I have fully enjoyed my five years with the Milwaukee Lionel Railroad Club in New Berlin, WI, and here’s my summary.
Pros:
- Plenty of space and the ability to run 17 trains at once.
- Social connections with other hobbyists interested in the same scale of trains.
- Hands-on learning of modern control systems.
- Occasions to show off your trains to an appreciative public.
Cons:
- Occasional personality clashes, though nothing too dramatic.
- A tendency for some members to be inconsiderate (such as running three trains at once when the club is busy).
- Government-type atmosphere at certain points to manage finances, new ideas and other practical issues.
The pros far outweigh the cons.