Youth clinics to inspire children between ages 5 and 15 to become interested in model railroading and more specifically garden railroading began at the 36th National Garden Railway Convention held in Nashville, TN in 2021. It was a modest beginning with ten children participating in the flat car clinic and nine in the building diorama clinic.

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Clinics have been conducted at each of the National Garden Railway Conventions since 2021. In 2024, because of continued growth and interest in these clinics, the youth program was officially named "Making Trains Fun".

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Continuing the tradition, "Making Trains Fun" flat car load and building diorama clinics for children between ages 5 and 15 will be conducted at the 2027 National Garden Railway Convention. Upon completing their projects, the youth can enter their finished car and/or building in the Youth Division model contest. There is no charge to participate in a clinic, but seating is limited so pre-registration is required. The cars and buildings are for the youth to take home with them after the winners are announced. All the flat cars are donated by Mr. Charles, Ro, Jr. at USA Trains and items for the flat car loads and for the building dioramas are donated by people throughout the country that want to encourage children to become involved in the hobby. A parent or grandparent is required to be with the participants during the time they are working on their projects.

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To pre-register for the flat car clinic, please click here and complete the form.

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Register to participate in the building diorama clinic by clicking this link.