Perspective of the NMRA - National Model Railroad Association

by Bill Murphy

Enjoying model railroading and prototyping is a hobby you can do alone-but the enjoyment of watching others reactions or being able to ask questions on specifications or historical references with friends may cause them to find other enthusiasts.

There are hundreds of clubs in the USA alone that have surfaced for model railroading, one of the largest being the NMRA, the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit , educational association that promotes model railroading and impacts standards within the industry.

The NMRA has members across the world with over 150 divisions or groups of members spread out in 18 regions. Their yearly convention and the National Train Show continue to build excitement for model train enthusiasts to enjoy. The NMRA has been there for its members for over 70 years and will continue for many more.

The NMRA has set many standards that still exist today. Having been founded in 1935, they still maintain a list of Standards and Recommended Practices available to manufacturers and hobbyists. The Kalmbach Memorial Library, one of the larger railroad reference centers in the world is partially maintained by the NMRA. The Kalmbach Library has more than 5,000 books as well as over 100,000 prototype photos and over 50,000 modeling, prototype and historical magazines, a great resource center for anyone into prototype railroading.

Available resources for members by the NMRA include:

-Being able to access the Kalmbach Memorial Library, an excellent resource on railroads and model railroads

-Association with other modelers and a monthly magazine

-Availability to the Members Aid Program forum where you can discuss information of model trains and also access information sheets for existing train specs

About the Author:

Looking for ideas for model railroad scenery? Visit The Model Railroader website at http://www.themodelrailroader.com for lots of helpful ideas and to get your free copy of my report on designing model railroads.