From our July 2002 Newsletter....
To join or not to Join that is the Question , July 2002
Many Model Railraoders ask temselves "Why should I be a member of a Railroad Modeling Organization? Is it really worth the dues I would have to pay? Couldn't I use my money better on my own trains?" Often they are on the outside looking in and can not really see the benefits and savings of being a member. Here below you will find some of the positives of being a member and the negatives you will have to face if you go it alone.
The Blessings of being a member.
1)Learning a multitude of modeling techniques. There are many ways to to things that acheive the same result. As a member you can witness these techniques from other members and choose the style that best fits you.
2) Learning from the greater experience of others.
3) Getting other's ideas to do what you wouldn't have thought of.
4) Being able to see modeling techniques done in person instead of just reading about it.
5) Being able to learn from others mistakes instead of your own.
6) Being able to question why things were done a specific way and getting an answer, instead of just wondering about it as you would when you read an article in a magazine.
7) Getting to run your trains on a large layout.
8) Being able to review the performance of new locomotives other members have purchased.
9) Getting into shows without having to pay the entrance fee.
10) Getting into shows before the public, there by getting the first shot at any good deals.
11) Being told when there are "deals" on the market or web or at shows and where to find them.
12) Having fellowship with people of like interests.
13) Being able to get help or assistance with modeling problems and repairs.
14) Being able to share your accomplishments with others.
The curses of going it alone.
1) Ending up with poor equipment since you didn't know better.
2) Paying too much for puchases since you didn't know better.
3) Missing out on something you wanted because you didn't find out about it soon enough.
4) Paying the entrance fee at a train sow and finding nothing worth purchasing.
5) messing up your first few attempts until you finally figure out how to do it right.
6) Not being able to share you accomplishments with others.
I know that for me, belonging to NNJ-NTrak has benefited me in my knowledge of the hobby and also helped me make wiser puchases than I did in the past. All I can say about joingin our organization is "Try it, you'll like it!"
-- Rik Rieker; Former Vice President - NNJ-NTrak