Join us and meet other modelers in the area! Our meetings are open to non-members/visitors who would like to see what the NMRA is all about. While at the meeting you will get to hear a clinic on a model railroading topic, have some refreshments and converse with fellow model railroaders (see the What to expect section below). We DO NOT have restrictions on scale, experience, or anything else. We promote fun and the hobby of Model Railroading.
The Black Swamp Division typically meets at the Proclaim FM Community Center in Holland Ohio on the third Friday of each month. This can vary due to event conflicts, holidays and location scheduling. Always check the latest Train Order and this website for the latest schedule!
Proclaim FM Community Center
7112 Angola Road,
Holland,
OH 43528.
Doors Open: 6PM
Meeting starts: 7PM
The location is ground level for easy access and there is plenty of parking. The entrance is a double door in the center of the building, and the meeting room is immediately on your right after entering.
The doors will open at 6 PM and meetings start at 7pm. Feel free to come early and visit with your friends.
What to expect
Business – Our meetings include a Business segment to meet the requirements of being a “not for profit” organization and to keep the membership informed of the state of the division. We try to keep this portion informative but as short as possible so we can get to the good stuff!
Rip Track – The rip track is where you can bring those “extra” items you no longer need but perhaps our other members may find use for. You can find “for sale” and “free” items on the table. If you are selling, make sure to put your name and the price on the item clearly or it might be assumed as a free item!! The Black Swamp Division takes no responsibility for items on the Rip Track. Please monitor your wares accordingly.
Show and Tell – This is the part of the meeting where members can share their latest endeavors with the members at the meeting. ANYTHING train related is open for showing. Have a question? Have a new shiny thing? Have a project (completed or not)? Photo? Model? Structure? This is an open stage to ask questions, show your skill or just boast what your latest goody is. This is many times the best part of the meeting as it gets everyone involved and starts many conversations. BRING AND SHARE, WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!!!
Clinic/Presentation – The educational aspect of the NMRA is paramount. At every meeting we try to bring content that will educate and inspire our members. These are typically 30-45 minutes and can range from a historical look at a subject to a hands-on example of a new modeling skill.
Other Items – During the meeting we will take a break midway and provide light refreshments. After the break we typically will do a drawing for a door prize (make sure to get your ticket when you enter the meeting). Donations are accepted at the front entrance. These donations help offset the cost for the meeting space and the refreshments.