The National Narrow Gauge Convention is perhaps the best gathering of model railroad talent in the world. In 2012 the NNGC will be held for the 32nd time. That is an amazing accomplishment considering the NNGC is not sanctioned nor sponsored by any formal organization. Each year the NNGC is put on by volunteers at a different city each year. From year to year the only thing in common about the convention is the format the convention holds.
The NNGC starts out on a Wedesday evening and carries on until Saturday evening. Modelers bring some of their finest work to compete in the model and photography contest. Vendors assemble in large halls offering the latest in model railroad items and supplies. Clinicians share how they build their models. Local modelers open up their home layouts to convention goers. Often there are even prototype railroad tours and train excursions.
The conventions are geared so that a modeler can bring his/her family and make a vacation out of the convention week. Over the years I've met husband and wife teams that make the convention week a yearly vacation. I estimate that each convention experiences an average of 1,200 convention registrants.
Conventions are scheduled 5 years in advance so there is plenty of time for folks to plan their vacations around the convention week. The upcoming years will host conventions in the following cities:
- 2013 - Pasadena, CA
- 2014 - Kansas City, MO
- 2015 - Houston, TX
- 2016 - Augusta, ME
- 2017 - to be determined on the last evening of the 2012 NNGC
Perhpas you'll have the opportuity to attend one of the future convetions. Stay tuned to Narrow Perspective to learn more.