From Inspiration to Action: Meet the Baker County Model Railroad Club 🚂 Sometimes the best things start with a simple dream and the power of community connection. That's exactly what happened in Baker City, Oregon, where two passionate model railroaders—high school student Drew Benjamin and Chris Papenfuss—shared a vision to bring people together through the joy of model trains. What began as separate newspaper features in late 2024 quickly became a beautiful story of connection. Drew dreamed of starting a club to inspire kids and adults alike, while Chris was sharing his Christmas train layout at the local library. Though both were active in Southwest Idaho hobby circles, they'd never met—until the Baker City Herald connected them! Within weeks, their shared passion blossomed into the Baker County Model Railroad Club. Joined by Buck Pilkenton and supported by mentors from our 3rd Division Pacific Northwest NMRA, they've created something special: a welcoming space where everyone—young or old, beginner or expert—feels valued. Their inaugural BC ModCon event showcases their inclusive mission perfectly—celebrating not just model railroading, but ALL model hobbies from dioramas to creative builds. It's about learning, sharing, and inspiring each other! 🎨 Led by Drew with Monique Papenfuss as Secretary and Buck and Chris as Foundation Members, this club embodies what NMRA is all about: Building Connections, One Track at a Time! Congratulations to the entire Baker County team—you're proof that when passion meets community, amazing things happen! 🌟 #NMRA #ModelRailroading #CommunityBuilding #BakerCounty #Oregon #ModelHobbies #TrainLife Learn more about BC ModCon: bcmrrclub.square.site/bc-modcon (fb)

Thank you Golden Spike Hobbies for the amazing goodies for the NMRA PSR's Regional Convention. We love our #NMRApartners (fb)