Activities at MARPM

The Mid-Atlantic Railroad Prototype Modelers (MARPM) is four days of camaraderie and sharing—knowledge, techniques, stories, and experience.

The Show

Typically Thursday is the day for operating sessions. On Friday as many as 20 outstanding home layouts throughout Northern Virginia, Annapolis, Washington, DC suburbs, and Baltimore are open only to MARPM attendees. Saturday and Sunday the event hotel opens. Participants display their models, attend clinics, interact with vendors, and await the anticipated raffle drawing.

A bright red CP Rail diesel heads over a truss bridge modeled by Mike Pulaski

A group of model railroaders listen to a clinic presentation by Travers Stavac

Clinics

Outstanding modelers deliver more than 30 clinics on topics ranging from prototype rolling stock to layout techniques, weathering, 3D printing, operations, railroad history, and scratchbuilding.

A selection of models of New Haven cars and locomotives on display at MARPM

Displays

Bring your models! A highlight of MARPM is always the locomotive, rolling stock, structure, and diorama models brought by attendees. Space is free, first come, first served.

A Colorado Midland work train Modeled by Andrew Dodge

Open Houses

Visit renowned model railroads throughout the region. Addresses are emailed to registered attendees in advance.

A model railroader operating a CTC panel on Bob Rodriguez's Nickel City Line

Operating Sessions

Operating sessions are a key part of MARPM. Space is limited: available sessions will be listed here.

A model railroad dealer's setup with hundreds of cars, locomotives and accessories for sale at MARPM

Vendors

Dealers, manufacturers, and historical societies exhibit and sell specialty products for prototype modeling.

Raffle

Take your chances and walk home with brand new products donated by our sponsors.