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HO Modular Special Interest Group Guidelines
4th Division, PNR, NMRA 04/14/08
The HO Modular Special Interest Group (SIG) represents the 4D (4th Division, PNR, NMRA)
at various local train shows, swap meets and other events. This document is intended to outline the purpose and scope of the
SIG. Like all documents of this type, it is open to revisions and new interpretations as the current situation dictates.
Mission
- Promote participation in and sharing of information about the NMRA/PNR/4D
- Foster interest in the importance of railroads and railroad history
- Entertain, inform and involve people in the model railroad hobby
- Help charities, community organizations and other railroad related groups
Ownership
Individual members own most of the modules and rolling stock. The corner, bridge, and yard modules,
along with power supplies, the trailer and a few pieces of rolling stock (loaner locomotives, cleaner cars, PSX grain cars
and a few Christmas train cars) are all owned by the 4D.
Membership
Membership in the SIG is open to any member in good standing of the NMRA living within the boundaries
of the 4D whose dues are current. That is the only requirement for membership. However, we do have a few guidelines to ensure
that everyone enjoys their experience.
Members put in a lot of time, effort and money in order to create the layout as it is. While you
do not need to build a module to participate, we do require all members to meet certain criteria before they earn the
right to be Operating Members who can operate independently on the layout and vote on activities of the SIG. We have broken
this down into categories of membership that you advance through by engaging in certain activities of the SIG. These activities
are listed on the next page. Please don’t be put off by this system. It is designed to ensure everyone is properly trained
to have the knowledge and skills required to protect the delicate systems and equipment we so enjoy. This allows all of us
to relax and have fun. These rules apply to both the new members and the ones who have been around longer. If you need help…just
ask! There is wealth of experience in the SIG, and you shouldn’t hesitate to draw on it.
Operating Member Levels
Non-Operating Members
Guest Operator – No Point Value
Occasionally, it may be necessary to accord operating privileges (but not voting privileges) to visitors
on the layout. These privileges are awarded at the discretion of the Trainmaster or an Assistant Trainmaster.
Brakeman (trainee) – 0 to 10 points
This member may only operate a train under the supervision of an Operating Member at shows and other
events. The member does not have voting rights.
Operating Members
Engineer – 11 to 20 points
A member who may operate trains independently at shows and has voting rights.
Conductor – 21 or more points
An Engineer appointed to coordinate shows and perform other vital tasks by the Trainmaster.
Assistant Trainmasters – 20 or more points (up to four members
only)
A Conductor appointed to the position of Assistant Trainmaster by the Trainmaster.
May fulfill functions such as Acting Trainmaster, Treasurer, Secretary, Maintenance Foreman or other duties as described
by the Trainmaster
Trainmaster – Point values NA (one member only)
Appointed by 4D Superintendent to run the SIG, has all rights and privileges
Point Values
Points toward the levels listed above are earned through a variety of activities. There is no time
limit on earning points, so you can take as long as you like to accomplish your goals.
- Attend a breakfast meeting (held monthly) – 1 point
- Operate a train (with or without supervision) for one hour at a show or event – 1 point
(all brakemen/trainees may only operate with supervision)
Attend and contribute at a work session – 2 points
Help to setup or breakdown at a show or event – 3 points
Building an approved operating module – 5 points (added modules are worth 3 points)
(must meet minimum mechanical/electrical standards as defined by the SIG and the NMRA and have some level
of scenery)
Serve as Show Coordinator – 5 points
Provide other SIG services – 5 points
(website work or other contributions deemed worthy as determined by the Trainmaster)
Please note: In order to reach the Engineer level, at least five of your points
must come from something other than breakfast meeting attendance.
Continuing Membership
Once you have reached either the Engineer or Conductor level, we ask that you keep your membership active by
earning at least 7 points in each calendar year. Only four of these points may come from attending a breakfast meeting. In
other words, you must assist at a show, build a module or provide some other valuable service to the SIG.
Voting Responsibilities
Voting – So what do voting members vote on? There are various issues that affect how
and when the SIG participates in shows. Voting issues include:
- Show schedules
- Budget allocations
- Future SIG projects
- SIG standards
- Other important decision that affect the SIG or operating procedures
Show Coordination Responsibilities
Once you reach the level of Conductor, you may volunteer to serve as the coordinator for a
show or event. This entails:
- Working with the show to arrange delivery, setup, and removal times
- Planning the size, configuration and positioning of the layout modules
- Ensuring we have SIG members to staff the layout
- Determine the "who, what, why, when, where & how" of train movements
- Providing details to members regarding hours, parking driving directions, etc.
- Other duties as outlined by the Trainmaster
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