In May, RailFun will be held at the Chelmsford Public Library when we will once again present the clinic by Manny Escobar on making a static grass applicator. The November attempt got short circuited (pun intended) when the Library decided at the last minute to be closed on Veteran’s Day. So this will be a continuation of that program. For those who were at the Library in November, bring your kits with you. If you missed that one, we still have kits available, just contact Manny at president@hubdiv.org to reserve you’re a kit. The cost is $5.00.
In this clinic you will learn how to convert an inexpensive electronic fly swatter into a device to apply static grass. There are a number of static grass applicators on the market but they are relatively expensive. Using static grass yields some very effective and realistic looking grass for your scenery. Using this low cost applicator will give you the chance to try it without the cost of a more expensive unit.
The HUB Division formally established Railfun nights in 1996. Railfun is an informal get-together that offers presentations and hands-on clinics teaching a variety of modeling techniques or prototype railroad topics. The evening is open to both members and the public; we generally have about 40 attendees. Railfun is a time to socialize, meet new members and potential new members, discuss hot model railroading topics, help each other with our favorite tips, and is, as the name implies, just a lot of fun!
Some hands-on Railfun clinics held over the past few seasons included making trees, weathering freight cars, making rock formations using rock molds and geodesic foam, and an entire multi-part series on construction and scenicking a diorama. We've had presentations on the construction of the Hoosic Tunnel, the latest in DCC sound technology and products, and what it is like to be a train engineer, presented by one of our members who is an engineer on the commuter rail. Railfun clinics and presentations are usually given by HUB members and sometimes by invited clinicians, but anyone can give a clinic. Contact the Railfun Night Coordinator if you would like to schedule yourself to present a clinic.
Railfun is a free event. However, we do ask for a $3 donation per adult, which buys you refreshments plus all the parts and materials for the clinics.