We are the Roadrunners

Benefits of Membership in the National Model Railroad Association

There are many benefits to joining the National Model Railroad Association. But one of the main benefits to joining the NMRA, is so you can learn the hobby, meet and learn from other people interested in the hobby, share your modeling tips, and have fun.  There is a lot of information available on the NMRA website:

The Roadrunners are Division 7 of the Rocky Mountain Region of the NMRA. We cover a large portion of southern New Mexico and a little of west Texas (including El Paso). We have meetings every month. Please consider joining us on your adventure in the model railroading hobby.

Membership Rates

Good news! If you’d like to “kick the tires” on a membership in the National Model Railroaders Association, new members are welcome to take advantage of a special discounted nine month introductory membership rate called the Rail Pass. Other membership rates and benefits of membership links are listed below. 

• Railpass (Introductory discounted membership rate for new members.)
• Regular Membership Rates
• Benefits of Membership web page
• Benefits of Membership online PDF

Classes of Membership

Here you’ll find a list of the different types of membership offered by the National Model Railroad Association

The National Model Railroad Association Magazine

Membership can include a subscription to the National Model Railroad Association Magazine.

Beginner’s Guide

If you’re new to the hobby of Model Railroading (or even just mildly interested, the Beginner’s Guide, Introduction To Model Railroading is a great place to start.

National Model Railroad Standards

In years past there were no standards. Every manufacturer had their own unique production standards. You could not always mix these with another company’s parts.

You can now take advantage of having access to the standards created by the National Model Railroad Association for model railroading, to help make your hobby fun.

Member Aid

The Member Aid Program is a program where members can ask questions and get answers about the model train hobby. While the national office of the NMRA has a Member Aid web page, please remember that there are many experienced model railroaders in The Roadrunners who will be glad to discuss model railroading and provide excellent advice for any level of modeler. 

National Model Railroad Association Partnership Program

Model railroading manufacturers, train museums, and other vendors nationwide offer discounts to our members. Here is a list of companies that provide NMRA discounts.

A Celebration of Models, Photos & Crafts (Contests)

The Celebration of Models, Photos & Crafts works to bring the many ways to show off the talent of hobbyists of all ages in these categories. The contest is much less about who wins, but more about sharing our accomplishments and techniques, teaching and learning and perhaps most important encouraging and inspiring each other. 

Golden Spike Award

The Golden Spike and Merit Awards are the easiest, and for many people, and are the first Achievement Program award that they earn. It is designed to demonstrate familiarity with different areas of the hobby, rather than expertise in a particular area.

Achievement Program

The Achievement Program also provides incentive to learn and master the many crafts and skills necessary in the hobby of model railroading. With the completion of each category, you will be issued a certificate acknowledging
your achievement.

Master Model Railroader ®

A National Model Railroad Association member qualifies as a Master Model Railroader ®  when he or she has obtained at least seven of the eleven Achievement Certificates provided that he or she has earned at least one Achievement Certificate in each of the four areas of the Regulations. Earning the title of Master Model Railroader ®  is the ultimate goal for many participants in the Achievement Program.

Regional Conventions

Each year, each region of the National Model Railroad Association holds their own local conventions. Here is the list of the Regional Conventions. 

National Model Railroad Association National Convention and Train Show

Each year, the National Model Railroad Association holds a national convention (for members) and a national model train show that is open to the public.

The Kalmbach Memorial Library

The Kalmbach Memorial Library is located in the California State Railroad Museum Library in Sacramento (California, USA) and is one of the largest railroad specific libraries in the USA. 

Model Railroad Directory

The Model Railroad Directory allows members to showcase their layouts with pictures, videos and text for others to view. This Directory is password protected and only members in good standing have access to this directory. 

Model Insurance

An important Benefit of Membership in the National Model Railroad Association is the opportunity to be part of the NMRA property insurance program for your model railroad equipment and all related parts that comprise a layout.