Information for Prospective Members

What is the Tacoma Northwestern Model Railroad (TNWRR)?

We are a group of about 30 model railroaders from throughout the south Puget Sound area. Our goal is to share the fun of model railroading with each other and with the general public. The club owns a large, HO-scale DCC layout housed in our Clubhouse at Tacoma’s Freighthouse Square.  This enables folks without the time, space or desire for a personal layout to participate fully in the hobby of model railroading.  The Clubhouse is open every Tuesday evening as well as two Saturdays a month.  Because our club layout is modular, we are able to take it to model railroad shows throughout the Pacific Northwest, which we do about 4 times a year. We also build and run a large (G-scale) layout in Freighthouse Square’s Phoenix Room during the winter holidays.

Becoming a Model Railroader

If the hobby of model railroading appeals to you, we invite you to visit our club frequently and get acquainted.  Find out more about model railroading by watching what we are doing and asking lots of questions.  Some of the old hands may even invite you to try running one of the trains. 

TNWRR Membership

No one needs to be a master model-maker or a mechanical genius to join our club. You just need to like railroading!  TNWRR includes members of all skill levels and all ages from teens to senior citizens.  Probationary membership is an opportunity to explore the hobby of model railroading. To become a Probationary Member, you need to fill out an application form and be sponsored by two of our current members.  If you have been visiting the Clubhouse during our Tuesday or Saturday open hours, you’ll know some folks you can ask to be your sponsors.  The Board of Directors will vote on your application at their next meeting.  Dues for Probationary Members are $25 per year.

Becoming a Full Member of the Club

Our goal is to have Probationary Members graduate to Full (voting) membership within one year.  Experienced members are willing to mentor you and help you along. To become a Full Member you need to do two things - participate in club functions such as operating sessions, work parties, meetings and shows, and acquire your own “rolling stock” to run on the club layout. You will need a DCC-capable engine, a caboose from the same railroad as the engine, and at least 10 train cars that meet the current NMRA operating standards.  Once your rolling stock is checked and approved by the club’s Standards & Operations Committee, you will be issued an EIN (equipment identification number) and the Board will vote on your Full membership.  Annual dues for Full Members are currently $120.

We look forward to helping you learn more about the hobby of model railroading and having you join us as a Member of the Tacoma Northwestern Railroad.