Website will be accessible until 12/31/2026.
Convention shirts! CHECK OUT THE COMPANY STORE!
Welcome to
Tracks to Tidewater
2026 NMRA/MER Convention
October 15 - 18, 2026
Holiday Inn Virginia Beach
Hosted by the Tidewater Division
Many thanks to all the staff, volunteers, participants and attendees for making the Tracks to Tidewater a successful convention!
APPRECIATION CERTIFICATES not picked up at the convention will be available at future Tidewater Division events (check in advance) or by special arrangement.
CLINIC DOWNLOADS will be posted in the clinic description on the clinician's page. If you don't see them, please email Roger Bir at sorcerer54@cox.net
Clinicians who want material posted, please email Roger Bir at: sorcerer54@cox.net
Navigating tip: Use the buttons on the right side of the screen to go to the top or bottom of a page, or to the home page.
Welcome! For those new to model railroading or to the NMRA, a regional convention is a large, four-day event organized by a specific division within an NMRA region, bringing together model railroad enthusiasts for a variety of activities. These events typically feature clinics, layout tours, operating sessions, contests, prototype tours, and a banquet to recognize the winners of the contests as well as those who have achieved Master Model Railroader status. The goal is to provide a forum for members to learn, share, and enjoy the hobby of model railroading.
- Clinics: Presentations and workshops on various aspects of model railroading, covering techniques, tools, and specific modeling skills.
- Open House Tours: Opportunities to visit impressive home and club layouts, providing inspiration and a chance to see different modeling styles.
- Operating Sessions: Participating in the operation of model railroads, following schedules and procedures similar to real railroads.
- Evaluations: Model contests, where participants can showcase their creations and compete for awards.
- Prototype Tours: Visits to real-world railroad locations or museums, offering a chance to see the prototypes that inspire modelers.
- White Elephant Room: A marketplace where attendees can buy or sell each other's model railroad equipment and related items.
- Banquet: Dinner to celebrate the winners of the contests, the accomplishments of model railroaders in the region, and an opportunity to connect with fellow model railroaders. An noted individual in the world of model or prototype railroading will deliver a keynote speech.
- EVENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Items are TBD
