WELCOME TO NSRMA

Excellence in Railway Modelling Since 1971

Since 1971, the North Shore Railway Modellers Association has been building, operating and exhibiting award-winning Australian prototype layouts. We are a community of passionate modellers dedicated to craftsmanship, realism and the camaraderie of the hobby.

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Precision modelling. Authentic operations. A community committed to raising the standard of railway modelling in Australia.

From steam-era Blue Mountains operations to modern prototypes, our layouts combine historical accuracy, craftsmanship and modern technology to bring railways to life.

Years of continuous exhibition and modelling excellence

Active members across Sydney’s North Shore and Beaches

Major scale exhibitions that we have presented at

Members operating using advanced DCC technology

ABOUT NSRMA

Building Award-Winning Australian Prototype Layouts

The North Shore Railway Modellers’ Association was formed in 1971 with a clear goal — to demonstrate a higher standard of modelling than was common in Australia at the time. More than five decades later, that commitment continues. Our members meet regularly in Collaroy Plateau to construct, detail and operate exhibition-quality layouts that reflect real Australian railway history.

Exhibition-quality craftsmanship
Friendly and knowledgeable membership
HO scale Australian prototypes
Multiple weekly clubroom sessions

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Community & Camaraderie

Model railways are better shared. Our club fosters friendship, mentoring and collaboration across generations of railway enthusiasts.

Authentic Operations

From double-headed steam on 1 in 33 grades to detailed freight workings, our layouts replicate real NSW railway practice.

Technical Innovation

Smartphone control, DCC systems, JMRI integration and automated signalling ensure operations are both realistic and reliable.

OUR LAYOUTS

Featured Exhibition Layouts

Our club layouts represent significant eras of NSW railway history. Built in HO scale and operated to prototype standards, they have won awards at major exhibitions across Australia.

Blue Mountains

Set between 1950 and 1957, this layout recreates the steep grades west of Sydney, featuring 38, 57 and 58 Class locomotives in authentic double-headed operation.

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Dungog

A detailed North Coast prototype capturing steam and early diesel operations, complete with scratchbuilt rolling stock and automated uncoupling systems.

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Exhibition Program

In addition to running our own exhibition, NSRMA exhibits regularly across NSW and interstate, showcasing award-winning layouts at major model railway exhibitions.

Upcoming Shows

HOW TO JOIN

Become Part of NSRMA

Membership provides access to clubrooms multiple times per week, layout construction sessions, exhibitions and technical mentoring. Whether beginner or experienced modeller, you’ll find support and opportunity to grow your skills.

All Skill Levels Welcome

From novice builders to experienced scratchbuilders.

Operate, Build & Exhibit

Be part of award-winning layouts on display.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS

Where You Can See Us

Upcoming Exhibitions

NSRMA regularly exhibits across NSW and interstate, proudly representing high-standard Australian railway modelling.

View All Upcoming

faqs

Frequently Asked Questions

Helping to answer any questions you have about our club. If you have more, contact us.

We meet several times per week in our Collaroy Plateau clubrooms, with Tuesdays and Thursdays being for work on our layouts and Saturdays are member running days

Not at all. Members range from beginners to highly experienced modellers. There is always something to learn and contribute.

Our primary exhibition layouts are HO scale (1:87), representing Australian railway prototypes. We have plans to develop a OO9 layout as well.