The Mission of BBMRA

BBMRA accomplishes its mission through programs and projects that provide members with enjoyable, entertaining, and educational hobby activities; offer rail fan trip information to see actual railroads in operation; and provide better understanding and appreciation of the development, management, and history of railroading.

A Brief History

The Big Bend Model Railroad Club (BBMRC) held its first meeting on September 15, 1987. The BBMRC was organized for the purpose of promoting and preserving model railroad activities for the benefit of the general public and the members of the Club and for the purpose of promoting and preserving historical material and information pertaining to railroad transportation. The organization’s unofficial motto is: “Let’s Run Trains!”

The Big Bend Model Railroad Club decided to incorporate and was chartered as “The Big Bend Model Railroad Association, Inc.” (BBMRA) on June 28, 1990.

The Association has a seven-member Board of Directors: The President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary/Editor, N Division Coordinator, HO Division Coordinator, and Large Scale Division Coordinator. General elections are held for the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary/Editor while the three Division Coordinators are elected by members from each Division.

At present, the BBMRA is comprised of three divisions: The Small-Scale Division (N, T, & Z), the HO-Scale Division, and the Large-Scale Division (all scales larger than HO).

The Small-Scale Division features six 3 by 7 foot modules with four separate loops as well as an ever-growing T-Trak modular layout. The HO Division maintains and operates a dual mainline 7 by 16 feet T-Trak layout. The HO Division also supports a Time-Saver sub-division consisting of a 2 by 8 feet switching layout designed for public operations. The Large Scale Division operates various 0-27 and/or O Scale table-top layouts and supports a Thomas the Tank Engine sub-division, A Disney sub-division, and a live-steam sub-division: the Tallahassee Live Steamers who run G Scale trains on a 12 by 24 foot non-electric modular layout.

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Clinics and other member-oriented activities are conducted during the meetings. Member swap meets are held periodically. Members currently meet via ZOOM but previously met at the Capital City Christian Church, 6115 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL for face-to-face sessions.

Each year the Association sponsors our Tallahassee Model Railroad Show and Sale at the North Florida Fairgrounds. The event showcases our Association and other clubs from surrounding communities.

Where We Are Today!