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President's Message
Gordy Robinson MMR®
Happy 90th anniversary to us!
On September 1, 1935, the NMRA was officially formed, beginning a nine-decade journey dedicated to the art and science of model railroading. Ninety years later, we are stronger than ever, thanks to the passion and commitment of members like you. This anniversary is not just a look back, but a celebration of the vibrant community we are today.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we're also focused on the future. Our vision for 2035 is to achieve 35,000 members and ensure that you are very satisfied with your NMRA experience. This includes improving and standardizing the member experience, driving membership growth by attracting new generations, and rethinking our revenue model to support a lower base membership fee. We're also working to modernize our technology infrastructure, which will be critical to achieving these goals.
We're so glad you're with us for the ride as we lay the tracks for the next ninety years of the NMRA.
Gordy Robinson MMR®
NMRA President
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2026 NMRA National Convention
Scenic City Express, Chattanooga
| | | | The NMRA National Convention is coming to Chattanooga, TN for the first time ever in 2026! The Southeastern Region is excited to host NMRA members from around the world in the Scenic City. The dates are July 27-August 2 so mark your calendars. Visit the convention's webpage at nmra2026.org and sign up to receive updates on the convention plans as they unfold. Early bird registration is open at nmra2026.org/registration/ so you can start your plans now. There will be a week full of fun activities planned including: | |
- Layout Tours
- Prototype Tours
- Steam-Powered Excursions and Dinner Train
- Non-Rail Tours and other Activities
- Operating Sessions
- Special Interest Groups
- Railroad Historical Societies
- Modeling with the Masters®
- Celebration of Models
- Train Show
- Banquet
More details and information on the activities and events will be shared in future eBulletins. Stay tuned!
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Update from the NMRA Summer Board Meeting
Gordy Robinson MMR®
NMRA President
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I am pleased to provide you with a summary of the key outcomes from the National Model Railroad Association Board of Directors Summer Meeting, which took place on July 14th in Novi, Michigan. The focus of the meeting was the adoption of a comprehensive new strategy to guide our organization toward its centenary in 2035.
The board officially adopted Vision 2035, a forward-looking strategy that emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and collaboration between all levels of the NMRA. This vision is defined by our new statement: "to become the premier association dedicated to the growth and enjoyment of the scale model rail community worldwide." The use of "worldwide" and "rail" is a deliberate step to reflect a broader, more inclusive global scope. Our ambitious goals include growing membership to 35,000 by 2035 and establishing a more collaborative relationship between regions, divisions and national, with dedicated efforts to ensure consistent implementation of organisational standards throughout all levels.
A significant part of this modernization is a new brand identity and logo, approved by the board to unify the organization's image. This is more than just a new logo; it's a complete refresh designed to replace the over 200 different logos currently in use. The new brand will officially launch on November 1st, 2025, with full implementation by January 1st, 2026.
We also made important progress on our technology infrastructure. The new Membership System Renewal is progressing satisfactorily and is now undergoing testing in a sandbox environment. This new system will be implemented iteratively to provide greater automation and self-service capabilities for members. Additionally, we are transitioning to Google Workspace for email and office tools, which will resolve previous issues with communications being flagged as spam. The NMRA.org website will also be upgraded, with a new structure that separates the public information site from the member portal.
Finally, the board officially adopted the new S-9.1 DCC Electrical Standard, demonstrating our continued leadership in model railway standards. Looking ahead, the bid from the Northeastern Region to host the 2028 National Convention in Rochester, New York was approved, which will include a National Train Show from August 1st-6th, 2028.
These measures are the result of extensive discussion and preparation by a unified board, all aimed at securing the future of our organization and our hobby.
Should you have any questions or feedback, please reach out to your regional or divisional leadership. Your engagement remains essential to the success of the NMRA.
| | The companies listed below give discounts to NMRA members when orders are placed using a special discount code. Check them out! New partners are listed in bold red. You can find descriptions of these companies and their products, links to their websites, and the discount codes on our Partnership Page at nmra.org/partnerships . Remember you need to be logged into our site as a member to see the codes! Go to nmra.org/user/register to register your name on the website. | | |
18ten Designs
Bespoke Rail
CatzPaw Innovations
CB Train Junction
Clever Models
Custom Model Railroads CMR
Coastmans Scenic Products
Composite Designs
Conowingo Models
Cowcatcher Magazine
Dark Sky Modules
Daylight Sales
Deepwoods Software
Deluxe Materials
Diorama Hobbies
Dwarvin Enterprises
East Coast Circuits
East Plaines Weathering
Enterprise&National Car Rentals
Evan Designs
EZTronic
Feight Studios
Fusion Scale Graphics
Gatorfoam
Golden Spike Hobbies
Great Decals!
Green Frog Productions
Highways and Byways Model Railroad Graphics
Hot Wire Foam Factory
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Ipswich Hobbies
ITLA Scale Models
K.I.S.S. Method
Klawndyke
LaBelle Woodworking
LARC Products
Leavin' A Mark Engraving
Lineside Details
Logic Rail Technologies
MAC Rail
Marker Tree Creations
Micro-Mark
Mid-South Hobbies
Mine Mount Models
Miniprints
Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum
Model Train Catalogue
Modelers Decals & Paint
Motrak Models
MRC (Model Rectifier Corp)
MrTrain.com
Mudd Creek Models
New Creations Victorian Railroad Buildings
Nick and Nora Designs
Northlandz
NScaleWorks
Old Depot Gallery
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Old West Scenery
Precision Model Railroad
R & J Details
R. Duck Woodkits
R. Duck Locomotive Works
RailroadKits & Microlumina
Ram Track
RR-CirKits
Scale Model Plans
Scale Railroad Models
Scenery Solutions
Showcase Miniatures
T-TRAK by Denniston
Team Track Models
The Model Railroad Benchwork Store
The N Scale Architect
Third & Townsend Models
Tichy Train Group
Touch of the Brush Weathering
Train Installations
Train Show, Inc.
Trainmasters TV/MRH Store
Trainz
TSG Multimedia
UGEARS
USA Airbrush Supplies/Badger
Wallace Locomotive Works
White Rose Hobbies
WiFi Model Railroad (LocoFi)
Yelton Models
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Editor: John Bate, Canadian District Director
The NMRA eBulletin is an official bi-monthly production of the National Model Railroad Association, Inc. Publishing Department (Riley Triggs, Manager). Its purpose is to keep every NMRA member informed about organization news and events. If you know of an NMRA member who is not receiving this mailing, please direct them to nmra.org/members to update their email address. If you no longer wish to receive these mailings, please don't mark them as spam. Instead, click the safe Unsubscribe link at the bottom of this page. ©2021 National Model Railroad Association, Inc., P.O. Box 1328, Soddy Daisy TN 37384.
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National Model Railroad Association nmra.org
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