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NMRA Resources
Modeling with the Masters
The Concept
During several NMRA events, participants wanted more than just a "how to
clinic," however, this was difficult to provide due to the high number of
members attending our programs. The Modeling with the Masters program was
developed with a hands on approach to modeling in mind. By limiting the
number of participants to 24 members, placed in small groups, you will
receive personal instruction by a NMRA Master Model Railroader over a 3 day
weekend.
Skill Level
The program skill level in our series is geared to the beginner or
intermediate level modeler. We cover topics on an introductory basis but
include some techniques that are advanced. Since the whole idea is to
teach you new skills by "doing" you will amaze yourself what you will
accomplish.
Program
These clinics will provide background on the history of the subject, current available materials, kits, and methods of construction, and an outline of the hands on projects. After watching a lesson, the participants build a small project based on this lesson material. A staff of Master Model Railroaders will be available to assist the participants during the full session. At the end of the course, the participants will have a several items to take home. We will try to accommodate models in your scale; however, this may not be possible due to availability. You will be given a substitute in another scale in these cases.
The Modeling with the Masters program has become a great success and is an NMRA member benefit. We invite you to participate in our next program.
Clark Kooning, MMR
Modeling with the Masters-Manager
For comments from students who have participated in past courses along with information on the next weekend course, click here.
Kalmbach Memorial Library
Our Library is mostly utilized by the NMRA members for researching their modeling needs, but we also assist historians, publishers, authors, and model manufacturers in various aspects of research. Many questions consist of photocopy requests, article searches, requests for drawings or plans, or historical information. We answer 90 to 130 questions per month, and usually within a few weeks of receipt of the question, depending on its complexity and the amount of pending questions in the Library.
NMRA members receive one free research question per year (questions taking more than fifteen minutes to answer), not including photocopy charges, and are charged $15.00 per hour for subsequent questions. Non-members are charged $30.00 per hour. Members also receive an unlimited amount of ready-reference questions (requests requiring less than fifteen minutes to answer), not including photocopy charges.
The Kalmbach Memorial Library is an NMRA member benefit and we invite you to contact us with your questions. We're always glad to help in any way we can.
Jennifer Eble
For more information about the Library resources, click here.
Standards and Recommended Practices
The N.M.R.A.'s work in developing Standards and Recommended Practices is the primary reason that what you buy from one manufacturer will work with product from another manufacturer. The Standards and RPs cover everything from track specifications, turnouts and electrical to wheels, car weight, clearances and modules. The latest in these efforts has produced the DCC Standards and RPs. None of this would have been possible without the willing participation of manufacturers and the hours donated by countless volunteers who tested and developed the various specifications.
Before the 1930s, there were no common standards pertaining to model railroad equipment. One manufacturer's equipment would not necessarily work with another manufacturer's or even run on someone else's track. Many modelers built to their own standard or from their own designs and ideas. In many cases it was difficult, if not impossible, to take your cars or locomotives to another modeler's railroad... Click for More.
Achievement Program
In simple terms, the Achievement Program (AP) is a travel guide that can help you on your journey through the world of model railroading. The AP provides incentives to learn and master the many crafts and skills that are useful in the hobby of model railroading. In this program, with the completion of each category, you will be issued a certificate acknowledging your achievement.
The AP requirements are a set of standards that can serve as guideposts for those who are new, near-new, and not-so-new to the hobby. Not because they lead to some sort of official pat-on-the-back, but because they are a source of ideas for projects that can help us learn to become better modelers. Click for More.
Why Join the N.M.R.A.?
The NMRA is People...The NMRA is you and your fellow modelers, sharing and learning all the fascinating aspects of model railroading. Organized into regions which are sub-divided into divisions, the NMRA offers the model railroader a network of activities and opportunities to participate with fellow enthusiasts in planned meetings, clinics, conventions, fan trips and other social activities. Increased knowledge and enjoyment of the hobby are thus a direct benefit of NMRA membership.
The NMRA is Fun...
The NMRA is Member Services...
The NMRA is Engineering...
The NMRA is The A. C. Kalmbach Memorial Library...
The NMRA is the Achievement Program...
The NMRA is Conventions...
For more information than you found in the 'Why Should You Join' Page, take a look at Member Benefits
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Page last updated May 23, 2001