This past week we had the local NMRA meet in the Va. area. The group is led by a pretty good group of guys. This chapter is doing some things that are right. Following is some of what I learned from this weeks meet.
This past Saturday we discussed "operations". From the discussion I learned :
1) the host should not plan on running RR. He should concentrate on problem solving, answering questions...
2) Helping to run a train helps one to learn what is they like and dont like which will help design their RR better
3) set up a call board with a list to for sign up for operations and a secondary list for operaters who may be able to fill in should some one in the first list has to cancel
4) isles are never wide enough
5 ) Make your RR handicap accessible for those that have physical disabilities
6) Make it fun - that is why we run model RR
7) THIS ONE is a BIG one - EXPECT things to get broken, damaged etc...people are more important than things
8) have some snacks for the guest
I learned this and more about operations. After the group spoke on operations there were several layout tours available and I was able to visit a few. I learned so much by speaking to the host about why he built certain thing in such and such a way. I also saw some niffty ways to build model RR in non std ways. Some very inventive things going on. And of course I learned some dont do items.
Any way thats my two cents hope you enjoyed and look forward to your comments.
TTYL
YGW
yougottawantaisles are never wide enough
That's because most of them are surrounded by water.
Ummm, oh, you meant aisle.
Never mind.
I see no reason to join the NMRA.
I did join about 10 years ago and not once was I contacted after I joined. Went to a couple of meetings and was completely ignored and it was not just me, there were 3 others who felt the same way. Contacted the local chapter twice and never got a response.
I just never renewed my membership, their loss.
Same thing with me. I joined, never contacted, never a newsletter or email. I just let my subscription stop at the end of the year. They do have a website with everything you will ever need to know about.
I joined the NMRA last year in order to be accepted into my module club, plus I get a magazine from them each month with lots of helpful tips
looking good so far.
DAVID FORTNEY I see no reason to join the NMRA. I did join about 10 years ago and not once was I contacted after I joined. Went to a couple of meetings and was completely ignored and it was not just me, there were 3 others who felt the same way. Contacted the local chapter twice and never got a response. I just never renewed my membership, their loss.
From what I can tell, the internet has made the NMRA obsolete as far as every day value. Achievement program? Is this Boy Scouts?
Having a standards body is good, and maintaining an archive is good...except you can't get anything out of it without shelling out more money! Same for video rentals. If they had a paywall up where you could get to online copies of their videos, documents, and newsletters, that would be worthwhile, but this comedically antiquated way of running the organization...that part of it needs to die and die quickly, or the whole organization will.
Julian
Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)
I am fortunate to belong to a strong and active Division (and reasonably active Region) of the NMRA. I know many members are not so fortunate.
I guess it did not occur to me to expect people to approach me when I was new, but it is also true that I knew several of them already. And I have to plead guilty to not going out of my way to greet unfamiliar faces at the meets. To the extent there is a social aspect to meets and events, yes, nobody wants to feel like the only stranger in the room. That can be profoundly uncomfortable.
One way to get known, and fast, is to volunteer to help at Divisional activities, volunteer to give clinics, and volunteer to write articles for Divisional and Regional publications.
Most of my friends, and closest and oldest friends at that, are train or model train related in some way. To me it just made sense to join the organization of people who are in that same boat.
Dave Nelson
Organizations are made up of people, and some people are less perfect than others seem to be.
Tens of thousands of people are members of the NMRA today and many (though not all) are very conscientious about welcoming newcomers. As with all organizations, what one gets out depends to some degree on the effort one makes themselves. There just aren’t enough volunteers to follow-up with every new member individually, so that may be an unrealistic expectation.
Each individual Region and Division (there are no "Chapters" in the NMRA, so far as I know) varies. Some are very active, others less so. My local Pacific Coast Region does a great job in general, with many activities and events throughout the year.
The Achievement Program is a very small part of the NMRA. On the other hand, the standards efforts have been a benefit to the entire hobby and local events create learning opportunities and outreach in many regions and divisions.
All in all, I personally don’t think it’s fair to paint the NMRA with the broadest of brushes, citing events that happened in specific locales decades ago as typical of everyone involved in the NMRA today. But it does seem to happen every time someone mentions the organization in this forum.
I’m a member, I get a significant amount of benefit out of the NMRA, and I’ll continue as part of the organization.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
I see no reason to join the NMRA. It appears to add nothing to an individual's enjoyment of model railroading.
Same for golf. I joined the USGA 10 years ago. I hear from them once a year when they send me an invoice for annual dues. I got smart this year and terminated my membership.
Rich
Alton Junction
richhotrainI see no reason to join the NMRA. It appears to add nothing to an individual's enjoyment of model railroading.
It does to mine.
cuyama richhotrain I see no reason to join the NMRA. It appears to add nothing to an individual's enjoyment of model railroading. It does to mine.
richhotrain I see no reason to join the NMRA. It appears to add nothing to an individual's enjoyment of model railroading.
richhotrainHow so?
Local events, for the most part. Our region is pretty active. Conventions, tours, meets. Good people trying their best to boost the hobby.
In the broader sense, DCC is pretty important to me and the NMRA standards efforts have been a big part of DCC's acceptance and proliferation. (Even for DC users, the fact that all engines go the same direction when DC power is applied is a benefit of NMRA standards.)
Edit: Not to mention NMRA trackwork standards
I'm not saying that everyone should join the NMRA, what I am saying is that many do get a lot out of it -- therefore my response to your contention that "[the NMRA] adds nothing to an individual's enjoyment of model railroading."
cuyama richhotrain How so? Local events, for the most part. Our region is pretty active. Conventions, tours, meets. Good people trying their best to boost the hobby. In the broader sense, DCC is pretty important to me and the NMRA standards efforts have been a big part of DCC's acceptance and proliferation. (Even for DC users, the fact that all engines go the same direction when DC power is applied is a benefit of NMRA standards.) I'm not saying that everyone should join the NMRA, what I am saying is that many do get a lot out of it -- therefore my response to your contention that "[the NMRA] adds nothing to an individual's enjoyment of model railroading."
richhotrain How so?
richhotrainIf you terminated your membership tomorrow, you would enjoy your participation in the hobby just as much.
False. As I just said.
Participating in local NMRA events is fun and rewarding -- and definitely part of my model railroading hobby.
You don't want to join, fine.
Edit: I try to look beyond myself and I find satisfaction in working with others to increase my knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby -- and theirs. But that's not for everyone, of course.
i'm fortunate to be a member of the Pacific Southern which has been operating for a half century, which has given it a lot of time to work out the kinks.
The current owner of the house/layout is not the original owner of the house/layout and has just sold it to a couple who will continue supporting the club (a relative of the original owner).
This past week, there were 7 engineers, 5 tower operators including the dispatcher and 2 guests. Not anyone can be a tower operator and certain member usually operate specific tower, but other members can fill in.
When ready, an engineer pick up a card from the Dispatcher specifying a train, it's location, stops (if passenger) and destination. The majority of the trains are not way freights requiring switching. So operation is realtively simple, drive a train from one yard to another. But there can be 7 trains operating at once. There are 80 car coal trains and 15 car passenger trains short 3 car RDCs and usually a way freight tieing up the main.
Everyone operates the layouts, including the owner. When things go wrong, members help one another out and make things right. It's all part of the entertainment.
This approach is obviously successful, but certainly not the only way to do things. Of your 8 items listed, I'd only agree with 6 (and maybe 4).
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
yougottawanta 1) the host should not plan on running RR. He should concentrate on problem solving, answering questions... 2) Helping to run a train helps one to learn what is they like and dont like which will help design their RR better 3) set up a call board with a list to for sign up for operations and a secondary list for operaters who may be able to fill in should some one in the first list has to cancel 4) isles are never wide enough 5 ) Make your RR handicap accessible for those that have physical disabilities 6) Make it fun - that is why we run model RR 7) THIS ONE is a BIG one - EXPECT things to get broken, damaged etc...people are more important than things 8) have some snacks for the guest
As a lone wolf operator, I cannot run my own trains at an open house. Boo!
I am told in advance that my aisles are not wide enough, which they are not.
Expect things to get broken/damaged. Oh joy!
Make your basement layout handicap accessible, which mine is not.
Have snacks for guests which I never do for myself. No food or beverages while I am operating my layout.
never mind
cuyama never mind
Related to Emily Litella, are we, Byron? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3FnpaWQJO0
Andre
I have been involved with a lot of organizations over my lifetime and it has always been the same with how people approach joining such a group. You get those that pay their dues and sit back and wait for something to happen, as in what are they going to give me for my money.
The reality is your dues pay for postage, stationary and maybe a hall rental for meetings. If you are not prepared to roll up your sleeves and get involved I doubt you will get anything out of any organization. I have left lots of groups over the years, the reason being I had no time to participate any longer and was getting no benefit when not being able to participate.
Sitting here thinking of all the friends I have, most have been met by being involved in different organizations. I had over eighty people show up at my fiftieth Birthday party 9 years ago. Most, like me didn't still belong to the organization that first introduced us to each other. I cherish each and every one of them and they are one of the great benefits of the groups I have belonged to over the years.
In another year my kid will be off to school somewhere on the planet, I will not be at the Hockey rink three days a week, (though I may still get drafted) and have thought I will join the NMRA and maybe a club. I will have the time to contribute and one can never have too many friends.
Brent
"All of the world's problems are the result of the difference between how we think and how the world works."
Thanks for the comments
As for those who felt unvited I can certainly understand how you feel. I have been to churches where the attitude was us four and no more. Fortunatly I did not stop with that those churches but kept searching until I found a vibrant, joyous, welcoming etc... church. The same goes for the NMRA division. If you do not find one that fits your bill keep looking.
Maxman - LOL thanks you are correct aisle - sorry
David - I am sorry that was your expierence I do not find that. Which Division did you try ?
Dave Nelson - well said
Cuyoma you are correct. I should have used division
Greg - I would bve interested in hearing what you agree with and dont agree with thanks for the comment
Rich - Food and beverages are served in another area.
I think lso you get what you put into it. If you go expecting to be served or people to welcome you with open arms remeber this. they may be as shy or be having a bad or whatever. Stick you hand out and say hello and greet people too.
Thanks for the comments and keep them coming.
YGW for those that missed it Y O U G O T T A W A N N A - Folks you have to want to make friends, learn, grow etc...put some effort in to it
I am not a member of the NMRA. The NMRA in my area is not very active. They only have two division meets a year. One is in the fall and one in the early spring.
The division is located in Southern Ontario and Western NY, with the meets only on the Canadian side. I'm sure if a meet or two was held on the US side once in a while the division would possibly attract potential new members.
in fact I would be willing to open my layout to participants for a layout tour.
Frank
My opinion is that without standards this hobby would be much smaller with far fewer products. That is, if it were still around.
Sure you get that benefit for free, but someone has to do the work, publish it, etc.
The other activities such as division meetings, the magazine, etc. are an added benefit.
I have been a member for 44 years and plan to continue.
Paul
As a lone wolf in the sticks (Vancouver Island), I have no interest in belonging to an organized group. However, I went most of my adult life learning that organized groups yield ever-improving knowledge, techniques, experience, and problem-solving. Even though I am not a member of the NMRA, I wouldn't dream of saying they have little to offer me, or that their utility, as an organization, is to be discounted, dismissed, or ignored.
Just as one example: Peco Code 83 Streamline Insulfrog turnouts. I can make better ones, with some doing, using Fast Tracks materials and techniques, but if I want a #6 and not one of my Fast Tracks #8's, Peco is my go-to supplier. Their product conforms well to the NMRA standards which makes my experience with them that much more predictable and, as a result, more enjoyable.
Or, how about the NMRA scale track gauge? Who could argue, who uses flextrack and various hand-laid components or commercial ones, that that one item isn't worth every penny, plus shipping and handling? I have used it to hand lay customized turnouts in order to assure myself that my guard rail clearances are good, that points rails are gauged well along their lengths, and so on.
I have to say I am grateful for everything they have contributed on my behalf.
ACRR46The division is located in Southern Ontario and Western NY, with the meets only on the Canadian side. I'm sure if a meet or two was held on the US side once in a while the division would possibly attract potential new members.
Well Frank, that would put you in the area of the "International division" of the NFR. I am the Superintendent of the Division just to your East... We usually have 4 meets or events each year. You are right the International Division hasn't held an event on the US side of the division in a good # of years. Used to be one person who organized and put on Meets on the US die of the border but he died a few years back...
At the moment, My Division is doing a petition to move to the NER which is incorporated in the US. The Border crossing is a very real drawback to the Region. A bunch of my guys (and spouses) will be heading to Ottawa the first weekend of May to attend the NFR Convention. Always great! I would expect well over 100 members will be in attendence. Last year the convention was held in Rochester, NY, my Division put it on. We had half that many (and about half of them were from Canada). This year it will be the usual half dozen of us that will show our passports and cross the border for a great weekend up North with our Canadian Friends.
That all said, there is a group of the members of the International Division around Buffalo and Niagara Falls that usually attend the Meets in My Division. All members from over your way are always welcome to attend our events! In fact any members of the NMRA can attend any NMRA event anywhere in the world! You are missing out Frank...
73
Ray Seneca Lake, Ontario, and Western R.R. (S.L.O.&W.) in HO
We'll get there sooner or later!
I am a member of the NMRA. I have a basic membership. I never seemed to bother reading the magazine so I dropped that part of it.
I am a member mainly because I don't believe in something for nothing. Someone has to pay for maintaining the websites, upgrading the standards and RPs and working on new concepts like LCC and I am willing to do my part. I do not feel comfortable using a non-commercial service for free knowing that others have paid out of pocket for it. Besides, its the equivalent of a bottle of rye whiskey (Canadian prices eh!) which I can do without for a couple of weeks.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
YGW: Where in VA you live? I'm near Ashburn. Perhaps we can meet up? There are many active people in NMRA, but it's hard to assess the value. I probably won't renew my membership to spend the money on rolling stock! Call me silly, but when money's tight, asking whether I get value from something matters.
hon30critter Someone has to pay for maintaining the websites, upgrading the standards and RPs and working on new concepts like LCC
Someone has to pay for maintaining the websites, upgrading the standards and RPs and working on new concepts like LCC
Actually, no they don't. In other electronics based organizations which are based around a labor of love, they don't. The only reason the NMRA gets away with it is because "it's always been that way" and members just take the charges for granted.
The most disgusting part is that the NMRA never tries to prove its value, it just expects people to take what it says at face value. This isn't 1956, and it's easy to find things that counter your marketing tactics by just doing a google search.
I'm sorry, but I find it infuriating that they lock up their archive behind some pretty large charges. This needs to change with the times, and people who need this information can't afford access to it because of this rediculous scheme.
Everyone credits the NMRA for standards. Yes the moved the limeline up considerbly for standards in the old days, but standards occur on their own over time as manufactures compete but also cooperate to expand their buissness, it just takes more time.
rrebell Everyone credits the NMRA for standards. Yes the moved the limeline up considerably for standards in the old days, but standards occur on their own over time as manufactures compete but also cooperate to expand their business, it just takes more time.
Everyone credits the NMRA for standards. Yes the moved the limeline up considerably for standards in the old days, but standards occur on their own over time as manufactures compete but also cooperate to expand their business, it just takes more time.
For those that wasn't around in the old days I thank God that modelers like my Dad found reason enough to organized and set standards by a hard work and dedication through the NMRA.
The standards we enjoy today was not handed to us on a silver platter by the manufacturers that rejected most ideas as to "costly" but,relented and did the required changes to meet the NMRA standards.
Today we are fat with excellent models and take everything for granted but,without the NMRA we would still be like N Scale that lacks serious standards.
And you so called 'lone wolves".. Why are you here if you are a lone wolf modeler? Lone wolves usually don't intermingle with other modelers for any reason and has a great distaste for the social side of the hobby.
If I was healthier I would join Div. 6 and become a active member at the monthly meetings and enjoy the monthly home layout and club tours.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"