On November 14, 2009 a small group of 10 intrepid modelers gathered at David Ward's in Mt. Pleasant for a clinic on building turnouts. Participants came from as far away as Iron Station and Durham, NC for this event. Noted modeler Tony Sissons and host David Ward worked one-on-one with the attendees as they learned to build turnouts from scratch. Each modeler successfully built an HO #8 turnout using diagrams, tools, and jigs provided during the clinic. Based on the feedback received, we will be scheduling more instructional clinics of this type in the future.

In the meantime and as a follow-up to this clinic any modeler interested in learning about 'Fast Track' turnout building tools and jigs is welcome to contact David Ward for a one-on-one, hands-on turnout building session. This is an opportunity to try these tools before you buy them. From choosing the right tools, soldering, to weathering a completed turnout, the choice is yours. We can even "tune up" the turnouts you have bought for much better appearance and performance. If you are interested, just email David at   to set up a time.

Tony Sissons works with Michele Chance during the clinic session  ...while Steve Johnson displays his handiwork.

Photos contributed by David Ward