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national train show

Pass Exchange

Los Cerritos

About Railroad Passes

When the passenger train was about the only way to travel, having a pass authorizing one to ride the train was a real asset. Passes were issued by the railroads for certain employees and their families. Various officials, especially those in a position to do the railroad a favor, were often honored with passes. Click for More

The Railroad Pass & the Modeler

Yes, there were model railroaders in the passenger train days. Wanting to follow the prototype as nearly as possible, modelers began designing passes for their railroad. The designing of passes evolved into an art form recognized as an achievement worthy of recognition. Today, nearly all model railroad conventions have a pass contest with first, second and third place winners. Click for More

Promoting Pass Exchanges

Promotion of pass exchanging is accomplished by several means. One is the "Pass of the Month" feature in the Bulletin. The Chairman selects a pass for this honor based on such things as adherence to prototype, neatness of design, uniqueness and artistic quality. An image of the chosen pass is e-mailed to the Bulletin for printing in color in the next available space. Click for More

ECI Rail

The e-Pass

An electronic (or virtual) pass works exactly like others. It represents the model railroad and gives you passenger rights (the right to visit) on that railroad. It may be displayed electronically on screen, on a web site or printed out in an appropriate size for display in the layout room, etc. Click for More

The Pass Exchange Program provides NMRA members a way to exchange passes to their model railroads. Participants in the program are listed monthly in the Bulletin.

If you want to exchange passes with the general NMRA membership you will need to have a good supply of passes on hand. Then send your pass and a note or message clearly showing your name, address, and NMRA number to:

Robert Stobbe, MMR
Chm. Pass Exchange
1303 Lytle Street
Kerrville, TX 78028-3436
rstob@texxa.net
FAX: (830) 896-2579

You will be listed in the Bulletin as soon as possible.