Interest in model railroads and railway modeling has grown rapidly thanks to the advances in modeling technology and the history of rairoads in the creation of our country. The links below provide additional information on model railroading clubs in North Carolina and other information of interest.
Southbound Model Railroaders, Inc.: SMR is an association of model railroad enthusiasts, incorporated under the laws of the State of North Carolina, as a non-profit, educational, and historical association. In addition to maintaining and operating the main layout in the Clubhouse, SMR engages in other activities, including train shows, open-houses, support and maintenance of Brenner Children's Hospital Layout, Involvement in School, Scout & Senior activities, instructional clinics for members, and occasional field trips to observe prototype railroading operations. Work nights are held every Tuesday evening, with regular business meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.
Initially formed in 1973, the Club built a portable layout. After finding permanent quarters, a large layout was constructed and operated for many years at the Nature Science Center. During this time, the Club chartered and operated several steam excursions originating in Winston-Salem, and traveling to Asheville, Roanoke, Lynchburg, and North Wilkesboro, bringing every steam locomotive in the Southern steam program to Winston-Salem. Many of our early members are still active after 35 years. While current members are indebted to their predecessors, for their vision, creativity, and dedication in providing the opportunity for participation in SMR, the train has yet to reach its destination. The future of the Club is now up to the "mix" of both old-timers, and new members, as we continue down the track.
PIEDMONT and WESTERN RAILROAD CLUB: The Piedmont and Western Railroad Club is located in Valdese, NC and operates the model railroad club and a very nice railroad museum. The HO Scale Club was formed in July 1988 in the city of Valdese, North Carolina. The club was Incorporated in November of that year and commenced construction of the layout in January of 1989. The layout is almost 1400 square feet (130 sq. meters) in area, with workshop, storage and railroad museum in adjacent rooms. The mainline is mostly single track to increase operating interest, and is approximately 250 feet (76 meters) long with total trackage well over 1000 feet (305 meters). Currently 16-20 locomotives and almost 200 freight and passenger cars are in use.
North Raleigh Model Railroad Club: Founded in 1974, the North Raleigh Model Railroad Club (NRMRC) is the N Scale NTRAK model railroad club in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park area, one of the best areas in the USA to live and work. Our members are dedicated to furthering the hobby of N-Scale model railroading through educational activities, community involvement and public displays.
Railserve: This site has just about every piece of information you could want pertaining to model railroading, including a link to upcoming conventions and shows.