Here's my story. I was a member for 2 years. I let my membership lapse for one reason only. Due to work schedules I was not able to attend and participate in local events. Had my schedule been different I would still be a member.
I like how the NMRA establishes standards for our hobby and everything they represent. I liked their magazine and I hope to one of these days re-join the organization. On the other side what I didn't like about my membership was it seemed they were always sending me letters asking for extra donations. I don't mind once or twice a year but it seemed excessive at the time. The other thing I didn't like was the National Convention (IN MY OPINION) was very expensive (more than triple the price to get in the door) compared to the O Scale National Convention and the TCA convention. Obviously, any trip you go on at these conventions is going to cost extra money and I have no problem with that but at the NMRA convention every seminar also cost extra money. I have taken seminars at York and the O scale National convention and all were free to any paid attendees.
All of the above is my opinion and experience. My advice is, as others have said, join for one year and see for yourself.
