NMRA Member?

[CBQ_Guy]

All,

ll I may have opened a can of worms here, but I was just wondering how many of you on this Forum are members of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). No hidden agendas, no judgements, no gotchas. Just curious.

For the record, I was, then I wasn't, currently am again. ..in the interest of full disclosure, of course! [X-)]

[Big_Boy_4005]

30 years!!!

[vsmith]

Not interested, I'm too far out in left field with my large scale indoor layout for them to be of any use for me or me for them.

[Noah Hofrichter]

I've considered for about A year becoming one, but it always seemed alittle expensive and I'd rather spent the money on the trains[:D][:D]. But Iguess here is the place to ask, What all does the NMRA offer? Would there be anything that would interest a 12 year old like me[?]

Noah[:p][8D][:D]

[Anonymous]

Ditto to Noah. What does the NMRA offer to younger people (I'm 13)? Would the TAMR be better for a guy like me and Noah?

[Anonymous]

i'm not a member, and same with big boy and noah, i am 16 so i have no purpose to join. Sure, if it weren't for the NMRA there would be problems with coupler heights, track with, wheel with, etc would be a nightmare, but i have no intention to join.

As for TAMR, it costs money, isn't one of the features of becoming a member tips on how to make things on a low budget?

[IRONROOSTER]

I have been a member for over thirty years.
Enjoy
Paul

[cjcrescent]

Been a regular member since 1973 and a lifer past five years. To answer some of the questions about what does the NMRA have to offer me. I have to ask what do you want? The NMRA has many programs available to members, research, photos, insurance on layout and equipment, division meets, regional and national conventions, AP program etc. What you get out of it is totally dependant on you. I suggest that you go to http://www.nmra.org and scroll down the page to member benefits and see what the NMRA can do directly for you.

[jrbarney]

All,
Joined in 1961. Became Life Member in 1963. The gentlemen that mentored me were members, so I followed their lead. One benefit is that it helped me stay in touch with the hobby while I was stationed overseas with the USAF, even though mail delivery was sometimes erratic. Have found the Kalmbach Memorial Library to be a very useful research tool in recent years. In the interest of full disclosure, and as a possible example for others, I decided to add my membership status to my forum responses. Enjoy.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

[AggroJones]

The NMRA doesn't really have anything to offer me that is worth that much money. I've never been in it and I don't intend to.

[Anonymous]

Hey Noah Hofrichter, at least I'm not the youngest one around here!(I'm 14) I had thoughts of becoming a member too but I decided to wait until I was old enouhg to actually have a job that would allow me to spend money on anything trains.[:D][:-,][swg]
I do think they offer quite a bit of information, but I don't know of how much value or a help it is.by the way... YOU GOT TO RIDE IN A W&S GEEP!? NO FAIR!!
------------------------
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy rules!!!![;)]
Wabash RR rules![;)]
EVERYWHERE WEST/WAY of the ZEPHYRS!!!![8D]

[Anonymous]

Noooo nooo nooo not me!!
Not that I don't appreciate what work they have done for determining standards for track, DCC and other stuff. However, everytime I try to engage a member to try and explain to me why I should join, I get the same response every time.
"We got standards!"
Why should I pay regional and national dues?
"We got standards!"
Whats in the Bulletin that I can't get out of MR?
"We got standards!"
What is in the NMRA Library that I can't get online?
"We got standards!"
What has the NMRA done new lately?
"We got standards!"
How do you se the hobby maturing?
"We got standards!"

It might sound funny to you, but 5 years ago I was approached, as the then President of the FCSME to talk to an NMRA rep who was trying to recruit the aid of the local clubs to try to bolster the then failing health of the local chapter of the NMRA. It was a joke. I might as well have been talking to a parrot. The local chapter is now defunct.[V]

Never again.

[CP5415]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AggroJones

The NMRA doesn't really have anything to offer me that is worth that much money. I've never been in it and I don't intend to.

[#ditto]

I don't have time nor the money right now to belong the NMRA

Gordon

[orsonroy]

I've been a member of the NMRA for about five years now, and plan on re-upping when my dues are due again (2006). Mostly, I'm a member because I'm fortunate to live in an area that has a very active, dynamic and FRIENDLY division (RRVD).

To you younger guys asking if the NMRA would be a good "investment" for you, I'll say "maybe". I've found that the biggest benefit to the NMRA is the people you meet locally. The NMRA may have a lot of faults, but it's the best way for model railroaders to meet and get to know each other. If you're interested in seeing other people's layouts, learning from more experienced modelers, and having the opportunity to operate on other layouts (or even becoming part of an op group), then going to NMRA meetings and "hooking up" is the best way to go. I've operated on some of the best layouts in the country because of the people I've met through the NMRA. I'm returning the favor by "adopting" two younger modelers (12 and 14) through encouraging them to build Ntrak modules. Whenever we operate our club Ntrak layout, they take an active role in all aspects of it's setup and operation, and get to run the show as much as the rest of us. I also have a walkaround throttle that I'll hand off to kids during a show to let them actually run a train (see any other Ntrak layout do that!).

Some areas don't have an active NMRA club. Some local NMRA clubs are filled with old nasty grouches. The only way you'll find out, however, is to let your parents know that this is something you really do want to try, and have them take you to a few meetings. If the club is any good, they'll soon warm up and fight over who gets to take you under their wing (one of my adopt-a-modelers has been stolen from our group, and is now operating on several local layouts!)

[lupo]

I am a member off the dutch NMRA "contact group"
they have about 200 - 300 members overhere
does that count?

[rogerhensley]

Originally posted by kbfcsme:
>Noooo nooo nooo not me!!
>Not that I don't appreciate what work they have done for determining standards for track, DCC and other stuff. However, everytime I try to engage a member to try and explain to me why I should join, I get the same response every time.
> "We got standards!"

Then you are talking to the wrong people. Yes, without the Standards and RPs, the hobby would be far different and you would probably not be in it unless you felt like making everything yourself. St&RPs allow your equipment to run on the other guys layout.

>Why should I pay regional and national dues?
>"We got standards!"

Fellowship and local assistance both given and received. Assuming that you are willing to share your hobby with others.

>Whats in the Bulletin that I can't get out of MR?
>"We got standards!"

Scale Rails/Bulletin is NOT MR or RMC. It is not supposed to be. It is the NMRA's contact with the membership. In many respects, it is more technical than MR.

>What is in the NMRA Library that I can't get online?
>"We got standards!"

Absolutely thousands of things that you will never get on-line. The NMRA Kalmbach Library has a fantastic amount of materials and photos that NO ONE else has. And you don't even have to be a member to take advantage of it. But you do have to pay for the research. The Library also publishes books and reprint on railroading to help the hobby. Anyone can buy them, but members get them for a little less.

>What has the NMRA done new lately?
>"We got standards!"

We absolutley have Standards. DCC to be specific. It is the latest big step forward in he hobby and is so good that a manufacturer is attempting to claim that DCC is theirs and theirs alone.

>How do you se the hobby maturing?
>"We got standards!"

I see the hobby as getting more gray all of the time and I really don't understand what you meant and I expect that no one else does either. In our division, we have a program for youth that is now beginning to pay dividends with young modelers and their father or mother working together on a new small layout. They had the interest, but it was the inspiration and help from division members that helped them jump in.

> It might sound funny to you, but 5 years ago I was approached, as the then President of the FCSME to talk to an NMRA rep who was trying to recruit the aid of the local clubs to try to bolster the then failing health of the local chapter of the NMRA. It was a joke. I might as well have been talking to a parrot. The local chapter is now defunct.[V]

Maybe it should be. I wasn't there and don't know the circumstances, but if you want to take a peek into a sucessful NMRA division, I invite you to take a look at: http://cid.railfan.net/ the Central Indiana Division. BTW - We charge no dues here. If you are a member of the NMRA and live within our territory, you are automatically a member of the division and will receive our newsletter , the Rusty Spike, 5 times a year at no cost to you to help keep you informed of things and even some modeling tips.. And we welcome anyone to our meets although there are a few things that a non member cannot participate in. :-)

> Never again.

Too bad. But that is your choice.

[ClinchValleySD40]

A member for over 30 years and it's money very well spent.

[cjcrescent]

I have to agree with what Roger stated about the division going under and I enjoyed the visit to the CID website. I guess that in all the years I have been in the NMRA I have always been fortunate to be in an active region and division. My local division , Steel City of the SER is hosting the 2004 SER (SouthEastern Region) convention here in May. We are trying to have a real bang up convention and the prices are pretty reasonable. http://scd-nmra.org Click on convention information

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by kbfcsme

Noooo nooo nooo not me!!
Not that I don't appreciate what work they have done for determining standards for track, DCC and other stuff. However, everytime I try to engage a member to try and explain to me why I should join, I get the same response every time.
"We got standards!"
Why should I pay regional and national dues?
"We got standards!"
Whats in the Bulletin that I can't get out of MR?
"We got standards!"
What is in the NMRA Library that I can't get online?
"We got standards!"
What has the NMRA done new lately?
"We got standards!"
How do you se the hobby maturing?
"We got standards!"

Sounds like you got the "standard" answer! [;)]

[CBQ_Guy]

I see Roger H. found this thread. Was hoping he would. He's a good "apologetic" for the NMRA.

Hope you keep an eye on this thread, Roger, to give good, sound and ACCURATE info out to those who need it on the organization.

Best to you,!

Paul - "The CB&Q Guy"
-- Modeling the CB&Q and its fictional Illiniwek River Sub/Branch in the 1960's. --

aka...

Paul Kossart - "The CB&Q Guy" - Peru, IL *USA*
NMRA Illinois Valley Division TIMETABLE Newsletter Editor

[ClinchValleySD40]

I'm someone that feels that the best part of this hobby is the people. Of course, like anything in life you'll find a few bad ones, but they are in the very very small minority. I've been lucky enough to make friends with some really great people I really enjoy spending time with. And that to me is the biggest benefit of the NMRA, the Regional and Divisions. Try attending a regional convention sometime, I promise you'll have a great time. And of course, there are the SIG's (Special Interest Group's) which really help people interested in one subject come together to help and share info.

For everything I get out of it, I think the cost is well worth it.

Larry Burk
Holly, MI

[Anonymous]

We have an excellent local NMRA bunch in greater Kansas City, the Turkey Creek Division. There is a real Turkey Creek here, it floods Southwest Blvd from time to time.
I used to be a member, but business needs made it impossible for me to attend the meetings (they are about 20 miles from my home and/or my office) so I didn't renew a year or so ago. I am about to the point of being able to participate again so I'll probably rejoin soon. There are a lot of really good people in the Turkey Creek Division!

Ed Briley
Independence, MO

[Anonymous]

I've been a member for longer than I can remember. Even if I wasn't a member I'd at least would follow their recomended practices.

[rogerhensley]

I noted a couple of comments from younger list members about whether the NMRA was the better deal than TAMR. That's a toughie. I understand that not all people or places in the NMRA seem to welcome youth. That's a real shame and for the record, that should never happen. However, we know that it does and the TAMR fills the need in those cases.

What do I say? I suggest that with a little homework in your local hobby shop (if you have one) or on the web at the NMRA site, you can find out if there is an NMRA division or group near you. It won't take but a couple of contacts to know if there is a place for you. and whether or not you are even interested in them.

You can always join the NMRA as a Youth Member. From the NMRA 'Join Now' page:
>>>Youth Member - Any person under the age of 20 years (date of birth mandatory on the application). Enjoys all of the rights and privileges of membership in the NMRA including"Scale Rails". Cost $30.00 (US) per year.<<< And there is nothing that says that you cannot be a member of both. It is not an either/or situation.

Several years back, the TAMR held a convention here in Central Indiana. I was approached by the host to line up NMRA layouts for them to visit and I did just that. The guys seemed to have had a great time. I know that I enjoyed having them visit. My point? When they were looking for layouts, they came to us and we were happy to have them. I would hope that the guys that came through here have a better impression of the NMRA than they might otherwise have had. It's all a matter of one-on-one. It doesn't matter where you are, it is the people that you see and meet. That's what will make the difference. I would hope that the NMRA has more to offer on a local basis than other groups, but that is your choice.

BTW - I guess that I do practice 'Apologetics'. That is the formal justification or defense of something. In this case, it is the NMRA. I've been a member since 1980 and I've seen both the good and the bad and I believe that the good outweights the bad or I would never have remained a member. :-)

[CBQ_Guy]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lupo

I am a member off the dutch NMRA "contact group"
they have about 200 - 300 members overhere
does that count?

Hi lupo,

Never heard of that one, excuse my ignorance...what is a contact group?

[Anonymous]

For the younger kids & teens, I'd highly recommend the TAMR. I've been a member for 3-4 years now and believe me, you won't regret it. First of all, it's onyl $15, versus $30 for the NMRA. With that, you get 11 issues of our newsletter The Hotbox, four issues of your regional newsletter, a free subscription to Model Railroad News, ability to hold and attend conventions, and much more. The TAMR is a perfect opportunity to meet others your age who share the same interests. Conventions help this by letting you gather with other teens who ejoy railfanning, model railroading and such. I can't even express how much this organization has helped me and many others like me in that if it weren't for this organization, we'd be all alone and most likely would've given up trains all together. Instead, I'm an active member of this group meeting new teens constantly and establishing friendships that will last a lifetime, not to mention all the memories of past conventions. Please feel free to stop over to http://www.tamr.org (TAMR's official website) and check things out. As I said before, you definitely wouldn't rgret joining (I don't think any amount of money could give me as much as I've gotten out of the TAMR if used elsewhere).