NMRA membership

[Anonymous]

I used to belong but I feel guilty that I let my membership lapse. If it wasn't for dedicated NMRA members that keep things going, nothing would be happening in this town. I certainly have taken advantage of the layout tours, clinics and meets that they have orginized. I need to reinlist.

Mike Laine

[Anonymous]

I used to belong but I feel guilty that I let my membership lapse. If it wasn't for dedicated NMRA members that keep things going, nothing would be happening in this town. I certainly have taken advantage of the layout tours, clinics and meets that they have orginized. I need to reinlist.

Mike Laine

[spken]

I have been a member of NMRA since 1963. I joined to be part of an organisation that promotes the hobby, shares its ideas & hints as well as setting the standards that benefit everyone, not just members.
I live in a remote area of Australia, so only get to local division meets & regional conventions in Australia. Wouldn't miss it for anything. In my experience, NMRA members are "fair dinkum" modellers, always willing to help newcommers or experienced modellers alike.

spken

[spken]

I have been a member of NMRA since 1963. I joined to be part of an organisation that promotes the hobby, shares its ideas & hints as well as setting the standards that benefit everyone, not just members.
I live in a remote area of Australia, so only get to local division meets & regional conventions in Australia. Wouldn't miss it for anything. In my experience, NMRA members are "fair dinkum" modellers, always willing to help newcommers or experienced modellers alike.

spken

[Anonymous]

Living in Australia, I joined the NMRA to obtain more information about my chosen area of modelling, i.e. SP and California. The Infopak has been very helpful for Data Sheets, Standards etc. BUT try to join the local chapter? Too hard, too many self centred members and/or clubs interested in their own agendas. I gave up trying to join the Aussie chapter after 18months and let my membership lapse after 5 years. No regrets

Ed

[Anonymous]

Living in Australia, I joined the NMRA to obtain more information about my chosen area of modelling, i.e. SP and California. The Infopak has been very helpful for Data Sheets, Standards etc. BUT try to join the local chapter? Too hard, too many self centred members and/or clubs interested in their own agendas. I gave up trying to join the Aussie chapter after 18months and let my membership lapse after 5 years. No regrets

Ed

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: .
....I am trained as a civil engineer in water supply and sewage disposal so I have been overqualified at processing the complaints from the cheap, inactive chewers and spitters who complain about the effort of many others to entertain them.
Lindsay Smith

Living way too close to a sewage treatment plant, I didn't realize until now that the operators were "entertaining" us around here. Why no viewing windows in the tanks, like at Sea World ?I'm surprised there's no fee for inhaling....mind you, there's a penalty.[xx(][xx(]

Seriously folks, there's no right answer here, just diverse opinion.
The poll so far is VERY inaccurate, ( and will probably remain so )as the NMRA could only dream of that kind of percentage membership, or even half of it.[:I]
There are joiners and non-joiners, in every walk of life. Take service work. You know, clubs like Lions' and Rotary do outstanding service work all over the world. BUT hundreds of thousands of people perform service work in their communities,
without ever joining these clubs.
I used to be a Lion [ 15 years ]... I still do service work....but I got tired of paying for dinner meetings that I didn't wi***o attend any more,especially with members who didn't show up for the work parties.[V]

The technical initiatives of organized groups are always used by the non-member masses, whether it's the NMRA, SAE, CSA, EPA, UL, or whatever.

I've never been an NMRA member.
In the past 30-40 years or so, I've shown a lot of beginners how to lay track, assemble kits, do buildings from scratch, whatever.
And how to buy products wisely.[8D]
regards \ Mike

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: .
....I am trained as a civil engineer in water supply and sewage disposal so I have been overqualified at processing the complaints from the cheap, inactive chewers and spitters who complain about the effort of many others to entertain them.
Lindsay Smith

Living way too close to a sewage treatment plant, I didn't realize until now that the operators were "entertaining" us around here. Why no viewing windows in the tanks, like at Sea World ?I'm surprised there's no fee for inhaling....mind you, there's a penalty.[xx(][xx(]

Seriously folks, there's no right answer here, just diverse opinion.
The poll so far is VERY inaccurate, ( and will probably remain so )as the NMRA could only dream of that kind of percentage membership, or even half of it.[:I]
There are joiners and non-joiners, in every walk of life. Take service work. You know, clubs like Lions' and Rotary do outstanding service work all over the world. BUT hundreds of thousands of people perform service work in their communities,
without ever joining these clubs.
I used to be a Lion [ 15 years ]... I still do service work....but I got tired of paying for dinner meetings that I didn't wi***o attend any more,especially with members who didn't show up for the work parties.[V]

The technical initiatives of organized groups are always used by the non-member masses, whether it's the NMRA, SAE, CSA, EPA, UL, or whatever.

I've never been an NMRA member.
In the past 30-40 years or so, I've shown a lot of beginners how to lay track, assemble kits, do buildings from scratch, whatever.
And how to buy products wisely.[8D]
regards \ Mike

[CNJ831]

As Robmik comments, so far these poll results are dramatically skewed in suggesting a large percentage of hobbyists are NMRA members. In actual fact, the percentage of all model railroaders that are NMRA members is more in the order of 7-9% and this figure has been gradually shrinking since their last dues hike about two years ago. The potential of a further rise in dues in the near future will undoubtedly serve to demini***his figure even more, making any claim that NMRA represents the hobby in any significant fashion rather moot.

CNJ831

[CNJ831]

As Robmik comments, so far these poll results are dramatically skewed in suggesting a large percentage of hobbyists are NMRA members. In actual fact, the percentage of all model railroaders that are NMRA members is more in the order of 7-9% and this figure has been gradually shrinking since their last dues hike about two years ago. The potential of a further rise in dues in the near future will undoubtedly serve to demini***his figure even more, making any claim that NMRA represents the hobby in any significant fashion rather moot.

CNJ831

[MAbruce]

Not a member, never have been, and won't likely be one. I've looked over the membership benefits and they really don't interest me. The whole thing seems like something people use more to impress others (putting it by their name, or Ad's as a title). I'm not into that.

I enjoy the hobby enough, thanks.

[MAbruce]

Not a member, never have been, and won't likely be one. I've looked over the membership benefits and they really don't interest me. The whole thing seems like something people use more to impress others (putting it by their name, or Ad's as a title). I'm not into that.

I enjoy the hobby enough, thanks.

[Anonymous]

As a one-time member, I did not feel that I got very much out of belonging to the NMRA.
To me, their greatest benefit to all modelers is standardization. Perhaps I could have availed myself to more of the services offered, but did not.

When NMRA increased dues a couple of years ago, I decided that it was even less worth belonging, and decided not to renew my membership

Rich Witt

[Anonymous]

As a one-time member, I did not feel that I got very much out of belonging to the NMRA.
To me, their greatest benefit to all modelers is standardization. Perhaps I could have availed myself to more of the services offered, but did not.

When NMRA increased dues a couple of years ago, I decided that it was even less worth belonging, and decided not to renew my membership

Rich Witt

[Anonymous]

Why should I pay somebody money to enjoy model railroading more that I already do. I rather use the money towards another engine or rolling stock.[:)]

[Anonymous]

Why should I pay somebody money to enjoy model railroading more that I already do. I rather use the money towards another engine or rolling stock.[:)]

[Anonymous]

I have been a member for over 10 years. As one of the posts have stated that it is only as good as the members. As in any organization there are jerks and arrogant air heads.

I have been to plenty of regional and divisional conventions and 1 national. Each one I obtained good information and met plenty of nice and knowledgeable modelers.

Yes, I do get disgusted with some of the things..ie... the new dues structure, but overall it has been worth the money.

The NMRA has changed in the last few years by trying to get involved in other scales. Overall, it has been a good experience.

Mike Lee
Tonopah and Goldfield in N

[Anonymous]

I have been a member for over 10 years. As one of the posts have stated that it is only as good as the members. As in any organization there are jerks and arrogant air heads.

I have been to plenty of regional and divisional conventions and 1 national. Each one I obtained good information and met plenty of nice and knowledgeable modelers.

Yes, I do get disgusted with some of the things..ie... the new dues structure, but overall it has been worth the money.

The NMRA has changed in the last few years by trying to get involved in other scales. Overall, it has been a good experience.

Mike Lee
Tonopah and Goldfield in N

[Anonymous]

I have been an NMRA member since 1976. I have been to three Nationals: Eugene, Pittsburgh and San Jose. Each time it was a great experience. I do regret that can not attend all Nationals, the cost of travel (I live in the Netherlands) makes that impossible. I have visited Chattanooga and was proud to see our HQ. I have used the services of the library more than once and they've always been a great help. Thru the years I have met many model rails that I now call friends. I've learned a lot from all of them and maybe I gave them some in return. I feel every dollar was well spend. I don't think I would like to do wthout them. Don't think they are sleeping now, oh no, they are very hard at work, those VOLUNTEERS, for the benefit of the modeller.

[Anonymous]

I have been an NMRA member since 1976. I have been to three Nationals: Eugene, Pittsburgh and San Jose. Each time it was a great experience. I do regret that can not attend all Nationals, the cost of travel (I live in the Netherlands) makes that impossible. I have visited Chattanooga and was proud to see our HQ. I have used the services of the library more than once and they've always been a great help. Thru the years I have met many model rails that I now call friends. I've learned a lot from all of them and maybe I gave them some in return. I feel every dollar was well spend. I don't think I would like to do wthout them. Don't think they are sleeping now, oh no, they are very hard at work, those VOLUNTEERS, for the benefit of the modeller.

[Anonymous]

I have been a member of the NMRA for over 50 years and it urkes me to see comments like, what is there for me!! The whole model industry as we know it today is there for you and most of it is thanks to the NMRA. Everything we do in our model empires, has a root in the organization. I was there in the Mantua horn-hook days and beleive me the NMRA has made a diference and is continuing to do so. Their power is solely with the vounteers, so dont knok it, join it. John Pollard # 033870

[Anonymous]

I have been a member of the NMRA for over 50 years and it urkes me to see comments like, what is there for me!! The whole model industry as we know it today is there for you and most of it is thanks to the NMRA. Everything we do in our model empires, has a root in the organization. I was there in the Mantua horn-hook days and beleive me the NMRA has made a diference and is continuing to do so. Their power is solely with the vounteers, so dont knok it, join it. John Pollard # 033870

[JohnCarty]

I reaped the benefits of the NMRA's efforts for almost 20 years before joining. I have kids so I do not attend conventions anly local events and meets.

Meeting people and supporting efforts at standardizing product is worth the cost. It's wonderful to purchase and item and know that it will mesh with material you already have. Let's face it, buying a $100 engine and finding that it will not fit on your track after you get it home SUCKS.

As mush as the dues cost, for the aformentioned reason alone it is money well spent. Getting to meet new people and learn not only new tecniques and information but also where your skills stand makes it a bargain.

[JohnCarty]

I reaped the benefits of the NMRA's efforts for almost 20 years before joining. I have kids so I do not attend conventions anly local events and meets.

Meeting people and supporting efforts at standardizing product is worth the cost. It's wonderful to purchase and item and know that it will mesh with material you already have. Let's face it, buying a $100 engine and finding that it will not fit on your track after you get it home SUCKS.

As mush as the dues cost, for the aformentioned reason alone it is money well spent. Getting to meet new people and learn not only new tecniques and information but also where your skills stand makes it a bargain.

[Anonymous]

I've twice belonged, but I found there was no value in it for me: . The web site is free, and it isn't too bad. The library is accessable for a fee, so when I need to do research, I can still use that. (But interlibrary loan sure works well; the one book I couldn't get through ILL, the NMRA library didn't have either.) There are a lot of other so-called benefits, but discounts on things I don't want don't count for much in my book. Only two benefits come to mind that are worth paying for year in, year out: the meets/convetions and the Bulletin.

I can't afford the time (or the money) to go to the meets. Besides, the meets are filled with 'good ole boys' groups that I haven't got the 40 years of seniority to crash. I might be able to find more time to go if the events were more kid friendly, but I don't want to subject mine to the language and dirty looks that I've seen other peoples (good) kids subjected to.

That leaves the Bulleten. However, the commercial press does a much better job of covering new products and even their own conventions. The editorial content is a repetitive snooze: ("we are going to spend umpteen dollars to benefit these three members who actually live close enough to use it", "we need more money", "why are we losing members", and, in July "welcome new member(s)". ) The remaining few articles are OK, but I'd rather spend the money on scale-specific magazines (The 'N' in NMRA, does not stand for N-scale...)

Yes, everything the NMRA has done for standards in the past was wonderful. But it isn't doing anything new for me today. (Let's see, weights and wheel countours were defined around 1935. DCC was defined around 1995. Hmmm... OK, I'll join again a little before 2055 and support the next big thing!)

[Anonymous]

I've twice belonged, but I found there was no value in it for me: . The web site is free, and it isn't too bad. The library is accessable for a fee, so when I need to do research, I can still use that. (But interlibrary loan sure works well; the one book I couldn't get through ILL, the NMRA library didn't have either.) There are a lot of other so-called benefits, but discounts on things I don't want don't count for much in my book. Only two benefits come to mind that are worth paying for year in, year out: the meets/convetions and the Bulletin.

I can't afford the time (or the money) to go to the meets. Besides, the meets are filled with 'good ole boys' groups that I haven't got the 40 years of seniority to crash. I might be able to find more time to go if the events were more kid friendly, but I don't want to subject mine to the language and dirty looks that I've seen other peoples (good) kids subjected to.

That leaves the Bulleten. However, the commercial press does a much better job of covering new products and even their own conventions. The editorial content is a repetitive snooze: ("we are going to spend umpteen dollars to benefit these three members who actually live close enough to use it", "we need more money", "why are we losing members", and, in July "welcome new member(s)". ) The remaining few articles are OK, but I'd rather spend the money on scale-specific magazines (The 'N' in NMRA, does not stand for N-scale...)

Yes, everything the NMRA has done for standards in the past was wonderful. But it isn't doing anything new for me today. (Let's see, weights and wheel countours were defined around 1935. DCC was defined around 1995. Hmmm... OK, I'll join again a little before 2055 and support the next big thing!)

[Anonymous]

I belonged for a couple of years about 15 years ago. They were the biggest bunch of snobbish, uninformed, nit-picking "vesties" that I'd ever seen. I finally met some "real" modellers and I haven't looked back since.

[Anonymous]

I belonged for a couple of years about 15 years ago. They were the biggest bunch of snobbish, uninformed, nit-picking "vesties" that I'd ever seen. I finally met some "real" modellers and I haven't looked back since.

[aolsen]

Yes, and proud to be a life member.

[aolsen]

Yes, and proud to be a life member.