The 2025 National Model Railroad Association convention recently wrapped up with encouraging attendance numbers. A July 19 post from the NMRA social media pages highlighted the success: 950 registered attendees were on hand for this year’s showing in Novi, Mich., a significant jump from 620 in Long Beach, Calif., for 2024. Notably, 266 first-time attendees, including yours truly, experienced the convention.
My primary tasks involved video and social media coverage alongside Model Railroader Editor Eric White. Despite a non-stop itinerary, I fully immersed myself in the experience and walked away with five key takeaways as a first-time attendee.
1. Old and New Friends
Having previously lived in the Lansing area — roughly 60 miles west of Novi — before joining Trains.com in Milwaukee, my first NMRA convention felt like a homecoming. Whether at the convention hotel or the nearby National Train Show, I frequently encountered old friends from my Lansing Model Railroad Club and Steam Railroading Institute days.
However, there were also ample opportunities to forge new connections, especially through Eric’s extensive network. At the hotel, we were often approached by individuals from diverse backgrounds within the industry and hobby, eager to chat. I didn’t talk a lot, but listened a lot while still being able to pick the brains within the conversations. Once again, soaking in the experience.
2. A Personal Touch
Private layout visits were a rarity for me before the convention, making them a definite highlight of the week’s itinerary in and around Novi. Witnessing these layouts firsthand and speaking with the modelers who built them revealed what I call a “personal touch.” Each individual’s vision was unique, from the out-of-the-box creativity (Steve Smith’s Sierra Valley and Junction Harbor) to historical re-creation (Mike Burgett’s Chesapeake & Ohio Clifton Forge Division). These diverse approaches in craftsmanship also proved that there isn’t just “one way” to build a model railroad. The experience was truly inspiring, in a way that text, photos, and videos simply can’t replicate. Speaking of inspiration…
3. Inspiration from Intimidation
From clinics to scale model contests, the convention showcased the best of the best in model railroading. The high level of skill and knowledge can be intimidating, especially for those less experienced — a category I fall into. Yet, from this intimidation comes inspiration.
One standout entry for me at the Judged Scale Model and Photo contests was an HO scale Santa Fe baggage car, kit-bashed into a modern-day tool car ready for a mainline steam excursion. This sparked ideas for my own recently acquired Lionel O scale Norfolk & Western tool car No. 1407. Additionally, Tim Verburg’s “Dead Rail Options for Today’s Modeler” clinic was an informative presentation, followed by an extensive conversation with participants. It has since become a catalyst for a battery-powered project I’m currently undertaking.
4. The Hobby is for Everyone
“The hobby is for everyone.” This message is at the core of the NMRA’s efforts to transform the culture and image of both the association and the convention. As President Gordon Robinson aptly analogized, like a fleet of ships changing course, significant change will take time.
I’ll admit to initially feeling like the only person without gray hair at the hotel (no offense intended!). As the week progressed, younger attendees became more prevalent, followed by a wide range of age groups filling the National Train Show. While I understand the challenges of weekday attendance, I hope the trend of increasing younger attendees continues beyond just weekend availability, especially with upcoming conventions in Tennessee and Washington.
5. Next stop, Chattanooga and Tacoma!
Eric and I had the opportunity to speak with organizers for the upcoming 2026-27 NMRA conventions in Chattanooga and Tacoma, respectively. More information is yet to be announced, but both are looking to build upon Novi’s success. I strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t yet attended an NMRA convention to make it a point to go to one or both. Don’t just attend the weekend Train Show; try to immerse yourself in as much of the convention as possible through clinics, contests, and layout visits. For this first-time attendee, I wouldn’t think of a better time to plan a long-overdue visit back to the Volunteer State.
Rest easy, that gray hair will come!