Model railroading and prototyping is a wonderful hobby that doesn’t really require that anyone share in it with you ” but the enjoyment of seeing others reactions to your special diorama or the ability to pose questions on specifications and historical references to a group of friends for many causes them to seek out other like-minded enthusiasts.
Fortunately there are many clubs and organizations that have sprung up around model railroading, hundreds in the USA alone ” but one of the largest and most prestigious is the NMRA, the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit educational association designed to promote model railroading, and to influence 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
- Fellowship 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
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