Frequently Asked Questions
We love hearing about your experiences visiting the club, how we can improve for the future, what your favorite bit was, and more.
Below we’ve collected the questions most frequently received over the years, so that we can hopefully save you some effort in finding the right answers.
I’m a member of the public, when can I visit?
The best time to visit is definitely during the annual show we put on, as that's the time where our attention is focused around creating an enjoyable experience for the public. During the rest of the year, we operate the layout on a regular basis, but also work on any changes, additions, technical upgrades, etc. that the layout needs.
If you would like to visit our club layout during the remainder of the year, the best times are from 5:30 –8:30 PM on Tuesday evenings. That is our regular club meeting night. This is also the best time to visit if you are interested in joining the club.
The first Tuesday of each month is our operating night when we run trains on our layout. That will be your best opportunity to see trains running on the layout. All other Tuesdays of the month are work nights when we are working on various projects on the layout. You are welcome to visit on those Tuesdays as well, but there is no guarantee that trains will be operating. Please know that all visitors will be asked to sign our guestbook as a way of documenting your visit.
I’m a model railroader, when can I visit?
If your travel arrangements allow, the best time to visit our club layout is Tuesday evening from 5:30 – 8:30 PM. If that is not possible, please contact us in advance of your travel to Portland and we can see if club members would be available to show you the layout while you are in Portland. We would prefer that such visits occur on Saturdays or Sundays when club members are most likely to be available and present at the club building.
I have some model railroading equipment I would like to donate to the club. How can I do that?
Our club accepts donations of model railroading equipment and memorabilia in any condition and of any scale. Our club building is open to receive your donation on any Tuesday after 1:00 PM. That is our regular meeting day and there are club members who will be at the club building after 1:00 PM to accept your donation.
If you need to make other arrangements for dropping off your donation, or if you have a large donation or layout at home that needs to be picked up, or have other donation questions, please go to our website, and submit a General Questions Form. A club member will respond in a few days by e-mail to plan for accepting your donation. We will travel to homes in the immediate Portland area to collect large donations or to help dismantle a layout that is being donated to our club.
Please know that we are not an IRS recognized non-profit organization, and donations to us are not tax-deductible.
I’m interested in joining the club, what are my next steps?
Joining our club is very easy. First, we recommend you visit our club building on a Tuesday evening starting around 6:30 PM. Our club meets every Tuesday evening, and this will be your opportunity to introduce yourself and let us know of your interest in joining the club.
When you come to your first meeting, please let us know about your interest in joining the club and we will have you meet our Membership Coordinator. This individual will explain the process for joining our club and the various levels of membership available. We also ask that you come to several Tuesday club meetings to meet members, tour the layout and to see how we function as a club.
After several meetings, and you still have an interest in joining our club, we would ask that you complete an application for membership and participate in an informal interview with our Board of Directors. After this, your level of participation and involvement in the club would be based upon the level of membership you wish to pursue.
Our entire membership process will be explained to you during your first visits to our club.
I have model railroading equipment I’d like fixed / or a technical question about model railroading, can you help me?
Unfortunately, our club does not offer equipment repair services or technical consulting services. There are several excellent model railroad hobby shops in the Portland area that provide equipment repair services and technical advice. In addition, you will find many informative videos related to model railroading such as engine repair/maintenance, wiring, electronics, and scenery on various social media sites.
Does the club have a store?
Our club building is open every Tuesday evening from 5:30 – 7:00 for guests who wish to purchase club merchandise (e.g., T-shirts, travel mugs, etc.) and used model railroad equipment. We have a large inventory of new and used engines, rolling stock (pre-assembled and in kit form), buildings (pre-assembled and in kit form), track, switches and scenery material in N, HO, S and O scales. We also have Lionel and American Flyer engines, rolling stock and buildings available for sale. Our inventory constantly changes as donations are made to our club, so you will want to visit often.