I live in Mid/Northern Michigan, does anyone know of a train club North of Midland/Standish MI? Lower Mi has a few, but all are an hour or more away from me. I did a Google Search and found none.
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There is the Northern Michigan Railroad Club however, that is over in Traverse City. Outside of that, I cannot remember any train clubs in the northern 2/3rds of the State.
NitroTim
The absence of a RR club in your area is a subliminal message ... YOU should create one!
Helpful Tip: Join the LIONEL COLLECTORS CLUB OF AMERICA and then use the club's membership roster to find existing LCCA members in your area. Send an invitation to a GET ACQUAINTED MEETING to each one.
Other tips: Start small, keep it informal, have fun with trains!
Mike Mottler LCCA 12394
Former Michigander (Berrien Springs, MI)
I dont have time to start a club, Im already on 3 boards in my Township. Attending a established club I can do, start one, not enough free time.
@SPIKE posted:There is the Northern Michigan Railroad Club however, that is over in Traverse City. Outside of that, I cannot remember any train clubs in the northern 2/3rds of the State.
Unfortunately, that would be over 2 hours north and west from me.
How about a round robin group with monthly meetings? Some of the folks have layouts some do not. A casual get together to run trains or work on one another's layout. There is a group of high railers in the PA DE NJ tri-state area who have a very active effort with regular meetings and events.
A club with their own layout can be a tough sell to get one rolling. Clubs can be a long haul commitment with many unforeseen expenses. The rewards and the difficulties can both be considerable.
Then there are modular groups who set up at various venues to have a run day or weekend. Search out Free-mo to see how many groups get this effort rolling.
Some modular groups build big ovals to run trains round and round. You build or own just a segment of a straight a way or curve. Some groups own the two 180 degree curved ends and the individuals have 2', 4' or whatever length tangents.
Free-mo sets up like a Domino board each time with no set pattern. More like a real railroad with various destinations and stops along the way. Frequently they set up in a private venue just for their own enjoyment.
On the other end of the spectrum I had a friend where we worked on one another's RR when ever we could. Very satisfying RR time together.
Your choice...
