karayan@nvuxr.UUCP (G J Karayannopoulos) (12/13/85)
Edmunt Clarke writes: > I was wondering if there are any model railroad clubs or organizations >(preferably one dealing with HO gauge) in the Pittsburgh area. I`m just >beginning to get interested in HO guage model trains. I would like to join a >club or an organization that wouldn`t mind having a novice in their club. I decided to post my response for the benefit of all newcomers. The best way to find out what model RR clubs are in your area is to go to the local hobby store and ask. Around this time of the year most clubs hold their Christmas open house, so newcomers have an excellent opportunity to visit them. Hobby shops and model RR magazines carry open house announcements. Most clubs love taking newcomers aboard! After all, without new people the hobby cannot grow. I have found a lot of experienced modellers who would love to help me with new challenges and teach me their techniques! So, when you visit a club, talk to the members! Don't be afraid to admit that you are a novice; EVERYBODY was a novice some time ago!! By the way, there are two major (and many less known) model RR magazines in the US: "Model Railroader" and "Railroad Model Craftsman". Both are available at hobby shops and good bookstores and they have a lot of info on "how to" and clubs. I suggest that you buy the current issue, if you haven't already done so. "Model Railroader" recently published a long list of clubs arranged by state with address, scale and memebership info. On a more personal note now, I did my graduate study in Pittsburgh, so I happen to know of the existence of at least one model RR club. It's located in Northside (I don't remember exactly where). You can find their address at Bill's and Walt's Hobby Shop which is located on the corner of Smithfield and Boulevard of the Allies, downtown Pittsburgh (116 Smithfield Street). Check your yellow pages for other hobby shops. George Karayannopoulos