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The 2026 NOGRS Membership Renewal Fee is $25.00 if paid before March 31, 2026. The Renewal Fee is $35.00 if paid after March 31st. Please make checks out to NOGRS and mail to:
The 2026 NOGRS Annual Banquet will be held on Sunday February 22, 2026 from 12 Noon to 4 PM. The NEW location is at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 146 College St., Wadsworth, Ohio 44281 Parking is located in the lot behind the church, and the entrance to the church is also in the back.
Dinner Menu : Red Skin Potatoes, Rigatoni/Meatballs, Chicken, Green Beans, Salad, Bread/Butter, Dessert, Ice Tea, Lemonade, Coffee
Price : $25.00 / person
RSVP : By Tuesday 2/17/2026. Make a check out to NOGRS and mail to:
This will be a great event that will start the 2026 NOGRS season. There will be prizes for everyone as well as a raffle. Our Banquet will be served by the Water Main Grill.
Any questions : kite200@bex.net or call 419-433-2559
NOGRS will be placing an order for Sound Chips on 3/1/2026 from ITT Products. The normal price is $40 per sound chip, but NOGRS will be placing a large order and the club member price will be only $32 per chip. To review and listen to the many sounds available, please visit the company’s website…..
Custom sound chips are also available where you would upload a custom MP3 file to ITT Products and they would make a sound chip for you. Dennis Roth will be placing the NOGRS order and is the contact person if you would like to order any discounted sound chips for your display. Dennis may be reached at 330-603-7227 or droth5255@gmail.com To place an order, make a check out to NOGRS for $32 per chip and either mail it to Dennis or bring it to the February Banquet. If there is enough interest in the sound chips, we may have a clinic on installing the chips in model structures.
Sound Recordings have added interest to life for almost 150 years.
The Northern Ohio Garden Railway Society will be setting up a display at the Expo. It will be a combination of a portable Live Steam track and a tabletop electric display. We have done this before at the World’s Greatest Hobby Show and the Berea Train Show. It has been a real hit with the crowd.
I’m looking for volunteers to help set up the display on Thursday, May 14 from 12noon-2pm. We also need volunteers to help with the crowd on Friday, May 15 and Saturday May 16 from 10am-4pm. If you are only able to cover half of a day, please let me know if it’s the first or second half. I will be taking the display down at the end of the show on Saturday and packing it in my X3.
I will have badges for the volunteers covering the show. The parking is free.
In conjunction with the Train Expo, will be the Midwest Garden Railroad Gathering. It will run from May 13 to May 17. They are looking for people to open up their garden railroads for people to come and see. I was also told that there would be a banquet on Friday night at the B&O Station, 15 minutes from the Expo. It would be buffet style dinner with a cash bar. The cost would be $35. If you are interested in showing off your layout or attending the dinner, please let me know so that I could pass it along.
Thank you,
Allen
The link above is to the Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo Website. If you are able to help Allen and our NOGRS Display at the Expo, then either call Allen at 440-661-3073 or use the SignUpGenius Link below…..
Garden Railroading News (GR News) is a FREE digital magazine for all Garden Railroaders to enjoy. A new issue is released every 2 months. The Current Edition and Back Issues may be found at this link:
The Lake Metroparks Farmpark Christmas Display Take Down will be on Saturday January 3, 2026 starting at 9 am. Wrap Sandwiches will be provided by NOGRS, and if you would like to please bring a side dish to go with the Wraps. We need your help to get the job done. Please sign-up by either calling Ralph or with SignUpGenius.
Ralph 419-433-2559
First We Build It - Then We Demolish It
NOGRS members may wish to come out to the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum and climb aboard a steam-powered train to transport you to our Roundhouse where you will meet Old St. Nick himself, surrounded by our historic collection of steam locomotives! More information can be found at the Age Of Steam Roundhouse Museum webpage by clicking the “TICKETS” link above.
The 2025 NOGRS Christmas Dinner will again be held at Lake Metroparks Farmpark on Sunday 12/7/2025. We will have a potluck meal with the main course of Chicken Fingers. Join your fellow members at this annual festive event, bring your favorite side dish, and see the Christmas Train Display we built. Please sign-up by either calling Ralph or with SignUpGenius.
Ralph 419-433-2559
The Lake Metroparks Farmpark Build Dates are:
Saturday & Sunday 11/15/25 & 11/16/25 9am to 4pm (Primary)
Saturday & Sunday 11/22/25 & 11/23/25 9am to 4pm (If Needed)
Lunches will be provided. Saturday 11/15 the main course will be “Wraps”, and Sunday 11/16 the main course will be “Chili with sides of Cheese and Onions”. Please bring any additional side dishes, desserts, or drinks to share or supplement the main course provided. There are no potluck sign up lists for the display build days; just bring what you like.
The Display will run from November ??th to December ??th; Closed on Mondays. There are 4 build dates and times listed, so there are 4 SignUpGenius Slots, or you can just call Ralph Boyer who is coordinating the building process. We hope to complete the building process the 15th and 16th, the following weekend is for backup only as of now. Please support our club and sign-up to build this wonderful display.
Ralph: 419-433-2559
SignUpGenius Christmas Display Build 2025
Allen Nickels is coordinating the overall design for this years display. Please let Allen know if you have any Christmas themed items you would like displayed and the space they require. We are looking to have different zones that will grab the attendees attention. Please call Allen at 440-661-3073 to have your treasures displayed.
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad has many themed railroad events available in October, November, and December which our NOGRS members may enjoy attending. Information on the events and prices can be found at their website:
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
Click on their Calendar tab to see all train rides available.
NOGRS needs HELP finding a group activity in October. If you would like to host a meeting or organize an event this October, then please call Ralph Boyer with your ideas. Road Trip Anyone???
Ralph: 419-433-2559
The Great Berea Train Show, presented by the North Coast Division(Division 4) of the National Model Railroad Association, is the premier model railroad hobby show in the region. In its 50th year the show brings together 700 vendor and display tables spread over 70,000 square feet in 5 buildings.
At the show you will find new and used model trains, accessories, and supplies, railroad memorabilia and collectibles, and Historical Societies and Organizations. Many of the accessories and supplies may be used in other hobbies too!
Additionally, the show offers many operating model railroad layouts presented by local model railroad clubs and organizations. The layouts are anchored by Division 4’s own award winning Module Group, The Cleveland Sandusky & Southern Railway.
The NOGRS September Meeting will be hosted by Dennis and Michelle McBride. Their son Jack and the family railroad have always been fun to visit. Hamburgers and Hotdogs are the main course, so please sign-up to bring a nice addition to the pot-luck meal.
Live steam set up at Lester Park Friday September 19th. Set up will start at 10 AM. Public run will be Saturday 20th. Time 12:PM to 4:PM. Members if you are willing to help on the above dates please call Allen Nickels at 440-661-3073 or E-mail: anickels66@aol.com
Here is a great event that NOGRS members may want to attend…..
Locations should be listed soon at the above link.
Jehle Track Plan Drawing
The NOGRS August meeting will be held at 2 locations. We will start at the Jehle’s house to review the site for their future garden railroad. David plans to build an elevated railroad and would like your input of ideas. Next we will go to the local library to have a pot luck lunch and have a club meeting. Finally, David would like us to draw up a main line track plan on paper to help with the building project so bring a paper and pencil to help. Cold cut sandwiches will be the main course served, and please sign up for a side dish or drink to bring.
TEXT David: 330-413-4700
Addresses:
David & Chris Jehle, 1022 Canyon Rd SE, Carrollton, OH 44615
Carroll County District Library, 70 2nd St NE, Carrollton, OH 44615
The Rittman Train Station Project is sponsoring a Fundraising Bus Tour to The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum. Part of the proceeds from the tour cost goes to the project. Here is information about the trip…..
The NOGRS July Meeting will be held at the home of Stacie and Greg Schmid. Stacie will be serving Walking Tacos (Beef / Chicken) as the main course for this potluck lunch. Please bring a side dish or drink to go with the tacos. Sign up for this event with SignUpGenius or by calling Stacie.
Call Stacie: 419-271-0663
Blue Tip Festival Speeder Rides will be assisted by NOGRS members by ticketing passengers, directing passengers to their Speeder, road crossing guard, and other possible duties. The Speeder Rides are Friday Evening 4pm to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 6pm. Please specify which day(s) you can attend by selecting the correct SignUpGenius link(s) below, or just call Dennis. We need your help to make this event successful and pleasurable to the public. You may get a Speeder Ride in return. Please either bring your own lunch or purchase one nearby (Water Main Grille recommended) for this event. The Speeder Rides start at the gravel parking lot between the tracks and Retro Bar n Grille.
SignUpGenius Blue Tip Festival – Friday 4pm-8pm
SignUpGenius Blue Tip Festival – Saturday 10am-2pm
SignUpGenius Blue Tip Festival – Saturday 2pm-6pm
Call Dennis Roth 234-217-8089
Join us on June 13-14, for two action-packed days of train rides, reenactments, and tours. Discover how the railroads played a crucial role in the Allied victory during World War II.
During Train Days at Lake Metroparks Farmpark NOGRS Members talk about trains and share their experiences of the hobby to the visitors at the park. An Information Flyer on NOGRS will be available to hand out to the public. Lunch is FREE and will be served to all volunteers. The time is 10am to 3pm on both May 31st and June 1st. Please specify which day(s) you can attend when signing up. This is a great promotional event for our hobby, so please help the cause.
Call Ralph Boyer 419-433-2559
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm will be bustling with activities on May 24, 2025. NOGRS members will help rebuild/re-freshen the The Mulberry Creek RR. Please bring a few gardening tools and gloves to aid in the process. Mulberry Creek will be serving lunch to NOGRS members attending. A short meeting after lunch will be held. RSVP via:
Please TEXT Karen Langan 419-602-2850
Email Ralph Boyer: kite200@bex.net
Visit Their Webpage: Mulberry Creek Herb Farm
Moving into 2025 big things are happening! The show name is changing and it’s moving to a new venue, the Metroplex Expo Center. The show is also expanding to include larger scales so you can expect to see G Gauge all the way up to 7.5″ gauge ride on trains and accessories. Just as in past years you can expect exhibitor/club display setups (All G scale or larger train related), Clinics (including clinics for kids) to improve your skills, hourly door prize drawings, concessions and more! Now that the momentum is going we don’t plan to stop growing the show anytime soon!
Admission: $8 One Day, $14 Two Day, Kids 12 & Under FREE
Caboose Motel
NOGRS Members are invited to enjoy an event packed weekend. The trip starts Friday 5/9/2025 at the Great Lakes Large Scale Train Expo. Afterwards a dinner and drive to Titusville PA where you will sleep at The Caboose Motel. Saturday starts with a breakfast and then seeing the local attractions. The main event starts at 4pm with a Murder Mystery Dinner and Train Ride. We will return to the Caboose Motel at about 9:30pm. Sunday starts with a breakfast and you are free to either return home then OR take an optional Mother’s Day Train Ride. All of the details can be found at this link…..
IMPORTANT - Call and make reservations NOW if you plan on going. The Caboose Motel and Murder Mystery Dinner will fill up fast. Dennis Roth planned the trip and may be reached at 234-217-8089 for questions.
Useful Links…..
Ralph & Barb Boyer are hosting an Open House on Thursday May 8th from 11am to 4pm. Michael Niebaum is visiting with the Boyer’s and will have his custom woodworking supplies available for purchase. The event is intended mainly to socialize, and Ralph says his trains won’t be running at this time. A few light snacks and drinks will be served, but no main meal. If you want to come and visit for the day, then please either call or email Ralph at:
Ralph: 419-433-2559
Email: kite200@bex.net
The Roth’s are throwing Dennis a 70th Birthday Party on May 3rd from 4pm to 8pm. Their house will be open to all NOGRS members to stop by and visit and give well wishes to Dennis. Judy asks for an RSVP by phone or email to her if you plan on attending.
Judy’s Phone: 330-573-5005
Judy’s Email: jroth@neo.rr.com
FYI: The party is on the same day as the Lake Metroparks Farmpark Rebuild which is from 9am to 3pm. Dennis will be here helping with the rebuild, then going to his party. Please attend BOTH events if you are able to.
Men Rebuilding Railroad
Paul and Diane Applegate will be hosting the April NOGRS Meeting. We will be helping the Applegates to rejuvenate their garden railroad at this meeting. Please bring your gardening and train related tools to help with this project as we will be trimming bushes and leveling track as just 2 examples. Chicken sandwiches will be served as the main dish, so bring a good side dish to go along with this for our potluck lunch. Please Sign Up by using any one of these 3 methods:
Call Paul Applegate at 330-268-5188
Email Paul Applegate at PaulA@nogrs.org
Chicken Sandwich, Beer Not Included
The Lake Metroparks Farmpark Christmas Display will be Taken Down Saturday January 4, 2025 starting at 9 am. Lunch will be on our own for this event. We need your help again. Please sign up for this Train Wrecking Event by either calling Ralph Boyer or using the SignUpGenius Link below.
Ralph: 419-433-2559
The NOGRS Christmas Dinner has been moved from 12/1/2024 to 12/15/2024. If you are now able to attend the dinner’s new date, please call Ralph Boyer at 419-433-2559.
Age of Steam Roundhouse 2025 Memberships are now available. Follow this AOS Link if you are interested.
Dennis Roth and George Richmond will be holding a Creative Workshop on Mountain Building for your Garden Railroad. With a little bit of concrete mix and a boxwood bush or two you too will be able to have a Close Encounters experience of your own kind after this informative workshop.
The event will be held at Dennis & Judy Roth’s house in Wadsworth. A potluck lunch featuring Swedish Meatballs will be served so please sign up to bring your favorite side dish. Sign Up to attend at this link ---
OR Call Judy Roth at 330-573-5005
NOGRS Trains are going to be at The Great Berea Train Show at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. I will be bringing the 20 by 26 portable Steam track. In addition, NOGRS has 4 tables to set up electric trains on, like we did at the Worlds Greatest Hobby show.
The SETUP is going to be on Friday, Oct. 4th, starting at 12 noon. The show hours are 10am - 4pm on Sat. Oct. 5th and Sun. Oct. 6th. I could use help setting up on Friday at 12 noon. Cordless Drills with Phillips Bits are all that is needed.
I’ll be running the live steamers, so we could use several members on Saturday and Sunday to run the electric trains and talk to the public. I’ll be TAKING DOWN the display on Sunday at 4pm, so I could use some help with that also.
Please let me know if you can help.
Thank you.
Allen
Phone: 440-661-3073
Email: anickels66@aol.com
The Great Berea Train Show is held annually at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Although the fairgrounds lie both in Berea, Ohio and Middleburg Heights Ohio, visitors must use the entrance on Bagley Road. The address is --- 19201 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Heights, Ohio 44130
NOGRS Members. Dawn and Danny Wells invite you to visit 6 Garden Railroad Displays during their Open Houses on September 28th. Here is a flyer for the event with names and addresses of RR displays to visit.
Please call Dawn Wells at 937-206-2400 if you have any questions about the events. Leave a Voicemail Message with your Name and Number if she is unable to pick up when you call.
John & Rebecca Riedel will host the September NOGRS Club Meeting. We will have a potluck lunch for the day so sign up with your favorite side dish or dessert to bring. Pulled Pork and Corn on the Cob will be served as the main dish. Sign Up to attend at this link——
OR Call John Riedel at— 330-606-6599
