Names can be deceiving. A peanut is neither a pea, nor a nut. A parkway is a place where you drive your car, while a driveway is actually where you park your car. Trainfest regulars, The G Whiz Gang, may suggest with their name that they run G scale trains. However, in talking to G Whiz member Fred Holzapfel, they generally do not run G scale. They do, however, have a great deal of stories, and they continue to have a great deal of fun.

The G Whiz Gang actually models narrow gauge railways or Fn3 scale, which look similar to G scale, or G gauge, to the average consumer. The club actually came up with the name before the National Model Railroad Association began to define all of the scales, but because the club had gotten accustomed to the name, they decided to stick with it.

Fred got his model railroading start back in 1955, when he received a Lionel® train

The Narrow Way: An Exploration of the G Whiz Gang

see G Whiz Gang, page 11

What’s Inside

www.trainfest.com

SUMMER 2011Volume 1 • Issue 10

Look Back -Trainfest Remembered

PG 2

From the Caboose PG 3

Modeling The Hard Way:

A “How-To” Guide On Scratch Building Model Trains

PG 5

Badger Air-Brush An Entrepreneurship

Success Story PG 6

Fred Holzapfel’s

Recomended Products PG 11

Memories Meant

to be Shared PG 13

This G Whiz Gang section belongs to Ted Brownell and depicts a 1930’s Northern Minnesota logging operation. They “Borrowed” a “Goose” from a Colorado Narrow Gauge. The pond was painted and then covered with a “pour” of acrylic water effect.

By Ed Padgett

We moved to Wisconsin in the summer of 1972, and in November 1972 we went to the “train show” at State Fair Park. Little did I know it was the beginning of my involvement with Trainfest. The train

show was sponsored by the NMRA, and I had been a member of the NMRA “off and on” since the 50s. So, when they asked me if I was available to help sell and take tickets at the show, I was happy to help.

During those days, we sold and collected Trainfest tickets. Often, I would go in for my two-hour shift with my grandson, who was then 7 or 8 at the time. He had some trouble determining who qualified as a senior citizen, which was an important item for him to understand, since senior citizens paid a lower admission fee. He managed to figure it out, and when Justin and I were reconciling our collections, I asked him to count the twenties. He said, “Grandpa, I can only count by tens,” so I told him to just count by tens, and then we would multiply by 2 when he was done. He smiled and said, “I can do that.” Our then treasurer, Bob Sherman, was there at the time. He looked over, laughed and said, “I don’t think we have ever had a ticket seller this young”. By the way, our cash was on the mark, and that young man is now an Electrical Engineer.

It wasn’t long before I found myself getting more active with Trainfest. In fact, about 20 years ago, I started working with a great group of volunteers doing setup on the Friday before the event. Once the tables and chairs were delivered, I, along with many other volunteers, would move and setup all of the tables. During my first year of marshaling crews, we finished setting up in record time -- around 1pm! With some planning improvements and detailed drawings over the following couple of years, we were able to get over hundreds of tables set by 9am.

Setup was made easier when one of my “day job” team members offered to plot our show layout drawings during his off hours. John Tews, Gary Children and Randy Fabricus took detailed hall measurements of the buildings and John Tews created scale drawings with a cad drawing program. Now we had a formalized plan of where tables were going and where to place all the necessities we would order. Having an accurate layout drawing greatly expedited setup – and John creates new drawings as the show layout changes every year.

The one down side of our setup operation was that none of us were getting any younger. The tables were heavy, and came stacked seven feet high on carts. Plus, we had narrow aisles to navigate. That problem was solved when we moved to the new building. The new building gave us more space to permit wider aisles and they (the exposition service) began to place the tables and chairs from the layout drawings. The volunteers could then focus on helping the presenters get settled…and save our backs too!

Today, the wider main aisles, sit-down areas, Friday evening meal for the hard working people that staff the show, and a clear set of assigned responsibilities for everyone involved, have all made for a smooth, enjoyable show. One of the improvements that I’ve really liked is the push to reach a younger audience, especially since, as I said, many of us

who have been involved are not getting any younger. It is such a delight to see all of the young families with children that attend Trainfest. All of us in the recognizable yellow Trainfest shirts are always happy to help with directions, or help them find a missing member of their group, or just offer some stories and advice about trains. Be sure to come and see us some time!

Ed Padgett has served in multiple capacities on the Trainfest Committee, including stepping in to do the advertising for Trainfest several years ago. Just like many of the other volunteers, he pitches in when and where needed.

Share your Trainfest memory with us, email editor@trainfest.com

TRAINFEST REMEMBERED

We’ve asked Trainfest Committee and Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division Board Members of the NMRA to answer “Remember When Trainfest…?” We share their memories throughout 2011.

One of the improvements that I’ve really liked is the push to reach a younger audience… It is such a delight to see all of the

young families with children that attend Trainfest.

3

Circulation of Trainfest EXPRESS is topping 10,000 readers strong and has worldwide readership. Wow! The new look and editorial content focus introduced earlier this year is clearly being embraced. Thank you for your support and a special thank you to the many readers who have offered suggestions since its introduction.

We’ve been listening. It’s one of the reasons why we are making a change on the number of EXPRESS issues we will be publishing. You can now expect the Show Wrap-up in January, followed by regular issues in March, June, and October. Then in November, we’ll publish the Show Preview issue.

Periodically, Trainfest will send you a “preview” email blast with information on the upcoming issues’ features and how-to articles – plus we’ll include any up-to-the-minute Trainfest show information to keep you infomed.

As of today, more than 40 manufacturers, 35 hobby dealers, 40 railroad layouts and 10 historical groups, have signed up to participate in Trainfest 2011 – the 40th Anniversary. The numbers include several new manufacturers and hobby dealers who have been added to increase the variety of products available to our visitors.

What I am hearing a lot these days has me very excited. A number of layout exhibitors are going “all out” in preparing for Trainfest 2011 by adding to their model railroad exhibits with new equipment, scenery and details. Plus, over 20 hobbyists have enthusiastically committed to sharing their modeling talents, ideas and techniques. (Watch for a list of clinics and demonstrations in the October issue of Trainfest EXPRESS.)

TRAINFEST is finalizing lodging accommodations with a number of local hotels and motels. The list will be found at www.Trainfest.com.

Remember, we continue to look for your input on articles you would like to see in the EXPRESS. Send your suggestions to us at john@trainfest.com or editor@trainfest.com.

In the spirit of Model railroading,Clear Signals Always,

JohnJohn H. Tews, MMRExecutive Director – Trainfest

Trainfest EXPRESS is sent free via email as a PDF and can be seen on the Trainfest website in an interactive, online paging-style format. You can also print out the pages or articles you desire.

From the Caboose

Don’t forget to visit trainfest.com for up-to-the-moment information

on Trainfest 2011

Sponsoring PublisherWisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc., NMRA PublisherJohn H. Tews, MMRjohn@trainfest.com

Contributing EditorsJody Delie Josh Hoppert Angela Podewils Bonnie Topczewski Newsletter Design, Web & AdvertisingMercury Communication Partners, LLC262-782-4637www.mercuryww.com

Photos Contributed byJeremy TopczewskiTed Jansen Fred HolzapfelEd Padgett Badger Air-BrushRuth Johnson

TRAINFEST, Trainfest EXPRESS and the Trainfest LOGO are registered trademarks of the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc., NMRA.

www.trainfest.com

Trainfest

John H. Tews, MMR Executive Director, E-mail: john@trainfest.com

Richard Cecil Asst. to the Director

Cedor Aronow Security

Scott Porinsky Computer Services

Gary Kamin Trainfest Treasurer

Ed Padgett Volunteer Coordinator

Kurt Wamser Floor Director

Linda Sukup Ticket Coordinator

Terry Thompson HMA-MRD Advisor

Mercury Communications Advertising Agency

Trainfest is possible due to the dedication and hard work of our volunteers and board members. If you would like to volunteer for America’s largest operating model railroad show, contact us via email: volunteer@trainfest.com. Trainfest is sponsored by the Wisconsin Southeastern (WISE) Division, Inc., NMRA

Trainfest Committee

5

Milwaukee model railroad enthusiast Ted Jansen is not a member of any local clubs, yet he has established himself within the modeling community.

Having made his foray into the hobby some 50 years ago, Ted’s reputation as an area expert on scratch building is well known by those involved in modeling. Many have seen his 100-foot HO scale Milwaukee Road railroad layout, and some have even talked him into building pieces for them.

Ted scratch builds trains for the fun of it, not for the attention, and he encourages anyone with an interest in model trains to try it, as well.

It all started for Ted when he was about 15 years of age. He had a desire to build the Milwaukee Road depot, so in an effort to obtain original drawings of the depot, he sent a letter to Milwaukee Road. Eventually, he received the drawings in a mailed tube from the railroad, and was able to begin his now massive creation.

At the time Ted wanted to begin modeling The Milwaukee Road, most model train manufacturers didn’t have product that suited him as they were reluctant to mass produce and distribute cars so unique to one area. The lack of widespread demand for these cars did not discourage Ted’s desire to build them. Instead, it motivated him.

They say necessity is the mother of invention; this was certainly the case as Ted began his modeling hobby. The lack of distribution of Milwaukee Road cars led him to start scratch building them all on his own. In this case, a need for Milwaukee Road train cars spawned a unique and amazing lifetime undertaking for this dedicated hobbyist.

These days, Ted can generally complete one car over the span of a weekend. While in earlier days, it might have taken him a couple of weekends, practice makes for faster work and shorter overall work time. However, he still recalls his early projects, and still employs the ever-important preparatory steps that every modeler, new or experienced, should follow.

Ted graciously shared his process in great detail, taking into account that many reading this article may be preparing to do their very first scratch build. Whether you are building your first train car or your fifty-first, the information that Ted has shared will provide you with some valuable guidelines and tips to consider as you move forward.

Modeling The Hard Way: A “How-To” Guide On Scratch Building Model TrainsBy Josh Hoppert

Ted’s layout showcases his mastery of scratch building, and the treasure hard work and time can accumulate.

see Scratch Building, page 7

Ted demonstrates the patience and detail necessary for scratch building as he works on the underbody of a car.

In 1963, the owner of Walter Precision Company in Chicago, bankrolled another small company that would ultimately expand into an international success. The owner’s name was August Schlotfeldt. The company he funded at the request of his son, was, and is, Badger Air-Brush Co., the global leader in the manufacture of airbrushes.

August Schlotfeldt’s company made turned parts, which were sold to a number of notable companies, including a handful of airbrush manufacturers. Schlotfeldt’s son, Walter Schlotfeldt, was intrigued by the product these airbrush companies produced.

In the very early 1960s, Walter took it upon himself to do some work with airbrush companies. He developed Teflon seals and freestanding color cups for airbrushes, and even pitched his ideas to the Thayer & Chandler airbrush company. Nobody chose to act on his ideas, and he did not wish to affect business for Walter Precision, so he simply let the ideas go.

Then, about one year later, August Jeschke left Thayer & Chandler and

approached Walter about his ideas. By 1963, the two had reached an agreement to begin Badger Air-Brush. Walter’s father, August, would provide the funding, Walter would handle all design and production work, and Mr. Jeschke would handle sales. The company went into business officially in 1964, and has grown rapidly ever since. In fact, they’ve grown so large that they were able to acquire Thayer & Chandler in the early 1990s.

Rising to prominence in the industry has not always been easy, and challenges continue to push Badger to make adjustments.

Ken Schlotfeldt, son of Walter Schlotfeldt and current President, states that one of the biggest challenges is redesigning products to better serve artists in rapidly changing airbrush applications and media. At the same time, it is very challenging to educate new, aspiring airbrush artists on what they should look for in terms of quality, service, and overall cost when it comes to purchasing a new airbrush.

Badger Air-Brush. An Entrepreneurship Success Story.

see Badger Air-Brush, page 15

Hobby Shops are Your Ticket ResourceAll three ticket types (Early Bird, Advance and Friday Product Showcase) are available at the following local hobby shops.

Greenfield News and Hobbies Greenfield, WI (414) 281-1800

South Side Trains Milwaukee, WI (414) 482-1566

Jetco Hiawatha Hobbies Waukesha, WI (262) 544-4131

Walthers (Terminal Hobbies) Milwaukee, WI (414) 461-1050

Sommerfeld’s Trains Butler, WI (262) 783-7797

Madison Hobby Stop Madison, WI(608) 829-3820

Engine House Services LLC Green Bay, WI(920) 490-4839

J & D’s Whistle StopSheboygan, WI (920) 458-7246

Lombard HobbiesLombard, IL (630) 620-1084

Park Lane HobbiesDyer, Indiana(219) 322-1123

6

Trainfest

40• C

ELEB

RA

TING 40 YEARS

OF MODEL RAILROADING

®

1972 - 2011

7

First things first: The most important step in scratch building anything is research. Anyone looking to scratch build a particular car, or depot, or anything for that matter, should begin by collecting all the pieces that might help make the process easier.

You may want to start looking online for pictures, details, configurations on down to the paint scheme. All this information with help determine the products and parts you’ll need for success. You don’t want to get halfway done and find out you have two sides that are the same.

If at all possible, you’ll want to secure a drawing, which will be key to replicating the details. The local library can be a valuable resource and some drawings may be available online or through the railroad. And one more tip, start collecting drawings now and build up a library of things you might want to build later.

Once you know exactly what you want to build, you’ll need to develop a plan detailing what supplies you will require to start construction.

Tools, parts, paint, sheets of plastic, lead weights, and many other supplies go into the construction of a model train, so it’s a good idea to keep modeler catalogs on-hand.

Ted recommends using styrene plastic, which comes in sheets and shapes, and scrap wood as materials that are nice to work with. He also recommends shopping at William K. Walthers in Milwaukee, as they provide him with excellent products and service. Regardless of where you go for supplies, he feels building a relationship with the folks at the shop may benefit anyone’s future modeling needs.

SCRATCH BUILDING continued from page 5

see Scratch Building, page 9

You may want to start looking online for pictures, details, configurations on down to the paint scheme.

All this information with help determine the

products and parts you’ll need for success.

9

The actual building of a train car is broken into 4 steps by Ted.

The first of these steps is to build the train car sides. This can be a very intricate and

complicated part of the process, so Ted finds it is best to do it first. He recommends using Brass Car Sides, which are already cut to size with the windows cut out, as well. Otherwise, Ted cuts the sides out of styrene plastic.

Once the sides are the proper size, you should then cut the windows. Be sure to get the outlines properly laid out before cutting the windows, but once you have them in the proper place, use a punch to start making the holes for windows. There are square punches out there that make cutting windows easier. However, many people simply punch round holes with a paper punch, and then use an Exacto knife to cut the proper window frames. Either way works just fine.

Once the sides are done, do the same process for the floor of the train car. Then, you can start priming and painting the pieces. As is the case with many processes, it can make things easier if you complete one process for many pieces at one time. In this case, for example, it can make for less work and less waste if you prime all of the pieces at one time, and then later top coat paint all of the pieces at one time.

Next, it’s time to tackle the underbody of the car. Again, this is where having pictures and

information about your car will really become useful. You should figure out every detail of the underbody, including where the bolsters will go, and then fasten everything into place.

The third step is to create the roof of the train car. This step tends to be a little simpler

than the others, but still requires every bit of your attention. Cut the roof to the desired length, and also any necessary vents and hatches. He finds, on occasion, that sanding the roof and/or its parts can give them a more realistic look.

Finally, it’s time to finish the pieces. Cut any doors you may need, along with the end

pieces. Ted generally uses plastic for these pieces, as it is easier to cut and work with. One important item of this step is to remember the weights.

1

2

3

4

see Scratch Building, page 10

SCRATCH BUILDING continued from page 7

Small lead weights should be attached to the floor of the car with an adhesive, so that the car won’t bounce off of the track. Once these final pieces are finished, you can put the sides, ends, and roof together. Your train car is now finished.

“Are you nuts?” is a question that Ted has become accustomed to hearing. Scratch building is not an easy task, but for the hobbyist looking for a train car with exact specifications, it’s the only way to go.

Ted’s near lifelong devotion to the hobby has resulted in hours and hours of practice that have caused him to progress as a scratch builder, and have also brought him the praise and respect of his peers. However, his philosophies of doing homework before every build, and maintaining a good relationship with a local supplier are helpful tips that, if followed properly, will allow even the newest beginner to thrive. So, Ted invites all to remember these tips and his process, and start scratch building your own cars today.

10

SCRATCH BUILDING continued from page 9

G WHIZ GANG continued from cover

set as a Christmas gift at the ripe ‘ol age of five. His childhood layout grew and grew, just as his enthusiasm for the hobby did.

Over time, he developed friendships with other model train hobbyists, and they eventually formed their own model train club, known as the “G Whiz Gang”. As the Gang stands today, there are eight members actively involved with the club. There is a good amount of physical distance between some of the members. In fact, some members travel up to 120 miles when the group gathers together to do large-scale work. But, their passion for the hobby, and their 30-40 years of friendship makes all the travel worthwhile.

The G Whiz Gang has a traveling railroad they take to shows that measures 16’ by 40’ and is a definite crowd pleaser with 14 sections joined together to make the whole. Even though the sections depict different geographic regions and are divided among the members, their desire was to build and exhibit a railroad that felt cohesive.

The Gang wanted to have a continuous flow and visual feel for the railroad so they had one person paint the entire scenery backdrop at one time, focused on portraying the region in that section.

The railroad has a specific setting, both in time and place, pre-World War II, with the generally accepted endpoint being 1939. The G Whiz Gang members consider themselves detailed craftsman, which is what drives them to kitbash, altering pre-purchased kits, or scratch build all of their structures. They have a distinct vision for how the railroad should be and they build to achieve that vision.

Fred Holzapfel’s Recommended Products Every job has the proper tool, or set of tools. Fred Holzapfel has done about every job imaginable in the model train hobby, and he has some great recommendations for what he believes any serious modeler should keep on-hand. These are the items he recommends.

Proper literature can save a modeler a lot of time and energy. Instructional magazines, such as the Narrow Gauge Gazette, highlight all the latest and greatest tips and techniques and can really make the work much easier. Catalogs, such as MicroMark, allow modelers to find exactly what they need, without having to search multiple hobby shops.

When it comes to tools and other supplies, Fred insists that everyone should own a few specific items. For scratch building, Fred believes a good X-Acto® kit, some motor tools, and Tightbond® glue are all crucial. A cutting mat from a craft store is very important to have for any project that requires a cutting blade.

Fred has found that a metal cookie sheet with some magnets makes building a jig much easier. An OptiVisor®, while perhaps not crucial, is very helpful, as it provides different degrees of magnification. Last but not least, Fred insists that every modeler should have a good, comfortable chair and some good light in the workspace. A seat at the kitchen table simply will not do for the long haul.

see G Whiz Gang, page 12

The G Whiz Gang comes together for good times, good stories and to exhibit their layout. Left to Right: Fred Holzapfel, Mark Wilson, Keith Koch, Ray Gulden, “Corky” Whitlock, Guy Halvorson, Lowell Wood, Mike Fox, Jim Perske and Ted Brownell.

11

The G Whiz Gang originally started their railroad featuring the Midwestern Narrow Gauge, Colorado, and East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad (also known as the “Tweetsie” for the sweet “tweet, tweet” sound made by the high-pitched steam locomotives). Structures on the railroad include a Midwestern TP gas station, the Tweetsie Train Station, and an old-fashioned Colorado train depot and water tank.

Colorado’s terrain has sparked the inspiration behind the scenery present in the layout. Mountains, wooded areas, and rolling level areas all blend together as though it was one continuous scene.

The Gang delivers an experience for those visiting their railroad. Part of that experience is found in the subtle and sometimes small additions of animatronic features placed within the layout. They want to create an element of surprise for onlookers.

Want to know what to look for in the G Whiz Gang layout? Here’s a snippet of the list…

A fisherman with a fishing pole that moves up and down; a row of beer cans on an assembly line in a brewery; a beer advertisement where beer appears to pour; a cat that wags its tail; and a man sharpening an ax, while still another man chops wood. There’s a simulated fire that appears to be burning, and watch for lit interiors of various structures on the layout. These detailed items are not only fun for those who see the display at Trainfest and other shows, but they are fun for the G Whiz Gang as they watch visitor faces light-up.

Another interesting tidbit about this traveling railroad is that it’s considered sectional, not modular. (Some layouts, particularly those built in N Scale, are modular and built to a pre-determined set of standards allowing “modules” to be interchanged within the layout or joined with other layouts that adhere to the same standards. With a sectional railroad, you still maintain the portability, but you can’t interchange with other railroads. A hobby group sets the standard or spec to build to.)

Mark Wilson- Artist in Residence. Mark painted all the backdrops on the G Whiz Gang layout. Having one artist provides consistency and continuity for

the entire set of displays.G WHIZ GANG continued from page 11

Continued on next page

12

The amount of fine detail and realism that goes into a railroad of this magnitude represents a significant amount of time invested. Fred estimates that he alone spends as much as 300 to 500 hours building, maintaining, researching, transporting, and displaying model trains in a busy year. To him, there is a huge difference in personal satisfaction between simply constructing a Plywood Pacific, which is a very basic railroad on a plain sheet of plywood, and creating something that one can really be proud to exhibit at a show. That’s why so many things on the layout, including the hand-laid track, are customized.

The G Whiz Gang are craftsmen. They don’t settle for pieces that don’t exactly suit their needs, and they generally don’t like to use things right out of the box.

A treat for show visitors is, aside from the occasional emergency, they tend not to do too much maintenance to the layout at a show. The tracks only get cleaned right before a show, and the dust the layout collects is just extra character and ambiance in the eyes of the G Whiz Gang. The railroad’s control is a simple DC power pack, where they just turn a dial to make it run. Nothing too tricky, just solid craftsmanship.

The G Whiz Gang attends anywhere between two and four shows in any given year. It’s felt, two shows is ideal and not too much work. Four might sometimes be pushing the limits for some of the members. Trainfest, however, is one event that the Gang doesn’t miss.

Since 2002, the G Whiz Gang has been a feature at Trainfest every year. Fred feels that it’s simply a phenomenal show. He says, “The attendance level is wonderful, and you never really have downtime. You are just talking and enjoying people the whole time.”

A favorite award amongst the members of G Whiz Gang came in 2002, when they were awarded the Trainfest “Best of Show”.

The awards, though, are not why the G Whiz Gang devotes so much time and energy to their projects. The comments from visitors is reward enough for them. Though, Fred shares that “creating something old with new materials while using fine-detailed hand work” is his favorite aspect of the hobby.

Fred Holzapfel’s experiences with model trains are certainly both numerous and colorful. When one spends that much time around model trains, it comes with the territory.

One particularly satisfying moment happened at a very recent Trainfest. The G Whiz Gang takes a seriously fun approach to allowing kids the ability to operate the trains on their railroad. In fact, once they’ve “operated” the railroad, kids receive their very own “Junior Engineer” certificate allowing them to “run the trains” for life.

One Trainfest day, Fred was manning the railroad when a young father walked up with his 3-year-old son. He simply says to Fred, “I’d like to teach my son how to run the trains”, and in the very next breath the young father pulls from his pocket his own Junior Engineer certificate and hands it to Fred.

The young father had obtained his certificate nearly ten years earlier, and was now returning, as a certified “engineer” to teach his son how to operate the train. Fred

recalls their faces just beamed. This was truly a special experience for all and not one Fred will soon forget. Seeing one generation so excited about passing down the hobby to the next is really heartwarming.

At the other end of the spectrum, Fred found out you can’t prepare for everything.

There was a show a few years back when the G Whiz Gang member responsible for bringing the legs to support the entire railroad forgot them at home. Instead of letting this get the better of the group, they stood for a moment and had a good, hard laugh about it.

Then, they decided to hop in the truck and head to Home Depot®. They bought some 2x2’s and constructed temporary emergency legs to literally get their railroad off the ground. Fred shares this memory as an example of why he so greatly enjoys being a part of this group. “We laugh first, problem solve next, and share the memories for years to come”; to Fred, that’s the best kind of camaraderie.

Memories Meant to be Shared

13

see G Whiz Gang, page 14

The chance to work with so many different materials to make something truly extraordinary is a lot of fun for this club. The other reason they do it is for the camaraderie. All Gang members have gained some deep, lasting friendships through this hobby. In some cases, these friendships have lasted as long as 40 years. Members keep in touch with fellow hobbyists from other states, and even other countries. “The awards are fun, and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done is great, but the friendships are what truly matter, and they last a lifetime.”

To those considering getting started in model railroading, Fred and the Gang have a couple of suggestions.

The first suggestion is that everyone considering this hobby should read some of the latest magazines regarding trains and model railroading. These periodicals can be really helpful in determining whether the hobby is right for you. Next, Fred recommends that everyone go to shows like Trainfest and really absorb the atmosphere. Talking to long-time train hobbyists one-on-one and mixing with those exhibiting trains can be even more helpful than reading the magazines. Plus, as you progress in your knowledge of trains and model railroading, shows like Trainfest are a great source of the latest information about the hobby. They are a great source of new friends, as well.

The G Whiz Gang may not be exactly what their name suggests, but they are certainly a lively and gifted bunch. They are overjoyed to be a regular fixture at Trainfest, and the annual visitors at Trainfest are more than happy to have them.

For Fred, the train set he received when he was five is truly the gift that keeps on giving. He, like his fellow G Whiz Gang members, has turned his childhood activity into a lifetime hobby and a true work of art. He is overjoyed to pass this hobby along to the younger generations, so that they may also get the satisfaction members of this club enjoy. It’s a fantastic hobby, and the G Whiz Gang certainly has some serious fun with it.

G WHIZ GANG continued from page 13

The photo above illustrated a very early stage of the G Whiz Gang sectional layout. Ted Brownell (Back) and Fred Holzapfel work on hand laid track. Each tie was cut on a table saw. They were individually glued to the sectional units following a pre-determined track plan. Then code 215 nickel silver rail from Micro Engineering was spiked to the ties. Some of the tools used are show: Rail bender, needle nose pliers, wood stain, various items for soldering, old 35 mm film cans to hold spikes, glues, tapes and assorted files.

Looking the length of the lay out, all these buildings are scratch built to fit the scene. The structures are 1:24 scale. Many of the “people” are old Christmas ornaments.

In about 1997 or 1998, Coca Cola had a line of ornaments. They turned out to be perfect for use in large scale. Just after Christmas that year they went on close out sale. The G-Whiz gang picked up as many as we could find. They have been repainted with different colors of clothing and in some cases repositioned to fit better into a scene.

15

Though Badger Air-Brush is admittedly in the business of selling airbrushes, they find it’s important to ensure that those wishing to develop their skills as an artist find the right product to suit their needs and ensure satisfaction in their finished airbrush artwork.

Looking to the future, Badger is looking to meet the challenges of today’s airbrush market while maintaining a high level of quality which it has sustained for nearly 50 years… in its products, its service, and its support.

The business philosophy is not static as there is no set of guidelines that results in success. Badger continually looks to make improvements, in an effort to provide aspiring and established artists with the tools and assistance they need in order to be successful.

Badger’s new Renegade Krone airbrush is just one example of the company’s dedication to improvement. It is an intricately designed multi-application finite detail airbrush that really pushes detail further than previous Badger Airbrushes as well as those made by other companies, in terms of design, look, feel, and performance.

The latest Badger paint formulations, RC Air and Woods & Water, are designed for very specific purposes. RC Air is designed for use by radio control painters, while Woods & Waters is designed for use in taxidermy. Badger has several paint brands for varying airbrush applications, and sees paint product development as a key future growth horizon for the company.

In the months and years to come, Badger will be unveiling some very forward-thinking and exciting products. A new airbrush soon to be released is named the ZRO. It will feature an exceptionally versatile nozzle, allowing for

both fine and general spray. As many t-shirt painters have indicated, one very common problem is the issue of tip dry. The ZRO has been specifically designed to combat this very problem, allowing for much easier use.

A paint development to be released in the near future will expand the military line in the MODELflex paint range. A revamped compressor range is scheduled to launch in early July.

In the opinion of President Ken Schlotfeldt, there are only a couple of manufacturers that compare to what Badger is doing. Paasche Airbrushes and Iwata-Medea Airbrushes are two manufactures that maintain similar high quality standards, and consistently produce a high quality, if slightly different product. Ken feels the standards of these competitors contribute to Badger’s attentiveness to quality and prompts Badger to continue pushing the envelope of Air-Brush design. The differences, he says, are that Badger really takes the time to listen and respond to the concerns of the consumer, and also that Badger is the last remaining airbrush manufacturer

that makes all of its airbrushes in the United States.

The relentless dedication to quality upon which Badger insists has led them to a long line of awards. Most of these awards have been for achievement in product design, packaging design, and patents. However, the two awards that Ken cherishes most came from very unique sources. He received a

handmade plaque from a local third grade class for “Funnest Field Trip”, and a certificate of appreciation from the servicemen and women in the Baghdad Hobby Club overseas.

Hobbyists of another kind have a special relationship with Badger, as well. Model railroad hobbyists have a strong connection to all manufacturers who make products that make constructing an impressive layout easier.

BADGER AIR-BRUSH continued from page 6

see Badger Air-Brush, page 16

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BADGER AIR-BRUSH continued from page 15

Many Trainfest attendees go to the event to learn about new products and how they will impact the hobby, and also to discuss their experiences with the products. As many of the attendees are users of Badger equipment, Badger Air-Brush likes to have representation at the event. This way, they can provide Badger users with all of the latest information, advice, and support, and they can also collect questions and concerns from those users.

The exchange of information that Badger maintains allows them to better serve the model railroading public.

Much like those with a lifelong passion for model trains, Badger looks for new ways to get the upcoming generations interested in the hobby. They have a vested interest. Layout painting is a large piece of Badger’s business, so they want to see the hobby flourish just as much as anyone attending Trainfest.

Badger has conducted research to find ways of keeping small children with a fascination for trains engaged in that idea for life. Badger is truly a part of the model railroad community in helping to advance the hobby. It’s a nice win-win relationship.

It takes passion and good ideas to help a program to progress and succeed.

The truly special and unique model train clubs, the ones who win awards and consistently produce top-notch layouts, have that passion and those good ideas. Walter Schlotfeldt and August Jeschke shared that passion and those good ideas, as well. The camaraderie and open lines of communication between these groups add to their respective undertakings. It proves both entities with a purpose and affirmation that what they are doing is right, as it contributes to the enjoyment and overall happiness of those around them.

Badger Air-Brush understands and shares the art and the philosophies of the model railroad hobbyist, and has grown to an internationally notable manufacturing company because of it. Yet, perhaps more importantly, they have kept a decades-old pledge to always listen to and help the customer.

Photos provided courtesy of Badger Air-Brush

Inside Scoop: Manufacturers and hobby dealers are going to take the 40th Trainfest anniversary celebrations to a new level. For some their big plans are still under tight wraps, but for others, some sources say commemorative items, giveaways and more are in the works! Trainfest 2011 promises to be a spectacular event with 40th anniversary surprises around every corner. Make your plans now to be onsite both days!

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Photos provided courtesy of Badger Air-Brush

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40• C

ELEB

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TING 40 YEARS

OF MODEL RAILROADING

®

1972 - 2011

60 Amazing Railroads. Enormous Fun. Endless Discovery.

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G YOUR CAME

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Visit trainfest.com – Coupons, Details, Lodging!

Demonstrations and “how-to”

clinics

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Learn tips and techniques

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60 manufacturers

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60 hobby dealers

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12 historical societies

WI Expo Center at State Fair Park 8200 W. Greenfield Ave. Milwaukee (West Allis), WI

Saturday & SundayNov. 12 – 13, 20119:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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ainfest

40• C

ELEB

RA

TING 40 YEARS

OF MODEL RAILROADING

®