North American Prototype Modelers (NAPM) is a Milwaukee, Wis., club whose members share as a goal the creation, maintenance, and enjoyment of one of the nation's finest HO scale model railroads. The club was founded in 1977. In 1985, NAPM found what has proved to be the ideal permanent home in the basement of a commercial building. The club's quarters are in excess of 5,000 square feet and are divided between its 60' × 45' layout, meeting room, work, and storage spaces, all accessible to members around the clock, 365 days a year. The club's meeting room, where business meetings, clinics, and video presentations are held, is a faithful replica of a turn-of-the-century small-town depot. The dispatcher's office is in a replica of a mainline interlocking tower, enjoying a vantage point above the layout's main classification yard. Our supply room is patterned after a typical railroad freight house. All these features were constructed by club members.

The HO railroad includes more than 26 scale miles of track and is operated with Digital Command Control. The club holds regular operating sessions as well as less-structured running sessions and photo shoots. Participation in the club is high - roughly 50 percent of the 80 currently active members attend more than one session or event per month. A not-for-profit Wisconsin corporation, NAPM's income is derived mainly from dues, with smaller amounts from sources such as donations and initiation fees.

For more information visit the club's web site at www.napmltd.org/.