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General Club Information We are a Sacramento-area club for model railroaders of all abilities and skill levels who enjoy any aspect of this exciting hobby. Our portable interchangeable modules interconnect to quickly set up a model railroad of variable size. Any module can be fitted to another due to our standardized sizes and electrical connections. The club also owns a large switching yard, corner modules, end loops, rolling stock and locomotives as well as the DCC electrical system. Members own their own modules and their own rolling stock and locomotives. All eras and types of prototype equipment are welcome. Members create the scenery, trackwork and structures on their modules. Members are not required to own or purchase any equipment. During our operating sessions we use computer-generated waybills to direct pick up and delivery of rolling stock from the yard to businesses and industries, while passenger and special trains operate on the mainline. Lee Solomon developed the waybill software which soon will be available for downloading on this page. Trains are moved and shunted throughout the day just like a real railroad. An important rule at our operating sessions is that when members place their rolling stock and locomotives on the track, they become available for all members to use during that operating session. At our public sessions, long trains and unique locomotives often are run for the enjoyment of all. Our trains move over more than 200 feet of double track main line with passing sidings. Branch line and industrial trackage add to the overall size of the Sacramento Central. At our 2008 Thanksgiving weekend set-up at the California State Railroad Museum we had several trains that were over a scale mile in length! We can produce super lightweight modules at a very reasonable cost for interested members. The cost to the member is for supplies and materials and is based on the size of the module the member wants. The modules are assembled on a jig thus maintaining a standard length and assuring true 90 degree corners. By making many modules simultaneously, we are able to purchase hardware in large quantities at a discount and minimize waste which keeps the individual cost of the modules as low as possible. Our experienced modelers help our new module owners with construction, wiring and track installations. A basic member-owned module, measuring two by four feet, with frame and basic track, wiring and scenery, can be built for about $50.00, and can be carried and transported inside most vehicles. The level of scenery and amount of trackwork obviously can add to the overall cost of the module.. SCRR trains are operated by DCC (Digital Command Control). After a lengthy trial period, we determined that DCC is perfectly compatible with our operations. Since we began DCC operation, the price of constructing modules has decreased while capabilities have greatly increased. The first DCC run was held February 28, 1998. Cars dispatched from the main yard were shunted by DCC decoder-equipped locomotives to industries in Perkins and Hazelton. The club continues to use DCC and we recently upgraded our equipment in 2009 by purchasing new boosters and a command station. Many members routinely run several DCC sound-equipped locomotives on our layout. Visitors are welcome to attend our meetings and operating sessions, but only through prior arrangement. If you would like to consider becoming a member, you must attend three meetings or activities and actively participate to the best of your ability. Each applicant is expected to help set up the club modules at the beginning and help take them down at the end of the day. After the third meeting, an applicant who agrees to pursue the goals of the Sacrmento Modular Railroaders will be eligible for membership. Eligible applicants need a 2/3 vote of approval to join the club and then become full members after payment of annual dues of $20. Each is also expected to purchase a vest to wear at public shows. For a detailed description of membership requirements, click here. Each member also receives SMRR's official monthly newsletter, The Mainline Express. Club activities include cosponsorship of the International Railfair every November (usually the second weekend), public shows, club operating sessions, occasional "how-to" clinics, work sessions and a few railfan events. For more information, see our SCRR Operating Session Schedule on the home page. A person under the age of 18 may become an Associate member if a club member is willing to act as his/her sponsor. The Associate member may participate in club functions as their age and maturity allow. Associate members do not vote or pay dues. Sponsors accept full responsibility and liability for Associate Members including full adherence to all club rules. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual preference or disability. Contents © 2009 Sacramento Modular Railroaders, Inc., All rights reserved. |
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