Railroad Prototype Meets

Many years ago, groups of individuals decided to rent space for a day or a weekend to feature scale models of trains decorated for a specific railroad or railroads that run or ran in that geographic region. The idea blossomed and more such events are now organized around the United States and Canada. Most events are now held annually, although their dates and locations may vary from year to year. There is usually a small admittance fee to offset the organizers' costs of renting the space and the tables.

At these events modelers are encouraged to bring their models for display. Whole and operational layout displays are the exception; mostly it is a large collection of tables showing models in various scales and gauges and in various stages of completion. The idea is to strike up conversations with fellow modelers and learn more about the models. You can gain insights, tips, and techniques, ask questions, and get inspired.

This is, therefore, a great way to show local modelers S-scale cars, engines, structures, and vehicles/automobiles. For many attendees this may well be the first time they get to see S-scale models in person. It is a great way for you to share your models, without having to go through the effort of inviting strangers into your home to see S.

RPMs

To find one in your area, take a look at these web sites:

Eric Hansmanns (United States shows)

Trevor Marshall (Canadian shows)

S Scale Model Railway Society (UK shows)

S-scale Photos

Here are some photos of S modelers participating in local RPMs. Click the image for a larger view. If you have a photo you took at a local RPM, contact the webmaster to allow us to add yours to this page.

John Degnan set up this display at the 2025 Central Georgia RPM in Macon, Georgia. It is a simple, but very effective way to demonstrate S-scale. John used older models of cars and engines, kits still in their boxes, undecorated shells, as well as the recent releases by ScaleTrains to show a wide range of available products, all positioned on sections of flextrack. NASG promotional material was used to promote both S and the NASG itself. John even had a tablet computer set up displaying a continually rotating display of more S items.

Tom Lennon took this photo at the Twin Cities Division of the NMRA's "2025 Modelers Retreat", which happened in mid-March in Plymouth, Minnesota. It is a Railroad Protype (RPM) style meet. Set-up is Friday evening and the show happens all day Saturday. There were clinics held, and visitors could admire and ask questions about models shown by fellow modelers of all scales, including S. This year there was quite a turn-out of S modelers. Five of the seven tables shown in the foreground of this photo held models from S-scalers from Wisconsin and Minnesota. They brought new products, rebuilt older models, 3D-printed items, as well as scratchbuilt models.

Bill Lane took this photo at the 2019 Reading RPM held at the Reading Railroad Heritage Museum in Pennsylvania. Several S-scale modelers displayed their Reading-related engines and cars.

Pete Silcox' S-scale models were on display at the 2014 Central Georgia RPM.

(photographer unknown; submitted by Bob Hogan)

Bob Hogan's display at the 2014 Central Georgia RPM. This included complete passenger trains. Bob also used this opportunity to promote the NASG.