What is NVNTRAK?

Northern Virginia NTRAK is a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to educate the public about Railroads and Model Railroading, Railroad History and Safety, and to promote the hobby of N-Scale Model Railroading. We are an IRS approved 501-C-3 Educational Organization. Formed in 1991, NVNTRAK has the distinction of being the largest N-Scale Model Railroad club in the world and presently has over 90 members from the Metropolitan Washington DC area. In 1996, the group held the record for the largest Model Railroad layout of all time. In 2004 NVNTRAK broke the record again with a layout at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. The layout contained over 500 modular pieces making a layout of over SEVENTY scale miles in length.

Members of NVNTRAK range from beginners to Master Model Railroaders and are skilled at carpentry, electronics and scenery construction. Member interests include railroad operations, history and safety, writing and photography, as well as model building. The members learn from each other, and provide new members with assistance in layout operations and module construction at regular meetings, workshops and public exhibits. Members also participate in a wide variety of other activities including field trips to observe railroad operations, visit railroad museums and have fun while learning.

Throughout the year, the organization sets up at railroad shows and shopping malls throughout the Metropolitan area. The layouts are flexible and their modular nature allows the layout to be tailored to fit the available space. These setups allow members to run realistic-length trains over long stretches of varied scenery, something that is not usually possible on home layouts.

NVNTRAK membership is open to all persons at least 16 years old who are interested in the hobby of N-Scale Model Railroading. Dues are $45 per year for a Family Membership, which includes spouses and children under 16. Our informative monthly newsletter contains news about club setups, area model railroad events, and interesting railroad-related articles. It is available to non-members for a $20 contribution.

Members hail from Northern Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and beyond. Regular meetings are held on the first and third Sundays of the month.

If you would like more information about us, please contact our Membership Director, David Freshwater.

Join us for the opportunity to learn more about railroads and model railroading, interesting activities, long trains and lots of fun!