Is this the future of Model Railroad Clubs?

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[@ssully8716]

Jimmy, Thank you for sharing this concept with your followers. This is exactly what the North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NRMRC), which serves the Greater Triangle North Carolina area, has been doing since 1974. We set up our modules, sometimes multiple times a month at train shows, community events/festivals, community centers and retirement homes to bring the enjoyment of model railroading to the public while we enjoy running trains.

[@TheTrainFreak]

This is exactly what Crooked Rails Model RR Club in Central AR does. They have even setup in public libraries around the state to get more awareness out to the public. - Jason

[@modelrailwaybackshop]

I really wish we had one of these in western Montana. The state is so huge it takes 8 hours just to get to central Montana for anything...

[@ericcoughlan]

My club started back in 1971 as a N scale module club. We initially rented church halls to setup our modules and run our trains. We did impose a membership fee which we saved until we could afford to rent a building for the clubrooms. The modules soon disappeared as we could then build a permanent layout for everyone. Now we are re-introducing modules as these allow us to transport a layout to shows, where the goal is to recruit more members. We have a Facebook page, a KZbin channel and a website as well as using e-mail to keep all the active members up to date with what is happening. It takes a fair bit of effort to keep all these communication channels operating and up to date, so any group thinking of starting - make sure that you have someone who is willing to be the admin of whatever channel you use.

[@Phantomwerkz]

There is a Free-mo standard for n-scale as well... Free-moN. The flexibility is what's drawn me to this module standard. Check it out and see if there is a local group running this standard near you as there are several groups around the country and the standard is growing.

[@iantavano9668]

Sipping and switching is a sight to behold if you’ve never seen it before

[@cascadesouthernmodeltrains7547]

I love how you think… a couple of my club members and I have been working on a new module standard as we do not like the current N-Trak layout. We feel that 4 tracks on a 24” deep module is simply too much track, not enough model. We are working on a 2 rail setup that looks more like the HO modular standard, just 2 main lines and any branches/extras are up to the modeler. No required branch line or mountain line, but also make our modules capable of linking to standard N-Trak as well. Mainly we are just waiting for a good clear weather window where we can get these out to my carport and finalize the dimensions.

[@allowe3790]

23 years ago, we started the 4dNTRAK club, which is similar to what you saw. We've been having fun ever since! We started as NTRAK and DC only, but after we debugged our modules (and a few years of watching locos chase their cabooses around the racetrack), we added a oNeTRAK division that now outnumbers our NTRAK modules. We switched to Digitrax DCC about 2005. All our communication is via a GroupIO group. We have about 65 working modules and a point of pride is that we never set them up the same way twice! (We're currently on unique setup #109.) Our biggest challenge? Not letting the group become all old guys. We encourage youth (and young) members. So far, so good.😃

[@AlcoLoco251]

I'm part of a model railroad club that has been around for almost 40 years. It's the only local club in the area, as the next nearest ones are several hours away. The problem with it though is that no one wants to do anything to expand the club. They initiated a system that says no one can pay to see their layouts, which eliminates going to swap shows to set up and show people how to use what they can buy. It also prevents growth for the club. We also don't have anywhere to have a permanent setup, and the layouts don't have any form of operation, it's literally just a display that one person can run. The only reason I've stayed a part of it is because it's the only outlet I have for the hobby until I get a permanent layout.

[@noahbossier1131]

I’m sorry for you. I hope that you find a home

[@adriannaranjo4397]

That doesnt sound like a club, that sounds like a circle jerk

[@Mike__B]

I like that idea of "and they just have fun" as I feel that's something that seems to be missing... at least on the surface. The railroad groups around here that I've seen either at shows, or at a railroad clubhouse where they have one of said mentioned huge layouts (3 actually one for O, HO and N scale). The average age of the members looks to be somewhere around retirement age, which is fine, but I rarely see anyone smiling at all, they always look so serious about what they're doing. And sure maybe they don't want to answer a million of the same 'dumb' questions but still at places like shows they're giving performances and should be very engaging. Now granted occasionally there are those that are, they've talkative with people and you can hear their enthusiasm, and those that do the more "kid friendly" layouts and engage all the kids those guys give me great hope, but the average person... yikes I don't want to turn into one of them and as a result not sure I want to be part of their clubs.

[@movinfawward]

You should start a group. Great idea. I would drive a couple of hours for the coffee and trains society.

[@michaelpfister1283]

Jimmy, I would join your model railroad club in a heartbeat! :-) In all seriousness, having an easy-to-find and access online forum where such things can be discussed would be valuable. I know these boards exist but having one in a "club" format would be far less intimidating to access.

[@OldcampRanch]

Looks like fun, nothing like that is available here.

[@timhamilton5699]

Nice video Jimmy! I was impressed with a lot of the modules on display at the National N Scale Convention when it was in Nashville a couple of years ago. It is definitely an interesting concept. Quick Question: are you planning on attending the Big Train Show at ETSU (in Johnson City, TN) May31/June 1?

[@EvergreenValleyModelRailRoad]

DCC EX as a stand alone system, or run from a Pi sure has its limitations, but running DCC EX on a full fledged PC or even an intel NUC would give all the power that's needed.

[@kenshores9900]

Need to think about it!

[@LynbrookMutt]

Hey Jimmy, Mike here. When it comes to coffee I'm a bit of a snob (personally), and so I import my fresh roasted beans from Guatemala. Not going to divulge my source as it is difficult at times to get my order fulfilled already.😉 Anyway, cheers!☕ I retired 6 years ago and am thinking of getting back into MRR. So much has changed since my youth! Love watching your videos, so Thank You!!!

[@lifeisagift.cherisheverymoment]

I stopped drinking coffee a long time ago. The last time I drank coffee was 1979, when I worked outdoors during the winter and needed a hot drink to stay warm. But I have been a Model Railroader since the mid 1970s. Enjoy your Model Railroading Channel. Thank you. I sip water these days.

[@KenN.OXN.805]

I’ve been intrigued by the S&SSofNC since 2018. The thing you missed about them is the concept of getting a module design that is robust enough to stand up to a very rapid set up without the hassle of perfect lineup and leveling between modules. It’s the S&SSofNC “waffle” frame and pin alignment design that makes the group successful. They spend their time enjoying running and less time setting up like “T-Trak” or Freemo-N. I’d like to get something here in the west in Nscale using the SpeedMo (offshoot of S&SSofNC that can mate to freemo) frame design. Unfortunately, I’m not a leader-type.

[@robertmyers5269]

Some great suggestions here. I'm a member of several groups and I'll suggest appropriate ones to each of these. The group discord server particularly hits me.

[@AndrewJohnson-ur3lw]

This sounds similar to the car clubs/meet ups where it's likeminded individuals gathering for a drink and a chat. With the modular approach you can have ones with just track through to those who have fully detailed scenic s.

[@thoughtengine]

I've seen the Sipping and Switching crew. One of them used to come on the Queensland Modellers Group Whereby room, and was at one event and showed us around the layout. Man Shake Caramel.

[@aaronl_trains_and_planes]

This is what we're starting in Northwest Arkansas - Boston Mountain Model Railroad Association. I've not gotten in on any of the action yet, but plan on it.

[@loispadgett6306]

The N scale club I am in does modules and we get invited to shows and some city events. We are going to do module builds this summer so I get to learn about it and how to wire them. I have only been a member for about 9 months so this is very exciting for me will be my first module build. If you do start a club it would be a fun one. Are member fee is $20 for the year. GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@thesheq5023]

This is really similar to how my club does it. We have two subgroups- ntrak and ttrak. This allows us to do different types of setups for different needs in the area. We go to shows and events but don’t really have a home layout. I will say i do think that with the younger generation space is a premium and train clubs seem to be in my opinion the way forward

[@RelytCoyote15]

I think it’d be cool to have a mrr club of your own👍

[@keg1029]

Drinking Grounds and Hounds Perro Amando medium roast blend.

[@timothyjohnston4083]

I love N-scale, and am currently building a set of modules using N-track standards. I am a novice, so I don't necessarily know how to do a lot of things. Which is why I love KZbin channels like this one. My hope is to some day be able to take my modules to join up with other "Modulars" at meets and conventions once I have retired in a couple years. I'd love to meet with people closer by; but the nearest N-track compatible club that I know of is a 3 hour drive away in Montreal (Canada). :( I would love to start a local modular club. I even know of inexpensive locations where we could set up. There is an activity room in my building that can be had for free. And, should we need more space, the municipal reception hall can be rented cheaply. I just need bodies with modules. Know of any ? :)

[@Petemonster62]

I had some Nescafe Clasico instant the morning of 4/11/23. If the Boy Scout troops in your community are having a Scout Fair, see if you can set up and operate a modular layout there. The Boy Scouts still have the Railroading Merit Badge!

[@jamesthomas7724]

If you’re interested in checking out local model railroad clubs, I’m a member at Jack Parker’s P&W Model Railroad Club in the Mountain Island lake area We operate the first Saturday (and preceding Friday) of each month beginning at 7pm. Come join us sometime!

[@4everdc302]

Freemo is the new club. No question.

[@Phantomwerkz]

and Free-moN if you're into n-scale! 😊

[@diedertspijkerboer]

The type of model railroad club I once tried to start is an at home club. The idea is to help each other with each other's modelrailroad, in a rotation like schedule. Of course, it requires the members to live fairly close together.

[@robertmyers5269]

I belong to one such group. We have a round robin of various members hosting, and a traditional time when most meetups occur. This is a great way for folks with different interests to interact. Some of the members are quite distant -- they may not attend as often, but visiting their layouts is a great excuse for a field trip.

[@OriginalBongoliath]

Used to do this when I lived in Florida. Then various members moved away and I did too so the group folded.

[@harrywoodell7008]

Model railroad clubs use the warehouse rave model? Excellent!

[@johnarthur6302]

I saw that club set up at a train show in Raleigh last fall- biggest layout I’d ever seen! I talked to one of the guys and he was pretty laid back, just as you described. He said members need to behave, and have track that runs well. That’s it!

[@timl6039]

Raleigh 2023 was our biggest yet. We were just over 28,000 sqft. Surpassing Raleigh 2022 but about 1,000 sqft.

[@johnarthur6302]

It was really impressive!

[@ApartmentRR]

Are you attending the n scale modular event in Evanston WY this July? A restored roundhouse will be housing a giant freemoN setup as well as Ttrak and Ntrak.

[@chriscourchesne650]

Just thinking about it, eh? It begins...

[@jaygrimm3818]

Nice

[@thomaslarsen5057]

Maybe you can take one of your modules to a place like this in the future and have fun

[@coptrn7861]

Hey Jimmy, been watching for a while, you mentioned Discord. Do you have a discord server? or is that included in your Patreon?

[@SOU_Railfan_4501]

Folgers coffee My club has thought about doing this with our modular layout

[@ApartmentRR]

Hi Jimmy, great video! Totally agree that this is the future l, although I think freemo is better (there are freemoN groups as well). I’m sure ttrack is better for the beginner, but I think having the freedom freemo provides will keep people interested as they advance through the hobby.

[@andrewlaverghetta715]

I'm a part of a group that has both T trak and N track. I vastly prefer the N trak because it feels better in that it feels like it can be more of a model that gets closer real and it feels like you can do more with it. In order to do any kind of operations with Ttrak, it feels like you have to really have multiple modules that go together in a sectional way, or ones that are multiple times longer than the standard single module. If you're just taking a module someplace and setting it up, you're probably just wizzing trains around though. Running trains, not operation. If you have modules, unless they're all the club's it'll probably be even harder to set up a layout that you can operate on. Then, are you going to have club rolling stock and locos, or will one individual supply them all? I don't think people will want to get their rolling stock all mixed up. Don't get me wrong, I do like my club, but that's basically all it is, running around in circles, setting up a shows, and the occasional module with SOME switching. I'd really like to be able to expand this somehow and not just try to do Ttrak.

[@ajkleipass]

I prefer groups like N-trak or Free-mo over a model railroad club. The reason being that the former can focus on the trains, while the latter gets bogged down in rules and club politics (or worse, red vs blue vs orange real politics) . An MRC is great, if it lives up to the ideal, but I think an informal group of hobbyists is a more practical approach these days.

[@earlfreeman93]

Which part of the country would your coffee and switching club be operating out if you did start a club?

[@El_Crab]

Hello

[@harleymemphis9190]

Ilike to model useing 6 ft x 3 or 4 ft modules * Happy Rails *

[@formaloutcastboi9374]

Id love to be apart of a model railroad club im local western nc and dont know of many clubs near by.

[@timl6039]

S&SSNC sets up all over the state. And even out of the state. We’ll be at the Big Train Show in Johnson City 5/31-6/1 Other than that we set up in places in NC from Wilmington to Asheville throughout the year. There’s members from Georgia, NC, SC, VA, in the usual suspects. But we have members that come to “Fests” from as far away as Texas.

[@davidgiddings9911]

Always drink WinCo store supreme dark roast

[@jouebien]

Discord does a really bad job of being anything other than a talk platform. You basically end up with 1 cannel per problem/conversation at anyone time and then information get's berried because no one uses the inline reply's (yes search through the 5000+ messages). It quickly devolves into same question spam because it's design makes it incredibly difficult to find anything.

[@TheNorthwestWind]

[@mikeseba7817]

🤔🚂👌👍👍👍

[@davidcurtis5398]

What coffee we are drinking, who cares???????

[@effenbeezeetravel4474]

Why do you want power ? You have a abundance of non Dcc bluetooth and raidio control options ! ! DCC wireing is more of another hassle with peculiar problems and wastes time/money ?

[@timl6039]

S&SSC just uses a basic bus wiring system. The only issue we have is the breakers we use to supply power across the vastness of some of the events, and to prevent shorts from disabling the whole layout. In fact the wiring between modules, is a 4pin trailer harness.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

I quit my railway club because it was full of old grumps who focused on coffee, donuts, rules of order, bureaucracy, memos, emails, and sitting. The hobby isn't fun when it's run like a business. Count one more 'young' person out from ever joining a club again.

[@Dan0Myte490]

That's sad to hear. My railroad club is kinda like that, but there does need to be some sort of law & order, or else it just turns into a giant free-for-all. A necessary evil, in my opinion. However, not all model railroad clubs are like that. If you have multiple clubs in your area, check them out! Don't rule out all clubs because you had one bad experience.

[@chrisdaniell2990]

The other clubs are too elitist (and too expensive). The old grumps at my old train club, when they did build something, they did it behind the backs of the guys who work 9 to 5 (the benefits of being retired). So, when you arrived at the club, there was nothing for you to do because it was already done. Then, if you attempted to lift a finger, it had go through Executive for approval. So, if you're on the Executive, you could do what you want, no questions asked. If you weren't on the Executive, it was a process to be followed. Elitist and tiered, to prop up the grumps in charge. Then, when elections time rolled around, certain provisions were made so only certain members qualified to run (5 years as a member, 1 year of experience at the Executive level). In other words, you would be 20 years working your way up. If you're just joining a train club, expect to sit on the sidelines till you're old and grumpy before you're allowed to do anything. I learned to stay away from clubs that operate as a business. I don't need that crap during my free time, I deal with enough politics at work, tyvm. With the money I saved in dues, I bought a new locomotive.