National Model Railroad Association

North Central Region, Division 9

October Convention News

One of the layout tours

On October 28 and 29, 2022, the NMRA NCR's Division 9 will be holding a model railroad clinic in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Things will kick off on Friday with layout tours in the Battle Creek area for those that wish to come in the afternoon before. There will be a dinner gathering a Clara's in downtown Battle Creek beginning at 6:00 P.M. Clara's is located in the historic New York Central station in Battle Creek.

Clark Autotram Photo Op
Passengers first utilized the station in July of 1888. Clara's currently is only allowing the scheduling of parties of 20 or less secondary to staffing issues. They hope that the situation will improve by October, but openings for the dinner will be on a first come, first serve bases. At 6:30, Bob Myers of the Michigan Historical Society will do an encore presentation of his talk concerning the Clark Autotram. This was a prototype railcar that never reached production. The prototype did perform demonstration runs on trackage in Western Michigan. The presentation will be via Zoom, so registered attendees will be able to watch, even if they can't make dinner.

On Saturday things will kick off at 7:30 A.M. at the The River Church. The church is in downtown Kalamazoo at 517 Walbridge Street, one block from the interlocking of the Michigan Amtrak trackage and the Grand Elk trackage. This was the site of the BO interlocking tower, which unfortunately was taken down in the fall of 2021. Saturday's clinic presentations will start at 8:30 A.M. Twelve clinics in total will be presented in three rooms. Doughnuts and beverages will be provided as part of your registration fee.

All Aboard

After the completion of the clinics there will be layout tours and operating sessions. Those who have registered will receive updates on the layout tours and the availability of slots for the operating sessions. There will be time for lunch in Downtown Kalamazoo prior to the afternoon activities. May I recommend a Kalamazoo landmark, The Coney Island. The family has been serving Coney's and Greek food for over 100 years at this location

Early Morning Amtrak Action, Kalamazoo

While the Division 9 meet will end on Saturday evening, the model railroading continues on Sunday with the Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society’s annual fall show and sale on Sunday. This will be held at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center.

While there is no official motel if you are spending the weekend, there are several fine establishments on the northwest corner of Westnedge and I-94. There are a number of chain restaurants south of I-94 on Westnedge. Another fine motel is the Staybridge Suits on Stadium Drive. If you elect the Staybridge Suites, let them know that you're with the Division 9 meet. One additional note, if you plan on staying at a motel, consider booking your room early. While there is no Western Michigan Football game this weekend, college activites can fill rooms quickly

Click here to open a registration form. When you register, we ask that you provide your email address. We will be sending email updates concerning the clinics and operating sessions to all registered attendees.