~ Early Web Links ~

A comprehensive guide to building model railroads from the ground up, covering everything from benchwork and track planning to scenery, wiring, DCC command control, and advanced special effects like animation and sound. Created by an experienced hobbyist, this site features step-by-step tutorials, a gallery of the BR&S Railroad layout, and an extensive library of tips spanning scales, structures, weathering, and even 3D printing.

The Prince William County Model Railroad Crew is a 501(c)(3) club serving Northern Virginia for over 30 years, showcasing transportable NMRA-standard modular layouts at 10-12 public shows annually across the Washington and Baltimore metro areas. The site covers club history, upcoming events at county libraries and train shows, member layouts, module building clinics, and membership information for hobbyists of all experience levels.

The North Shore & Western Model Railroad Club is an NMRA-affiliated club based in the Fox Valley Division, operating a modular HO scale layout with two main lines, a branch line, and a 28-module setup spanning roughly 45 by 21 feet. Visitors can browse the photo gallery showcasing detailed dioramas and scenes, learn about module construction standards, and find upcoming display dates at regional train shows and library events.

The Greater Cincinnati Garden Railway Society is a club dedicated to large scale indoor and outdoor model railroading, serving members in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. The site offers access to their monthly newsletter 'The Branch Line', event calendar, swap meets, and resources for garden railway enthusiasts.

Trainmaster by Werner Meer is a Swiss shop and community hub dedicated to American model railroad layouts, showcasing 30 detailed layouts across scales from Z (1:220) to G, built by members of the American Railroadfans in Switzerland and contributors from the USA. With hundreds of photos and films documenting each layout, plus links to brass models, passenger cars, and hobby shows, this site is an impressive reference for serious model railroading enthusiasts.

Starship Modeler's discussion forums bring together thousands of scale modelers focused on sci-fi, fantasy, and imaginative subjects like starships, robots, and movie props. With nearly 77,000 posts and over 13,000 members, it serves as a bustling community hub for tips, news, and hobby discussion.

The 7+ Railroader, run by enthusiast Michael Roberts, is a comprehensive guide covering HO scale, N scale, DCC systems, track planning, and scenery techniques for model railroad hobbyists of all skill levels. The site also bridges traditional model railroading with digital train simulation games and Railroader mods, making it a unique destination for both hands-on builders and gaming fans.

SANTRAK is the San Antonio N-Trak Association, a 501(c)3 nonprofit club dedicated to N-scale modular model railroading in the San Antonio area. The site features club history, membership info, newsletters, module photos, home layouts, and techniques for N-Trak enthusiasts.

The Wrecking Crew is an NMRA-affiliated model railroad club based in Birmingham, Alabama, showcasing their N scale Coosa Valley Railroad layout and community events like the McWane Center's Magic of Model Trains exhibit. The site features photo galleries, construction narratives, and information about family-friendly boot camp events designed to introduce newcomers to the hobby.

The Golden Gate Model Railroaders is a San Francisco-based club that operated a model railroad layout in the basement of the Randall Museum, with this archived site documenting the club's history, track plans, and automation projects. Maintained by member Raphaël, the site preserves news posts and photos from the club's active years before its dissolution, and redirects visitors to the successor Randall Museum Model Railroad.