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Modeling With The Masters

Modeling with the Masters Goes to Kentucky!!!

It's off to the races, as Modeling With The Masters goes down the home stretch to the home of the Kentucky Derby...Louisville!  Nestled on the Ohio River, Louisville is a big railroad town and is a hot-bed for model railroaders!  So pack up your tools and your Louisville Slugger and head for the Blue Grass State!  For more information on the next Modeling with the Masters, go HERE.

What is Modeling With The Masters?

What is Modeling With The Masters?

Modeling With The Masters (MTWM) was conceived by Clark Kooning, MMR, after giving several standard workshops at both regional and national conventions. While conferring with several other workshop attendees, he came to realize that some model railroaders would be interested in attending a hands-on weekend, where experienced modelers were available to give personal instruction while actually constructing kits and models. With President Bob Charles' support, Clark became the NMRA Education Chairman. 

After conferring with MMR Pete Moffett (National AP Chairman), they developed a trial program. After some minor roadblocks and much hard work, the first ever MTWM program was held on the weekend of March 11-14, 1999. 

The program is designed to bring a limited number of enthusiastic model railroaders together for four intense days of direct instruction by Master Model Railroaders. Under their direct tutelage, the modeler will receive hands-on experience in both beginning and intermediate modeling techniques. The modeler will not only get to interact directly with some of the hobbies most talented model railroaders, but will also have the opportunity to make new modeling friends from all over North America. 

Who are the Master Model Railroaders that teach the workshop?

The MMR's that teach the courses will vary from seminar to seminar, and we are always looking for new volunteers! Some of the past MMR's have been: 

W. Allen McClelland, MMR #76

The legendary V&O Railroad is well known to all model railroaders. Allen has always been a leader and visionary in the hobby. He is best known for his contributions in model railroad operation and in creating the feel of a real railroad.

Peter B. Smith, MMR #120
Being an excellent modeler, Pete has a great appreciation for the hobby. In fact, he appreciates it so much that he is an Associate Editor for a model train magazine, and co-owned a company that produces model railroad products. 

Peter Moffett, MMR #143

As an ace scratch-builder and all-excellent modeler, Pete's talents are many. Not only is Pete a good modeler, but as the National AP Chairman he has made firm commitment to helping bring out the best in other modelers.

Clark Kooning, MMR #225

While his modeling efforts are highly commendable, and his knowledge of model railroading un-exhaustible, it is Clark's willingness to give back to the hobby that makes him special. Not only does he hold many local and regional NMRA offices, but he has given countless workshops and provided his services as the NMRA Education Chairman.

Previous Modeling With The Masters Seminars

The first MTWM workshop was held at the NMRA Headquarters in Chattanooga on March 11th through 14th, 1999. It consisted of 24 model railroaders and four MMR's. Topics covered included scenery design and construction, rolling stock assembly and weathering, airbrushing, scratch-building in styrene, building laser-cut kits, hand-laying track and turnouts, and many others. The seminar was capped-off by Allen McClelland who gave a slide show of his famous V&O. The power-workshop ran from early morning to late in the evening every day and crammed in just about as much information as you could possibly take in. Read the testimonial from an attendee for more information. Our see the class picture!

The second MWTM Seminar was held at the NMRA Headquarters, as well. The date was Oct 21-24, 1999. Topics covered were focused on building structures. This included different types of construction media such as plaster, resin, laser cut wood, plastic and other materials. Read the testimonial from an attendee for more information. 

The third MWTM Seminar was held in March of 2000.  More specific topics such as building and weathering freight cars were focused on in-depth.  Scratchbuilding in wood complemented other skills learned at this workshop

Other MWTM seminars are listed here.


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