Education

Education is our mission:

As the NWV’s bylaws state, our purpose is “to educate and promote the art of model railroading”

The NWV promotes the art of model railroading through hands-on training of its members and the general public.  Our layout is a first-class facility for trying out new ideas, practicing the art of model railroading in simulated scenarios and in developing the model railroading skills of the individual.  Our membership includes modelers who have home layouts of their own and have distinguished themselves through dedication and service in the training of others.

In addition to the training done with our layout, we educate by presenting clinics aimed at specific aspects of model railroading to sharpen the focus of areas that are often difficult to learn otherwise.

2020 was disrupted by the closing of normal NWV meetings due to the coronavirus pandemic.  During the spring and early summer lockdown, many of our members continued model railroading activities from home and created documents about their progress which they distributed to others by e-mail.

Later in 2020, the hobby of making video records of train operations and clinics started showing up from some of our members who had the equipment, software and interest in such activities.

The NWV has created many videos about model railroading which have been released on our YouTube page, which can be viewed here. They include videos on maintaining and modifying rolling stock, building scenery and running trains on the NWV’s layouts.

Links to NWV Educational Content:

To view a document, click on the link in the Title column on the left of the table. Topics in each section are listed from oldest at the top to newest at the bottom, so be sure to scan the whole list to see our latest projects!

Title and and LinkMedia TypeAuthorDateComments
NWV Railroad Operations
Switching Staging Yards, Penn Central Engines Operating on the Layout, Bud RDC ExcursionVideoAlan BelcherNovember 2020Released to YouTube 11/22/2020
Solo Setup for a Multi-Crew Operating SessionVideoAlan BelcherNovember 2020Released to YouTube 11/27/2020
Solo Setup for a Multi-Crew Operating Session – Switching Arlington YardVideoAlan BelcherDecember 2020Released to YouTube 12/2/2020
Solo Operating Session (Using Solo Rules) – Plainfield SwitcherVideoAlan BelcherDecember 2020Released to YouTube 12/7/2020
Operations:  April 2022 RevisionSlidesPaul AllardApril 2022Clinic  presented 4/6/2022
Operations: April 2023 RevisionSlidesPaul AllardApril 2023Clinic  presented 4/5/2023
NWV Layout Construction
Painting HO Scale Rails – Part 1VideoAlan BelcherMarch 2021Released to YouTube 3/3/2021
Painting HO Scale Rails – Part 2VideoAlan BelcherMarch 2021Released to YouTube 3/15/2021
Layout Electrical WiringSlidesDana BrownJune 2022Documented 6/25/2022
Benchwork ConstructionSlidesPaul AllardSeptember 2024Clinic presented 9/18/2024 at the NWV
Tortoise Switch Machine InstallationSlidesPaul AllardSeptember 2024Clinic presented 9/18/2024 at the NWV
Building a DC Supply Control PanelSlidesPaul AllardSeptember 2024Clinic presented 9/18/2024 at the NWV
Building Structures
Building FlatsSlidesArt GodburnJanuary 2017Clinic  presented 1/14/2017 at the NWV
Best Methods for Painting StructuresE-Mails DiscussionNWV MembersApril 2020Collection of e-mails
Building the Cordage Company Campbell Kit (with pigeons addendum!)DocumentTim WilmotApril 2020Distributed 4/6/2020
Building the Quincy Station Campbell KitDocumentTim WilmotMay 2020Distributed 5/15/2020
Another Version of the
Quincy Station Campbell Kit		PhotosPerry MartelApril 2020E-mails 4/14/2020
Building a Trackside ShedDocumentChris MonjeMay 2020Distributed 5/12/2020
LED Lighting IdeasDocumentChris MonjeMay 2020Distributed 5/20/2020
Building the Truss Bridge Central Valley KitDocumentTim WilmotJanuary 2021Distributed 1/9/2021
Building the Truss Bridge Central Valley Kit – Another Modeler’s Experience DocumentJohn McLeodJanuary 2021E-mail 1/10/2021
LED Lights Electrical BasicsDocumentGeorge KingFebruary 2024Clinic  presented 2/24/2024 at the NWV
Building Craftsman-Level Structures Kits – IntroductionDocumentJohn McLeod and Tim WilmotMarch 2024Clinic Introduction Summary presented 3/9/24 at the NWV’s Vermont Rails Show
Building the Green Dragon Chinese RestaurantPhotosJohn McLeodMarch 2024Photos from clinic presented 3/9/24 at the NWV’s Vermont Rails Show
Building a Walther’s Three-Stall Roundhouse Kit BashSlidesPaul AllardSeptember 2024Clinic presented 9/18/2024 at the NWV
Building Scenery
Weeds to TreesSlidesArt GodburnJanuary 2016Clinic  presented 1/16/2016
HO Scale Grade Crossing and Road Painting ProjectVideoAlan BelcherMarch 2021Released to YouTube 3/9/2021
Using Latex Caulk to Fill Gaps Between Scenery SectionsVideoAlan BelcherMarch 2021Released to YouTube 3/12/2021
Scenery Clinic: Part 1SlidesPaul AllardOctober 2022Clinic  presented 10/5/2022 at the NWV and 3/11/23 at the NWV’s Vermont Rails show
Scenery Clinic: Part 2SlidesPaul AllardOctober 2022Clinic  presented 10/5/2022 at the NWV and 3/11/23 at the NWV’s Vermont Rails show
Changing the Look of Plainfield on the NWVVideoAlan BelcherApril 2025Released to YouTube 4/19/2025, shows scenery upgrades to the Plainfield area of the NWV’s HO layout.
Building and Upgrading Rolling Stock
Maine Central Caboose Build ProjectDocumentAlan BelcherMarch 2020Distributed 3/29/2020
Covered Hopper Project IntroductionDocumentAlan BelcherApril 2020E-mails 4/25/2020
Covered Hopper ProjectDocumentAlan BelcherApril 2020Distributed 4/22/2020
Clothespin Covered Hopper ProjectDocumentAlan BelcherJune 2020Distributed 6/6/2020
Scratch Building Pulpwood LoadsDocumentAlan BelcherMay 2020Distributed 5/9/2020
Building and Using Removable Loads for Open-Top Rolling Stock: Part 1 – Open Top HoppersDocumentPaul AllardDecember 2020Distributed 12/30/2020
Building and Using Removable Loads for Open-Top Rolling Stock: Part 2 – Open Top GondolasDocumentPaul AllardDecember 2020Distributed 12/31/2020
Building and Using Removable Loads for Open-Top Rolling Stock: Part 3 – Flat CarsDocumentPaul AllardJanuary 2021Distributed 1/8/2021
Building and Using Removable Loads for Open-Top Rolling Stock: Part 4 – Pulp Wood Flat CarsDocumentPaul AllardJanuary 2021Distributed 1/9/2021
Installing a Sound Decoder in a Kato HO-Scale RS-2 LocomotiveVideoAlan BelcherNovember 2023Released to YouTube 11/18/2023
Installing a Sound Decoder in an Atlas HO-Scale GP-7 LocomotiveVideoAlan BelcherDecember 2023Released to YouTube 12/11/2023
Basic Coupler and Truck ImprovementDocumentAlan BelcherApril 2023Clinic presented 4/22/2023 at the NWV
Weathering Locomotives and Rolling StockDocumentAlan BelcherApril 2024Clinic presented 4/27/2024 at the NWV
Installing a Sound Decoder in a Kato HO GP-35 LocomotiveSlidesPaul AllardSeptember 2024Clinic presented 9/18/2024 at the NWV
Airbrush Painting HO Cabooses for the NWV Model RRVideoAlan BelcherNovember 2024Released to YouTube 11/8/2024
Decaling HO Scale TrainsSlidesAlan BelcherNovember 2024Clinic presented 11/16/2024 at the NWV
Let’s Decal a Pair of HO Scale CaboosesVideoAlan BelcherNovember 2024Released to YouTube November 2024
Decaling Wood Chip Hoppers for NWV Model RailroadVideoAlan BelcherNovember 2024Released to YouTube November 2024
Proto 1000 RS-18 Gets Soundtraxx Tsunami 2 DCC – Part 1VideoAlan BelcherApril 2025Released to YouTube April 2025
Rolling Stock Maintenance
Rolling Stock Repairs: Tools and TipsNotesPaul AllardNovember 2015Clinic presented 11/14/2015, see photos here
Rolling Stock Repairs: Car Weight StandardsStandards TablePaul AllardNovember 2015Clinic presented 11/14/2015, see photos here
Layout Maintenance
Removing Dust on StructuresDocumentTim WilmotMay 2020Distributed 5/14/2020
Modeling Tips and Tricks
Make a Glass Work SurfaceDocumentPaul RogersApril 2020E-mails 4/6/2020
Working with Toxic Plastic GluesDocumentNWV MembersMay 2020E-mails 5/19/2020
NWV T-Trak Modules Development
City Endcap ProjectDocumentChris WeinbergSeptember 2023Development of a multi-level city scene on a T-Trak endcap module. Added to website 10/03/2025.
Fast Food Restaurants ModuleDocumentRon PiroOctober 2025Development of a fast food restaurants scene on a 1x straight T-Trak module. Added to website 10/23/2025.
Rural Farm Scene ModuleDocumentRon PiroNovember 2025Development of a rural farm scene on an inner corner T-Trak module. Added to website 11/20/2025.
Members’ Home Layout Projects
Barre, Chelsea and Corinth RailroadDocumentErich GolschneiderMarch 2020E-mail 3/20/2020
Barre, Chelsea and Corinth Railroad UpdateDocumentErich GolschneiderJuly 2020Distributed 7/11/2020
Table of Contents for N-Circle Railroad SeriesDocumentRon PiroUpdated 8/16/2025An ongoing series of articles describing the development of a small home layout and covering many topics of N-Scale model railroading
Overview of the N-Circle Railroad SeriesDocumentRon PiroUpdated 7/17/2025Overview of the plans and objectives of the development of the Ni-Circle Railroad layout.
N-Circle Railroad Layout Diagram and Scenery PlanGraphicRon PiroUpdated 7/17/2025Track plan and scenery diagram for the N-Circle Railroad layout.
Index of Structure and Scenery Kits BuiltListRon PiroUpdated 8/16/2025Reference list of the structures and scenery details kits built and discussed in the N-Circle Update reports
Index of Vehicles Kits BuiltListRon PiroUpdated 7/17/2025Reference list of the vehicles kits built and discussed in the N-Circle Update reports
Initial ReleaseDocumentRon PiroJanuary 2020Distributed 1/23/2020
Inaugural Run-ByVideoRon PiroAugust 2020Distributed 8/11/2020
Update 1 – Re-IntroductionsDocumentRon PiroAugust 2020Distributed 8/13/2020
Update 2 – Power Point Scenery DetailsDocumentRon PiroAugust 2020Distributed 8/15/2020
Update 3 – Throwback to the 1950sDocumentRon PiroSeptember 2020Distributed 9/10/2020
Update 4 – Focus on Backdrops and ScenesDocumentRon PiroSeptember 2020Distributed 9/25/2020
Update 5 – Backdrops Discussion and Named Passenger TrainsDocumentRon PiroDecember 2020Distributed 12/23/2020
Update 6 – Discussion of Changeable Scenery and Workspace Venting ProjectDocumentRon PiroMarch 2021Distributed 3/8/2021
Update 7 – Constructing and Upgrading Building Kits Using Interchangeable SignsDocumentRon PiroApril 2021Distributed 4/7/2021
Update 8 – Re-purposing Low-End Plastic Building Kits to Create Distinctive StructuresDocumentRon PiroAugust 2021Distributed 8/14/2021
Update 9 – Three Very Different Plastic Structure Kit Builds and Interchangeable Gondola Car LoadsDocumentRon PiroOctober 2021Distributed 10/2/2021
Update 10 – Easy, Inexpensive Building Interiors and Building a Mini-Golf CourseDocumentRon PiroOctober 2021Distributed 10/25/2021
Update 11 – Building a Fuel Depot from Four Kits and Modifying an Existing StructureDocumentRon PiroDecember 2021Distributed 12/2/2021
Update 12 – Building and Detailing Shell Gas Station Scenes and Multiple Types of Vehicles KitsDocumentRon PiroJanuary 2022Distributed 1/30/2022
Update 13 – Building New Restrooms for the Park, 1950s School Buses and 1980s Grain TrucksDocumentRon PiroSeptember 2022Distributed 9/5/2022
Update 14 – Building and Updating Pewter Metal Vehicle Kits Across a Range of ComplexitiesDocumentRon PiroOctober 2022Distributed 10/8/2022
Update 15 – Building a Bowling Alley and Building and Detailing Vehicle Resin KitsDocumentRon PiroOctober 2022Distributed 10/31/2022
Update 16 – Creating Custom Decals, Painting a 3-D Printed Structure and Building Thin Metal Detail Parts KitsDocumentRon PiroDecember 2022Distributed 12/26/2022
Update 17 – Building and Detailing More Vehicle KitsDocumentRon PiroNovember 2023Distributed 11/14/2023
Update 18 – Building and Detailing More Vehicle KitsDocumentRon PiroOctober 2024Distributed 10/31/2024
Update 19 – Building and Detailing More Vehicle KitsDocumentRon PiroNovember 2024Distributed 11/9/2024
Update 20 – Building and Detailing More Vehicle KitsDocumentRon PiroNovember 2024Distributed 11/22/2024
Update 21 – Building a Yard Signal Tower and More Vehicles KitsDocumentRon PiroApril 2025Distributed 4/30/2025
Update 22 – Designing a New Power Point Scenery Panel and Installing New BackdropsDocumentRon PiroJune 2025Distributed 6/3/2025
Update 23 – Building Laser-Cut Chicken Coop and Maple Sugar House KitsDocumentRon PiroJune 2025Distributed 6/6/2025
Update 24 – Building a Laser-Cut Wood Barn KitDocumentRon PiroJune 2025Distributed 6/7/2025
Update 25 – Building a Craftsman-Level Laser-Cut Wood Theater KitDocumentRon PiroJuly 2025Distributed 7/17/2025
Update 26 – Building a Laser-Cut Wood Church Kit and a 3-D Printed HouseDocumentRon PiroJuly 2025Distributed 7/25/2025
Update 27 – Building Laser-Cut Wood Doghouses and Garages KitsDocumentRon PiroAugust 2025Distributed 8/16/2025
Update 28 – Building a Fast Food Restaurants T-Trak ModuleDocumentRon PiroOctober 2025Distributed 10/23/2025
Update 29 – Building a Rural Farm T-Trak ModuleDocumentRon PiroNovember 2025Distributed 11/20/2025