I got a 6 month Temp Membership because my layout was on the tour for the nmra convention
I was surprised at the renewal price for a one year membership being 75$
TerryinTexas
See my Web Site Here
http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/
They have exported all assembly and molding to China for 1/50th of the cost elsewhere but raised prices 150% like other manufacturers
C&O Fan I got a 6 month Temp Membership because my layout was on the tour for the nmra convention I was surprised at the renewal price for a one year membership being 75$
Typical club membership cost 40-50 a year (this is consistant with many RR historical societies and model train clubs). + Cost of a print magazine $25-40 a year.
Annual membership with no magazine is $44. Annual membership with magazine is $72. Add $6 if you region has a print newsletter/mini-magazine of its own and you want to receive this additional publication.
$72-44= $28 cost of magazine subscription or $2.33 per issue.
JEREMY CENTANNI They have exported all assembly and molding to China for 1/50th of the cost elsewhere but raised prices 150% like other manufacturers
NMRA magazine is printed in Missouri, on the same press that runs MRC.
The NMRA is not a manufacturer.
Standard of living in China has gone up since manufacturers started making trains there, consequently, they have to pay more to their employees to keep them coming back to make your plastic trains. Otherwise they leave for better paying jobs.
C&O FanI got a 6 month Temp Membership because my layout was on the tour for the nmra convention
Nice layout. I like what you did with Thurmond.
When you bring up the NMRA on forums, you'll see that there are a lot of strong feelings about it. Some folks enjoy being a member, some simply join to support it while others folks want no part of it or had a bad experience. I'll just say that I'm never thrilled about paying up each year, but I have to remind myself how much I've gotten out of it for over 30 years.
When I first joined over thirty years ago, I was amazed to see that some of the finest modelers imaginable were members of my own division. Since those were pre-internet days, I would have never found out about them on my own. And, over the years many of them became very good friends and I learned a lot from them.
My local NMRA division is very active and most of us are good friends. We have monthly meetings, a yearly mini-meet and an annual picnic. For me, the friendship part is just as valuable as the modeling and visiting different layouts.
So when I throw in the magazine and other events like regional conventions and the national one, it's worth the price. Others obviously don't feel that way. They may not have an active local divison or may not live close enough to attend events. But if you haven't had a chance to attend some local events, I would encourage you to give them a shot.
One caveat...not everyone may come rushing up to you with open arms. Like with every group of people, some folks may be shy, sometimes they aren't aware that you're a new member or they may be simply be lacking a bit in social skills. Also, some divisons do a better job than others of welcoming new members. But it's often worth giving it some time before making a hasty decision. I hope you'll find it as enjoyable as many of us have over the years.
Jim
I have been a member since 1972 and continue to renew each year because I think the NMRA provides a real benefit to the hobby in standards. There are also other benefits like division meetings, conventions, the magazine, etc.
The dues are higher than they should be. But the NMRA is not very good at managing their finances.
Paul
When I joined the NMRA in 1963, membership was $3, which included the "magazine".
An inflation calculator says that would be $24.16 today.
Ed
Terry,
You forget that for that $75 you get to support the Enemaray's quest for standards periodically to keep the hobby in line. Constantly running herd on the various manufacturers is a continuous job so they don't increase the size of flanges or slip us some inferior plastic KD clone couplers or something traumatic like that. That price also allows you to spend your family vacation time and money to travel to an over-priced hotel far, far away so you can be snubbed by the eletist snobs with their MMR Certificate tattoos who want nothing to do with you if you aren't in their cliques.
OR............you could spent the same amount to get a subscription to MR for a year and be allowed to see Cody and Pelle assemble plastic kits and build roads every month and pay a lot of extra money for things you would otherwise be excluded from like MR Video Plus.
OR...........you could spend the same amount on some railroad historical societies and get a good return or just buy some more needed equipment!
Just my 2¢!
oldline1
maxman C&O Fan I got a 6 month Temp Membership because my layout was on the tour for the nmra convention I was surprised at the renewal price for a one year membership being 75$ Why would you be surprised about this? Don't they say something about what the rate will be after the trial period?
My 6 month Temp Membership was a gift so i never saw the paoer work
oldline1You forget that for that $75 you get to support the Enemaray's quest for standards periodically to keep the hobby in line.
Or get a manufacturer to fix the programming on their $100 sound decoder so that it works with all DCC systems.
oldline1Constantly running herd on the various manufacturers is a continuous job so they don't increase the size of flanges
NMRA has owns the RP and standards, manufacturers are free to make their own business decisions if they dont want their equipment to be compatable with all other manufacturers.
oldline1slip us some inferior plastic KD clone couplers
This is about your grandson's free train set, you pointed out that this was an excellent train set, and my pointing out the Bachmann decided to save about .02 per car (the actual cost of putting their own better couplers on the cars) instead they went as cheap as possible and went with the plastic leaf springs.
Worse, they sell these same couplers as replacements.
I'm sorry I rained on your parade. My comments are about Bachmann's business practices, not your grandsons train set specifically or that he got it for free.
The NMRA sets coupler height only. Does not specify any specific couplers for cars.
oldline1That price also allows you to spend your family vacation time and money to travel to an over-priced hotel far, far away
Nothing requires you to stay in the convention hotel. I $119 a night to stay in a hotel that was right next to the rapid transit station for the 2015 convention. I could have spent less, but then I would have had to drive around.
oldline1so you can be snubbed by the eletist snobs with their MMR Certificate tattoos who want nothing to do with you if you aren't in their cliques
I never saw anyone with an MMR tattoo. I was too busy attending the actual clinics and tours (got to climb up in the cab of a Tacoma Rail SD70Ace and take photos of the service facility). Mt Rainer Scenic railroad half of the trip was kind of filler, but it was pretty cool anyway.
I did get to speak with several of the clinicians between their clinics, but I had never met any of them before I went.
oldline1OR............you could spent the same amount to get a subscription to MR for a year and be allowed to see Cody and Pelle assemble plastic kits and build roads every month and pay a lot of extra money for things you would otherwise be excluded from like MR Video Plus. OR...........you could spend the same amount on some railroad historical societies and get a good return or just buy some more needed equipment!
Yep those are all ways to spend your dollars. I personally like to do all three when possible, its not always possible.
C&O Fan maxman C&O Fan I got a 6 month Temp Membership because my layout was on the tour for the nmra convention I was surprised at the renewal price for a one year membership being 75$ Why would you be surprised about this? Don't they say something about what the rate will be after the trial period? My 6 month Temp Membership was a gift so i never saw the paoer work
Yep,
This is standard operating procedure in my NMRA division. We give out a free 6mo membership to people who open their layouts for tours (if they are not already members).
I think the renewal rate is shown in the paperwork, but there is no obligation to renew.
7j43k When I joined the NMRA in 1963, membership was $3, which included the "magazine". An inflation calculator says that would be $24.16 today. Ed
Cost of paper has gone up too, so has the cost of running the organization.
Out of curiosity I looked up the cost of MR magazine in 1963. $.50. The July 1963 magazine has a Linn Wescott article about "banishing derailments". Looks like a good article.
BNMECNYC,
Don't worry about it. You didn't "rain on my parade" in any way, shape or form. I'm pretty sure I met you at one of the Sheep Shows. Perhaps ypou were one of the "vested crowd" that ignored me and others?
The tattoo thing was a joke. I know many Enemaray members with vests and all the required buttons, whistles and patches. That was my reference.
I tried the Enemaray twice and the first time I'd have to give it a 10 until all the energy was directed to nothing but "Biffys". I felt it was juvenile and a waste of my $$$. I was just a mere Sailor at the time and it was a lot of money for me. I tried quite a few years later and the biffy rage had quieted down but there just wasn't anything worth the money. The Bulletin had color (+) but the content was crap (-) only talking about the past convention, current convention and the next convention interspursed with huge pats on the back for the Elite Members.
I'm glad you found a reasonable hotel close to the Sheep Show. I have heard from many others that is not always the case. Whatever.
Well, I'm glad you and many others love the Enemaray and feel it's better than sliced bread. I'm sure many agree with my low opinion as from what I read here and other places the cost of membership rises often and the number of members is getting to be a big concern. Makes you wonder......doesn't it? Hum???
Anyway, my parade is proceeding just fine without the leadership of the Enemaray and it's dry from what I can see. No problems here!
OH............I guess I need to get on my knees and pray to Chattanooga or wherever the Enemaray is now since my Grandson's Bachmann train is still running very well. I have no idea why as they are pretty rough and tough on everything they touch. I even gave them a Spectrum Russian Decapod which they have been trying to run the wheels off since last April. Very tough equipment! OH, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DEAR ENEMARAY!!!
I'm having trouble following what you are saying in parts. Whats a "biffy"?
oldline1Don't worry about it. You didn't "rain on my parade" in any way, shape or form. I'm pretty sure I met you at one of the Sheep Shows. Perhaps ypou were one of the "vested crowd" that ignored me and others?
I joined the NMRA in 2014. I spent most of my time attending clinics, because as a US Navy sailor on leave, not getting paid all that much, I wanted to get the most information out of the Cleveland convention as possible. If i didnt talk to you, it was probably because I was there to learn at a clinic, not stand around and talk.
I learned that I needed to balance clinics and prototype tours (there are several that I regret not attending).
In 2015, I went to the Portland convention (still on active duty). I attended as many clinics as I could, while balancing that with attending the prototype tours that I thought would be interesting. I also volunteered to help set up the computers for the clinicians in the morning.
In 2016, I went to the convention in Indianapolis. I spent most of the convention in my hotel room finishing my grain elevator scene insert for my modular set that was displayed at the NTS (those etched brass supports were hard to find, and I'm a procrastinator).
Maybe if I get the opportunity I will talk to more attendees at the convention.
I didnt go to this years convention because
1. Florida is hot.
2. I have no vacation at my new job for the first year or so.
So if you attended one of those conventions, and I didnt talk to you, it was probably because I was trying to make the most out of my money that was spending to be there, gathering as much information about all the changes in the hobby since the Bachmann train set I got when I was six or seven.
I have one of those Spectrum Decapods too. I got it used, and ended up replacing the drivers (Bachmann has excellent part support) to correct a mild thump (gear cracked and quartering got messed up). This was caused by hard scenery being too close to the track and the side rods striking the scenery. I kept the old one because I would like to try to fix it with a NWSL replacement part.
I would recommend that locomotive to anyone.
Cost of membership has been the same for the last 3 years from what I remember.
oldline1The Bulletin had color (+) but the content was crap (-) only talking about the past convention, current convention and the next convention interspursed with huge pats on the back for the Elite Members.
The magazine has changed. Yes they do still advertise the convention, but they also do product reviews, have articles on modeling techniques, scratchbuilding, and other stuff.
They have about a page when someone earns their MMR.
oldline1OH............I guess I need to get on my knees and pray to Chattanooga or wherever the Enemaray is now since my Grandson's Bachmann train is still running very well. I have no idea why as they are pretty rough and tough on everything they touch. I even gave them a Spectrum Russian Decapod which they have been trying to run the wheels off since last April. Very tough equipment! OH, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, DEAR ENEMARAY!!!
I really dont think that is necessary, its not a religion. Its a train club. You are welcome to join or not.
What year did you last attend a convention?
It's always interesting to read these very familiar rehashings of someone's beefs against the NMRA.
1) It's always about the COST of a NMRA membership. Never seems to be about the VALUE of it. And it almost never turns into, "If a NMRA membership only cost $48/year, I'd still be in..." Nope, it not only costs too much -- How much? Too Much. -- but by golly they're evil because too much is too much.
2) The NMRA is described as some monolithic bloc of people out to spoil your model railroading fun. My experience is just about every division is different and we sure don't have time to conspire against anyone's fun, despite rumors to the contrary.
3) The complaintant seems to expect some unspecified redress for something they failed to get from a volunteer organization. That might be where misunderstandings start. A volunteer organization seeks to mobilize the good resources of it members to achieve various positive educational, historical, and preservationist goals. While part of their missions serve these public and member goods, part of it is channeling this impulse to help others. It usually doesn't sound like there's much to channel from people who so obviously disclaim any intent to help advance the shared goals of the membership. Having missed that point, it's probably the case that the critique grows on barren and bitter ground. No wonder so much has to be made about the significance of so little in the case that's made about the cost/value relationship of NMRA membership. When it's all take and no give, then the point of a contribution to the greater whole is lost in the shuffle of "Did I get mine?" That's what happens when you order some material object for your personal needs, not when you join a group of like-minded people to work together with.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
So, I have been an NMRA member since 1969. I still have my binder full of the original Data Sheets - tons of valueable info still today.....
I still have every Bulletin/ScaleRails/NMRA Mag they ever sent me.......
I have never been to a convention or meet, don't really have any desire to go to one.
I was invited to work on the new online Data Sheet program, never could find the time.
Still happy to help support their efforts.
But since I have never spent $800 on a locomotive, I usually have an extra $75 available......
Sheldon
mlehman It's always interesting to read these very familiar rehashings of someone's beefs against the NMRA. 1) It's always about the COST of a NMRA membership. Never seems to be about the VALUE of it. And it almost never turns into, "If a NMRA membership only cost $48/year, I'd still be in..." Nope, it not only costs too much -- How much? Too Much. -- but by golly they're evil because too much is too much. 2) The NMRA is described as some monolithic bloc of people out to spoil your model railroading fun. My experience is just about every division is different and we sure don't have time to conspire against anyone's fun, despite rumors to the contrary. 3) The complaintant seems to expect some unspecified redress for something they failed to get from a volunteer organization. That might be where misunderstandings start. A volunteer organization seeks to mobilize the good resources of it members to achieve various positive educational, historical, and preservationist goals. While part of their missions serve these public and member goods, part of it is channeling this impulse to help others. It usually doesn't sound like there's much to channel from people who so obviously disclaim any intent to help advance the shared goals of the membership. Having missed that point, it's probably the case that the critique grows on barren and bitter ground. No wonder so much has to be made about the significance of so little in the case that's made about the cost/value relationship of NMRA membership. When it's all take and no give, then the point of a contribution to the greater whole is lost in the shuffle of "Did I get mine?" That's what happens when you order some material object for your personal needs, not when you join a group of like-minded people to work together with.
Mike, well said, very well said.....
Hi, Mike.
I don't recall complaining about the money but whatever any group costs should provide some value to the member. I felt the cost of my Enemaray membership wasn't giving me anything. Being in the Navy attending conventions wasn't possible for a few obvious reasons. Therefore for my $$$ I basically was depending on the Bulletin for my value. It was a great magazine at the time with many articles and plans one could use. Eric Bracher and others were eagerly sought after in every issue. Then someone got cute and made a joke about the biffys and it became a contest every month to design new and exciting ones to the exclusion of most everything else in the magazine. Sorry but month after month of that immature drivel just made me think seriously when renewal time came around.
I've never been rich or expected a huge return on an investment but when you pay and receive nothing of use or value it's time to leave the party.
I agree 100% with your statement that each division is different. In the Navy I joined in with the Tidewater VA folks and they were generally very helpful, kind and generous. I always felt welcome and got warm fuzzies from them. When I moved to the DFW area I just never had time to get involved with them there but knew several and they were about the same. I then moved to Scum City and I found them to be very different. They were cold, not very friendly and seemed to have the elite mentality. If you weren't one of "them" you weren't S***. In my 35 years there I observed personally and through observation and talking with others the feeling and attitude of them and us. That made for less than warm feelings and a desire to wanting to join the group again. I actually did sign up again though just to get the Bulletin. Wow, that was a surprise. The issues I received were less than crap and a waste of paper. SO.........yes.........I don't care for the Enemaray at all and will never send them another check.
Maybe it's not fair to judge the whole by a part but it left a nasty taste in my mouth to be treated and see others treated that way for so long.
Maybe they're working on some new legislation for a new DCC replacement or something but I can't see me forking over $75 every year for that. I am glad for what they did in the past but can't see paying homage to them forever for it.
I'm glad you enjoy being a part of it. I don't begrudge you or anyone that wants to be a part of it. At the same time many of us (obviously a large and growing number) feel it's just not for us. Whatever.
I don't feel the need for any redress toward me. I paid willingly and got whatever I was expecting. The Enemaray doesn't owe me anything and alternately.....I don't owe them anything. I just want no part of them. I know there are a lot of dedicated folks working for them and their cause which is fine with me. I just think in fairness that whenever you guys start beating your tomtoms and bragging about the Holy Enemaray the opposite point of view needs to be told too. Every story has two sides.
I'll third that Mike.
As far as cost goes. I can imagine a fair chunk of the non magazine $44 is for insurance. The NMRA covers insurance for layout visits and meetings.
As far as the "value": maybe you get more out of the membership if you actively participate in person somehow (badges or no). I'm a bit new to the Silver San Juan Division, but have made a number of new friends I would have never met. Tomorrow I'm going to operate on one of those guys layouts. Watching videos alone is fine and all, but going and doing stuff live is something fun to do, gets you out of the house, and is fulfilling.
But yeah if you're not getting along with the people in your local division then its probably not worth your time or money.
oldline1 Hi, Mike. I don't recall complaining about the money but whatever any group costs should provide some value to the member. I felt the cost of my Enemaray membership wasn't giving me anything. Being in the Navy attending conventions wasn't possible for a few obvious reasons. Therefore for my $$$ I basically was depending on the Bulletin for my value. It was a great magazine at the time with many articles and plans one could use. Eric Bracher and others were eagerly sought after in every issue. Then someone got cute and made a joke about the biffys and it became a contest every month to design new and exciting ones to the exclusion of most everything else in the magazine. Sorry but month after month of that immature drivel just made me think seriously when renewal time came around. I've never been rich or expected a huge return on an investment but when you pay and receive nothing of use or value it's time to leave the party. I agree 100% with your statement that each division is different. In the Navy I joined in with the Tidewater VA folks and they were generally very helpful, kind and generous. I always felt welcome and got warm fuzzies from them. When I moved to the DFW area I just never had time to get involved with them there but knew several and they were about the same. I then moved to Scum City and I found them to be very different. They were cold, not very friendly and seemed to have the elite mentality. If you weren't one of "them" you weren't S***. In my 35 years there I observed personally and through observation and talking with others the feeling and attitude of them and us. That made for less than warm feelings and a desire to wanting to join the group again. I actually did sign up again though just to get the Bulletin. Wow, that was a surprise. The issues I received were less than crap and a waste of paper. SO.........yes.........I don't care for the Enemaray at all and will never send them another check. Maybe it's not fair to judge the whole by a part but it left a nasty taste in my mouth to be treated and see others treated that way for so long. Maybe they're working on some new legislation for a new DCC replacement or something but I can't see me forking over $75 every year for that. I am glad for what they did in the past but can't see paying homage to them forever for it. I'm glad you enjoy being a part of it. I don't begrudge you or anyone that wants to be a part of it. At the same time many of us (obviously a large and growing number) feel it's just not for us. Whatever. I don't feel the need for any redress toward me. I paid willingly and got whatever I was expecting. The Enemaray doesn't owe me anything and alternately.....I don't owe them anything. I just want no part of them. I know there are a lot of dedicated folks working for them and their cause which is fine with me. I just think in fairness that whenever you guys start beating your tomtoms and bragging about the Holy Enemaray the opposite point of view needs to be told too. Every story has two sides. oldline1
When were you last a member?
BMMECNYCI'm having trouble following what you are saying in parts. Whats a "biffy"?
It's a slang expression for outhouse. When Whit Towers was editor of the NMRA Bulletin he included some humor in the magazine some of which were drawings of biffy's (outhouses). Several folks got really upset with biffy's in the NMRA Bulletin and for this and possibly other reasons he was replaced as editor.
It was a real shame as the best years of the NMRA's magazine (under various titles) were under Whit Towers. He developed a stable of columnists and created a magazine that was as good as the commercial press. It had a distinctive style and content that set it apart from the other magazines of its day.
BMMECNYCWhen were you last a member? Add Q
First time was about 1970-1975 then (not really sure) 1989-90.
I agree with Paul that the Bulletin was a very enjoyable magazine during that period for the most part. Unfortunately when all the biffy crap (pun intended) started to dominate things it lost it's joy.
oldline1 I agree with Paul that the Bulletin was a very enjoyable magazine during that period for the most part. Unfortunately when all the biffy crap (pun intended) started to dominate things it lost it's joy. oldline1
Well, thats understandable.
I would have to say that your experience with the NMRA has not been mine. With one small exception. Many model railroaders I have met seem to take a while to warm up to new people.
Im 30 this month. I'm just old enough to remember George H.W. Bush being President. NMRA magazine has changed quite a bit since then, and is under new management (and has a new title).
Would you like a free copy? I might have a duplicate back issue or three I would be willing to part with.
I think one thing that caused the Bulletin to experience up and downs (after the biffy years) was the work required for one person to put a magazine together. Before everyone had a computer, you'd have to order all of the type from a typesetting house and paste up every page by hand. Photos would usually have to be screened or separated by the printer and that cost extra. Nothing was easy back then.
I think what happened is, a new editor would come in full of energy and ideas, and then gradually wear out as they found out how much work it took. I may be wrong, but I'll willing to bet that's what accounted for some years when the magazine was less than exciting (to put it nicely). Then a new editor would come in and the cycle was repeated.
Thankfully desktop publishing has changed all that, but putting together a magazine is still a lot of work and you still have to rely on articles submitted by members. Of course, getting decent articles requires that you "beat the bushes" for authors and some folks are better than others at doing that.
BMMECNYCIm 30 this month. I'm just old enough to remember George H.W. Bush being President. NMRA magazine has changed quite a bit since then, and is under new management (and has a new title). Would you like a free copy? I might have a duplicate back issue or three I would be willing to part with.
I appreciate your generous offer but I respectfully will decline. I'm sure the Bulletin or whatever they call it now has changed after such a long time. It's inevitable. I actually hope for all the "believers" it has improved and they enjoy reading it.
I just don't see the need to give it a 3rd try. I love baseball but for me I only require 2 strikes to "get it". I prefer joining the railroad historical societies. I get a lot more bang for the buck from them.
Thanks again.
Getting back to the OP's original statement:
Why were you surprised? And why did you post that here?
oldline1I appreciate your generous offer but I respectfully will decline. I'm sure the Bulletin or whatever they call it now has changed after such a long time. It's inevitable. I actually hope for all the "believers" it has improved and they enjoy reading it. I just don't see the need to give it a 3rd try. I love baseball but for me I only require 2 strikes to "get it". I prefer joining the railroad historical societies. I get a lot more bang for the buck from them.
Thats fair enough. I get a lot out of the BMRRHS.
oldline1I just think in fairness that whenever you guys start beating your tomtoms and bragging about the Holy Enemaray the opposite point of view needs to be told too. Every story has two sides.
Could you do me a favor though? When you tell the other side of the story, kindly provide the era in which the events occured. To do otherwise doesnt really give the current NMRA members a fair shake. A lot of people work very hard to improve the organization, its kind of hard to get new members to join if they keep hearing about how bad the NMRA is, when likely it is a case of was in some or possibly many aspects (no organization is perfect).