Division 12, Mid Central Region, NMRA, Inc., also known as the Alleghany Western Division, is a recently formed division of the National Model Railroad Association, located in Northwestern Pennsylvania and Southwestern New York.

For the most up-to-date information about our organization, membership meetings, or public events please use the News/Events page or search button at the bottom of this page.

How to Join: NMRA Application and Renewal 

Next Membership Meeting Event:

Saturday, April 11th, 2026 10:30AM. James Prendergast Free Library, Jamestown, NY. Program 2nd ANNUAL WORK BENCH ROUNDUP. (Note change of venue!)

Superintendent’s Letter for March 2026:

In Defense of Rabbit Holes…

Since it’s the season of bunnies, I thought it was time to speak up a bit for “rabbit holes”; those interesting and fun and sometimes frustrating little side projects that supposedly “distract” us from our supposed main goal, in my case making forward progress on my layout. Well, what is a layout but a collection of smaller individual “rabbit holes”, each one contributing to the larger whole? Each one also adds to our store of experience, and hopefully our net satisfaction and fun, along the way.

Rather than thinking about “rabbit holes” as a distraction, maybe we should take a page from the role-playing gaming world and consider them as “side quests” instead. Generally, in gaming terms, side quests are shorter and easier mini adventures off the main storyline. They can help to build experience, and can give you rewards like useful items, knowledge, and allies that may later help with your main quest.

Similarly, a little side quest or two, (or three) while building your main layout may help you acquire skills, materials, tools, inspiration, and insight that may later come in handy.

So, getting a little bored with plodding along your construction timeline, or wanting to do something different to stretch your creative legs? Consider a little detour down a rabbit-hole, er, side quest! You might be glad you did!

Mike Hauk

Superintendent, Division 12, MCR

Current Builder’s Plate newsletter available here.

Current Mid-Central Region Kingpin newsletter available here.

 

Know of any train shows in Western Pennsylvania, Western New York, or North East Ohio? Please send them to me at webeditor@div12mcr.org

  Allegheny Western Facebook Page or Facebook Group

    National Model Railroad Association

 Mid Central Region