prototypes I worked on with Randy from Modeler’s Choice and
I had some extras. I pre-stained these with Flo-Stain and taped
each down to a piece of cardboard before class.
The last part of preparation is to put all the documents and the
presentation on CDs, one per Scout. To make life easier, I burn
several such presentations all on the same CD, so I don’t have
to have separate piles for morning and afternoon sessions.
Finally comes the day of Merit Badge Academy. I had set a limit
of 30 Scouts, and 27 signed up. One thing I have learned is
that trying to teach teenagers is not easy, and they don’t want
more school, especially on a Saturday. I burn CDs so the Scouts
do NOT have to sit and take notes on a worksheet for an hour.
When I make that announcement at the beginning of class, I
typically get a cheer!
The presentation covers Class 1 railroads, Amtrak, how engines
work, parts of a railroad company, careers, and a big hunk on
safety. That part doesn’t take too long – maybe an hour. Then it
is time.
Building freight cars
I arranged the kits on the top of a piano at the side of the
room, from left to right in my estimate of difficulty of the kits.
I asked who had modeling experience, and asked them to take
the more difficult kits on the right-hand side.
And we are off! I had previously spoken with the four dads
who were watching in the room. I spaced them at four sepa-
rate tables where I had spread out my modeling tools. Some
Scouts had read the prerequisite list where I asked them to
bring tools with them; most had not. I was roving, helping
