The NMRA 2018 National Convention
August 5-12, 2018

The mission of the Kansas City Convention Planning committee is to create a first-class model railroad convention in a town with a rich railroad history.
Please visit this site often, as new content is added all the time.


The Convention Schedule is POSTED!
We are using Sched.com to host the online schedule for the 2018 Convention!
Sched has many great features, including:
• live and dynamic updates to the schedule
• support for mobile devices
• ability to personalize you schedule
• ability to download schedule for mobile devices, including outlook, iCal, and apple calendars
Sched has many great features, including:
• live and dynamic updates to the schedule
• support for mobile devices
• ability to personalize you schedule
• ability to download schedule for mobile devices, including outlook, iCal, and apple calendars
Check out the Convention CafePress Store!
You want a logo water bottle? BOOM! Done.
You want a logo mouse pad? BOOM! Done.
You want a 16 ounce logo beverage glass? Boom! DONE!
CafePress is the world's best online gift and on-demand fulfillment center. We have selected an assortment of neat convention logo items for your enjoyment. Pay online and have them shipped directly to you! It's a great time to be alive!
You want a logo mouse pad? BOOM! Done.
You want a 16 ounce logo beverage glass? Boom! DONE!
CafePress is the world's best online gift and on-demand fulfillment center. We have selected an assortment of neat convention logo items for your enjoyment. Pay online and have them shipped directly to you! It's a great time to be alive!
The Extra Fare Store is now OPEN!
We are very excited and proud to announce that the Extra Fare store is NOW OPEN to all registered convention attendees.
The Early Bird registrants have given feedback, and the consensus is in — these tours ROCK!
Some things to consider when purchasing Extra Fare tours and other items:
The Early Bird registrants have given feedback, and the consensus is in — these tours ROCK!
Some things to consider when purchasing Extra Fare tours and other items:
- All purchasing will be completed online
- Add items to your shopping cart, selecting the quantity of each items. Some items have special options (for example, you need to select a scale for the MWTM turnout building session)
- PayPal is used to process purchases, but you DON'T need to have a PayPal account. Major credit cards are accepted.
- DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT AFTER YOU HAVE COMPLETED YOUR SELECTIONS!
- Check back frequently, as new tours and event will be added as they become available! All updates will be posted on this web site and the Convention Facebook Pages.

Make Conventions GREAT Again!
New Polo Shirts available…now with a POCKET!!
New Polo Shirts available…now with a POCKET!!
You inquired.
You cajoled.
You begged.
You DEMANDED!
We listened! Now available for immediate shipping or pick up at the convention - the famous 2018 Convention Polo WITH POCKET!
Same great quality. Same great color that you love. Same flattering fit.
BUT. WITH. A. POCKET!
You cajoled.
You begged.
You DEMANDED!
We listened! Now available for immediate shipping or pick up at the convention - the famous 2018 Convention Polo WITH POCKET!
Same great quality. Same great color that you love. Same flattering fit.
BUT. WITH. A. POCKET!
Convention Cars are AVAILABLE!
This year, we are pleased to offer not one, not two, but SIX convention cars!
With the diverse railroading history and heritage in Kansas City, we just couldn't pick a single prototype, so we decided to go the full Monte and present paint schemes for six of KC's most prominent and historical fallen flags and current railroads!
The Pullman Standard 4750 covered hopper was one of the most common freight cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Still found in service today these cars were designed and produced by the Pullman Standard Company and built by the tens-of-thousands starting in 1972.
The Accu-Rail 4750 three-bay covered hopper was selected because of its excellent and accurate design, fine detail, and affordability. All artwork is unique to our convention and was designed by the modelers that serve on the convention committee using photographs and data from the real cars.
These truly unique cars will be bundled into two three-packs, each available starting now. Take a little piece of Kansas City railroading home with you. You will love these cars.
Available in sets of three, these easy to assemble kits will find a place of pride on any layout!
HO ONLY, EASY TO ASSEMBLE KITS.
$75 picked up at the convention, $12 per set shipping and handling is available.
With the diverse railroading history and heritage in Kansas City, we just couldn't pick a single prototype, so we decided to go the full Monte and present paint schemes for six of KC's most prominent and historical fallen flags and current railroads!
The Pullman Standard 4750 covered hopper was one of the most common freight cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Still found in service today these cars were designed and produced by the Pullman Standard Company and built by the tens-of-thousands starting in 1972.
The Accu-Rail 4750 three-bay covered hopper was selected because of its excellent and accurate design, fine detail, and affordability. All artwork is unique to our convention and was designed by the modelers that serve on the convention committee using photographs and data from the real cars.
These truly unique cars will be bundled into two three-packs, each available starting now. Take a little piece of Kansas City railroading home with you. You will love these cars.
Available in sets of three, these easy to assemble kits will find a place of pride on any layout!
HO ONLY, EASY TO ASSEMBLE KITS.
$75 picked up at the convention, $12 per set shipping and handling is available.
Set 2 - Rock Island, Missouri-Kansas-Texas, Union Pacific

Both sets are now available in the Company Store!
Set 2 - Kansas City Southern, Missouri Pacific, Santa Fe

The National Train Show…
- Are you a Model Train Dealer looking for information on how to sell at the weekend National Train Show?
- Are you a vendor looking for load-in, load-out information for the National Train Show?
- Are you a modular layout owner looking to sign up for the big layout at the National Train Show?
IF SO, YOU'VE COME TO THE WRONG PLACE!!
New T-shirts are available! KC Round Three Fashion Tees!
Did you know that the NMRA was established in since 1935? Did you also know that the National Convention has been held in Kansas City twice already (in 1984 and 1998)?
So 2018 makes Round 3 in KC!
Be a part of history and make a bold statement with your very own KC Round Three 1935-2018 Convention T Shirt!
Featuring a new Kansas City identifier on both the front and the back, with the convention logo on the sleeve, this quality shirt will be sure to turn heads wherever and whenever you wear it.
All sizes are available for immediate shipping or pick-up at the convention!
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
So 2018 makes Round 3 in KC!
Be a part of history and make a bold statement with your very own KC Round Three 1935-2018 Convention T Shirt!
Featuring a new Kansas City identifier on both the front and the back, with the convention logo on the sleeve, this quality shirt will be sure to turn heads wherever and whenever you wear it.
All sizes are available for immediate shipping or pick-up at the convention!
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Banquet Speaker Announced!
We are pleased and honored to announce that TONY KOESTER will be the featured speaker at the 2018 Convention Banquet.
Tony Koester is the editor of Model Railroad Planning and contributing editor to Model Railroader, and writes the popular Trains of Thought column and numerous feature articles.
He edited Railroad Model Craftsman from 1969 into 1981, when he joined Bell Laboratories. Tony retired from a 20-year career in telecommunications in 2001. He has written eight books for Kalmbach on various topics from realistic operation and multi-deck layout design to scenery, prototype modeling, and his former Allegheny Midland Railroad.
Tony's Banquet Presentation is titled: "Model Railroading is Fun ... ny!"
NMRA Honorary Life Member, National Nominating Committee chair, Tony will share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes about several of the hobby's better-known personalities.
We are very excited to hear what Tony has to say about our fine hobby. Look for more banquet details and sign-up information in the coming weeks.
Tony Koester is the editor of Model Railroad Planning and contributing editor to Model Railroader, and writes the popular Trains of Thought column and numerous feature articles.
He edited Railroad Model Craftsman from 1969 into 1981, when he joined Bell Laboratories. Tony retired from a 20-year career in telecommunications in 2001. He has written eight books for Kalmbach on various topics from realistic operation and multi-deck layout design to scenery, prototype modeling, and his former Allegheny Midland Railroad.
Tony's Banquet Presentation is titled: "Model Railroading is Fun ... ny!"
NMRA Honorary Life Member, National Nominating Committee chair, Tony will share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes about several of the hobby's better-known personalities.
We are very excited to hear what Tony has to say about our fine hobby. Look for more banquet details and sign-up information in the coming weeks.
General Interest Tour Descriptions are now POSTED!
We are fortunate to have a multitude of interesting activities for locals and visitors alike.
At the NMRA National Convention in Kansas City, you will have the opportunity to experience the best that the Midwest has to offer, in terms of
Go to the GENERAL INTEREST TOURS PAGE for more interest on some of the tours offered during convention week.
At the NMRA National Convention in Kansas City, you will have the opportunity to experience the best that the Midwest has to offer, in terms of
Go to the GENERAL INTEREST TOURS PAGE for more interest on some of the tours offered during convention week.
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Convention Schedule
Plan your week! -
Extra Fare Store
Purchase Tours and Extra Fare Items -
Registration
Come join the Fun! -
Hotel and Reservations
Party Central -
Company Store
Goodies -
Prototype Tours
Let's get real -
General Interest Tours
Tours -
Layout Tours
Kansas City's Finest! -
Volunteer
Bless you! -
First-time Attendees
You're in for a treat! -
Silent Auction
Shhhhhh! -
Non-Rail Activities
If you're happy, I'm happy -
Special Interest Groups
SIGs -
Operations Road Show
Run some Trains! -
Modeling with the Masters
Learn new skills! -
Facebook
Get Connected
Upcoming Conventions
Planning for the Salt Lake City convention is well underway. It is going to be an EPIC convention being held the same year as the 150 year anniversary of the driving of the Golden Spike!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

CLICK BELOW TO OPEN THE VOLUNTEER FORM (will open in a new window)
Countdown to the Convention:
It’s Convention time!!!

News and Web Site Updates (scoll for older news):
March 2018 - Extra Fare Events open for purchase by Early Bird Registrants!
March 2018 - Added more layouts to the layout page
March 2018 - Added red KC Round Three fashion Tees!
March 2018 - Refreshed home page and updated tours
February 2018 - Added a couple more layouts and improved page headers
February 2018 - Added General Interest Tour information
February 2018 - Hotel reservations are open! Go to the Hotel Page for more information
January 2018 - Added link to informative videos about convention activities and also information about the Prototype Tours
January 2018 - Added a couple more layouts to the layout tours page
January 2018 - Added details regarding Modeling with the Masters Clinic
January 2018 - Added several layouts to the Layout Page
December 2017 - Added several layouts to the Layout Page
November 2017 - Added several layouts to the Layout Page
October 2017 - Updated volunteer and clinic forms
October 2017 - Added National Train Show imbedded page
October 2017 - Added layout tour prospectus form
October 2017 - COMPANY STORE IS LIVE! Buy your Premium Modelers Apparel now!
September 2017 - Updated Online Registration to increase user friendliness
August 2017 - Added a few more layouts to the tour list. Much more to come!
August 2017 - Added link to volunteer form
August 2017 - Back from a great convention in Orlando! Added Clinic Questionnaire form.
July 2017 - Added information about Convention Premium Railroad Apparel - on sale at the Orlando Convention.
July 2017 - Updated Non-rail section and added content to the Kansas City Section. Added Munson photos to Railfanning page.
July 2017 - ONLINE REGISTRATION IS ACTIVE! Click here to to go registration page.