May/June 2023

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President's Message
Gordy Robinson MMR®

It’s still snowing here in Orkney, but hopefully you have seen the last of the winter snow or summer heat wherever you are in the world. May marks the start of a lot of activity in the NMRA. The regional convention calendar really gets into full swing with a number of events taking place in May and June.


It’s also time to think about registering for the NMRA National Convention in Grapevine TX, which will be held on August 20-26th. The full schedule of events, clinics and tours is now up on the convention website and not only can you book all of these right now, you can also organise your op sessions in advance. Did you know that the operations roadshow is also at this year’s National Convention? With the support of the Free-moN community you will be able to learn TT&TO operations on a layout that is 60% larger than the sectional ops roadshow layout of old. Did we mention it’s also N Scale so really that’s a much bigger layout than ever before. Don’t worry about reading car numbers - the car forwarding system will take care of that.


A lot has been happening with the national team and I know you’ll have an update from the Standards and Conformance team further on but every national department is busy working on preparing activities or new benefits for NMRA members, including a new project that I’ll speak more of later in this eBulletin.


Gordy


Gordy Robinson MMR®

NMRA President

2023 Election Results

Mike Cummings

NMRA Secretary

The results of the 2023 elections of Board members and Officers are now official.


Canadian District Director

John Bate


NMRA Canada President

Ed Molenkamp


NMRA Canada Vice President

Steve Juranics


Central District Director

Fred Soward

Member Retention Project

Gordy Robinson

NMRA President

It’s no secret that our organisation has shrunk by approximately 2% each year for the past 30 years, and that the average age of our members has grown older as each year has gone by. But did you know that we recruit over 1000 new members each year?

 

We’ve tried many things in the past to grow our membership and we have recruited lots of people but we have lost as many and more almost straight away resulting in the continual 2% year on year picture. We also know that if a member maintains their membership for three years they tend to continue to be a member of the organisation for a very long time.

 

To try to address this, a national retention project has been set up to look at how we can support members and local divisions to keep more of the members we all work so hard to recruit. The team will be focusing on two areas:

  1. Member on boarding – what happens after someone’s membership card is posted out? How do we ensure that new members are accessing all of their NMRA member benefits?
  2. Member renewal – How can we communicate better with members when their renewal is due? When should this start? What could happen if the membership lapses?


The team will be using historical membership data, member surveys and consultation with local membership chairs to see what national can do to improve that new member’s first experiences with the organisation.


This project's volunteers will be supported by the NMRA Administration & Marketing departments but it will need volunteers to help develop, test and deliver new initiatives for our members, so if you want to be involved please email president@nmra.org.

2023 International Convention

Howdy, y’all! The thrills, frills, and chills of the supercharged 2023 Texas Express are only 4 months away, and we are continuing to tweak and expand our offerings and events to make your convention experience as fun and comfortable as possible. One of the things we have worked hard on improving is the culminating popular social event banquet. Recently, we were able to renegotiate and refine the evening with the lovely folks at the Gaylord Texan Resort to reduce the cost to you while still providing the same fine food, a great atmosphere for socializing, and an entertaining program. We have reduced the cost from $135 to only $56! This is not only a significant savings, but we’ve also been able to increase the food choices by going to a buffet style, allowing you to choose from four different meals plus a non-alcoholic drink and a delightful dessert.

This is not all that is going on this month. We are pleased to announce that we have arranged for NMRA Partnership Program member Miniprints to do a 3D scan of you to create your very own Mini-Me at a special convention discount price. The scan takes just a few minutes, and after some cleanup back at the office, a 3D model of you is available in N, HO, S, or O scale. You can also purchase the STL file to print as many copies of yourself as you want on your own 3D printer. The sign-up page is coming soon, so keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and our web page for that to go live.

That’s not the only thing going live this month. Registration for the always popular operating sessions have opened. At last count we have 25 layouts and 395 operating slots! Those who have already registered have signed up for about 30% of the slots, so we have plenty of spaces available at the moment but expect those to fill up soon as many more people are registering for the convention each day.

Speaking of registration, everyone wants to come to Texas, so tours, op sessions, and special events are filling up quickly. Of special note is that we are now in the final days of early bird pricing, which means that on June 1st your registration cost increases. With all of these fantastic things happening right now, don’t delay - go to 2023TexasExpress.com to register for the supercharged, high-speed 2023 NMRA National Convention today!

Standards and Conformance

Andy J. Zimmerman

Standards and Conformance Manager

The Standards and Conformance team has been very active. Here are a few of the items that are currently in process.


Conformance and Inspection

Current reviews are scheduled well into autumn. Training sessions are being held for new inspectors. Some standards and recommended practices are under review (S-4.3, SP-4, RP-25)


Command Station Conformance

S-9.1 (DCC Electrical) is under review, and Command Station testing processes and procedures are being developed.


Mechanical

Historical and current Standards and RP’s are under review.


Standards Gauges

A new manufacturer is ready to produce Standards Gauges! HO samples are under review. Once approved, new HO gauges will be back in production and available online by early Summer. Gauges will also be produced this year for N, On3, Sn3, HOn3, and O.


Electrical

The LCC/OpenLCB team is working on

LCC for modules, and RailComm support. There will be clinics on LCC at the Texas Express convention.



DCC Working group

Standards S-9.2.1 and S-9.2.2 are being updated. Training is underway for new decoder testers.

Meet NMRA Directors and Officers

Chris Palermo

At-Large North American Director


The NMRA hosts up to sixteen regional conventions per year – more than one per month. In 2023, at least one member of the NMRA’s national team will visit almost every region’s convention. National leaders may present clinics, participate in open Q&A sessions, attend receptions, or engage with members in other ways. These visits represent a golden opportunity for you to hear about new services, ask questions, and provide input on national policy. Here’s a list of who you can expect to meet at specific conventions in the coming months:


  • PCR, in April – Chris Palermo (Director)
  • PNR, in May – Mike Cummings (Secretary)
  • MCR, in May – Frank Koch (CFO)
  • PSR, in June – Mike Mackey (Director), Bob Weinheimer (Director), Fred Soward (Director-elect)
  • AR, in September – Martyn Jenkins, Rob Peterson (Directors)
  • SER, in September – Rich Coble (VP), Mike Cummings (Secretary)
  • NCR, in October – Fred Soward (Director-elect)
  • NER, in October – John Doehring (Director), Gordy Robinson (President)
  • MER, in October – Gordy Robinson (President)
  • BR, in October – Mike Arnold (Director), Gordy Robinson (President)
  • SR, in October – Gordy Robinson (President)
  • RMR, in November – Rich Coble (VP).


Officers and Directors attending these events may have traveled hundreds or thousands of miles to attend. We encourage all members to attend their region convention annually and take a few moments to get to know your officers and directors at these events.


See the Upcoming Conventions item, later in this eBulletin, for the names, dates, locations, and websites of the regional conventions.

Notice of 2024 Elections

Mike Cummings

NMRA Secretary

The following NMRA Officers and Board of Directors positions are open for election in 2024:

 

  1. President
  2. Vice President
  3. At-Large North American Director
  4. Eastern District Director
  5. Pacific District Director

 

Please check Section E of the Corporate Policies & Procedures Manual for the extent of the districts affected. Candidate statements are limited to 400 words.

 

Potential candidates should read Thinking Of Running for an NMRA Director Office on the nmra.org website.

 

President and Vice President

 

Submission of candidates' names for consideration for the positions of President and Vice President shall be made to one of the following no later than July 1, 2023:

 

National Nominating Committee Chair Philip Taylor at nominations@nmra.org

Atlantic District Nominating Committee Chair Charles Hendy at AtlNominations@nmra.org

NMRA Canada Nominating Committee Chair Brian Stokes at CanNominations@nmra.org

Pacific District Nominating Committee Chair Paul Rollason at PacNominations@nmra.org

 

At-Large North American Director

 

Submission of candidates' names for consideration for the position of At-Large North American Director shall be made to one of the following no later than July 1, 2023:

 

National Nominating Committee Chair Philip Taylor at nominations@nmra.org

NMRA Canada Nominating Committee Chair Brian Stokes at CanNominations@nmra.org

 

Eastern District Director

 

Submission of candidates' names for consideration for the position of Eastern District Director shall be made to National Nominating Committee Chair Philip Taylor at nominations@nmra.org no later than July 1, 2023.

 

Pacific District Director

 

Submission of candidates' names for consideration for the position of Pacific District Director shall be made to Pacific District Nominating Committee Chair Paul Rollason at PacNominations@nmra.org no later than July 1, 2023.

 

Candidates may wish to run for these positions by petition and not be subjected to the decisions of the appropriate nominationing committees. Requirements for submitting by petition are contained in section D-3 of the Corporate Policies & Procedures Manual. All submissions by petition shall be received by the NMRA Secretary no later than September 15, 2023.

 

Members with questions about nominations or the election may contact Secretary Mike Cummings at secy@nmra.org.

Joined the Interchange Yet?

The NMRA Interchange is an online meeting place where you can talk with other members, hold meetings, get advice and learn new skills, and interact in many other ways with your fellow model railroaders and NMRA members.


Detailed instructions for joining the Interchange were published in the March/April eBulletin. Just follow the link to get started.

Volunteers Needed

The NMRA is run by volunteers. Get involved by contributing your expertise and time.


Graphic Designer


The Marketing Department is looking for a dedicated graphic designer to assist with the update and creation of marketing and promotional materials as part of a larger project. Please email Marketing@nmra.org if you are interested.


Standards and Conformance


Motivated individuals are needed for

  • Command Station team
  • LCC/OpenLCB
  • Administrative and organizational support
  • Other technical support - let us know your interests

Contact tech-chair@nmra.org to volunteer.


New Volunteers


All NMRA Departments are actively recruiting new volunteers year-round, so if you want to share your experience and skills and help the NMRA deliver something you are really passionate about, then please reach out to me.


Gordy Robinson

NMRA President

president@nmra.org
Newest Master Model Railroader® recipients

734. Richard Turton (MCR)

735. Thomas Persoon (MCoR)


"Master Model Railroader" and "MMR" are registered trademarks of the NMRA. A list of all MMRs can be found at nmra.org/master-model-railroaders

We're Looking for a Few Good Layouts...

Photography and HO scale modeling by Richard Walz, Northampton, Massachusetts.

...12 to be exact! You’re proud of your model railroad. Why not share it by submitting a photo or two for the 2024 edition of the NMRA Model Railroad Calendar? The calendar is distributed to every U.S. member as a fundraising project. To have your layout photo considered for inclusion, just follow these easy steps:


  • Take a horizontal (landscape) photo of your layout.
  • Submit your photo as a digital file. Files must be at least 300 pixels per inch and 8” x 12” (minimum size of 8.6 megapixels – larger is better). Accepted file types are tiff (preferred) or jpg (highest quality only).
  • Write a caption describing the action in your shot, the scale, the builder, and the photographer. Include that information as a text or .doc file.
  • Include your name, address, phone number and email with your submission.
  • Please limit your entries to no more than your four best scenes.


To submit your files for free go to wetransfer.com.

If you don’t see the “Upload files” box (shown below) click on the “I just want to send files” link at 

the bottom of the page. 
  1. Click (+) Upload files. Locate and add your files.
  2. Email to: scwd.email@gmail.com 
  3. Add your email address.
  4. Add the title: 2024 Calendar .
  5. Add your name, address & phone number.
  6. Click the transfer button.
  7. You will receive a confirmation email.


Note: By submitting images for the 2024 NMRA Calendar, you are giving permission to the editors to alter them as needed (cropping, smoke and lighting effects, etc.). Please indicate specifically if you do not give permission to alter your images.


Photos must be submitted by July 15, 2023 for consideration.


Questions? Contact Mike Brestel at 513-481-0185 or mbrestel@zoomtown.com
Partnership Program

The companies listed below give discounts to NMRA members when orders are placed using a special discount code. Newly added companies are in bold red. Check them out! You can find descriptions of these companies and their products, links to their websites, and the discount codes on our Partnership Page at  nmra.org/partnerships . Remember you need to be logged into our site as a member to see the codes! Go to nmra.org/user/register to register your name on the website.

CatzPaw Innovations

Clever Models

Coastmans Scenic Products

Conowingo Models

Custom Model Railroads

Daylight Sales

Deepwoods Software

Deluxe Materials

Digikeijs

Dwarvin Enterprises

East Coast Circuits

Enterprise&National Car Rentals

Feight Studios

Gatorfoam

Great Decals!

Green Frog Productions

Hot Wire Foam Factory

K.I.S.S. Method

LaBelle Woodworking

LARC Products

Logic Rail Technologies

MAC Rail

Micro-Mark

Mine Mount Models

Miniprints

Model Rectifier Corp (MRC)

Model Train Catalogue

Modelers Decals & Paint

Motrak Models

N Scale Architect

New Creations Victorian Railroad Building

Nick and Nora Designs

Northlandz

NScaleWorks

Old Depot Gallery

Old West Scenery

Ram Track

RR-CirKits

Scale Model Plans

Scenery Solutions

Showcase Miniatures

Team Track Models

Tichy Train Group

Touch of the Brush Weathering

Train Installations

Train Show, Inc.

Trainmasters TV/MRH Store

Trainz

TSG Multimedia

UGEARS

USA Airbrush Supplies/Badger

WiFi Model Railroad

Upcoming Conventions

Now available to all members
  • Mike Mackey's Texas & St. Louis
  • A Tale of 3 Locos & a Fallen Flag
  • Modular Signal System
  • Destination MMR Part 4

Visit nmra.org/nmra-digital-magazine

Coming soon to all members
  • MMR Charles Goodrich's D&RGW
  • Destination MMR Part 5
  • Steel Mill Modelers
  • D&O Insurance
Did you miss?

Thanks to volunteer Tom Bensberg, all NMRA eBulletins and NMRA Dispatches are archived on the NMRA website. Here are a few links to items you may have missed.


Dispatches

  • Announcing the NMRA Interchange! 2023-01

eBulletin articles

Editor: John Bate, Canadian District Director

The NMRA eBulletin is an official bi-monthly production of the National Model Railroad Association, Inc. Publishing Department (Riley Triggs, Manager). Its purpose is to keep every NMRA member informed about organization news and events. If you know of an NMRA member who is not receiving this mailing, please direct them to nmra.org/members to update their email address. If you no longer wish to receive these mailings, please don't mark them as spam. Instead, click the safe Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. ©2021 National Model Railroad Association, Inc., P.O. Box 1328, Soddy Daisy TN 37384.
 
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