Boy Scouts of America
Railroading Merit
Badge
This page last updated: 9 March 2018
(Please disregard date at bottom of page.)
Two Eagle Scouts and adult model railroaders of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), Pacific Coast Region (PCR) are presenting a Railroading Merit Badge program as part of the Enduring Rails 2018 PCR Convention to be held in Rohnert Park, April 4-8, 2018.
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED
NEXT PRESENTATION AND SIGN-OFF DAY: Fall of 2018.
Check the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society website: NWPRRHS.org for future announcements.
The program will be offered to a maximum of 24 scouts. Given the nature and intensity of activities at the convention, it is recommend that scouts be at least 13 years old or have attained the rank of 2nd Class. Merit badge counselors will be available in February to visit scout meetings for registration. Scouts can enroll (1) at their regularly scheduled meeting, or (2) on Saturday, March 3rd from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical Society (NWPRRHS) Archives, 1364 North McDowell Blvd., Petaluma.
Registrations will be accepted until 24 scouts have signed up but no later than March 3rd. Before gathering at the convention, scouts are expected to have read the merit badge pamphlet, completed a list or prerequisite requirements, and assembled a model railroad car kit. Remaining requirements will be completed at the convention.
On Saturday, April 7th, scouts will participate in convention-sponsored activities that fulfill remaining merit badge requirements at two venues.
- The morning venue is located at the convention center (DoubleTree by Hilton) in Rohnert Park, where: Operation Lifesaver will be discussed; scouts can interview a retired Southern Pacific/Amtrak engineer; view a video on “Why Trains Crash;” and spend some free time at the convention.
- The afternoon venue is located at the Trolley Barn restoration yard in Petaluma. Scouts will engage in activities covering various railroad topics including model railroading. There will be time to participate in model railroad switching problems and to tour projects in the NWPRRHS restoration yard.
At the conclusion of this program, scouts will have completed all of the requirements necessary to earn the Railroading merit badge.
There is a fee of $20.00. The fee covers the costs of a merit badge pamphlet, model railroad car kit, official convention patch, model railroad related magazine, and other items to be included in a take-home bag. Scouts may choose to sell-back their slightly used merit badge pamphlets for $5.00.
Merit badge counselor contact information:
Steve Lewis | Greg Phillips |
(707) 527-0396 | (707) 696-7561 |
sdlewis@cds1.net | cgeagle63@aol.com |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When is
it?
A. Registration until Saturday, March 3, 2017, and April 7, 2018, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Q. Where is
it?
A. DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sonoma Wine Country, One Doubletree Drive, Rohnert Park (MAP) , and Trolley Barn at 110 Baylis Street, Petaluma (MAP).
Q. Who is
presenting it?
A. Registered adult Scouters of the Pacific Coast Region of the
National Model Railroading Association (NMRA).
Q. Is there
any cost to attend?
A. Yes, $20.00 due at registration.
Q. Do I have
to wear my Scout uniform?
A. Yes, it is preferred that Scouts wear their uniform to avoid a
$.50 "fine".
Q.
What are the requirements to earn the Railroading Merit Badge?
A. See either of these worksheets from the merit badge pamphlet:
Word format
PDF format
Q.
What additional study guides are available?
A. These documents will be helpful:
Q. What's in
the "take-home goodie bag"?
A. A model railroad car kit, Operation Lifesaver materials, official convention patch, Amtrak train schedule, and a model railroad-related magazine.
Q. What else
can you tell me?
A. Be prepared to have fun! Model railroading is fun!
Steve Lewis & Greg Phillips, Boy Scout Merit Badge Program Chairmen
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