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Model railroading and prototyping is a wonderful hobby that doesn't really require that anyone share in it with you " but the enjoyment of seeing others reactions to your special diorama or the ability to pose questions on specifications and historical references to a group of friends for many causes them to seek out other like-minded enthusiasts.

Fortunately there are many clubs and organizations that have sprung up around model railroading, hundreds in the USA alone " but one of the largest and most prestigious is the NMRA, the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit educational association designed to promote model railroading, and to influence standards within the industry.

The NMRA sets its focus on its members all across the globe with over 150 divisions or groups of members spread out in 18 regions across the globe. With their yearly convention and the "National Train Show" the NMRA manages to continue building excitement in the industry for model train hobbyists to enjoy. A leading group for the advancement of train hobbyists for over 70 years the NMRA has been there for its members and will continue to be there for many years to come.

The NMRA has set many standards that still exist today. Having been founded in 1935, they still maintain a list of Standards and Recommended Practices available to manufacturers and hobbyists. The Kalmbach Memorial Library, one of the larger railroad reference centers in the world is partially maintained by the NMRA. The Kalmbach Library has more than 5,000 books as well as over 100,000 prototype photos and over 50,000 modeling, prototype and historical magazines, a great resource center for anyone into prototype railroading.

Available resources for members by the NMRA include:

-Being able to access the Kalmbach Memorial Library, an excellent resource on railroads and model railroads

-Association with other modelers and a monthly magazine

- Access to Regional and National conventions

About: Are you looking for ideas for model train scenery? Visit The Model Railroader website at http://www.themodelrailroader.com for lots of helpful ideas and to get your free copy of my report on designing model railways.

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