Enjoying model railroading and prototyping is a hobby you can do alone-but the enjoyment of watching others reactions or being able to ask questions on specifications or historical references with friends may cause them to find other enthusiasts.
There are hundreds of clubs in the USA alone that have surfaced for model railroading, one of the largest being the NMRA, the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit , educational association that promotes model railroading and impacts standards within the industry.
The NMRA has members across the world with over 150 divisions or groups of members spread out in 18 regions. Their yearly convention and the National Train Show continue to build excitement for model train enthusiasts to enjoy. The NMRA has been there for its members for over 70 years and will continue for many more.
Founded in 1935 the NMRA helped to set many of the standards that exist today and still maintains a list of Standards and Recommended Practices available to manufacturers and hobbyists. The NMRA also helps maintain the Kalmbach Memorial Library which is one of the larger railroad reference centers in the world. Holding more then 100,000 prototype photos, more than 50,000 modeling, prototype and historical society magazines and more then 5,000 books the Kalmbach Library is a great resource for hobbyists of prototype railroading.
Available resources for members by the NMRA include:
- Access to the Kalmbach Memorial Library, perhaps the best resource available on railroads and model railroads
- Fellowship with other modelers and a monthly magazine
- Access to Regional and National conventions
