New Jersey Division MER-NMRA
Welcome to the National Model Railroad Association’s New Jersey Division
Last Update: May 7, 2013
The New Jersey Division's purpose is to share the excitement of model railroading throughout central and southern New Jersey. For over 40 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).
The New Jersey Division of the MER-NMRA, Inc. is a New Jersey Non-Profit Tax Exempt Organization
Latest News
Next NJ Division Meet:
September 14, 2013
Swedesboro, NJ
Meet will feature a visit to the prototype SMS Rail Lines!
The Annual Meeting of the NJ Division will take lace during the September Meet. Election results, a state of the Division and an open discussion with the membership will occur.
Check out the Timetable page for info on all of the upcoming Division Meets. We’ll be in Hamilton Twp. in March and Jackson in May.
The Regional Conventions for 2013 are coming this Fall in the Mid-Eastern Region and the Northeastern Region NMRA. Check out the Timetable page for more info.
The Board of Directors recently revised the Bylaws for the Division. Included were changes about the annual meeting and NMRA membership. Check them out via the link on the Resources page.
The Division’s Members awards within the AP Program continue to roll in. Check out the AP Program Page to see who has just received their awards in 2013.
Contest schedule for Meets:
Sept 2013: Detailed Main Street Structure
On April 13-14, 2013 is the Spring Timonium show. NJ Free-mo will join Capitol Free-mo for a layout. Be sure to check it out if you are at the show in Maryland.
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 any Meet and ask about this program at the registration desk. All active participants in NJ Division activities must be NMRA members to receive the benefits of the NJ Division.
New Jersey Free-mo has a web site with the latest info, pictures and events. Check it out at njfreemo.org Also look for modules at selected Division Meets!!
Photo: One of fine layouts open for the January Meet of the NJ Division features great scenery as seen here. Doc Patti’s wonderful On3 Winged Foot & Western has floor to ceiling scenery with giant pine tress. This lumber hauling western layout is one best in South Jersey. See more photos of other NJ Division layouts on our Layouts page.
Photo: During our January 2013 Division Meet, it was a packed house to take in the 2 clinics presented. Here Ramon Rhodes takes everyone on a trip around Chicago on the Santa Fe (TOP). Earlier, Greg Shindledecker showed us how he used rolled aluminum sheet to create large, seamless backdrops on his Western Maryland layout (BOTTOM).
In addition to the clinics, there were door prizes, a raffle, a contest, swap tables, and more for everyone to enjoy. Afterwards there were a number of open layouts to visit. Join us in March for more fun!
