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The Second Modeling With The Masters Workshop...

A testimonial by Charles H. Nauman, NMRA member 105091

I had been to the first clinic, as described by Scott in the previous testimonial and description, so I had a pretty good idea how the three days of this second workshop would go generally. That is, arrive Thursday afternoon, participate in three evening sessions in the hotel meeting rooms interspersed around two full-days of hands-on work at the NMRA headquarters building, and head home on Sunday. I was really looking forward to this, and I was not disappointed.

This time, of course, there was a new and different set of projects for us to work on during the day, and new material presented in the evening, including a set of bell-ringers on one evening. Here we learned a variety of detailed modeling techniques in rapid succession, each demonstrated by one of the instructors, as we rotated around the room in small groups. Other evening activities included preliminary instruction for the following day's work, and short clinics on a variety of related modeling topics.

Master Model Railroaders Clark Kooning, Pete Smith, and Pete Moffett were our instructors. MMR Allen McClelland was scheduled to be there, also, but a family illness made it impossible for him to participate. Naturally we all missed his presence and insights, but understood that illnesses do sometimes foil our best-laid plans.

The theme of this 2nd Workshop was "Structures." The two days of hands-on work was divided into four major structures projects, each requiring half a day. We learned the detailed techniques needed to construct, finish, and weather a urethane resin kit and a laser-cut kit; each being a unique experience in itself. Resin kits are relatively inexpensive and perhaps the most straight-forward to construct. Laser kits are a totally different experience, requiring more attention to detail and allowing you to assemble a highly convincing structure. Then there was the cast plaster structure, which I found to be the most demanding and interesting kit type... totally unlike anything I had attempted before. Plaster kits present almost endless possibilities for painting, signing, and weathering. And finally, scratch-building an I-beam road overpass with wooden decking and support planking. In this latter project we learned a variety of new techniques, like accurately cutting, distressing, and dying scale lumber... and using the airbrush to paint and weather the overpass.

What's a testimonial without personal thoughts on "what I got out of it?" Well, of course, all of the above. In addition, I think that getting myself removed (about 2000 miles in my case) from day-to-day distractions was a big plus. The trip itself was a very enjoyable mini-vacation. Other intangibles included the new perspectives that I gained from new people (instructors and participants), and being 'forced' to get in there and just do it. Also, the numerous simple techniques that I learned that are applicable to many modeling situations: you say to yourself, "that's so simple, why didn't I think of it?" All of this lets you know that you really can do it if you just stop procrastinating. See you at the end of March 2000 for the 3rd Modeling with the Masters workshop.

My recommendations...

  1. Anticipate a memorable experience, and come prepared to dive in, even if you do make a few mistakes.
  2. Ditto Scott's recommendation about taking lots of notes. What you thought was obvious and unforgettable at the time will become fuzzy or forgotten as new information is piled on.
  3. Don't put slaw on your barbecue? Why would anyone even consider doing that?
  4. Plan to do some tourist stuff (if you are so inclined) in the area before or after the workshop. There won't be any time for this once the workshop starts. Chattanooga has many attractions, including a world-class (really) aquarium. Since I was flying out of Atlanta, I drove down to Callaway Gardens (14,000 acres of impressive horticulture, etc, about 70 miles south of Atlanta) for a few hours before heading home.

GO FOR IT! You will have the time of your life!

Go here for information on the next
Modeling With The Masters Seminar!