Special Interest Groups

This is a group for individuals interested in the history & modeling of American Civil War Rail Roads. Though we cover the ante-bellum period though the end of Reconstruction, our focus is American railroads from 1860 through 1865. Sample topics include the U.S.M.R.R., the W&A, the O&A, the B&O., sharing model & layout photos, sources of modeling supplies, & archival resources. We are proud of our ever expanding bibliography of primary & secondary sources on railroads in the Civil War. Our goals are (1) to help preserve & disseminate Civil War railroad history and (2) to be an aid to individuals modeling the railroads and railway systems of this period. Group discussions & sharing are encouraged.

The American OO Gauge SIG was formed in the fall of 1985 and is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of American OO gauge, which has a scale of 4mm=1ft. and a track gauge of 19 mm, essentially 0.75 in. This scale, which is slightly larger than HO scale, flourished in the 1930s through the mid-1950s. Manufacturers of American OO included many of the most famous model companies--Lionel, Mantua, Scale Craft, and j-c Models, among others. A small but devoted group of modelers continues in this scale, and wishes to help others and to foster interest in OO gauge modeling.

The primary activity of the SIG is the publication of a quarterly newsletter, The OO Road. Membership in the SIG includes a subscription to the newsletter.

The Baltimore & Ohio Historical Society (BORHS) publishes a quarterly magazine, The Sentinel. Drawing on the BORHS's extensive archives collection and its knowledgeable members and railroad historians for articles, this high-quality publication covers the history of the B&O and provides ample background to assist both the rail historian and model railroader. Various publications, models, videos, clothing, and reprints of maps, equipment rosters, facilities, etc. of the B&O system are available through the Company Store. Another publication, The B&O Modeler, provides detailed photos, history and instructions for modeling the prototype. The BORHS hold an annual convention in the fall, and two "mini-conventions" each year, including one in the west end (usually Ohio) in the spring, and one in the east end (usually Maryland) in the summer. Memberships are available for nominal annual dues at various levels for organizations and individuals, including a student membership. A subscription to The Sentinel is included with all membership levels, and Sustaining members receive a calendar each year.

The Friends of the Burlington Northern Railroad's primary mission is to preserve the history and chronicle the operation of the Burlington Northern Railroad and its successors, including the Montana Rail Link.  The organization strives to maintain and disseminate information and records of historical relevance from the railroad's inception in 1970 and following the merger between Burlington Northern and Santa Fe from 1996 to the present.  A newsletter, The BN Expediter, is published quarterly.

The mission of the BRHS is to preserve and disseminate historical information about the collective Burlington railroads for the benefit of BRHS members and others by creating and promoting fellowship and education among persons interested in the CB&Q, and locating, gathering, preserving, interpreting and distributing information relating to the CB&Q.

This group was founded to provide a forum for people with common interest in the Canadian National family of railways (Canadian National, Grand Trunk Western, Central Vermont, Grand Trunk Railway, and Duluth, Winnipeg & Pacific).  Links to those railways in the CN family can be found by going to the CN Sig-maintained web page listed below.

The SIG also maintains a mailing list or forum, more information here: http://www.cnrha.ca/forums.

We publish an historical magazine CP Tracks approximately twice a year.  CP Tracks contains photographs (many colour), scale drawings, historical information and CPR drawings about equipment and infrastructure.  CP Tracks is available by subscription to members and also available at many hobby shops in Canada and at a few select hobby shops in the USA.

The CPHA is a volunteer organization dedicated to sharing information about the Canadian Pacific Railway and its subsidiaries, past and present.  Our website has a very extensive "Documentation" collection of reproduced CPR documents; including CPR equipment and infrastructure drawings, timetables, equipment lists, etc.

The purpose of the Cane SIG is to preserve, develop and exchange information for the modeling of sugar cane railways (tramlines) worldwide. The SIG does not publish a newsletter, but disseminates information primarily through their web site. 

This SIG publishes a quarterly newsletter, North Western Lines. For further information consult the SIG coordinator:

The SIG will serve as a clearing house for information about:
1) The CMRInet standard LCS-9.10
2) General information and mutual support surrounding the C/MRI system as developed by Dr. Chubb

The SIG is active on groups.io at CMRI_Users or CMRI-Users [at] groups.io

There will be no printed publications.

European Train Enthusiasts, Inc. (ETE) is the premiere North American organization focused on educating the public on the subject of European Railroading.  Founded in 1973, ETE serves modellers, railway fans, related organizations, and the community at-large through public events, working model displays and media presentations.  Membership in ETE is open to anyone who has an interest in the railways of Europe, whether model or full scale.  As a Regular Member you will receive our quarterly journal, the ETE EXPRESS, which is full of railway histories, modeller how-tos and  prototype news.

This SIG publishes a quarterly newsletter, Timber Transfer.

The Frisco Historical and Modeling Society is an informal group maintaining a non-commercial forum website dedicated to memory of the St Louis - San Francisco Railway commonly know as the Frisco, its people, operations, and equipment as well as to preserve the history of the railroad. The forum allows users to share information and includes many individuals who keep the Frisco alive through model railroading. The passion of our historical and modeling group is reflected in the forum, a very large collection of historical information, photographs, scanned documents, and modeling information.  There are no dues, however, donations to maintain the forum are encouraged.

The GNRHS provides extensive information about the GNRY via high quality quarterly publications that include organization news/activities, detailed reference sheets and modeling information. These publications are included with The Great Northern GOAT. 

The prime purpose of this SIG is to aid efforts to design and create layouts that achieve owners' layout goals (with minimum space and cost), avoid common design flaws, and include prototypical and model design features that maximize operating and visual interest. The SIG publishes a magazine, Layout Design Journal.

The Manhattan Modelers SIG is dedicated to fostering model railroading within the New York City metropolitan area and beyond. Our mission is to provide a supportive community where model railroaders from all locations can gather, exchange ideas, and find inspiration for their projects. Whether you're in the heart of Manhattan or halfway across the world, we welcome you to join us.
Our group serves as a valuable resource for railroad modelers facing the challenges of limited space, such as those residing in condos, apartments, or urban environments. We understand the unique constraints of modeling in these settings and strive to offer practical solutions and support.

Members of all skill levels and interests are encouraged to participate, regardless of scale, era, or prototype. Whether you model in N scale, HO scale, O scale, or any other scale, recreate historical or contemporary scenes, our community is united by our shared passion for model railroading and the creative ways we overcome space limitations.

Join us locally for in-person meetups and events, or connect with us virtually through our online platforms. Visit our website or social media channels to learn more about upcoming activities and how to become a part of our inclusive community.

To preserve the memory and history of the Missouri Pacific Railroad and its associated lines.  Encourage modeling, publishing, preservation and digital retention of documents, and restoration of equipment.

This SIG will serve as a clearing house for general information and provide mutual support about the MSS 2.0 (Modular Signal System) standard. This is a standardized method for animating model railroad signals to react to trains moving along a signaled track. MSS simulates basic Absolute Block Signal (ABS) functionality in any model railroad scale and format, though it's especially well-suited for a modular model railroad.  Additional information about MSS can be obtained at the MSS web site.

The SIG will be using an IO groups as a forum. (modularsignalsystemstandard [at] groups.io).  There will be no printed publications.

The National Association of S Gaugers is a non-profit corporation that supports all "S" (1:64) modelers, manufacturers & vendors. It was formed at the 1960 NMRA Convention. Its goals include educating the model railroading community and the public at large about 1:64 modeling and how to accomplish that. The roots of S scale in the United States go back to the 1930s (much earlier in England). As with other scales at that time, modelers had to build everything from kits or scratch, but the last few decades have seen explosive growth in kits and RTR models available in die cast, resin, styrene, ABS, brass, and now 3D printing. The organization's publication, The Dispatch, and its extensive website help show modelers how to combine these resources into functional and realistic model railroads.
The NASG has served to push technical issues in 1:64 scale. There are two sets of engineering standards: NMRA/NASG standards which are very realistic (NMRA also defines Proto64), and hi-rail (called "deep-flange" by the NMRA) for those with a lot of American Flyer equipment that they want to keep operating without conversion. The NASG Standards Committee is currently preparing a draft of updated module standards for the scale, given the electronics advances since the 1980s.

The very active contingent of narrow gauge modelers tend to be extremely prototype-oriented regardless of whether they are in Sn3 (Colorado, California, Pennsylvania, etc), Sn2 (generally Maine railroads), or Sn42 (Newfoundland, logging and mining lines, and international railroads in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, etc.).
NASG Coordinator

R James Whipple
president [at] nasg.org

NRail is the Parent organization of NTRAK and T-TRAK. 
The purpose of NRail is to promote N Scale model railroading in all forms, all standards wherever N Scale is present.  NRail has been the voice of N Scale model railroading for over 45 years.  Starting as NTRAK, it created the first national modular standard, provided the vehicle for N Scale to grow to the second most popular scale in North America, was the birthplace of T-TRAK and today is the home of N Scale model railroading.  We welcome all N scalers

NTRAK:

T-TRAK:

Free-moN:

Free-moN is a modular scale railroading standard designed for individual modellers that specifies bench work, track work, scenery and digital control intended to raise-the-bar for scale modular railroading in general and, in this case, for N scale modular railroading.
The standard promotes, and even forces, prototypical appearance and operations by using a single main line traversing the center of the module resulting in prototypical point-to-point or loop-to-loop configurations and operation.

O Scale Central promotes O Scale 2-Rail (OS2R) model railroading and provide resources for O scale modelers including orientation for first-timers. O scale is the modeling of trains, structures, and people at the scale of a one-quarter inch equals one foot (1/4″= 1′). This scale is also expressed as a ratio of 1/48. OS2R includes a variety of 2-Rail gauges: O (Traditional O), Proto 48, On3, On30, and On2. O Scale Central is working with NMRA to build the visibility of OS2R and cooperate with NMRA on both the national and regional levels.

O Scale Central is focusing on 2-Rail 1/48 modeling; however, 3-Rail Scale modelers are welcome as many elements are common to all 1/48 modeling. Many 2-Rail 1/48 modelers started with 3-Rail trains.

The upgraded O Scale Central website is a key source of 2-Rail modeling. The O SCALE 2 RAIL PRODUCT GUIDE™ is a major additional source for products and supplier information. Other pages include MODELING IDEAS and REFERENCE as well as other topics.

Pages are being updated and simplified so watch for changes. Each part promotes OS2R and provides easy access to information for 1/48 modelers and visitors from beginners to scratch-builders. Getting started is a major focus. The network is free to view; there are no hidden costs to the user. There are additional benefits for members.

O Scale Central was called O Scale Kings. Membership in O Scale Central is a good way to meet others with similar interest as well as to access more modeling information with a 1/48 focus.

This special interest group is devoted to furthering the simulation of prototypical operating practices on scale model railroads. Publishes a quarterly newsletter: The Dispatcher's Office.

The goal of this SIG is to develop and promote practical and reliable standards and construction techniques for high-fidelity wheels and track in HO scale. THe SIG publishes a twice-yearly newsletter, Proto:87 Journal.

The purpose of this SIG is to preserve, distribute and publish information about the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, its predecessors, and affiliated companies. The society serves anyone interested in the Rock Island Lines, for any reason. The SIG publishes a quarterly newsletter, The Rock.

Formed to preserve, study and share information about the rich history, operations and distinctive equipment and factilities of the ATSF Railway. The Society promotes the gathering, cataloging, preserving and publishing information about and modeling of the Santa Fe. The Society publishes books and reprints, has two archives, a website with public resources and a members only section, and a company store with a 20 percent member discount. Members receive "The Warbonnet", a 48 page color magazine four times a year.

This is a railfan group with membership open to anyone with an interest in the Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee, the Chicago South Shore & South Bend, and/or the Chicago Aurora & Elgin railroads. Interests also include the electric railways which connect or connected with these roads in Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. The SIG publishes a quarterly newsletter, First and Fastest.

Provides a supportive community where model railroaders of all capabilities can gather, exchange ideas, and enjoy the hobby in their local NMRA regions and receive the support needed to create activities or gatherings, in order to grow the hobby and remove perceived barriers for special needs modelers.

The mission of the SMMSIG is sharing information about the modeling of steel mills and associated railroads as well as fostering camaraderie among persons interested in these topics. Articles and photographs related to the steel-making process, both model and prototype, are published in the quarterly Journal.

The Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway (TH&B) was the connecting link between the New York Central (NYC) and the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) in Southern Ontario. In addition to its function as a bridge line, the railway served some of the most heavily industrialized communities in the region. The railway also incorporated a car ferry service to operate on Lake Erie between Port Maitland, Ontario and Ashtabula, Ohio, known as the TH&B Navigation Co. Commencing operations locally in 1892, the TH&B soon fell under the control of the NYC and the CPR, with the NYC holding a controlling 73% interest in the line while the CPR maintained a minority 27% interest. In 1977, CP Rail acquired the outstanding shares held by NYC’s corporate successor, Conrail, making the TH&B a wholly owned subsidiary of CP Rail. The TH&B maintained corporate autonomy until 1987 when it was amalgamated into the London Division of the Eastern Region of CP Rail.
 
The Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Railway Historical Society was founded in 1997 with the mandate of preserving the history of the TH&B Railway and its marine subsidiary, the TH&B Navigation Company.
 
Members of the TH&B Historical Society receive our publication The Ontarian and may attend our bi-annual Membership Meetings. The Ontarian contains articles and historical information pertaining to the TH&B’s history, equipment and operations.  The Society’s membership meetings are held in the Spring and Fall of each year at locations significant to the TH&B.  They feature guest speakers who conduct presentations on various facets of the railway. In addition, the Society maintains an active Archive containing blueprints, correspondences, hardware and photographs. Please visit us on the web at http://thbrailway.ca/ or join the TH&B Historical Society’s Facebook Page by typing ThbHistoricalSociety into the Facebook search engine.

We are excited to offer the opportunity to women around the world to become members of this new Special Interest Group - Women in Model Railroading! As a recognized SIG within the NMRA, we expect this group to be vibrant in the world of model railroading.
The purpose of the Women in Model Railroading SIG is to introduce, encourage and connect women in or interested in the hobby of model railroading. The SIG is designed for education, enrichment, social interactions, and all-around fun. This group is meant to be inclusive and supportive of all women in the hobby and railfan world. We plan to host a few social meetings per year including online and at train shows/conventions around the country. The SIG will provide women in their local NMRA regions the support needed to create activities or gatherings, in order to grow the hobby and remove perceived barriers for women modelers.
Newsletter:
An email newsletter will be sent once per year and hopefully more often as we grow this group.
Facebook Pages:
"Women in Model Railroading" is for women in the model railroad hobby to share their world.
"The Steam Sisters Group" is for women railfans to post their photos of trains and is open to all. 

Welcome to the Women in Model Railroading Special Interest Group! We look forward to getting to know you!

Please use this link to join: https://forms.gle/aKPhcXU1sthKW1MQ8