The Chesapeake Division

MER Convention
2025-10-16 - 2025-10-19 | Crowne Plaza Hotel -King of Prussia, PA, 260 Mall Blvd, King of Prussia, 19406, United States
Hosted by the Philadelphia Division.

The Great Scale Model Train Show
2025-10-25 09:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-26 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD, 21093, United States

Annual Meeting
2025-11-01 09:00 - 13:00 | B&O Railroad Historical Society, 5745 Bartholow Road, Eldersburg, MD, 21784, United States
On November 1, we will hold our Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held at BORHS.
We are looking for two or three clinicians. If you are an old hand at this, you are welcome to dust off an old clinic and present it to a new audience, if you have never given a clinic – this is the time to give it a try, in front of a group of people who are wishing you the best of luck in your first effort. Clinics “under construction” are welcome. And please come prepared to share a few words about what you are or have been working on. We are always happy to hear about our fellow model railroaders projects!

Meet & Greet
2025-12-12 19:30 - 21:00 | Virtual
The Division will host a meet and greet virtually via Zoom.
You should have received a link to the meeting from our Division Clerk, Tim Beaty.
If you do not have the link, please contact the Division Superintendent, Kirk Bateman, via email to super@chesdiv-nmra.org
Kirk

Great Scale Model Train Show
2026-01-31 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-01 09:00 - 15:00 | Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Tomonium, MD, 21093, United States
The Chesapeake Division will host a table at the show to represent the NMRA. NMRA members may contact the Chesapeake Division Superintendent (email address on the Officers and Staff page) to volunteer to assist at the table.

OpSIG’s Achievement Program
2026-02-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Virtual
The Chesapeake Division has invited Paul Weiss, VP for the Operations Special Interest Group, to discuss the OpSIG’s Achievement Program, aimed at recognizing facets of operations important to layouts and operators looking to improve and develop their skills in the area of operations.
We hope to cover the subject of just what is ‘operations,’ as well as what does it take to model them. Areas to cover include volunteering, Yardmaster, hosting, helper, boomer, clinician, dispatcher, and more. A topic under development with the Layout Design Special Interest Group is that of Layout Design for Operation.
Paul’s railroad modeling background includes organizing the building of the Central Vermont layout, in Northern California. An article about the layout was published in the January 2021 issue of the NMRA Magazine. You can download it here: https://tinyurl.com/Central-Vermont-RR-Weiss
Paul’s presentation will be held Friday, February 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM EST via Zoom (link below). Please tune in with us as we welcome Paul to the Mid-Atlantic and learn about the OpSIG operations achievement program.
https://jhuapl.zoomgov.com/j/1612841850?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 161 284 1850
Password: [REDACTED]

Division Meeting & Layout Open Houses
2026-03-28 09:30 - 16:00 | Perryville Train Station, 650 Broad Street, Perryville, MD, 21903, United States
Directions:
Note that in some map applications, the address provided for the venue, the Perryville Train Station, may take you to the Mexican restaurant at the corner of Broad Street and McLhinney Street. To avoid any confusion, follow the directions below.
Coming from the South on I-95. After crossing the Susquehanna River (toll), take the first exit (93) on Rt. 222 (Aiken Avenue south of Rte 40( toward Perryville. Take this road across Rt 40 to the end (stop sign). Turn right on to Broad Street. Turn left into parking lot between the railroad bridges for the two legs of the wye.
Coming from the South on Rt. 40. After crossing the Susquehanna River (toll), turn right at first traffic light (Rt 222). Take this road to the end (stop sign). Turn right on to Broad Street. Turn left into parking lot between the railroad bridges for the two legs of the wye.
There is no toll going back south on Rt 40 or I-95.

Agenda
9:30am – Doors Open
10:00 am – Meeting Called to Order
â€¢ Richard Hafer – Perryville Railroad Historical Society – Information about the society and advertisement for membership.
â€¢ Scott Wooddell – Railroads of Cecil County – History of the several railroads, both big and small, that have been a part of the fabric of this county.
â€¢ Bill McAleese (via pre-recorded video) – N scale T-Trak Modules – Bill shares his wonderfully detailed T-Trak modules that include industrial switching and beautiful 3D printed and paper craft structures. Some of the modules will be at the meeting for viewing.
12:00 pm – Meeting adjourned, visit museum, and watch trains

Lunch
12:00 – 1:00 pm – lunch on your own. Plenty of places to eat between Perryville and North East, Maryland. Local restaurants such as Woodyâ€™s, The Wellwood, Pier 1, Port House Grill, Casa Mezcal, Snatcherâ€™s, etc.

Layout Open Houses
1:00 – 4:00pm
The first two layouts are in Cecil County near North East. The second two layouts are in Harford County in Bel Air and Aberdeen, respectively. Street addresses will be provided at the meeting.
Bill Freeland – B&O from Baltimore to Pittsburg – A four level HO scale layout depicting the B&O mainline in the 1940s and 1950s.
Scott Wooddell – Deer Creek & Susquehanna – An N-scale short line set in Harford County featuring small-town depots, agricultural shippers, and local industries. Small yard operations and interchange with major railroads are featured.
Dave DiCarlo – CSX mainline – A modern N-scale layout depicts the busy CSX Transportation mainline over Sand Patch Grade and into Cumberland Yard. Long intermodal and manifest trains tackle the mountain grades while yard crews sort freight in a detailed Appalachian setting, capturing the look and feel of contemporary CSX operations.
Ken Poznaniak (tentative) – Chesapeake, Susquehanna, and Western – The HO scale railroad is a contemporary line featuring Amtrak passenger trains and modern, high-capacity freight trains. This bilevel layout is connected at each end by a helix, permitting continuous running or point-to-point DCC operation.

Great Scale Model Train Show
2026-04-11 09:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-12 09:00 - 15:00 | Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd, Timonium, MD, 21093, United States

National N-Scale Convention
2026-06-23 - 2026-06-27 | Crown Plaza Milwaukee South, 6401 South 13th Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53221, United States
The National N Scale Convention is an annual gathering dedicated to enthusiasts of N-scale model railroading, bringing together hobbyists from across the country for a week of learning, inspiration, and community. The event features a full schedule of clinics covering modeling techniques, operations, and layout design, along with a vendor room offering N-scale-specific products and hard-to-find items. Attendees can participate in layout tours, operating sessions, and contests, while also connecting with fellow modelers who share a passion for the scale. Rotating locations each year, the convention highlights regional layouts and railroading history, making each event a unique and engaging experience.

2026 NMRA National Convention
2026-07-27 - 2026-08-02 | Chattanooga Convention Center, One Carter Plaza, Chattanooga, TN, 37402, United States
The NMRA 2026 National Convention, titled the “Scenic City Express,” will take place July 27 through August 2, 2026, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, bringing together model railroaders from around the world for a week of education, operations, and fellowship. Hosted at the Chattanooga Convention Center, the event will feature over 200 hours of clinics, layout tours, operating sessions, prototype and non-rail tours, and special events such as steam excursions and a dinner train, along with the National Train Show open to the public. The convention emphasizes learning, sharing, and celebrating the hobby, offering opportunities for attendees of all experience levels to connect, improve their modeling skills, and enjoy a wide range of railroad-related activities. (nmra2026.org)

NMRA National Train Show
2026-08-01 - 2026-08-02
The National Train Show at the NMRA 2026 National Convention will be held August 1–2, 2026, at the Chattanooga Convention Center, serving as the public highlight of the week’s activities. This large-scale exhibition features a wide variety of vendors offering model trains, tools, scenery materials, and railroad collectibles, alongside numerous operating layouts in multiple scales. Attendees can enjoy live demonstrations, meet manufacturers and hobby experts, and experience the latest innovations in model railroading. Open to both convention attendees and the general public, the show provides an engaging, family-friendly introduction to the hobby while offering plenty for seasoned modelers to explore.

Altoona N-Scale Weekend
2026-09-12 - 2026-09-13 | Blair County Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Dr, Altoona, PA, 16602, United States
Altoona N Scale Weekend is a premier gathering for N-scale enthusiasts held annually in Altoona, bringing together modelers for a focused weekend of clinics, layout tours, and camaraderie. The event features expert-led presentations on N-scale modeling techniques, a vendor room with specialized products, and access to several outstanding home and club layouts in the area. A highlight of the weekend is the opportunity to visit the renowned Horseshoe Curve, along with other railroad attractions that connect the modeling experience to real-world railroading. With its emphasis on learning, inspiration, and community, Altoona N Scale Weekend is a must-attend event for serious N-scale hobbyists.

Mainline Hobby Open House Tour
2026-09-19 - 2026-09-20
Model Railroad Open Houses centered around Mainline Hobby Shop in Blue Ridge Summit, PA.

Division Layout Refresh/Modeler's Day In
2026-09-26 09:00 - 13:00 | Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, MD, 21045, United States
Join fellow Chesapeake Division members for a fun and productive morning at our combined Division Layout Refresh and Modelers Day In on Saturday, September 26, at Christ Episcopal Church, 6800 Oakland Mills Road, Columbia, Maryland.
The event will focus on refreshing and improving the division’s modular layout while providing an opportunity for members to gather, share ideas, and enjoy some hands-on model railroading. Setup is planned to begin around 9:00 AM, with activities getting underway at approximately 9:30 AM. Cleanup will begin around 12:30 PM, with the goal of concluding by 1:00 PM. These times are flexible, allowing us to make the most of the day.
Whether you are an experienced modeler or simply interested in helping out, your participation is welcome. Come lend a hand, learn more about the division layout, and enjoy a few hours of fellowship with fellow railroad enthusiasts.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet
2026-10-01 - 2026-10-04 | Double Tree by Hilton Baltimore-BWI Airport, 890 Elkridge Landing Road, Linthicum, MD, 21090, United States
The Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet is a highly regarded annual gathering focused on helping modelers replicate real-world railroading with accuracy and detail. Held in Baltimore, the event features in-depth clinics, hands-on modeling demonstrations, and prototype presentations led by experienced hobbyists and industry experts. Attendees can explore a well-stocked vendor room offering specialty parts, kits, and reference materials, while also connecting with like-minded modelers who share a passion for prototype fidelity. The meet emphasizes learning, inspiration, and camaraderie, making it a must-attend event for serious railroad modelers in the Mid-Atlantic region.

NMRA MER Convention
2026-10-15 - 2026-10-18 | Holiday Inn Virginia Beach – Norfolk, 5655 Greenwich Rd, Virginia Beach, VA, 23462, United States
The National Model Railroad Association Mid-Eastern Region (MER) Convention is an annual gathering of model railroad enthusiasts from across the region, offering a full weekend of inspiration, education, and camaraderie. Attendees can enjoy a variety of clinics presented by experienced modelers, layout tours showcasing exceptional craftsmanship, hands-on demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with others who share a passion for the hobby. The convention also features vendor displays, contests, and operating sessions, making it a well-rounded event for both newcomers and seasoned railroaders looking to learn new skills and deepen their involvement in the hobby.

Great Scale Train Show
2026-10-31 - 2026-11-01 | Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Tomonium, MD, 21093, United States
The Great Scale Train Show, held regularly at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, is one of the largest and most popular model railroad events in the Mid-Atlantic region. Featuring over 100 vendors and extensive operating layouts in scales ranging from Z to G, the show offers a wide selection of trains, parts, scenery materials, books, and railroad collectibles. Visitors can explore large, detailed club layouts, attend hands-on clinics, and browse a vast marketplace that fills several acres of exhibit space. With its mix of shopping, education, and impressive displays, the event provides an engaging experience for both dedicated hobbyists and families alike.

Model Railroad Open House Month
2026-11-01 - 2026-11-30
November is Model Railroad Open House Month! Throughout the month, model railroaders across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania will be opening their layouts to the public, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience the creativity, craftsmanship, and operation of model railroads up close. From highly detailed scenery and realistic train operations to impressive locomotives and historic railroad themes, these open houses offer something for railroad enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors of all ages. Whether you are an experienced model railroader or just discovering the hobby, November Open House Month is the perfect chance to tour layouts, meet fellow hobbyists, and gather inspiration for your own railroad adventures. Visit modelrailroadopenhouse.com for schedules, locations, and additional information.

TrainFest 2026
2026-11-07 - 2026-11-08 | Baird Center, 400 W Wisconsin Av, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53203, United States
Join model railroaders, railroad enthusiasts, families, and hobbyists from across the country for Trainfest 2026, one of North America’s premier model railroad events. Hosted by the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), Trainfest features hundreds of operating layouts, exhibits from manufacturers and retailers, hands-on clinics, educational presentations, historical displays, and activities for all ages.
Whether you’re interested in model railroading, railroad history, photography, or simply enjoying an exciting day surrounded by trains, Trainfest offers something for everyone. Discover the latest products, learn new modeling techniques, meet fellow enthusiasts, and experience some of the finest model railroad displays in the hobby.
Don’t miss this annual celebration of railroading and model railroading. Visit the official event website for show hours, admission information, exhibitor details, and special event updates.

Chesapeake/Potomac Divisions Joint Meeting
2026-11-14
More Information to be provided.

National N-Scale Convention
2027-06-22 - 2027-06-26
