermont.


The Fabulous Gilbert American Flyer S Gauge Streamliners - A history by Bob Bubeck Fri 3:00PM

The postwar period of American Flyer toy train production by the A.C. Gilbert Co. saw the offering of the sleekest and grandest diesel-electric streamliner models of any U.S. manufacturer during the years from 1950-1964.  The evolution and collectability of the ALCO PA/PB, Silver Bullet, and NH EP-5 passenger sets will be discussed, as will details about early 1950's chrome plating processing on plastics and some intriguing pre-production examples that did not make it to production. Given the New England location of the convention, McGinnis NH passenger equipment considered by Gilbert, but not produced will also be included.


Gulliver's Gate - Stephan Lamb, professional model railroad layout builder. Fri 1:00PM
Get the inside background on this phenomenal animated train display in New York City. Steve and his crew created the New England portion of GG, and are responsible for much of the operating system. Stephen has photos and lots of information to share on this amazing display. Link to Gulliver's Gate..

Non-Railroad Clinics


Ladies Meet and Greet – Hosted by Helen Lenart Tues 7:30PM
A chance to meet each other, hear more about non-rail events and learn about activities in the local area.



Deane's How to make a Sugar Scrub clinic - Thur 7:00PM Cost $5. Attendance limit is  20.

Coconut Sugar Scrub Clinic - presented by Deane Louise Greene
Learn how to make your own Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub for yourself or to give as gifts.  It is so simple and easy to make and feels like an expensive spa treatment.  The coconut oil moisturizes and is beneficial for your skin on so many different levels.  The granular sugar exfoliates your skin to open up pores and give you a smoother feel.  Essential oils can stimulate your senses with peppermint or citrus, or you can soothe with lavender.  

There will be several scents and non-staining, colorants available. Use this luxurious home made product anywhere on your body where you have dry or rough skin - soften the rough spots on your feet or moisturize & exfoliate your face.  Rub a little into your hands after washing, or use in the shower for silky soft skin. You'll be able to duplicate this anytime anywhere after completing this workshop.  Supplies will be provided and you'll be able to take home a jar of your own along with a recipe.

This clinic requires pre-registration. Send a $5 check made out to Bristol S gauge Railroaders and mail to Helen Lenart, 13 Elm Street, Westford, MA 01886 or email hlenartre@gmail.com for more information. Space is very limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.


Chocolate: Herb of The Heart Rivka Schwartz - Fri 1:00PM Cost $5. Attendance limit is 20.
What can be better then relaxing with a chocolate treat?  Travel through the  history of chocolate while tasting chocolate as it was enjoyed at different times and places.  Answer the question:  Is chocolate a decadent indulgence or a health food? What are its health benefits and where can you find ethically sourced chocolate.  We’ll discuss the art of making herbal chocolates. Take home recipes.

This clinic requires pre-registration. Send a $5 check made out to Bristol S gauge Railroaders and mail to Helen Lenart, 13 Elm Street, Westford, MA 01886 or email hlenartre@gmail.com for more information. Space is very limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.  


Simple Jewelry Making  Clinic -Diane Sweeny - Fri 9:00AM Cost $10. Attendance limit is  15.
Diane is from Beadles Bead Shop and Boutique. She will provide designer quality beads and stones and bring examples to give you ideas for this workshop clinic. Cost is $10 for supplies. Spots are still available for this clinic. You can pay when you register for this fun clinic!