About the time I think I actually understand anything about this hobby, I look at a club web site and realize, once again, that I am a complete idiot. But then again, I am inspired to learn and do more, by what I see others have done and are doing.

And you know what else? These people, who give their money, time and talent to their volunteer enterprises, do more to advance this hobby than everyone else. Will I give them web page space? GIVE? More like I OWE them the space. We start with 2 clubs now, and will add all who wish to be present here.

Follow links and see if you are near any of them. If so, inquire about membership. It's gotta be better than hanging around MY website!

Who am I to argue?

When I checked out their web site, I really WAS impressed - these guys have forgotten more about model railroading then I can ever hope to know.

http://www.hdmmrc.com
 

N, HO and O scales all represented in exquisite detail! These people are serious. This little snippet from their club history will give you an idea:

"While the Golden State Model Railroad Museum is only 24 years old (2009), the group of people that build and operate the layouts inside it, namely the East Bay Model Engineers Society, is one of the oldest and largest clubs of its kind in the world."

Oldest? Largest? In the world, even? Yup.

Click the link, or I'm tellin' the cops about your unpaid parking tickets:

http://www.gsmrm.org/

A layout with incredible detail. What you see in the picture is a "working" grass fire, and the site has many more excellent photos with a huge "WOW factor.  Brief description from the web site:

1. The Layout. We have two independent main line tracks, each 246 feet long, with 28” minimum radius, 3/4 scale mile sidings and a multiple wireless throttle system. There are several independent industrial and mountain tracks with many side yards. Our members have in their collections, many unique locomotives representing a broad cross section of steam, diesel and electric motive power to pull an equally broad cross section of freight and passenger cars. We're not "stuck in an era", we have sections representing a wide variety of railroading, allowing great flexibility.
    
2. The Latest in Model Railroad Technology. Our newest feature at TNMRC is the addition of DCC (Digital Command Control). We have the EasyDCC system which is compatible with all NMRA DCC approved decoders. Currently all four lines are available for DCC operation with 4 wireless control throttles. Using DCC, it is possible to run multiple trains on the same track at the same time, while controlling them independently!
    
3. Flexibility and Access. The ability to run DCC and DC simultaneously on different tracks is a great option! Eighty car trains are a common sight on our layout with the record being 201 plus power and caboose, try that on your home layout! Our club is available to members 24/7, plenty of well-lit parking and space available for a few more personal storage cabinets at the clubhouse are added benefits.
    
4. Location. Our layout is Permanent, conveniently located at 3515 B Forney Ave, Mesquite, TX 75149, just off US 80 and Town East Blvd (10 miles east of downtown Dallas), CLICK HERE for a map. TNMRC is a member of the North Texas Council of Railroad Clubs. We are Independent and Stable, with approximately 43 members and growing.

Go see it here: http://www.trainweb.org/tnmrr/

This club, which has a focus on larger scales in particular, might be doing more to advance the hobby then many others. I say so because so much of their activity is public displays of their craft. They came to my attention when one of the members, who, like me, sells train product on Bonaza.com, sent me a nice email. It didn't take me long to figure out I had encountered a "soul sister," so we've had a friendly exchange of links and much good will. This reflects, I believe, the kind of folks in the club.

They were founded in April 1971 as an independent and diverse group, not associated with any national organizations. Many of the individual members, however, do belong to various other train clubs and/or national groups. Currently the club has 50 members variously involved in collecting and/or operating model trains covering all scales, types and vintages. Interests extend to railfanning, railroad history and railroadiana collecting.

Check out the site - and maybe make some new friends!

www.ne-ia-railroaders.com

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