If you’ve been wanting to construct your own model railroad layout but never took the plunge, as you were thinking you didn’t have any ideas or the skills to actually start? Well, you don’t have to think that way any longer! The Daylight Division of the National Model Railroad Association is hosting a Hands-On Model Railroad Layout Construction Workshop, “The Basics of Building a Layout,” in Bakersfield, Saturday, May 16, 2026. The workshop will have several hands-on clinics that will allow you to actually do the tasks that are required in constructing your own home layout. The clinics will include the following:

· Layout Planning

· Laying Track

· Installing Turnouts and Switches

· Wiring the Layout and Soldering Feeders to the Track

· Creating Scenery

· John Allen Timesaver layout on hand for folks to try their hand at this classic model railroad switching puzzle.

Membership in the National Model Railroad Association is not required to attend. This event is free to all National Model Railroad Association members. Admission for non-National Model Railroad Association members is $5 which allows up to 4 family members and/or friends to attend. Children ages 17 and under are welcome and encouraged to attend but must have parental/guardian oversight during the entire event. As all material will be provided by us, there is no need for you to bring any tools or materials. Lunch will be provided and the menu will be Hot dogs, chips, tea or water and homemade peanut butter cookies.

The workshop will be at the East Bakersfield Veteran's/Senior Building 2101 Ridge Road, Bakersfield, California, from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 16, 2026

Please RSVP to Doug Wagner, by May 9, 2026, at carldw@aol.com or call (661) 589-0391 if you plan to attend or need directions or have any questions.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Email To RSVP Or For More Information

MODEL TRAIN ACTION FROM THE april 25th OPEN HOUSE.........

On the HO layout.............

Video provided by GEHAMS member, Pat Inase.

And on the N scale layout............

Video provided by GEHAMS member, Doug "Lone Wolf" Wagner.

The Newest Addition To The N Scale Layout

No Doubt Where You Are On The N Scale Layout...............

GEHAMS Student Member, Connor Bergquist, is learning how to 3D print, so I was able to snag him into 3D printing the Bakersfield Sign for the GEHAMS N Sale layout. I finally got around to painting it and the sign is now situated on the GEHAMS N scale layout. Not the best paint job, but like us N scalers say, "It will look just fine 3-feet away!" Now just need to get some 3D printed N scale figures of Buck Owens and Dwight Yokam!

Upcoming GEHAMS Schedule

MAY SCHEDULE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

MAY

May 13
- 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
  - HO & N Layout Work Sessions
  - No trains will be running during this time
May 16
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - Open for Visitation (Be aware that there maybe layout work going on and no trains operating during some of this time)
May 20
- 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
  - HO & N Layout Work Sessions
  - No trains will be running during this time
May 23
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  - Open for Visitation (Be aware that there maybe layout work going on and no trains operating during some of this time)
May 27
- 9:00 AM - 12 Noon
  - HO & N Layout Work Sessions
  - No trains will be running during this time
May 30
- 8:00 AM
  - Pre-Meeting Breakfast at Tina's Marie's Downtown Cafe (1st Floor of GEHAMS Clubhouse)
- 9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
  - Monthly GEHAMS Business Meeting (3rd Floor of Clubhouse)
- 10:15 AM-10:45 AM
  - Better Running Rolling Stock Clinic
- 10:45 AM-1:00 PM
  - Open House
  - No admission charge
  - Free to the public
  - Trains will be running on both layouts!!!
  - This Will Be The Final Open House Of The Season, Until September 26th.

Location & Contact Info

Golden Empire Historical & Modeling Society

Golden Empire Historical & Modeling Society

Model Railroad “How-To” Clinics

Basics of Building a Layout May 16th

You Are Cordially Invited To Attend Our Next

open house may 30th

MODEL TRAIN ACTION FROM THE april 25th OPEN HOUSE.........

On the HO layout.............

And on the N scale layout............

The Newest Addition To The N Scale Layout

No Doubt Where You Are On The N Scale Layout...............

Upcoming GEHAMS Schedule

MAY SCHEDULE

2027 33rd Annual Bakersfield Model Train Show

want to be a seller at the 2027 Show?

Want To Be Notified When Tables Are Made Available?

GEHAMS SOCIAL media SITES

GEHAMS on YouTube

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

Golden Empire Historical & Modeling Society

Golden Empire Historical & Modeling Society

Model Railroad “How-To” Clinics

Basics of Building a Layout May 16th

You Are Cordially Invited To Attend Our Next

open house may 30th

MODEL TRAIN ACTION FROM THE april 25th OPEN HOUSE.........

On the HO layout.............

And on the N scale layout............

The Newest Addition To The N Scale Layout

No Doubt Where You Are On The N Scale Layout...............

Upcoming GEHAMS Schedule

MAY SCHEDULE

2027 33rd Annual Bakersfield Model Train Show

want to be a seller at the 2027 Show?

Want To Be Notified When Tables Are Made Available?

GEHAMS SOCIAL media SITES

GEHAMS on YouTube

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

GEHAMS Face Book Group

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