of the North Central Region

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YOUR PIKE?

by Gerry Leone, MMR

The Pike Registry, part of the NMRA's Membership Services and Promotion Department, is one of the lesser known services of the NMRA, yet it's been around almost as long as the organization itself.   By sending in an application to program manager Dick Schneider, along with a $10 donation, NMRA members can register the name and reporting marks of their model railroad in the Official Register of Model Railroads (ORMRR) for two years.  In return they receive an official registration certificate along with a CD of the current ORMRR.  (Printed versions are also available to those without computers.)

The ORMRR is a tremendous resource for those who travel and would like to visit model railroads during their trip.  The Register lists names, addresses and phone numbers of registrants, along with visitation preferences.

 Studying the ORMRR is fun in and of itself.   Currently it contains well over 500 pikes, some of which are as yet unbuilt.  Among those appearing are prototypical names such as Union Pacific and Burlington Northern.  But others have registered more whimsical names, such as the Kneedy & Lackamoney and the Downe & Owlte.  It makes for great reading.

 The Pike Registry was updated and streamlined last year and is now a self-supporting volunteer-run part of the NMRA Membership Services and Promotion Department.   Besides the fun of receiving an official certificate and the ORMRR, it gives members a great way to make a small donation to the NMRA.

 For details on how to get your pike registered, visit the NMRA website at     http://www.nmra.org/membership/pikes/