Copetown RPM 2018 - Clinics

Steve Tuff's display of open load models which relate to his clinic.

At this years Copetown's RPM get-together four clinics filled the day. I started the day off with a talk about my Scene-swapping as was seen in this years MRP.  Peter MacCauley followed with a look at Procor, the history of the company and modeling tank cars. Both Peter and his father Keith work at Procor...so that clinic was an inside look. I was surprised how much I learned about tank cars from Peter.

After lunch Hunter Hughson put on a really interesting clinic on how he models one industry as the main focus of his layout. Called Research & Modelling a Major industry it was a detailed look at
the International Paper’s mill in North Tonawanda which is located on Tonawanda island, NY (between Buffalo and Niagara Falls). I normally travel to New England across this island and was never aware that a rail industry once call it home. A link to Hunters blog is found below and also has been added to the sidebar. You should check it out.

The Niagara Branch main
 
Steven Tuff finished the afternoon off with a really nice clinic called Modeling Open Loads. Steve showed how he makes loads for his gondolas and flats. Steve had a few examples of his work on display in the display room. One thing I learned was adding real metal coil loads to a gondola really becomes a heavy car. Not too many of these cars can be added to a train.

A really interesting variety of topics and I am looking forward to next years topics...George Dutka

My scene-swapping modules are on display at Copetown RPM meet.

The paper mill seen during Hunter's clinic and how he is modeling it. For more information and photos check out his blog. If you like Hooker tank cars and CN woodchip cars this might be a scene you will want to create.

An open top load viewed during Steve's clinic. I thought this was a really nice load.

Hunter viewed an additional ideal location to model in Buffalo. This could work well for a modeler that likes covered hoppers. An interesting group of structures.