Skip to main content

This past weekend, the Keystone Division (Div 2, MCR) of the NMRA held its Model Railroad Jamboree.  As Mike Lange (voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins) would say "If you missed this one, shame on you for 6 weeks!"

Because of Covid-19, this all-scale event had not been held since 2019.  But the Jamboree program made up for it quality and quantity.  There were 12 exceptional clinics covering a multitude of topics:  8 modeling areas and 4 prototypes.  One of the presenters was John Sethian whose 2-rail O-Scale layout graces the cover of the 2022 NMRA Calendar.  His clinic discussed the conversion of Lego bricks into those Pennsy granite blocks shown below as well the use of DCS for 2-rail layout control.

2022 NMRA Calendar - Sethian_0000

In all 12 diverse clinics given were presented (Pittsburgh Railways Interurban Lines, Introduction to Static Grass, Making Sectional Track Flexible, Trackside Pittsburgh, Custom Painting Diesel Locomotives: a first-timer's perspective, Virtual Signaling with JMRI, Modeling Conrail's Cabins (and PRR, NYC, RDG, CNJ...), PRR Corliss Yard Explosion 120 Years Ago, The New York Central in West Virginia, Improving Plastic Structures, Modeling the PRR Under Wire In O Scale, and Building Craftsman Structures.

And it was capped by off by Ryan Kunkle's (Head of O & HO Product Development for Lionel) entertaining and informative dinner presentation.

The point is - there is something here for everyone.  I learned a lot, heard some new ideas from unexpected sources (HO and N), and got inspired.  This year's turnout nearly broke the attendance record of 142.  We had 136 attendees on Saturday.  The following day were the layout tours - also stellar!  Rob Enrico's 2-rail O-scale layout is worth the price of admission by itself!!!

IMG_2599IMG_2608IMG_2614IMG_2623IMG_2633

All of this (including breakfast, lunch and a 9-month NMRA trial membership) for the absurdly low price of $55 for non-NMRA members.  Please think about attending next year around this time (typically just before the April York Meet).  This is truly the best value in model railroading.

Hope to see you then,

George

Attachments

Images (6)
  • 2022 NMRA Calendar - Sethian_0000
  • IMG_2599
  • IMG_2608
  • IMG_2614
  • IMG_2623
  • IMG_2633
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Couldn't agree more!  It was a pleasure to come out and talk and I had a great time.  Of course I was representing Lionel, but in all honesty this was my vacation!  There are some absolutely stellar modelers in the Pittsburgh area and Rob's layout is definitely one of the best you'll find anywhere.  I came away with some new knowledge, ideas and best of all some new friends.  I think the NMRA gets labeled too often as a "small scales" group but that couldn't be further from the truth.  There was definitely something for everyone this weekend. Case in point, one of the modeling contest categories was "What can you do with Plasticville?"  The organizers did a great job in planning the event and the venue was packed.  Pittsburgh is always a favorite destination for me and now I have more reasons to go back and visit.

@Mark Boyce posted:

Double shame on me, Mike Lange!  I paid the 55 bucks and still missed it!

As a Life Member of the NMRA, I registered and paid for the event and then, due to my own stupidity, neglected to keep track of the dates until it was too late. REALLY sorry I missed it because I definitely had planned on attending. Looks like there were some very good candidates for the magazine to be seen there. But at least my registration fee helped to add something to the Keystone Div. coffers.

Last edited by Allan Miller

As a Life Member of the NMRA, I registered and paid for the event and then, due to my own stupidity, neglected to keep track of the dates until it was too late. REALLY sorry I missed it because I definitely had planned on attending. Looks like there were some very good candidates for the magazine to be seen there. But at least my registration fee helped to add something to the Keystone Div. coffers.

It did and we thank you for that.  Sorry you missed it.

George

@G3750 posted:

CORRECTION!!!

Next year, the Keystone Division will host the Mid-Central Regional Convention instead of the Jamboree.

This will be held May 5-7, 2023 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Cranberry Township (just north of Pittsburgh).

It promises to be even more spectacular than the Jamboree.

George

thank you for this.  If for some reason I can't make spring York this would be a good trip.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×