CID Activities & Events
The Central Indiana Division (CID) of the Midwest Region is a busy group. We have five "Train Shows" each year open to all Central Indiana model railroaders (Noblesville, Avon, Johnson County, Carmel, Danville). And don't forget we also hosted the national NMRA convention in 2016. Our train shows in Noblesville, Johnson County, and Danville have operating layouts, clinics and dealers selling trains and more. Out train shows in Avon and Carmel include operating portable layouts to educate the general public about the excitement we hold for our model trains. You can see pictures of the train shows below.
We often host layout tours, with times throughout the year. The April 2018 tour was in the Indianapolis / Carmel / Fishers area . . . the Spring 2019 event was held on April 6, 2019 in the Avon area. Watch the calendar on the front page for future tours, and a link to details.
Finally, we have several Modelers Meets each year and plan to host more in the near future when we are all able to begin getting together in public places again. Please keep checking here for future events, times, and dates.
November 21, 2020
Danville Train Show
This has become our most popular and busiest Train Show with a great facility, loads of dealers, layout displays, clinics and more. The schedule is 10 AM to 3 PM (like all our shows). This event is held in the Hendricks County Fairgrounds facility located on old Highway #36 at 200 E.
Plan to join us in Danville this fall!
January 2021
Noblesville Train Show
Noblesville is a very popular Train Show right in the heart of the winter model railroad season. We will have lots of dealers, portable layout displays, clinics and more. The Sheridan Christian Church provides Dining Car Services. We have door prizes through the day. The schedule is 10 AM to 3 PM and the show is located at 2003 Pleasant Street in Noblesville.
May 15, 2021
Franklin Train Show
Johnson County Fairgrounds
Our Spring Train Show is also our NMRA Central Indiana Division Annual Meeting.
This space will highlight future Layout Tours, Modelers Meets and other public events when they resume.
Try Track Talk
described below
Track Talks not derailed but taking a different track!
Track Talk Zoom Video Meeting each Saturday 10 AM EDT.
Zoom is a simple to use computer program for on line conference calls with video. We started Saturday April 4th and plan Video Zoom Meetings Saturdays at 10 am.
Each meeting may include layout tours, mini clinics, show and tell items and other ideas.
Our first Zoom Track Talk was attended by 15 people representing members from West Lafayette, Anderson, Columbus, Bloomington and all points in between. One of the great advantages is the ability not only hear but see attendees. (see screen shot photo.) Dan Hinel, CID Superintendent led virtual meeting asking attendees to introduce themselves, giving location and information on their favorite model railroad. Some even provided a short on-line video tour. Also, several members provided a few secrets on building construction using software, making ground foam, and other helpful hints. Even though Track Talk program originally had the concept of in person interactions, using Zoom still provide the mechanisms for free flow in information.
A separate Zoom Video Meeting invitation email will be sent to every CID member with an email address on file with the NMRA for each Zoom Meeting. Watch for the CID email invitation.
Members can attend using a laptop computer, iPad or iPhone. A laptop with a built in camera, microphone and speakers works just fine. Members can also call by phone without video but this access may be limited by heavy traffic.
Questions, contact Eric Peterson. His contact information is in the Board of Directors tab.
Extra Fare !
The events sponsored by the CID are popular in central Indiana (train shows, clinics, modelers meets, etc.) But there are others events too, and here is more of what is going on in our area.
Nickel Plate Express
Train rides and special themed events. Click on the photo for more information.
Indiana Live Steamers
Train rides on one/eight scale trains. Johnson County in the summer. Special events and Birthday parties are available too. Click on the photo for more information
Naptown & and White River Model Railroad Club Open House and Train Show
June 20, 2020
For more information click here
Area Train Shows Click on photo to view
This will open a .pdf file which will show upcoming train shows for the Indiana, Michigan and Ohio area. It is maintained and supplied to the CID superintendent by Ken Skopp of the Grand River Valley Railroad Club in Wyoming, Michigan and is updated on a monthly basis.
