The annual NMRA Pacific Northwest Region (PNR) Regional Convention, Ainsworth Connector, was held May 9 – 11, 2025 in Pasco, Washington. Hosted by the PNR 5th Division (5D), the Convention offered self-guided layout tours, HO and N -scale Free-Mo layouts, operating sessions, many clinics, Modeling With The Masters class, Achievement Program (AP) evaluations, Celebration/Contest room, and more! NMRA President, Gordy Robinson, MMR, was also there and gave an update on all changes happening at the NMRA HQ national level!
A special highlight was the PF&S Railway Supply Manufacturing Tour. This manufacturing company, based in Pasco, produces the excellent Tomar Industries signals (I have some on my layout) and drumheads, Precision Scale brass and plastic detailed parts, and Utah Pacific model railroad parts. They gave us a detailed tour of all their manufacturing steps and warehouse. They also have a HUGE train store, selling not only their own products, but many, many other products. This is the biggest train store I have ever seen, and they have both new and old products. It felt like a time travel back 30 years as they have tons of *brand new* products from the last 30 years. Below are some pictures from the tour. If you want to visit them, they are located out on a farm here; their Facebook page is here. They are super friendly, so give them a call on (509) 528 2233 if you have any questions or check when they are open.
The op sessions were hosted by Tri-City Model Railroaders club, Facebook page here. It was excellent and I had a lot of fun switching through the layers of the layout (look at those helices!). Interestingly they are starting to deploy LCC for signals and block detection. They have weekly open houses, and also host many op sessions for their members. If you are in town, contact them and see if you can join – they are super friendly. They also have a small store in their space with some excellent deals from donations they have received.
Next year’s NMRA PNR Convention will be hosted by 2D in Tigard, Oregon (“not Portland”). It is called Oregon Rails 2026. The 2027 NMRA PNR Convention will be merged into the 2027 NMRA National Convention in Tacoma, Washington, and hosted by PNR and 4D together. More info on the 2027 NMRA National Convention in Tacoma, WA, will be presented at the 4D Spring Meet May 31, so make sure to join that if you are interested. You can always check updates online at the 4D website and PNR website.
Larry Sloan produced a video report of the convention you can see here:
Below are some pictures from the P F & S Railway Supply visit:
Yes, this was a great gathering in Pasco. The train store (on a farm) was quite a find – including a British OO locomotive that I bought, plus many friendly cats & dogs!
– Robin