ATLANTIC CENTRALBut I am more than happy to pay the dues to help support the work of those able to volunteer their time. And the data sheets, standards and RP's, and other member benifits have been very valuable in my modeling.
I agree with Sheldon on this one.
I have been to maybe 5 or 6 NMRA functions, always enjoyable. But the Standards and RPs in particular are very important. One has only to look at DCC before the standard and after to see what a huge difference that has made. The other standards are just as important - imagine if your Bachmann locomotives and your Athearn locomotives ran in opposite directions for the same DC setting. Or your HO Rapido locomotive couldn't run on your HO Atlas track. And so many other things that we take for granted.
Paul
SeeYou190 I never posted my review/reaction/experiences from the NMRA National Convention in Orlando last year. The reason it was never posted is because I could not make it sound like I was not bashing the NMRA, which I do not want to ever do. . But, they do deserve criticism, and I know exactly why the membership size is shrinking. It is not a mystery what the problems are. . However, I will not post my thoughts in here. I know this is not an appropriate venue. . I hope the NMRA gets its act together and recovers. They are important to the hobby and they need to live by their Mission Statement. . -Kevin .
I never posted my review/reaction/experiences from the NMRA National Convention in Orlando last year. The reason it was never posted is because I could not make it sound like I was not bashing the NMRA, which I do not want to ever do.
.
But, they do deserve criticism, and I know exactly why the membership size is shrinking. It is not a mystery what the problems are.
However, I will not post my thoughts in here. I know this is not an appropriate venue.
I hope the NMRA gets its act together and recovers. They are important to the hobby and they need to live by their Mission Statement.
-Kevin
So I take it the convention was not what you expected? Shame you won't tell us in an objective way so that others, and the NMRA, might know what you feel is wrong.
And, again, I don't need or want the convention, so it has no bearing on my choice to be a member.
But I would be interested in your thoughts.
As I explained earlier in this thread, just how small this hobby, and the NMRA membership is, how do you propose to "fix" the "problems"?
Problems are often about perception. Since I'm not a "people person", I would be the last person who could help. But I will continue to pay my dues to help those who are willing to try.
Sheldon
The NMRA should be relying on the manufacturers and the retailers for the bulk of their funding. They do a great job on the standards, and the manufacturers and retailers benefit the most. and then, the NMRA can stratify its membership and drop the price of the individual hobbyist's membership. When I was working, belonged to two professional engineering organizations and the manufacturers, consultants, and distributers all paid more for membersip and did it gladly.
Bear "It's all about having fun."
Living the dream.
HOmainline If you're an NMRA member and read the recent eBulletin about its plans to increase the number of members, you may be interested in reading the letter below that was passed along by some friends, who had written to the association and received that letter in reply. They were as puzzled and as stunned by the "plan" as was I - but not surprised, given the amount and frequency of baseless talk in the magazine about getting more members, an issue in which apparently no one on the NMRA board has any interest or understanding. I find that truly amazing for a membership organization that depends on member volunteers and whose major income stream is their dollars. The "plan" in its entirety reads: "Membership Retention is the best and most economical way to grow our numbers." The reply: "Hi ____________, Thanks for your note. No – I am not going to devote a column on this topic but let me explain the math and our reasoning. We recruit members very successfully each year. But each year we lose more members than we recruit and that loss results in a net loss. Some of those losses are due to death but much of the loss is due to first-time members not being contacted or made to feel welcome. Thus, were we able to continue recruiting on an annual basis as we have historically but retain 50% of our new members, we would grow. It is far easier to keep an existing member then to attract a new one. But it does require work at the local level and that is always been our Achilles heel. We are therefore encouraging local folks you come up with innovative programs with this new idea. But the most effective program is mentoring. Identifying new members and making them feel welcome. Easier said than done. I hope this answers your question and I hope this dispels any skepticism that retaining members somehow grows our numbers. By itself, of course not. But added to our annual successful recruiting efforts, it certainly would. Thanks for your question" One step forward, four steps backward. Economical? Yep, you don't have to spend a penny to do nothing. If you can flesh out any logic or reason in that explanation, then please fill us in.
If you're an NMRA member and read the recent eBulletin about its plans to increase the number of members, you may be interested in reading the letter below that was passed along by some friends, who had written to the association and received that letter in reply.
They were as puzzled and as stunned by the "plan" as was I - but not surprised, given the amount and frequency of baseless talk in the magazine about getting more members, an issue in which apparently no one on the NMRA board has any interest or understanding. I find that truly amazing for a membership organization that depends on member volunteers and whose major income stream is their dollars.
The "plan" in its entirety reads: "Membership Retention is the best and most economical way to grow our numbers."
The reply:
"Hi ____________, Thanks for your note. No – I am not going to devote a column on this topic but let me explain the math and our reasoning. We recruit members very successfully each year. But each year we lose more members than we recruit and that loss results in a net loss. Some of those losses are due to death but much of the loss is due to first-time members not being contacted or made to feel welcome. Thus, were we able to continue recruiting on an annual basis as we have historically but retain 50% of our new members, we would grow. It is far easier to keep an existing member then to attract a new one. But it does require work at the local level and that is always been our Achilles heel. We are therefore encouraging local folks you come up with innovative programs with this new idea. But the most effective program is mentoring. Identifying new members and making them feel welcome. Easier said than done. I hope this answers your question and I hope this dispels any skepticism that retaining members somehow grows our numbers. By itself, of course not. But added to our annual successful recruiting efforts, it certainly would. Thanks for your question"
One step forward, four steps backward. Economical? Yep, you don't have to spend a penny to do nothing. If you can flesh out any logic or reason in that explanation, then please fill us in.
So what is your point? And what is the big deal? These questions come to you from someone who has been an NMRA member since 1968.
Either you agree with their reasoning or you don't, but they stepped up to run the organization. If you have better ideas or solutions to the problems, or a million dollars to donate they are always looking for help.
What a world of lazy, weak minded, want everything for nothing, timid, immature people we have become.
"I joined the NMRA and went to the meet and no one rolled out the red carpet for me"
"I joined the NMRA and I did not get services that were worth twice what the dues are...."
Put something in, you will get something out.........
AND, again this veiw comes from someone who has been a member since 1968 and who has never gone to a meet or convention - why you ask - well partly because it was never convenient, and partly because the social side of the hobby is a low priority for me, and for a few other personal reasons.
But I am more than happy to pay the dues to help support the work of those able to volunteer their time.
And the data sheets, standards and RP's, and other member benifits have been very valuable in my modeling.
So again, what is your point? You somehow assume everyone will have whatever reaction you had to that letter?
Kerry
BMMECNYC gdelmoro Just thought I would post an update. I completed my trial membership. I STILL have not spent enough time on the site to fairly evaluate it’s worth. However, I have found enough worthwhile information and resources to decide to take the plunge. A couple weeks ago I paid the $75 membership fee Gary, I met some of the guys from your division this weekend at the Railroad Hobby Show in Springfield. They are good people and relatively active. The region convention (which isnt posted yet on NER website) is in Mahwah this year. http://erielimited.org/ If you would like, I can put you in touch with some people in your division.
gdelmoro Just thought I would post an update. I completed my trial membership. I STILL have not spent enough time on the site to fairly evaluate it’s worth. However, I have found enough worthwhile information and resources to decide to take the plunge. A couple weeks ago I paid the $75 membership fee
Just thought I would post an update. I completed my trial membership. I STILL have not spent enough time on the site to fairly evaluate it’s worth. However, I have found enough worthwhile information and resources to decide to take the plunge.
A couple weeks ago I paid the $75 membership fee
Gary,
I met some of the guys from your division this weekend at the Railroad Hobby Show in Springfield. They are good people and relatively active. The region convention (which isnt posted yet on NER website) is in Mahwah this year. http://erielimited.org/
If you would like, I can put you in touch with some people in your division.
Thanks BEMMECNYC but that was part of my decision process. I have MS and since I cant get to these events, the website, reference and other benefits of NMRA had to make it worthwhile.
When I joined the trial the president of my division sent me a welcome email.
You never know maybe some day there’ll be a cure and I will go to some events. Mahwah is close, I think I’ll see if they have any scooters or those carts you see in the grocery stores.
Gary
I just displayed (sale table) at an NMRA Meet yesterday. A great time and many old friends. I've been a member since 1980 and even tho there have been ups and downs, I do love it. No, I'm not as active now. :-(
Roger Hensley= ECI Railroad - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/eci/eci_new.html == Railroads of Madison County - http://madisonrails.railfan.net/ =
Being part of a NMRA Division has provided me with great new friends that keep on coming, better learning than I could have done on my own, and a new found interest in model railroading. I have been in the NMRA since 2012.
Dan
SeeYou190 ATSFGuy I'm wanting to see if any limited edition cars or locomotives in HO scale get made or released. . What would you be wanting? I have three of the NMRA Heritage Boxcars (G&D, Delta Lines, and Sunset Railway), and they are great. I do not have any of the living legends series yet. . -Kevin .
ATSFGuy I'm wanting to see if any limited edition cars or locomotives in HO scale get made or released.
What would you be wanting? I have three of the NMRA Heritage Boxcars (G&D, Delta Lines, and Sunset Railway), and they are great. I do not have any of the living legends series yet.
You'll have to get these on the secondary market. NMRA ended the Living Legend/Heritage car program many years ago and had a fire sale to get rid of them all.
ATSFGuyI'm wanting to see if any limited edition cars or locomotives in HO scale get made or released.
About a year ago I complained on this forum and emailed the NMRA about taking credit cards through the mail with their test drive program. Since then, they've added a web-based secure purchase for the $9.95 trial.
I put my money where my mouth is and signed up for it. Good for them moving into the 2010s.
Julian
Modeling Pre-WP merger UP (1974-81)
I just renewed my membership today.
I'm proud to be a member, there's lots of exclusive stuff can be obtained through your membership.
I'm wanting to see if any limited edition cars or locomotives in HO scale get made or released.
Anything's possible!
gdelmoro Checking out the shops, there doesn't seem to really be discounts. If you go to Midwestrailjunction.com they have the atlas HO trainmaster DCC & Sound for $239.99 ( it says you save 39.00). Model Train stuff has the same engine for $179.99 for everyone. Need to look at more.
Checking out the shops, there doesn't seem to really be discounts. If you go to Midwestrailjunction.com they have the atlas HO trainmaster DCC & Sound for $239.99 ( it says you save 39.00). Model Train stuff has the same engine for $179.99 for everyone. Need to look at more.
Look in the Partnership Program section, not just the discounts section....
NMRA discounts is on the members page under the Benefits drop down menu > NMRA Partnership Program
Searched "Discounts" and it comes up with several discounted opportunities. Railfan rides, museums, etc. click the link and it brings you to a bunch of info.
Thanks for the posts. I can't find anything about discounts either.
Jimmy_Braum The newest perk that the NMRA provides is well worth it. Discounts at selected companies.
The newest perk that the NMRA provides is well worth it. Discounts at selected companies.
The Micromark Discount could pay for 6month membership in 1 or 2 purchases.
I just found this and Ive been a member for 3 years.
https://www.nmra.org/nmrahome
(My Model Railroad, My Rules)
These are the opinions of an under 35 , from the east end of, and modeling, the same section of the Wheeling and Lake Erie railway. As well as a freelanced road (Austinville and Dynamite City railroad).
cuyama gdelmoro I began looking around at the NMRA library expecting to see something like the MR digital archive. Many folks earlier in this thread suggested that some of the best benefits of the NMRA were in local events and interactions. Not one of them said: “… and the members-only website is amazing”. Because it’s not. It’s improved and improving, but I think you’ll be disappointed if you expect the NMRA website to be the equivalent of commercial publishers’ subscription-only websites. And, really, nobody on this thread suggested that it would be. Try to go to a local NMRA event -- you might well be pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it is.
gdelmoro I began looking around at the NMRA library expecting to see something like the MR digital archive.
Many folks earlier in this thread suggested that some of the best benefits of the NMRA were in local events and interactions. Not one of them said: “… and the members-only website is amazing”. Because it’s not. It’s improved and improving, but I think you’ll be disappointed if you expect the NMRA website to be the equivalent of commercial publishers’ subscription-only websites. And, really, nobody on this thread suggested that it would be.
Try to go to a local NMRA event -- you might well be pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable it is.
Unfortunately, I have MS and that results in mobility issues. I just don't have the ability to go to meetings, events or clinics so for me, the information, collaboration and other website & forum quality (meaning useful and current information sharing) are paramount.
I have already found several good videos and resources. I expect to have a good handle on what the NMRA can provide for me by the time my trial membership ends in February.
gdelmoroI began looking around at the NMRA library expecting to see something like the MR digital archive.
Layout Design GalleryLayout Design Special Interest Group
gdelmoroFor example I selected how to photograph your MR. it was evident shortly after beginning that the presenter (who you couldn't see some times was talking about FILM that you had to send out to be developed and SLR cameras. The video was out of focus and the presenter had to refocus the "SLIDES'" several times.
This one:
https://www.nmra.org/model-railroad-photography
2006 clinic, that was 11 years ago. I had a film camera in 2006.
This is a more up to date clinic
https://www.nmra.org/digital-layout-photography-made-easy
This one was filmed in 2009.
Try this site:
https://www.nmra.org/members
If you cant access it, you need to create a login.
Signing up for membership does not automatically create a login. This is something you have to do separately.
gdelmoro It seems you need to figure out where everything is before you can access what you're looking for. Well I have until February to figure it all out.
It seems you need to figure out where everything is before you can access what you're looking for. Well I have until February to figure it all out.
Gary, remember what I said about the size of this organization.........
And they are currently trying very hard to move into the "modern" tech age, give them a chance.
It all takes time and money, and based on all the "what am I going to get" responses above, we know why they don't have the money.........
Hi all, I got my NMRA membership card and letter in the mail today and started looking at the site. Now, I may very well not know what I'm doing yet or know where/how to find what I'm looking for but so far I'm kind of disappointed.
I began looking around at the NMRA library expecting to see something like the MR digital archive. I spent about 5 minutes moving around trying to click on what I thought were links to articles, information and publications but nothing worked. I finally read that if you want something you need to email your request and someone will send a PDF (assume M-F during business hours). Well THAT was disappointing. Next I figured I would check out some of the videos and found the quality was very poor visually and the content was so old it was not relevant. For example I selected how to photograph your MR. it was evident shortly after beginning that the presenter (who you couldn't see some times was talking about FILM that you had to send out to be developed and SLR cameras. The video was out of focus and the presenter had to refocus the "SLIDES'" several times.
I gave up.
again I spent a total of about 20 minutes on the site so i have not given it a chance yet. I plan on spending time learning more about the NMRA site and how I can get information. Hopefully, I was unlucky and somehow happened not to find the qulaity resources I was expecting.