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.
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!!!
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
