Are you an NMRA Member?

[RexHea]

Ken, it is unfortunate that you had such a bad experience. Someone pointed out that Region/Division activities vary from very active to plain-out dull, just as it happens with clubs. Also, politics is visible in some and this holds true with any organized group. Even if you don't want to be an active member or don't use or see tangible benefits, I would still encourage you and others to join NMRA and keep it alive. We need them as a representative for us and to the manufactures; otherwise we are at their mercy. (Without names, a recent example of this is when a manufacturer decided to get into HO and went their way with a non-NMRA spec on digital control that doesn't fully work with anything, but their products.) I agree that the dues is high and I admit that I don't subscribe to the magazine to keep the price low. However, I feel that NMRA is vital to the growth and development of our hobby and I will continue to support it.

 

[Pete V]

I think you make valid points. I am simply fishing around based on the initial question of the thread and I'm hearing both positive and negative stuff. I have an open mind. I think the work that has been done on standards to be critical to all of us. If support of the organization allows that to continue, that should be enough right there actually.

 

[Burlington Bob]

I think Pete just hit the nail on the head as to the most important aspect of the NMRA.

 

[NP2626]

I would think I'm safe in betting that typical of all organizations, 90% of the work is done by less that 10% of the membership! People can be "all up in your Face" about why they will not join; but, will still enjoy the benefits procured by the small group, working diligently for the good of all! That's just not right!

The AMA, which has always been in contact with and is continuing to work with the FAA, in view of the fact there is a reshaping of the National Airspace going on as we speak, that certainly may affect model airplane enthusiast's ability to enjoy their hobby! Yet there is a resolute-vocal and apparently very angry small group that feels the AMA is a worthless organization, because it doesn't fit "completely" to their desires!

I've always been a volunteer and supporter of organizations that have the interests of the majority at heart, when I can determine that this is the actual case. So, for me, the jury is still out on the NMRA. I need to do more study of the organization to make a determination of whether I will support it. I really appreciate that they have the "Rail Pass" membership for $9.95 as it allows complete access to the org.

It's really easy to see the relevance; or, irrelevance of the posts here, discussing this topic! Thank you to those who have given honest responses to my questions!

 

[TrinityJayOne]

Like most I think I would pay to join simply to support their standards, which is nothing but beneficial to the hobby (DCC especially). I think the fact that I'm not in America takes away a lot of the other value from membership though. The magazine won't be of much use to me as any ads will no doubt be for American hobby stores, and the focus on modelling would probably be on HO rather than N. I've not heard of any exhibitions or clubs here requiring NMRA membership.

 

[NYW&B]

Wrong impression? Byron, let's at least present the situation as it actually is for the benefit of folks here.

Speaking from personal experience there hasn't been a NMRA National for a decade and more where an attendee would spend less that $750-$1000 (usually more!) for the week if they fully participated in the event...unless they just happened to live in the convention city's immediate vicinity. While registration may only amount to $150, the cost of the high-end hotels, plus the daily layout and specialty tours, etc., mounts up very quickly and have been a point of hot contention in NMRA publications as voiced by the membership for years now. Little surprise that no more than 5-6% of NMRA members ever attend a national (I'm not talking about the National Train Show, which is a toally different animal). They are simply too costly.

And, indeed, I can get a Caribbean vacation package for less and that would include transportation expenses as well!

NYW&B

John, you've posted this on other forums and it certainly gives people the wrong impression. Registration for the upcoming Grand Rapids 2012 NMRA Convention is $150. Most clinics and the National Train show are free to paid attendees. NMRA membership is required, which could be a $9.95 RailPass, if one times it right.

So $160 would give one access to literally hundreds of clinics, panels, and other events over a week. There are cheaper options for fewer days.

Layout tours with bus transportation run about $25 to $85 each day, depending on distance. Self-drive layout tours are only $30 total for six days.

Just like any trip out of town, there are travel and hotel expenses. I haven't been to the Caribbean in quite a while, but I'm confident that a week in Grand Rapids will be a lot cheaper than "a trip to the Caribbean".

Look, nobody must join the NMRA. But there's no value to anyone in posting hyperbole.

 

[Cjcrescent]

My signature says it all.

I'm in an active division and region and wouldn't trade my NMRA experiences for anything. I've met many people that are now friends through the organization. Many of these friendships are intact since I first got active in the 1970's. I was very active at the regional level for many years, serving as division contest chairman, regional contest chair, and regional secretary.

The things that I have learned through the NMRA, can't be counted. There are many things that I wouldn't have been exposed to any other way. The techniques and skills I've learned thru the contests and clinics are invaluable.

I'm sorry to say that due to health reasons, I've had to take a break from many of the activities that I once was a part of, but due to the many friendships, I don't feel that I'm out of the action.

 

[PEIR]

Not a member and just don't have any interest in joining. I have enough forums to keep me busy and informed.

 

[Midnught Special]

NMRA member, heck yea, theres many things that only the NMRA can do that you may not be able to learn with out people like that...as for extra forums...two is enough for me