About Us
Rappahannock Model Railroaders (RMR) is an organization started by a group of O-gauge train enthusiasts looking for a place to share their hobby. A suitable location was found and since then, the club has grown in membership and evolved into a multi gauge club. Club members personal inventories include Standard Gauge, G, LEGO, O Gauge, S Gauge, HO Gauge, TT Gauge, Z Gauge, N Gauge, and T Gauge (a.k.a. the worm).
Our clubhouse is located at 406 Hudgins Road in Fredericksburg, VA, and houses our fixed 430 sq ft O & S gauge (the upper level has O&S dual gauge track) layout. In addition the HO committee has built a new 48 sq ft HO layout. For public events we have our O Gauge module layout and various non-gauge-dedicated tables to run trains on.
Our members consider themselves ambassadors of “The Greatest Hobby” and work to promote the joy of model railroading in a positive way.
We participate in various charitable and community functions throughout the year, and each December, we host our Annual Train and Christmas Show at the Fraternal Order of Eagles AERIE 4123 in Fredericksburg, VA.
The RMR monthly business meetings are open to the public and normally held the first Thursday of each month.
Check the meeting schedule for additional details.
RMR offers a single membership for the entire family. Come join the Rappahannock Model Railroaders Inc. and see what the world of model railroading has to offer you!
Our History in 60 Seconds
Rappahannock Model Railroad Club (RMRRC)
The group which eventually became RMRRC started meeting in the Central Rappahannock Regional Library in about 1987. Those present were: Tom Dunn, John Paraskevas, Bob Namiot, Tom Brown, Max Quarles, Bob Duerden, and John McKeown. Tom, John and Max operated “The Choo Choo Attic”, first on Sophia Street, and then on Princess Anne Street (next to the Step-Down) for about five years. Bob Duerden operated “The Train Store” across from Dunning Mills. The group set up a 3’x 6′ layout each Christmas at the Library; but it didn’t work well, because the layout wasn’t continuously manned, and kids routinely derailed the trains.
RMRRC formally got started with a September 1994 letter from Tom Brown to Robert Namiot scheduling the first public meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 6, 1994, at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. In the early 1990’s Bob Duerden scaled back significantly and moved his store to Hudgins Road. In exchange for free rent, and operating trains, RMRRC members agreed to staff Bob’s store on Saturdays. He eventually closed the store, and RMRRC began to pay him rent. RMRRC operated as a Virginia corporation until 2010.
Rappahannock Model Railroaders (RMR)
Launched in September 2010, Rappahannock Model Railroaders, Inc. (RMR) is the only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the Fredericksburg, Virginia, area and adjoining counties devoted to the development, promotion, and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading; the education of the public regarding the history, operation, collection and preservation of toy trains and; the history of railroading in America.
RMR is the successor organization to the Rappahannock Model Railroad Club, Inc. (RMRRC) which also operated in the Fredericksburg area. RMRRC has provided the resources and expertise for the formation of RMR. As well as inheriting RMRRC’s assets, RMR inherits the enthusiasm and strengths of its preceding organization and, within its non-profit venue, will greatly expand its scope in the areas of education and community outreach.
The RMR mission is to promote model railroading. RMR coordinates and participates with other hobby and model railroad-related organizations, including national associations and manufacturers, to provide training, help, and assistance to groups, organizations, and the public community within its area of influence. RMR assistance can be in the form of providing expert speakers, demonstrations and workshops, and both toy and model railroad operating displays and exhibits.
RMR’s vision is to expand its role of increasing public awareness, both within its present area of influence and to areas beyond. RMR strives to increase its size and influence and to inform the greatest number of persons about the rewards and enjoyment of model railroading, of toy train operations and collecting, and of the rich history of railroading in America.
