Based on an earlier post about letting the public run trains and all of the responses I was wondering what is expected from a potential member if one wished to join a club (other than dues)? The follow on question would be if a potential member could not meet some of the requirements is there a tiered level of membership available?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
When I was a member of the Bergen County Model RrClub, it was expected you helped in the loading and unloading of modules, tables, etc for their shows. It was also expected you helped in the set up as well as take down of the layouts during those shows. There were only a handful of members dedicated in doing that which gets to them after a while- esp. The last 48 hrs before showtime. Whoa are the members that only shoe up during the shows to run their precious choo choo but are never around during set up and take down. (Tommy La) Sorta like the nursery school story of the "little red hen". That usually is the demise of toy train clubs.
Good question. I always wondered about the responsibilities. Specifically, what if you are not physically able to load and unload modules, or similar kinds of responsibilities.
Ed
You should be able to do something. If you can't load and unload, how about track set-up? Wiring, scenery, Bringing in coffee and donuts to the hard working crew- while you maybe physically impared in one area- you must be able to do something in another area? IN many clubs there are too many who "Talk" but don't want to Walk!
A well established club knows that anyone who comes to the meetings, helps out at set-up and take down at shows OVER TIME, is far more valuable than someone who was an ex- railroad employee, or knows that stats on an ES44ac, or knows the back of his head the Whyte system of steam Loco Classification, or knows all Lionel postwar numbers and products. Putting in muscle and Hard work at clubs goes a long way in establishing yourself as a member.
In addition to the links provided by SJC, the NCTs have a two tier system (plus junior). For full membership and voting rights, you must have participated in a minimum of two shows, contribute to Tracker activities, and most important have a module. Except for the module, not very demanding (you can buy a module if you are not handy with a saw). If you haven't met the requirements for full membership, you can still join in all the club's activities except voting.
I have been a member of the club for about a year but I am not a full member. I'm hoping that changes soon since I've participated in about a half dozen shows (help setup and takedown, plus ran some trains at a couple of them), attended meetings, and just this last Wednesday I supported a show at a charter school with my recently bought and upgraded modules. Here are some pics of the backside of my module and a video (not mine).
What incredible excitement! Way to go, guys!
Ron - Ya done good!
I should have added the video was taking by another National Capital Tracker member, Ralph. His long Christmas train on the outer loop really delighted the children, all 830+ of them that saw the display. They could all become Juniors members of NCT (under 18), but must be accompanied by an adult at all club events.
It's great to see kids so excited!
Don
San Diego 3 railers show up on days an experienced operator is present, take notes, learn how to turn on lights, track power, clean track, windows, turn off lights and track power at end of day. after that put train on track run your train. we would like to have members show up at work parties and meetings but we do not require it. we have lots of members who maybe run once a year. that is OK.
the agtta club; is a sweep meet type club that meets monthly to buy and sell trains. we are also a module club that sets up the train layout in various places throughout the year. we always ask for volunteers and do not require participation.
both clubs are always looking for new members.
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
