Clinics for 2026 will be announced in the coming months
About
At RMMBC we pride ourselves on providing suite of clinics covering a variety of topic areas with a strong focus on modelling.
– prototype history, operations, locomotives/rolling stock
– layout planning and construction techniques
– structures
– scenery, weathering, detailing
– electronics, controls, DCC, decoders, sound
– 3D printing, scratch building
Clinics are central to the mission of RMMBC to advance the practice of railway modelling in British Columbia by providing a forum where model railroaders can meet, exchange ideas and enrich their involvement in model railroad community.
When
As the core of our in-person meet, clinics held on Saturday and Sunday of the in-person meet weekend.
(Refer to the meet schedule for details).
How to Participate
Register for the in-person meet.
Would You Like to Present a Clinic?
We are always soliciting new clinics and presenters. In the past, some of our most well-received clinics have been from presenters that have recently struggled with a new modelling problem and that have been willing to share their modelling journey.
Our clinics are in the form of Powerpoint presentations and are 45 minutes in length allowing time for questions. Experience shows that Powerpoint can support limited segments of imbedded video but you may want to avoid that complication.
If you are willing to consider presenting some of your recent modelling experience, please contact our Clinic Coordinator for information. Our clinics team will provide all logisitics support during the meet and can assist in the production of Powerpoint slides.
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Clinics 2026
Clinics for 2026 will be announced in the coming months
Saturday, May 23rd
| Time | Lecture Hall 1 | Lecture Hall 2 | Classroom 1 | Classroom 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 | Display Set Up | |||
| 9:00 – 10:05 | Welcome and Keynote | |||
| 10:05 – 11:25 | Meet-Up | Manufacturers Display | ||
| 11:25 – 13:00 | Lunch | |||
| 13:00 – 13:50 | Display | |||
| 14:00 – 14:50 | ||||
| 15:00 – 15:50 | ||||
| 19:00 – 22:00 | Operating Sessions | |||
Sunday, May 24th
| Time | Lecture Hall 1 | Lecture Hall 2 | Classroom 1 | Classroom 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 – 10:30 | r | |||
| 10:40 – 11:30 | Display | |||
| 11:30 – 12:20 | ||||
| 12:30 – 13:20 | Lunch | |||
| 13:30 – 14:20 | Display | Backdrop Painting Workshop | ||
| 14-:30 – 15:20 | ||||
| 15:30 – 16:20 | ||||
2025 Clinics
Marc Simpson
| The Pas Manitoba – A Small Division Point with Lots of Modelling Potential |
| Summary This clinic will look at the history, facilities and industries of The Pas Manitoba along with the potential for modelling this compact division point. |
| Full Description The Pas Manitoba is the southern end of the Hudson Bay Railway since the early 20th century. Originally part of the Canadian National Railways system it is now operated by the Hudson Bay Railway. This clinic will cover the history of this division point, key parts of the yard, roundhouse and engine, passenger and freight car servicing facilities. The Pas is also home to numerous rail served industries including the northernmost grain elevators in the province. The potential for modelling the yard and industries will be discussed as the relatively small yard size lends itself to use on layouts regardless of scale or prototype. |
| Biography Marc has been modelling the CN/Hudson Bay Railway since the early 1990’s. He models the Hudson Bay Railway between The Pas and Flin Flon Manitoba. He is a regular clinic presenter and has authored numerous articles in the model press. He is currently Vice-Chair of the Canadian National Railways Historical Association (CNRHA) and clinic coordinator for the RMMBC. |
Timothy Horton
| The British Columbia Provincial Museum Train |
| Introduction Fifty years ago the British Columbia Provincial Museum assembled a special train to tour the province and showcase displays from the age of steam. Tim will share the story of this train and the associated BC Tourism specials, the museum exhibits, the railway equipment, and where it is now, as well as a look at modelling this historic train. |
| Photos Following: Museum Train on display in Penticton July 5, 1977 |
| Summary The equipment included engines 3716 and 1077, logging exhibits, and ex-CPR rolling stock. Tim will share the story of this train and the associated BC Tourism specials, the museum exhibits, the railway equipment, and where it is now, as well as a look at modelling this historic train. Come and learn about a very special occasion in BC railway history! |
| Biography Timothy Horton has been modelling in N Scale since 1983. He has authored seven books on the PGE/BCR and hosts regular NSMR and PGE/BCR Modellers video meets. Tim is a frequent clinician, has written numerous magazine articles and is a member of the advisory board for N-Scale magazine. He currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for the 7Th Div PNR-NMRA. |
Ken Robertson
| Here Comes the 1967 Confederation Train |
| Summary During Canada’s Centennial Year, in 1967, a unique display train consisting of Canadian Pacific and Canadian National equipment crossed the country from coast to coast. Ken will share the Confederation Train information that he has gathered over close to 60 years of research, models that he has assembled, data provided to ORO decals and Intermountain Railway Co. and DCC/Sound installation. |
| Description Following is a photo of the lead locomotives of the Confederation Train. Ken built them by detailing undecorated Atlas FP7a models around 1980. At Trains 2002 Stafford Swain commented that he had never seen them modelled before. They received the Popular Vote Contest for Locomotives. The paint colours were custom blended to match available Kodachrome slides supplied by Jim Parker (North York Hobbies) along with other uncredited Internet photos. Letraset was used for the lettering. This presentation will take us through the concept of the prototype train, development of Robert Swanson’s distinct “Oh Canada” horns and any interesting anecdotes that he can recall. Kevin J. Holland published a comprehensive article in Summer 2017 Classic Trains that encapsulates the history of the Confederation project. He will give credit when credit is do. |
| Biography Ken Robertson is a consulting Geoscientist, specializing in Geophysics. He has modelled in S (American Flyer), HO, HOn3 and N scales off and on since the late 1950’s. In addition to Canadian National and Canadian Pacific he is interested in BC Rail, VIA Rail, White Pass & Yukon and Northern Pacific. He likes to research and replicate distinct Canadian railway display trains and/or special event locomotives. He assisted in rescuing CPR passenger car #52 from the Blairmore Colliery in 1983. Over the years he has been fortunate to meet and spend time with many notable railway historians, modellers and employees across Canada. |
Brian Stokes
| Workin’ the Zed Line: A modellable modern prototype |
| Summary In its heyday the “Zed Line” industrial spur stretched for miles from CN’s Camrose Sub serving customers right into south central Edmonton. Today just a handful of customers remain, but the operations, equipment and industries offer great modelling opportunities. Join a former CN manager for a tour of the real Zed Line and how it could be modelled in a spare bedroom. |
| Full Description The Z-Line industrial spur is operated three times a week by “The Scona,” a regular overnight assignment based out of Edmonton’s Clover Bar yard. The motive power, rolling stock and customers all present interesting modelling subjects. For those into operations, the assignment features switchbacks and grades, short trains, diverse customers, dodging mainline traffic, and a time crunch to get the work done within an 8-hour shift. Your clinician worked as a Transportation Manager for the Z-Line’s servicing yard and spent many nights working with and shadowing the crew along the spur. We will take a tour of some of the more interesting aspects of the prototype and how it could be translated into an operations-based layout in a small space. |
| Biography Brian is a lifelong model railroader with a keen interest in prototype modelling and operations and a recovering railroad employee. His primary modelling interest is the CPR in the Kootenays in the steam-transition era, and he is currently constructing a large N scale layout based on that prototype. His railroad career included two years as a Transportation Manager for CN overseeing train operations in various Edmonton-area terminals and working as a conductor across the country. |
John Geddes
| Engine Driver – Semi-Realistic Throttle for Prototype-Like Operations |
| Do you want to dynamically control momentum to simulate trains loads? Operate brakes like the prototype? Notch up power? Then you will want to learn about the Semi-Realistic Throttle that was recently added to JMRI’s Engine Driver. |
| Full Description The Semi-Realistic Throttle (SRT) is a new feature of JMRI Engine Driver. It allows the user to control trains in a prototypical manner in the same spirit as the ProtoThrottle. The user can set momentum, train load, braking all from the throttle. The SRT works with any decoder. In this clinic learn the basics of the SRT and see/hear that it works well with even modern sound decoders – that is, using the SRT does not compromise the complex sound algorithms of sound decoders (at least in the case of LokSound which will be demonstrated). Want to operate more prototypically but are not ready to spend $750 on a ProtoThrottle? Check out the SRT for free. |
| Biography John has been a model railroader since childhood. As an electrical engineer, he has always had a strong interest in the electronics and computer side of the hobby. Recently he has spent time experimenting with sound and prototype throttle operations while he continues to build his TransMountain Pacific Joint Line and Van Terminal layout. |
Dave Marecek
| Nakusp and Slocan Ry circa 1906 : design, build and operate clinic |
| Summary Presentation on the design and build of the Nakusp and Slocan Railway (N&S) circa 1906 Video of model railway operations from Nakusp to Sandon including barge ops at Nakusp and Rosebery |
| Full Description The Nakusp and Slocan Railway (N&S) was a historic railway in southeastern British Columbia, operating as part of the CPR from 1894 until its closure in 1988. Initially established to support the mining boom following the discovery of silver in the Slocan Range in 1891, the railway connected Nakusp to Three Forks and later extended to Sandon. Presentation will focus on the design that reflects the key operational features of the N&S circa 1906 with the primary focus on proto-operations for 3 engineers Design constraints based on modelling in G scale indoors will be discussed Design process using Trainz SW to simulate operations will be discussed Video will explore current train ops from Nakusp to Sandon including rail barge ops at Nakusp and Rosebery |
| Biography Dave has been a modeller since childhood and has modelled in O, HO, N, G and virtual scales. Dave’s models are based on historical prototype information for a specified year and he focuses on proto ops following TT&TO from Employee Time Tables. Dave is from the West Kootenays, which is reflected in his modelling. After years of modelling in G and Virtual scales, a move to a new house in Vernon has created the engineering challenge of moving the outdoor G Scale railway to a basement layout. |
Paul Clegg
| Railway Engineering 101 |
| Summary An introduction to Canadian railway civil engineering – (almost) everything you wanted to know about railway engineering but were afraid to ask! |
| Full Description This clinic will provide the modeller with a basic understanding of the development of railway track and grades from the late nineteenth century to today. It will cover key design elements of curves, turnouts, railway grades and track structure. The intent is to use lessons from the prototype to allow the modellers to build better operating and more realistically looking layouts. |
| Biography Paul Clegg, Calgary, Alberta, is the retired Director of Network Transactions for Canadian Pacific Railway. During his 37-year career with CP he was engaged in Grain Marketing in both Montreal and Winnipeg and Network Strategy and Research in Calgary. During his time with Network Strategy, he was responsible for line sales and acquisitions as well as planning for new rail lines in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland near Edmonton. He has a number of articles published on CPR history including the revolutionary 36’ steel inside sheathed “Dominion” boxcar, meat and livestock movement and aspects of CPR’s building and bridge designs. He is also a committee member for the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame. Paul is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce in Transportation and Logistics. He was also a Logistics officer in the Canadian Forces Reserve. He is a member of the Lexington Group in Transportation History and has participated in the Canadian Transportation Research Forum. |
Paul Clegg
| Railway Engineering 103 |
| Summary An introduction to Canadian railway signal engineering – (almost) everything you wanted to know about signals but were afraid to ask! |
| Description This clinic will provide the modeller with a basic understanding of the development of railway signals from the early nineteenth century to today. It will cover the design of train order signals, Interlocking, Automatic Block Signals (ABS), Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) and a very brief discussion of Positive Train Control (PTC). The clinic will provide signal system design concepts and limitations in order to allow the modeller to understand how signals can be applied to a model. It will not include any circuit design though. |
| Biography Paul Clegg, Calgary, Alberta, is the retired Director of Network Transactions for Canadian Pacific Railway. During his 37-year career with CP he was engaged in Grain Marketing in both Montreal and Winnipeg and Network Strategy and Research in Calgary. During his time with Network Strategy, he was responsible for line sales and acquisitions as well as planning for new rail lines in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland near Edmonton. He has a number of articles published on CPR history including the revolutionary 36’ steel inside sheathed “Dominion” boxcar, meat and livestock movement and aspects of CPR’s building and bridge designs. He is also a committee member for the Canadian Railway Hall of Fame. Paul is a graduate of the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Commerce in Transportation and Logistics. He was also a Logistics officer in the Canadian Forces Reserve. He is a member of the Lexington Group in Transportation History and has participated in the Canadian Transportation Research Forum. |
Rob Badmington
| Modelling Vancouver’s Steel Industry |
| Summary Maybe Not What You’re Thinking Without belching smokestacks, the steel industry in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland offers many interesting and surprising connections with the railway industry.This clinic offers many ideas for lineside industries and open loads. |
| Description At the 2024 PNR Regional Convention, Rob gave a presentation on his New Westminster Southern layout which is based on the various railway lines that cross the Fraser River on the New Westminster Bridge. The layout is reaching the stage where switching-intensive operations are being developed. Plenty of industries line the routes, and quite a number of them are related to the steel industry. Much of the traffic is carried in open cars, leading to a variety of open loads being modelled. This clinic will show photos of many of these industrial sites, the products they handle, and how they can be represented on a layout. |
| Biography Rob has been fascinated by all things railroad since his first childhood train trip. This led to a 35 year career in the Engineering and Purchasing functions at both major Canadian railways. When not working on his model railroad, Rob edits Highball!, the 6th division newsletter, and enjoys op sessions, travelling and train riding whenever he can. |
Mark Wittrup
| Model Railroad Tie Handling Clinic |
| Summary Ties are vital to a railroad but often ignored in layout modelling. Ties can add interesting detail to a layout, especially in their transport, and distribution or collection. Further, ties are everywhere and with some attention they can add important detail to a layout. This clinic will look at modelling tie handling and transport as well additional tie details that can be worked into any layout. |
| Full Description Railroad ties are integral to railroad operation and are often forgotten in modelling railroading. In any given year, millions of new ties are distributed and installed, while the same number of used ties are collected and disposed. Whether new or used, these ties need to be transported and handled, which can make for visually interesting train consists and scenes on model railroads. This clinic looks at modelling tie handling, and while largely using Canadian Pacific prototypes as a guide, these ideas are used by most railroads globally. There will also be some other uses and modelling ideas for ties described as time permits. |
| Biography Mark Wittrup is an HO scale modeller who has been modelling for over 30 years with a focus on Canadian Pacific maintenance of way equipment. Mark is an active Calgary Free-Mo participant and an independent board member with the Calgary Model Railroad Society. Mark is also the MOW editor for CP Tracks and has contributed eight articles to that magazine over the years. In his spare time, Mark is a full-time environmental consultant specializing in the environmental and regulatory aspects of mining, especially uranium mining. He has recently done work for the Cando Sturgeon West railyard expansion. |
Geoff Franklin
| Imagine & Build – 3D Printing for Model Railroading |
| Summary 3D printing is the perfect tool for the model railroader. Whatever you can imagine can be designed and printed. I will discuss things to print, designing, printing, tools and technics. |
| Full Description Types of 3D printing and what each is best suited for.Designing 3D models and software Printing and FinishingDiscuss design and build of an HO British Railways Mark 1 Coach |
| Biography Geoff retired a couple of years ago and took up the hobby. He is modelling HO 1950’s British railways from his childhood. He got into 3D printing after being frustrated by difficulty locating things for his railroad. Geoff is also into software and the electronics of model railroading, working with JMRI, DCC++ and many custom electronic interfaces. |
Matthew Buchanan
| Sweetening the Scene: Modelling the BC Sugar Refining Company – Clinic |
| Summary The iconic BC Sugar factory has been on the Vancouver waterfront since 1890. A chance encounter at a hobby store led to finding a hydrocal plaster kit resembling this facility. This presentation details the process of assembling the model and transforming it into a replica of this well-known Vancouver landmark. |
| Description A Hydrocal plaster kit from a company called Downtown Deco caught the attention of a modeler in a hobby store. The kit closely resembled the brick BC Sugar Refinery building in Vancouver, BC. This iconic facility occupies 13.5 acres on the north side of the CP tracks along the waterfront. This presentation explores how the kit was modified through cutting and gluing, techniques for working with plaster models, and the process of painting, adding windows and other details, and integrating the finished model into a layout. |
| Biography Matthew started model railroading at 12 years old after being inspired by his friend’s dad’s basement layout. He started with a 4’ by 8’ plywood railroad built from the book A HO Railroad the Grows and then re-built and expanded it a few times as a teenager. Many years later, he is currently working on a model of the Vancouver waterfront area in his basement. The railroad will include the BC Sugar Refinery and Canadian Pacific’s Waterfront passenger station. |
Dan MacDougall
| The Ultimate Portable DCC Testing, Programming & Demonstration System by Dan MacDougall |
| Summary The Ultimate portable DCC Testing, Programming & Demonstration System |
| Description The latest version of my portable DCC-EX Swiss Army Knife for small spaces and layouts |
| Biography First started with an Athearn set in 1962, got serious in 1968. First full size steam loco restoration 1971 ex Comox Logging #16. First of three paid restorations 1973-1975, 2860, 3716, 1077. First release of my “print & build” paper models of Vancouver structures 2013(in progress). About eight years ago built first release of DCC++ with limited success |
Doug Mayer
| The History and Modelling of CP Rail Robot Cars |
| Summary The clinic will explain the history of CP Rail’s Robot cars followed by some suggestion on building them. |
| Description The first part of the clinic will explain the history of CP Rail’s various types of Robot cars focusing on the ones made from converted locomotives and the later robots that looked like box cars. The second part will explain my experiences building them. I will have some models available to pass around the room along with handouts explaining the differences between the various types and subtypes. |
| Biography Retired BC Hydro Industrial Electrician and Safety Trainer. Author of Canadian Pacific Railway on the Revelstoke Division. My first train was a Lionel steam train around the Christmas tree when I was five years old. I became a serious railway modeller in the late 1970s. Currently serving on the Revelstoke Heritage Railway Society Board of Trustees. |
