
Collinsville, IL / St Louis, MO September 3 - 6, 2025
Back to where it all began!
We’re the Gateway Division NMRA, and we love model railroading!
The Gateway Division NMRA is the greater Saint Louis and Southern Illinois area chapter of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), the world's largest organization devoted to the development , promotion, and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading. The purpose of the Division is to promote fellowship among model railroaders, to educate them and the public about the hobby, to develop the various skills of the hobby, and in general to advance the hobby of model railroading.
Greater Saint Louis and Southern Illinois Area
This area includes St Louis City and County, St Charles, and Jefferson Counties in Missouri, and Southern Illinois. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization incorporated in the State of Missouri.
You are invited to visit any of our open-to-the -public Monthly meetings:
Oakville Elks Club
2726 Oakville Elks Ln
Saint Louis, MO 63129-3239
The committee for the 45th National Narrow Gauge Convention is keeping a close eye on the COVID-19 question and how it impacts our event.
Our Safety and Security Coordinator spent 35 years in fire service and emergency management. We are anticipating full access for all our guests to venues without the use of masks, requirements for testing, proof of vaccination or any other restrictions. Because mask requirements are still in flux and vaccination questions are still with us, we ask that each person attending the convention be prepared with a mask at all times and carry proof of their vaccination status if you have received the injection(s).
Requirements for masks on some public transportation and all medical facilities are still in place at this time. Of course, layout owners may choose to require masks and/or proof of vaccine when you visit their homes. Please respect their choices and be prepared to comply. And as always, you can choose to wear a mask even if one is not required.
Additionally, convention volunteers will be briefed on fire evacuation, earthquake procedures and active shooter. The Committee cares deeply about your safety and comfort and will update the FAQ if there are changes as we get closer to the event.
Coronavirus & COVID-19
Your “Gateway to Model Railroading Fun”
The Gateway Division is the greater St. Louis area chapter of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), the largest organization devoted to the development, promotion, and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading.
The Gateway Division includes St. Louis City and County, St. Charles and Jefferson Counties in Missouri, and Southern Illinois. We are a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational organization incorporated in the State of Missouri. You are invited to visit any of our open-to-the-public monthly meetings, and we encourage you to attend our next Annual Fall Meet and Train Show, which includes a Model and Photo Contest.
We offer the following benefits:
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Education: We have monthly clinics on various model railroading topics. We have an annual fall meet and train show which includes dozens of clinics for members and the public. Our quarterly publication, the RPO, and web site includes articles and modeling tips.
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Fellowship: A variety of events and meetings allow area modelers to meet, interact, and share ideas and the fun of model railroading. We have monthly meetings so that as many area modelers as possible have an opportunity to attend. We are not a club with a model railroad to support and promote. We have members modeling and interested in all scales, of all experience levels, and building and running all kinds of layouts (including club, home, garden, high-rail, and future layouts).
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Promotion of the hobby: We have a booth at most area train shows to promote the hobby and the NMRA, and to answer modeler’s questions.
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Advancement of your skills: Our members can help you improve your modeling skills and enjoyment of the hobby. The NMRA achievement program, merit award programs, and model contests offer a method to mark your progress. And our clinics and members will share techniques, methods and concepts you may have never seen or heard about before.
Gateway Division NMRA Officers
Superintendent (President): Bob Miller
Assistant Superintendent (Vice President): Walter Beckman
Paymaster (Treasurer): John Kelly
Clerk (Secretary): Jeff Cooper
MCoR Director: Jim Ables
Board Member (Past-Superintendent): Willie Richter
Gateway Division NMRA Committee Chairs
Activities Coordinator: Ron Gawedzinski
Achievement Program (AP) Chairman: Dave Ackmann
Clinics Chairman: Dan Knipp
Contest Chairman: David Lowell, MMR
Fall Meet Chairman: Walter Beckman
IT Chairman: Willie Richter
Layout Tour Chairman: Dave Roeder, MMR
Membership Chairman: Glenn Koproske
Operations Chairman: Greg Gramlich, MMR
Publicity Chairman: Greg Gramlich, MMR
Newsletter Editor: Jeff Cooper
Webmaster: Robyn Yates