Is there an initiation fee to join the club?

No. Once you join the club, dues are $30.00 a month which pays for tracks, switches, scenery items, paints, etc. - all things to make the trains run smoother and the layout to look better. The club also pays for the food at the cook outs, picnics and other special events.

How often can I run trains once I am a member?

After your 6 month probationary period is over and you are a full member, you get a key and have 24 hour, 7 days a week access to the club to run your trains. During your probationary period, you can run any time with a full member. Generally, every Friday night is a run night, except during work periods.

Does the club have trains that I can run or do I need my own trains?

The scenery, tracks and accessories are all owned by the club and are used by each member. Each member owns his own trains, which he runs on the club’s tracks.

Can I run trains on the first night I join the club?

Yes – it depends upon how fast you learn to operate on the layout. A new member is assigned big brothers to help you get acquainted with the layout, operations and to answer any questions you may have. If you look at the photo album listed as track plans – you can appreciate the complexity of our layout (inside and outside tracks) and why you have big brothers.

About how long will it take for me to learn the track board before I can run my trains?

Again that depends upon you. Usually it takes less than 20 minutes to learn but hours to master all the finer points. The more you run, the more you learn. During your learning period, your big brothers and other members help you become familiar with the layout and make sure you are running your trains in a safe manner. After your initial training session, you can always go back to the track plan photos and refresh your memory and learn the layout at your own pace. We do have easy ways to help you learn the layout. Remember, a fellow member is always close by to help you – JUST ASK.

Does the club sell trains?

No. Members may sell individual cars or engines but the club doesn’t own or have any trains. Trains are purchased from hobby shops, individuals, E-bay or from the manufacturers.

Once I join, is there anything that I must do or be responsible to do?

No. The only thing you are responsible for is to have fun and enjoy your trains and the fellowship of your club members. Stop by the break room for a soda or water, have a cup of coffee and a piece of cake or have one of the members fix your train. Otherwise, just sit around the table and talk trains, politics or anything that’s on your mind.

What can I do on the layout?

Every member has different skills which they contribute to the club be it as a carpenter, electrian, painter, model maker, cook etc. All a member has to do is say what he would like to do or learn and he can join one of the teams working on that project. No special skills are required – just the desire to contribute and learn. Many of the things learned or skills acquired at the club are subsequently used by the member on their own layout.

Who decides what will be done on the layout?

All future projects are proposed and then voted on by the entire membership at our monthly business meeting. Then teams are assigned to handle the various stages of the project. Each member has a say in what the layout will look like in the future.

Other than run trains, does the club do anything else?

Yes. The club takes trips to various attractions (some relate to trains - steamtown); go on fishing trips, family picnics, cookouts and visit hospitals, old age homes, and schools for the challenged with our mobile train layout. These visits foster smiles and bring back good memories and create new ones – all priceless.

How can I learn or be notified about future open houses?

You can check out our web site or provide us with your name and email address and we will notify you by email. We do not sell, give or share our email list with anyone or any organization. If you no longer want to be notified, just contact us and we will remove your name from the list.

HOW DO I JOIN?

Stop by the club any Friday night around 7:30 pm, fill out an application and meet some of the members. Then let the trains run and the fun begin. Membership fosters friendships.

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