New Jersey Division MER-NMRA
Welcome to the National Model Railroad Association’s New Jersey Division
Last Update: February 3, 2010
The New Jersey Division's purpose is to share the excitement of model railroading throughout central and southern New Jersey. For over 35 years, the New Jersey Division has promoted the hobby of model railroading through one day meets and other special events for NMRA members and guests.
We schedule meets in September, November, January, March and May. These meets feature clinics, items for sale, model displays and contests, home layout tours and general model railroading camaraderie. Clinics range from photo presentations on prototype railroading to how-to-do-it model railroad demonstrations. We also occasionally feature trips to see the prototype railroads, with train rides, shop tours and equipment inspections when possible.
We truly strive to offer something for everyone, from the beginner to the experienced and from the casual train enthusiast to the serious hobbyist.
The New Jersey Division's goal is to not only serve the NMRA members in our geographical area, but to also introduce new people to the hobby model railroading and the benefits of the NMRA.
The New Jersey Division of the Mid-Eastern Region of the National Model Railroad Association, Inc. covers central and southern New Jersey including the counties of Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean and Salem. For information on other parts of the state and the country, see the NMRA's Regions and Divisions page.
Participation with the NJ Division will give you access to over 100 videotapes/DVDs of past Division clinics and a subscription to our newsletter, Clinkers. The newsletter keeps you up-to-date on Division Meets, Division news and other railroad related information. Your NMRA membership card will also provide you with discounts at area hobby shops.
For more information on the NJ Division, use the links at the top of the page. And if your ready to join in on the fun, see the membership information page. If you have any questions whatsoever, please e-mail one of the Crew members (go to the Contacts page).
Top photo: Here is a look at the convention hotel for Princeton Junction 2010, the Fall MER COnvention being hosted by the NJ Division.
Below: Click on the YouTube video showing the clinics at our November 2009 Meet.
The New Jersey Division of the MER-NMRA, Inc. is a New Jersey Non-Profit Tax Exempt Organization
Latest News
The NJ Division will be hosting the 2010 Fall MER Convention. Princeton Jct. 2010 will be held September 30 - October 3, 2010, at the Doubletree Hotel along Route 1 in Princeton Jct. The Division is looking for clinics, layouts and volunteers as we pull this convention together. Please contact either Bill Howard or Bob Clegg for more info and to let them know what you can do to help out!
In March we return to Hamilton Twp. for a Meet at the Switlik Recreational Bldg. Layouts will be open Saturday afternoon. Clinics are TBA. The Contest will be Detailed and Weathered Boxcars.
See the NJ Division November Meet YouTube Video, posted at the bottom of this page. Thanks to Bill Howard for making this available!
The Scenery Tips clinic handout from the Nov. Meet has been added to the Resources page.
The Division’s Members awards within the AP Program continue to roll in, with 3 more awards just added. Check out the AP Program Page to see who has gotten awards in 2009!
A judging clinic along with judging of models will be held on Feb. 20th at Bob CLegg’s house. Contact Dick Genther for more info.
The NJ Division is always looking for donations to our popular raffle. Please take a moment to look through your shelves and find a car, locomotive or structure you do not plan to use. Your donations help keep the costs down for all members, so please do what you can!
The MER still has a limited number of free 6 month NMRA Railpass memberships for those who want to “test drive” the NMRA. If you are interested, please come out to our January Meet and ask about this program at the registration desk. All active participants in NJ Division activities must be NMRA members to continue enjoying the benefits of the NJ Division.
More layouts (Kitz, Brown) have been added to our Layouts page. To get your layout listed, send in your photos and a brief layout description.
Upcoming Contest Schedule:
March - Detailed Weathered Boxcars,
May - Caboose and Cabin Cars.
The New Jersey Division is hosting the MER Fall 2010 Convention!!
September 30 - October 3, 2010, Princeton Doubletree Hotel
4355 US Route 1, Princeton, NJ 08540