Get ready for a full program of expert-led clinics, designed to inspire, educate, and elevate your model railroading. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or just starting out, there’s something here for everyone. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:
🚄 Scale Speed – How Fast is That?
Craig Mackie MMR
Discover how fast your trains are really moving and why scale speed matters.
Takeaway: Learn to measure and manage train speed for realistic operations—great for any layout, any scale.
📦 Keeping the Goods Moving
Stephe Jitts
An inside look at freight management on a medium-sized railway.
Takeaway: Pick up practical strategies for managing goods traffic in your own operations.
Level: Intermediate
🧾 Introduction to Car Cards and Waybills
Anthony Palmer
Hands-on methods to simulate realistic freight movement on your layout.
Takeaway: Create your own functional paperwork system for better ops sessions.
🎨 Modelling Realistic Colour and Texture
Steve Pettit
Techniques for enhancing locos, rollingstock, structures, and scenery.
Takeaway: Master painting and weathering methods that add realism and visual depth.
🛠 Basic to Award-Winning Modelling
David O’Hearn
Step-by-step tips to take your builds from average to exceptional.
Takeaway: Improve your craftsmanship with practical, proven techniques.
Level: Beginner–Intermediate
🕰 90 Years of Model Railroading Progress
Paul Hobbs
Explore the pivotal developments and innovations that shaped the hobby.
Takeaway: Gain historical context and inspiration for your own modelling journey.
🛤 Railway Work Equipment in Operation
Paul Hobbs
A deep dive into the unsung heroes of railroading—non-revenue rolling stock.
Takeaway: Learn how to model and operate everything from wreck cranes to bunk cars.
🚦 US Safeworking Systems & Signals
Stephen Buck
Learn how real railroads handle train movements using a range of control systems.
Takeaway: Apply authentic safeworking practices to your US-themed layout.
📶 Installing & Operating Signal Systems with JMRI
Stephen Buck
A practical follow-up, including speed signal logic and JMRI integration.
Takeaway: Build and operate your own signal system with confidence.
🔌 Self-Made Electronics for DC Layouts
Allan Pogonowski
Simple, affordable DIY circuits using off-the-shelf parts.
Takeaway: Build your own displays, indicators, and modules—even if you’re not an engineer.
🌐 ESPHome for Layout Automation
Aaron Stinson
Harness ESPHome for signals, turnout control, block detection, and more.
Takeaway: Step into wireless automation using budget-friendly tech.
🔁 A Sequence Approach to Operations
Anthony Palmer
Structure your sessions for realism and flow without overcomplicating things.
Takeaway: Create a satisfying ops rhythm with “sequence” scheduling.
🏗 Building Casterton – A Mega Layout
Scott Whitaker
Tour a massive O-scale build set in 1969 Victoria, Australia.
Takeaway: Get inspired by large-scale layout planning, automation, and scenery integration.
🧱 Kit to Masterpiece – Enhancing Building Kits
Alistair Wright
Add realistic detail to turn basic kits into showpieces.
Takeaway: Learn layering, weathering, and customisation tricks for better structures.
🤔 Are You a Prototype Modeller?
Craig Mackie MMR
How to justify your operating decisions while keeping things fun.
Takeaway: Balance real-world logic with layout freedom, and laugh along the way!
🖨 Designing a Rotary Dumper with 3D Printing
Richard Beyko (Canada)
From CAD to layout: creating functional mechanical elements.
Takeaway: See what’s possible with 3D printing for operational features.
📏 Track Design for Your Space
Graeme Barnes
Design your dream layout based on the space you actually have.
Takeaway: Avoid common planning pitfalls and get the most out of every square metre.
🚂 Realistic Layout Operation (90 mins)
Rod Tonkin
A hands-on session using tags, maps, and trip sheets for realism.
Takeaway: Walk away with a full toolkit for prototypical ops—even solo.
🎨 Weathering with Watercolours
Rod Tonkin
Try your hand at affordable, forgiving weathering techniques.
Takeaway: Get immediate results using just watercolours and a brush.
Level: Beginner
🧱 3D Components for Structures
Keiran Ryan
What’s out there for 3D printed structure modelling.
Takeaway: Discover how to upgrade your buildings without scratch-building everything.
🖼 Painting Backdrops
Ross Balderson
Learn how to paint skies, clouds, hills, and blend them into scenery.
Takeaway: Add depth and realism to your scenes—no art degree required!
🖨 3D Printing for Beginners
Steven Shepherd
A straight-forward look at the gear and techniques to get started.
Takeaway: Learn how to design and print parts to enhance your modelling.
🇺🇸 Union Pacific: Annual Reports 1945–1969
Kevin Feeney (USA)
An overview of the UP Railroad through its official reports.
Takeaway: Insights into the evolution of one of America’s most iconic railroads.
🖥 Introduction to JMRI
Bob Tisdall
Beginner-friendly intro to layout automation using JMRI.
Takeaway: Get started with blocks, turnout control, and operations automation.
🚂 Special Train Movements
Ian Barnes
Make ops more interesting with troop trains, holiday extras, and more.
Takeaway: Expand your schedule with exciting and unusual trains.
🎨 Enhancing Models with Paint and Tech
Simon Holdsworth
Post-shading, blackbasing, weathering, and custom paint masks.
Takeaway: Advanced techniques for next-level realism in your rollingstock.
🛤 Pushing the Limits – Onondaga Cutoff
Dave Abeles (USA)
Real-world railroading meets high-fidelity layout design.
Takeaway: Learn how prototype operation philosophy can shape your modelling vision.