Membership

Grouper works with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to cover membership dues, so you can focus on what you love to do. Don’t worry about the membership cost - it’s on your health plan.

To see if your plan covers the Grouper social fitness benefit, visit https://www.hellogrouper.com/NMRA

This is healthcare?
Your passion for model railroad is healthcare. Really. 

Research shows that participating in groups like the National Model Railroad Association improves our mental, physical, and social health. It's called "Social Fitness," and it's the perfect replica of your favorite track.

Can Grouper Help Cover your Annual NMRA Dues?

The model railroad community has long been celebrated for its ability to foster social connections and combat social isolation. Model railroaders often gather at clubs, exhibitions, and conventions to share their passion, exchange ideas, and build friendships. These interactions go beyond mere hobby discussions; they provide a sense of belonging and camaraderie that can significantly enhance one's quality of life.

In an increasingly interconnected world, the importance of social connection cannot be overstated. It's not just about having friends or acquaintances; social interaction plays a crucial role in our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Recognizing this, the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Grouper.

Grouper is a radically new benefit from your current health plan that recognizes the profound social benefits of activities like model railroading. They partner with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to cover the annual NMRA Membership Dues for eligible members aged 65 and above. This means that our eligible members can continue to enjoy the benefits of NMRA membership without worrying about the financial burden.

But the benefits of Grouper extend far beyond financial assistance. By incentivizing participation in model railroading and other social activities, Grouper encourages members to prioritize their social well-being, leading to improved overall health and happiness. Research has shown that social isolation and loneliness can have detrimental effects on both mental and physical health, increasing the risk of conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. By providing opportunities for social engagement and connection through cost savings, Grouper promotes a healthier, more fulfilling lifestyle for NMRA members.

Moreover, the partnership between NMRA and Grouper is not just about individual benefits; it's about strengthening the fabric of our community as a whole. Model railroading is more than just a hobby; it's a shared passion that brings people together from all walks of life. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, we create a supportive environment where members can thrive and grow, both personally and professionally. Members aged 65 and above with an eligible health plan can easily sign up for Grouper at https://www.hellogrouper.com/NMRA by providing their current health plan details. Once they confirm your health plan's eligibility, Grouper will send a check to pay the annual dues. Plus - as long as your plan includes Grouper and you remain an active model railroader, your dues will be covered annually.

But our partnership with Grouper is about more than just covering membership dues; it's about empowering our members to live their best lives. By embracing the power of social fitness through model railroading, we can improve our overall health and well-being while enjoying the camaraderie and companionship of fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned model railroader or new to the hobby, there's never been a better time to connect with others and explore the joys of model railroading.

So, join us in embracing the power of social connection and community. Sign up for Grouper today and see how your health plan can reward you for something you already knew - model railroading is good for your health.

We are sure you may have some questions about this benefit, our partnership or the sign up process and Grouper is here to help. They have a dedicated Member Engagement team ready and waiting to answer your questions and help you through the signup process. Reach out to them by calling (833) 519-1078 or emailing nmra [at] hellogrouper.com (subject: NMRA%20Grouper%20signup%20questions) . You can also check out the online FAQ to learn more about this exciting new social fitness benefit.

The partnership between NMRA and Grouper represents a significant step forward in promoting social well-being and enhancing the lives of our valued members. We are excited to bring this amazing opportunity to our community and look forward to sharing more about the power of social fitness through model railroading!

Direct Individual Member Benefits

• Access to coaching and support by Master Model Railroaders® (MMR)
  NMRA assists other members whenever possible, whether or not the individual requesting assistance is a participant in the Achievement Program.
• Achievement Program (AP)
  Push your skills to new levels while earning recognition for your efforts in the target="_blank">Achievement Program.
• Annual NMRA Calendar
  Features twelve of the best of the best model railroad photographs annually in a fund raiser to members in the USA.
• Beginner's Guide
  Learn the basics of trackwork, wiring, scenery, and more in this online guide.
• Collection Insurance
  Group property insurance for collections, layouts, live steam, tools, slides and photographs, books, magazines, railroad memorabilia, and more.
• Fellowship with other model railroaders through virtual and face-to-face connections
  NMRA members are automatically assigned to a geographically close Division where they'll be able to participate in regularly scheduled in-person and virtual events.
• Grouper
  US-based members, over the age of 65 with a Medicare Advantage, may be eligible for reimbursement of their annual NMRA dues.
• Local Division Events
  More than 150 Divisions across the organization regularly provide events close to individual modelers, including clinics, presentations, and layout visits.
• Members Only Company Store
  NMRA logo-wear and other products including members-only pricing on NMRA standards gauges in the online store.
• Model and Photography Contest Participation (local Division meets, Region and National)
  Participate in the celebration of models, photos, and crafts at Regional and National Conventions as well as many Divisional Meets.
• National Conventions
  Held in a different location in the US every year, the National Convention is a week-long event featuring multiple model railroad layout tours, operating sessions, prototype tours, hands-on clinics, and presentations.
• Model Railroad Directory
  Contact NMRA members in the Model Railroad Directory for a layout tour, to talk trains, or to participate in an operating session.
• Modeling With The Masters® (MWTM)
  Get coaching in hands-on learning experiences led by Master Model Railroaders® in MWTM.
• NMRA eBulletin
  A monthly email newsletter with the latest updates and news direct from the NMRA.
• NMRA Turntable
  A monthly curated email newsletter with some of the most interesting model railroad websites, videos, blogs, and articles on the web.
• NMRA Magazine - monthly print and online/digital
  Print and online/digital monthly publication featuring news about the organization and its Regions and Divisions, along with modeling articles, product conformance reviews, and other information.
• NMRA Interchange
  Connect electronically with NMRA members around the world to ask questions, provide answers, post events, share ideas, and make friends in the NMRA Interchange.
• NMRA Member's Aid Program
  Ask a question, any question, about the NMRA or about model railroading – and get an answer!
• NMRA Online Archives
  Scans of more than 10,000 photographs, slides, plans, drawings, paint schemes, and more available for download at a discount to members in the online archives.
• NMRA Standards Gauges, Track Templates, and Decals
  Purchase Standards Gauges at significant price reductions over retail prices. Track templates and decals also available in the Company Store.
• NMRAx – The NMRA's Monthly Virtual Meetup
  The NMRA's Monthly Virtual Meetup of model railroad presentations broadcast over YouTube Live. NMRAx provides an opportunity for attendees to directly interact with the presenters.
• Online Video Library
  Dozens of professionally produced “how-to” videos as well as more than 150 National Convention clinic videos.
• Partnership Program
  Receive discounts on model railroad products and services from free shipping to 40% off all purchases.
• Regional Conventions
  Held regionally, these are three to four day events, featuring multiple model railroad layout tours, operating sessions, prototype tours, hands-on clinics, and presentations.
• Special Access to Places and People
  Visit and tour prototype locations and model railroads rarely open to the public.
• Standards and Conformance
  Be a part of the organization that sets the standards for and verifies the conformance of model railroad products and technologies.

Indirect Member Benefits applicable to Clubs & Divisions

• Division Matching Funds
  NMRA Divisions can request reimbursement of up to $200 per year for retention events.
• Liability Insurance for Clubs in the USA and Canada
  $1 million liability insurance is available to model railroad clubs in which every member is an NMRA member.
• Liability Insurance for Meets and Shows in U.S. and Canada
  Insurance liability coverage for all Region-, Division-, and NMRA SIG-sponsored events up to the specific limit provided for in the policy. Standard coverage is $1 million; higher limits available for extra fees.

The list below includes those attractions that have offered discounts to NMRA members. Be aware that you may be asked to prove that you are a member when claiming the discount so be sure to have your non-expired NMRA membership card with you.  

Museums and Attractions

Alabama

Northern Alabama Railroad Museum
694 Chase Road
Huntsville, AL  35815
(256) 851-6276
Free museum admission, $1 member discount on train rides.

Arkansas

Arkansas & Missouri Railroad
306 East Emma Street
Springdale, AR  72764
(479) 725-4016
15% discount on regular excursions, 10% discount in-store for members

Central Delta Depot Museum
100 West Cypress
Brinkley, AR  72021
(870) 589-2124
$1 Adults and $0.50 Children

Arizona

Grand Canyon Railway & Hotel(r)
1201 W. Rt. 66  #200
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Train tickets OR hotel rooms OR RV Park sites are discounted 20% for members, not valid on packages. This discount is not valid with Polar Express.

Southern Arizona Transportation Museum
414 North Toole
Tuscon, AZ  85701
(520) 623-2223
Free museum.  10% member discount in the gift shop

Verde Canyon Railroad
300 North Broadway
Clarkdale, AZ  86324
(623) 374-3185
Free museum admission

California

1863 Colma Railroad Depot
1500 Hillside Blvd
Colma, CA  94101
(650) 757-1676
Free admission

California Trolley & Trailroad Corporation Trolley Bard
635 Phelan Avenue
San Jose, CA  95112
(408) 293-2276
Free museum admission

Filmore & Western Railway
364 Main Street
Filmore, CA  93014
(805) 524-2546
Buy one/get one free ticket

La Mesa Depot Museum
4695 Nebo Drive
La Mesa, CA  91941
(619) 465-7776
Free museum admission

Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA  94559
(800) 427-4124
$5 off any package to members

Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
750 Depot Street
Campo, CA  91906
(619) 465-7776
10% member discount

South Coast Railroad Museum
300 North Los Carneros Road
Goleta, CA  93117
(805) 964-3540
10% discount in-store

Tehachapi Depot Railroad Museum
101 West Tehachapi Blvd
Tehachapi, CA  93651
(661) 823-1100
Free museum admission

Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad
56001 Highway 41
Fish Camp, CA  93623
(559) 683-7273 
10% discount to NMRA members

Colorado

Colorado Model Railroad Museum
680 10th Street
Greeley, CO  80631
(970) 392-2934
NMRA members receive $2.00 off all admission prices.

Florida

Western Florida Railroad Museum
5003 Henry Street
Milton, FL  32572
(850) 623-3645
There is no charge for admission to the museum and all items for sale in the shop are already discounted by 10% below MSRP.  Additional discounts are possible for larger purchases by visiting NMRA members.

Maryland

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD  21223
(410) 752-2490
NMRA Members receive a $2 discount off the regular admission charge. Please note that special hosted events are excluded, members should refer to the calendar of events page for any closings or excluded events 

Ohio

Hocking Valley Scenic Railroad
33 West Canal Street
Nelsonville, OH  45764
(740) 249-1452
10% discount for members and three others, present membership card for discount.  Not valid for online ticket sales.

Pennsylvania

The Stourbridge Line
812 Main Street
Honesdale, PA
(570) 470-2697
NMRA Members receive a 20% discount on their entire online ticket order by using a discount code.  Advance reservations are recommended but tickets can be bought at the station on the day of travel if space is available.   

In addition, The Stourbridge Line will make a donation to the NMRA of 30% of the price of each ticket bought through this program.

Texas

Grapevine Vintage Railroad
636 S. Main Street
Grapevine, TX  76051
(800) 457-6338
We have a discount program that gives $3 off per ticket on our Cotton Belt Route Grapevine to Fort Worth Stockyards Excursion. 

Washington

Chelatchie Prairie Railroad
Yacolt, WA
(360) 686-3559
10% discount on the train ride

Hobby Shops

California

Reed's Hobby Shop
8039 La Mesa Blvd
La Mesa, CA  91942
(619) 464-1672
NMRA members receive 10% off most items, exclusions include books, magazines, consignment, and used items, Atlas O, MTH, and items already on a special or clearance discount.

Georgia

Blue Ox Trains
425 Market Place
Roswell, GA  30075
(404) 312-6467
NMRA members receive 10-20% off orders placed by email on items greater than $5.00 MSRP.  The shipping charge is the actual cost.  Members in the metro Atlanta area receive 5% off our already low in-store pricing.  Discounts do not apply to the online store. Contact Steve for more details.

Hobbytown USA
840 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw, GA  30144
(770) 426-8800
This location offers a 10% discount except for sale or clearance items to NMRA members.  Just present your NMRA card to the cashier when checking out.

Illinois

Mainline Model Railroad Products, LLC.
2436 Denver Drive
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 679-1945
10% discount for NMRA members. 

Midwest Rail Junction
1611 N. Alpine Road
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 963-0200
10% for NMRA members except for consignments, sale/clearance items, or items he has listed at his store, which may change from time to time. See Scott.

Hobby Town USA
3782 N. Alpine Road
Rockford, IL 61107
(815) 282-0727
10% for NMRA members except for sale/clearance items. Just fill out a card when you come into the store and see John or Ashley.

Michigan

Trains & Things Hobbies
210 East Front Street
Traverse City, MI  49684
(231) 947-1353
Fax: (231) 947-1411
Orders: (800) 659-2021
Discount varies, depending on the item(s)

New Jersey

The Train Room
715 Arnold Avenue
Point Pleasant Beach, NJ  08742
732-892-5145
NMRA members offered a 10% discount on any non-discounted item, excluding magazines.

Sattler's Hobby Shop
14 Haddon Avenue
Westmont, NJ  08108
(856) 854-7136
They offer NMRA members a 10% discount. Certain exclusions may apply.

Yankee Dabbler
101 W. Kings Highway
Bellmawr, NJ 08031
(856) 312-8084
www.yankeedabbler.com
NMRA Members receive an extra 5% discount.

New York

Despatch Junction
100 Station Road
East Rochester, NY 14445
(585) 385-5570
www.despatch-junction.com
NMRA Members receive 5% off. Those attending the 2024 NER Convention in Rochester will receive a 10% discount.

Lake City Hobbies
437 Exchange Street
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-6397
https://lakecityhobbies.com/
NMRA Members receive a 10% discount. Those attending the 2024 NER Convention in Rochester will receive an additional discount.

The Train Place
3911 Rush Mendon Road
Mendon, NY 14506
(585) 507-0562
https://www.thetrainplace.com/
NMRA Members receive 5% off. Those attending the 2024 NER Convention in Rochester will receive a 10% discount.

Ohio

Hilltop Hobby Shop
1732 E. Waterloo Road
State Route 224
Akron, OH
(330) 730-1067
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply.

Al's Trains & Hobby LLC
708 Broadway Ave.
Bedford, OH  44146
440-232-0951
10% Discount, excludes LIONEL items

Depot Train & Hobby
4234 W. 130th Street
Cleveland, OH 44135
(216) 252-8880
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply

Trading Post Train Shop
4394 Pearl Rd.
Cleveland, OH  44109
(216) 661-7300
Features Lionel Trains
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply

The Train Station
4430 Indianola Avenue
Columbus, OH  43214-2226
(614) 262-9056
Discount offer/terms:  5% discount off of our regular in-store prices with the following exceptions:  new magazines, sale items, products already discounted, and Horizon Hobby products.  Discount applies to in-store purchases only; customers must present a valid NMRA membership card.

Haven Raceway & Hobby
442 Cleveland St.
Elyria, OH  44035
(440) 412-4848
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply

Ormandy's
10 Public Square
Medina, OH  44256
(330) 722-1019
(330) 722-2205 fax
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply.  Ormandy's is trying to reduce inventory.  John Ormandy is offering for a limited time 30% discounts on the purchase of two or more in-stock O-scale cars.

Hobbytown USA
7982 Plaza Blvd
Mentor, OH  44060
(440) 974-2116
5% Discount, restrictions may apply

Corner Field
16720 Pioneer Road
Middlefield, OH 44062
(440) 636-5162
10% Discount, not available on sale items.

The Music Box
Grand Pacific Junction
8062 Columbia Road
Olmstead Falls, OH  44138
(440) 235-1625

Jan Dell Flowers Train Shop
19350 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH  44116
(440) 331-2392
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply

Uncle Ray's Trains
4282 Lake Road
Sheffield Lake, OH  44054
(888) 933-2999
(440) 933-0609
10% Discount, some restrictions may apply

Oregon

Hobby Smith
1809 NE Cesar Chavez Blvd
Portland, OR  97212
(503) 284-1912
Owner Ron Maize offers current NMRA members with valid membership cards a discount

Pennsylvania

Trainpops Attic
400 Mill Street
Bristol, PA  19007
(215) 788-20146
NMRA members can get a 10% discount, certain exclusions may apply.

Tennessee

ARCY DVD & HOBBY
4439 Blaylock Road 
Crossville, TN  38572
(931) 788-3373
A 10% discount to all NMRA Members (not to be combined with any additional club-affiliated discounts). Discounts are applicable for In-Store purchases ONLY.

Virginia

BYMRR Hobby Center (Building Your Model Railroad)
2632 E Kings Rd. 
Virginia Beach, VA  23452 
(757) 904-9390 
A 10% discount for NMRA members using coupon code.

Wisconsin

Hiawatha Hobbies
2026 Silvernail Rd.
Pewaukee, WI  53072
(262) 544-4131
20% discount on items not on sale

Nova Scotia, Canada

Maritime Hobbies and Crafts
1521 Grafton Street
Halifax, NS
B3J 2B9
(902) 423-8870
10% discount on regular-priced items only

Annual General Meeting / Meet the President

General Meeting Minutes - Minutes of the 2020 Annual General Meeting - Check back about September 20

Pre-meeting questions and answers, discussed at the General Meeting on September 13, 2020
     (available soon)

Reproduced from the February 2003 Issue of Model Railroader.
Copyright 2003 Kalmbach Publishing Co. Used with permission of Model Railroader Magazine

Joining the NMRA

What does the National Model Railroad Association have to do with workin' on my railroad? The short answer is: standards. But let me give you a little background first.

Belonging to the NMRA has many benefits, which are described on its Web site at www.nmra.org. I've always considered the friendships made at NMRA meets a valuable asset. But recently I've discovered the importance of standards set by the organization and what they mean to the hobby.

Developing standards

In 1935 the National Model Railroad Association was founded in Milwaukee, and it has become the largest organization in the world devoted to the hobby of model railroading. Before the 1930s, there were no standards pertaining to model railroad equipment. One manufacturer's equipment would not necessarily work with another's, and many modelers set their own standards from their designs and ideas. It became more and more difficult, if not impossible, to take equipment from one model railroad and expect it to run on another.

So a group of model railroaders, manufacturers, and publishers decided it was time to bring order to the hobby. Standards were developed to guarantee that equipment could be interchanged between individual model railroads. These standards ensured cars and locomotives purchased from one manufacturer could run on the track of another manufacturer. Many of the original standards still remain in effect today, virtually unchanged.

I never fully understood how important NMRA standards were to the hobby until I was recently researching Digital Command Control (DCC).

During the mid-1990s the NMRA began the process required to introduce a standard for DCC. The standard covers the digital signal traveling from the command station to the decoders controlling locomotives and other accessories such as switch machines. All manufacturers have to abide by this signal standard in order to receive NMRA conformance approval. Electronics required for DCC quickly got cheaper and DCC became more popular. Had it not been for the efforts of the NMRA and its volunteers, the advancements made in DCC would not have happened nearly as fast.

Benefits for modelers

So what does belonging to the NMRA do for me and you? It lets us purchase products from manufacturers without worrying about compatibility.

The NMRA has much to offer the individual modeler besides standards, such as a library providing thousands of books, magazines, photos, and slides. There are local meets, plus regional and national conventions to attend throughout the year, where you can get together with fellow modelers and enjoy clinics about every aspect of our hobby.

So the next time you're running that new locomotive or installing replacement wheelsets on a boxcar, remember how important the NMRA is to you being able to work on the railroad.

Article Photo Captions: (photos not reproduced)

A.) The most common use of the standards gauge is to check that your track is the correct width. Remember the gauge is made of metal, so be sure you don't have any power going to the rails or you may cause a short.

B.) Standards established by the NMRA keep modelers from being stopped in their tracks. Lionel Strang uses his HO scale NMRA standards gauge to check the clearance of a loading dock.

C.) Digital Command Control has become quite popular with modelers, thanks in no small part to standards established early on by the NMRA, which allow a decoder from one manufacturer to be used with a command station from another.

Join the NMRA and enjoy the many benefits of membership. Please review the information below before completing your membership application. (NOTE: You may select 1 or 2 years for either new or renewal memberships at the final checkout page on the NMRA Company Store after entering in the requested information. Select the QTY field and change as needed, then click on the UPDATE button to recalculate the amount due.)

Want to "test drive" the NMRA for a little while?

Sign up for our 9-month Rail Pass trial membership for only $19.95! This Includes 9 months of the Digital NMRA Magazine.

The Rail Pass offer is good in the U.S. only and is for new members and those who have not been NMRA members for two years or more. Individuals can join at the Rail Pass rate only once. Rail Pass members can attend conventions and participate in contests, but cannot hold office or vote in NMRA events. Membership will renew at the regular membership rate.

Classes of NMRA Membership

Premium Member (with Magazine Subscription) - as of 4/1/2022
All Rights and Benefits; Includes the printed NMRA Magazine and digital access.
Cost - $92.00 (US) per year, 2 years for $184.00 (US)

Basic Member (No Print Subscription) - as of 4/1/2022
All Rights and Benefits; Does include the Digital NMRA Magazine access.
Cost - $68.00 (US) per year, 2 years for $136.00 (US)

Family Member
The spouse or minor child of above member in good standing. Family Members have no vote and cannot hold an office at any level of the NMRA, and do not receive NMRA Magazine. Family Members receive their own annual renewal notice and membership card.
Provide Family Member's name and date of birth in the comments box.
Cost - $10.00 (US) per year per family member.

NOTE: If you are a new NMRA Member, please complete the Member application for yourself as a Member first. Then complete a separate Member application for each family Member. If you are a current NMRA Member adding a family membership, please complete the Member application for the Family Member and note in the "Special Interests, Prototype & Modeling" section of the application your NMRA Member Number and Name for the Family Member to be Linked.

Student Member
Any person 18 yrs and under or student between the ages of 19 - 25 yrs possessing valid student ID. All Rights and Benefits and the Digital NMRA Magazine. (date of birth mandatory on the application).
Cost $40.00 (US) per year.

Sustaining Member
Mandatory for all group memberships such as Clubs, Associations, Corporations or other Businesses. Sustaining membership includes all the rights and privileges of membership including the NMRA Magazine. The NMRA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization and your professional association as a sustaining member is tax deductible. Any individual may also support the NMRA as a sustaining member in which ½ the cost of membership is eligible as a tax-deductible donation.
Cost - $120.00 (US) per year.

International Memberships

Notice: Under the Dues structure, Canada, United Kingdom (including Europe now), and Australia/New Zealand residents must contact their region for membership to the NMRA.

NMRA Canada

• Canadians must remit dues to NMRA Canada using a different form than the US form.
• nmracanada.ca
• Contact: registrar [at] nmracanada.ca

Australasian Region

• Australia and New Zealand
• www.nmra.org.au
• Contact: membership [at] nmra.org.au (Al Harris)

Other International Countries

Any prospective member from a country other than the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, United Kingdom or European countries should join through NMRA HQ either by mail with this downloadable form or the International Membership in the Store.

U.S. Membership

• 9-month Rail Pass membership (PDF)
• U.S. New and Renewal Membership Application - Online
• U.S. New Member Form (PDF)
• U.S. Renewal Form (PDF)

Allow 2-4 weeks for your application to be processed and to receive your NMRA membership card. If you selected a membership that includes the NMRA Magazine, it will take 2 monthly issues to integrate your name into the publication mailing list due to publication lead times. Therefore, your first issue of the magazine should appear in approximately 6 weeks.

If you have any questions, please contact our Administrative Department.