You, Too, Could Be A Member

Membership in the Black Canyon Railroad Museum, Inc. is more than just filling out an application and paying dues.
The Black Canyon Railroad Museum, Inc. is not just a group of railroad operators – although that is an important aspect of the group.
Members of BCRM are also modelers.
Modeling, in this case, is more than building scale representations of the item modeled – the “behind the scenes” aspect of the model railroad is as important to the visible portion as a foundation is to a building.
Prospective members are first invited by an existing member to come and tour the railroad.
Tours are usually during a regular operating session, so that all present can get an idea of how the invitee interacts with others.
An informal question and answer period, during operations, gives the members a better feel for the visitor than a formal interview process, and the results have been positive in the past.

Membership applications are provided for prospective members based on the mutual agreement of all members.
After the application is completed, a vote by eligible members will determine if the applicant will be accepted as a probationary member.
During the probationary period (determined by the bylaws of the Black Canyon Railroad Museum, Inc. in effect at the time of the application) the probationary member will be asked to demonstrate their ability in model railroading.
Some of these demonstrations might include various aspects of model railroading, but all are expected to be completed at a level of craftsmanship that is equal to or exceeding that which is already on the railroad.
This is not said to be arrogant, but rather to insure that the railroad never devolves to the level of “just a train set” but instead maintains the excellence necessary to be viewed as a tool in the ongoing education surrounding transportation in Arizona.
With that in mind, there are three areas that prospective members of BCRM are asked to consider when the time comes to demonstrate their abilities:

• Basic Building and Maintenance of Topside Items

This could include, but would not be limited to, handlay three feet of straight track and build one turnout (all track currently on the layout is handlaid. Future track may not be handlaid, but it is imperative that the existing track be able to be maintained.); scenic a two foot section of scenery; paint a two foot section of backdrop.

• Basic Building and Maintenance of Underside Items

This could include, but would not be limited to, trace an electrical short to its source; install a decoder and/or sound system (either in a locomotive or stationary application); troubleshoot various electrical problems; demonstrate soldering skills (solder two wires together, solder a wire to a terminal connection, solder feeder wires to a track); demonstrate proper locomotive maintenance (disassemble, clean, lubricate, reassemble, test); design and build benchwork according to needs and plans.

• Big Picture Skills

This could include, but would not be limited to, scratchbuild, paint, weather, install, and detail a structure that is needed on the layout (design to be submitted and approved prior to beginning construction); build up a craftsman-level or higher kit (Fine Scale Miniatures, South River, Sierra West), including paint, weathering, installation, and detailing; kitbash a structure or rolling stock that is not available in kit form (preapproval required); assemble and weather a rolling stock kit along the lines of Westerfield or Sunshine (preapproval required).

All members are expected to participate in a majority of the Museum’s events, including operating sessions and business meetings.
Other activities could include fundraising events, open house tours, or any other event deemed by the board to be beneficial to the Museum as a whole.

Interested? Leave a comment below – and you will be contacted with more information. We look forward to having you join us!