Modeling Clinics & Prototype Presentations |
Prototype Railroading For a list of our upcoming clinics and meetings, see our Meeting & Clinic Schedule page. |
Other fun reasons to come In addition, NMRA Merit
Award judging takes place at one meeting every year. Members participating
in the NMRA's "Master Model Railroader" Achievement Program -
and other modelers curious to see how their work rates with qualified
judges - are free to bring in models for judging. |
Layout Tours |
The Crossing Gate Another benefit of Twin Cities Division membership is the Crossing Gate, delivered once every quarter to members' mailboxes. This informative newsletter features articles, NMRA and Division news, modeling tips, prototype stories, photographs, clinic schedules, calendars of local events, and much more. Members are free to contribute articles and photos, and receive credit toward their "Author Certificate" if they're participating in the NMRA "Master Model Railroader" Achievement Program. To take a look at previous issues, visit our Crossing Gate page. |
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Ask any 10 members of the Twin Cities Division why they're members, and chances are you'll get 10 different answers. That's because there are so many reasons for membership, there's something for everyone. And, it costs just $10 per year.
Find our sign up form here or in the About Us section.
Monthly Meetings
On the second Thursday of every month from
October through May, the Twin Cities Division holds its monthly meeting.
It's a time when prototype and model railroad lovers alike get together
with "others of their kind" for story swapping, fellowship, and
informative presentations.
You'll find it's the perfect place to meet people who share your railroad
interests, to get answers to those tricky questions, and to find out
what's going on in the prototype and model railroad community. No matter
if you're just getting started in the hobby or if you're an old pro,
chances are the Twin Cities Division has a member who knows the answer and
is more than happy to share it.
Each monthly meeting usually features a "how-to" clinic on a
modeling topic. Recent clinics have included everything from building
three-dimensional background buildings, assembling benchwork, and backdrop
cloud painting to detailing model autos.
The evening's second presentation is typically a slide show dealing with
some aspect of prototype railroading. In the past these presentations have
featured guest speakers from railroads in the surrounding area, and TCD
members themselves who have extensive prototype slide libraries. Topics
have included a look at Twin Cities rails over the last 50 years,
Progressive Rail, The Hutch Line, and weed control on the right-of-way.
Each
meeting features a Popular Vote Contest for models, based on a
pre-announced theme. Themes have ranged from grain elevator dioramas to
maintenance-of-way cars to whimsical railroads. Ribbons are awarded for
first, second, and third place winners as selected by the meeting
attendees.
Sure, it's fun to talk about different train layouts, and it's fun to
read about different train layouts, but nothing beats getting out and
seeing different train layouts. That's just what our layout tours are
designed to do - let you get out and get inspired by some of this area's
finest model railroad layouts.