The LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago is Chicagoland’s connection between LGB Trains and large-scale model train enthusiasts. Recognizing that the best way to learn about large-scale indoor and outdoor model railroading is through the sharing of experience and knowledge with other enthusiasts, the LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago and its members are dedicated to fostering dialog among large-scale railroaders, especially those who favor LGB trains.
The LGB Model Railroad Club of Chicago was founded in 1979 and has about 100 members, most of whom are located in northeastern Illinois. Unlike many North American large-scale clubs, our club focuses primarily on LGB model trains. It publishes a monthly newsletter, the LGB Chicago Express, to keep its members informed of its activities and schedule. It also occasionally includes “how-to” articles for member education. On this website you will find information about our Club, its activities and schedule, the benefits of membership and links to the manufacturers, vendors and products that make up our hobby.
Annual Club activities include setting up and operating large display layouts at model railroad shows and other public venues, visits to members’ garden and indoor railroads, a spring technical clinic, a picnic in the summer and a holiday party in the winter. All of these serve as catalysts for the sharing process. But it is our display layouts that provide our club members with the majority of our interaction and that maintain our excellent reputation with model train enthusiasts among the public.
Large-scale model railroading is more than just running trains on track. It is a hobby that has much to offer the entire family, like gardening and creating small scenic vignettes to add realism to the railroad environment. The larger trains are very sturdy and much less susceptible to damage by little people than their smaller scale counterparts. As the hobby converts to digital controls, younger members quickly learn how to operate our trains.
Individual membership is available to any person upon payment of dues each year. Family Memberships are available as well. A Family Membership includes the entire family, head of household, his/her spouse/significant other, living in the same household, and any children under the age of 21 years living in the same household or presently attending college. Both Individual and Family memberships give each member the opportunity to participate in all club activities, volunteer to be on any committees and run for an officer position.
