There is a Lego Train Club in my area (NILTC) and I've thought about checking them out but...

I'm just not sure that I'd be a good fit for a club and from the outside it seems like they're all looking for people who want to build a lot of stuff for a massive club layout.

You guys have seen what I'm working on, I couldn't put a group display before my layout but it would be nice to have some locals to bounce ideas off and just share the overall experience with.

I don't have a problem going to events and helping with the grunt work but to be honest most of my building efforts are always going to be directed towards my massive layout.

I'm hoping to be able to transport and display my layout at some point (current goal is one AFOL Convention by the end of 2013).

I just don't know if it would be worth the time & effort for either myself or the local Club for us to check each other out an consider an on going relationship so to speak.

I would like to hear about other LEGO Train Enthusiasts experiences with LEGO Train Clubs.

Different LUGs work different ways...NILTC being one of the very unique in that we are a LUG, yet also a TC (Train Club). If you've been to a show of ours, none of the layouts reflect or correspond with the one next to it. We give members the opportunity to do their own thing.

Drop me a pm and we can discuss it more.

I'm in the same situation, just I'm actually in the Lug (SLUG). My layout has won top in show for 3 years running and I'm just not sure about doing a show with my lug. Partly because it's MY layout tailored to my needs and wants over the past decade or so. I feel more satisfaction when people comment about how impressive my setup is for only 1 person. But that's me. I'll try it once and if I don't like it then I'll just let them know I would prefer a solo layout while still being interested in the group setting of exchanging ideas and projects.

It's up to you! I'd say chek it out at least. Then you can say you prefer it or not with a valid opinion :)

There is a Lego Train Club in my area (NILTC) and I've thought about checking them out but...

I'm just not sure that I'd be a good fit for a club and from the outside it seems like they're all looking for people who want to build a lot of stuff for a massive club layout.

You guys have seen what I'm working on, I couldn't put a group display before my layout but it would be nice to have some locals to bounce ideas off and just share the overall experience with.

I don't have a problem going to events and helping with the grunt work but to be honest most of my building efforts are always going to be directed towards my massive layout.

I'm hoping to be able to transport and display my layout at some point (current goal is one AFOL Convention by the end of 2013).

I just don't know if it would be worth the time & effort for either myself or the local Club for us to check each other out an consider an on going relationship so to speak.

I would like to hear about other LEGO Train Enthusiasts experiences with LEGO Train Clubs.

Doing you own thing, building and running your own layout your way is certainly a noble endeavor. But just because you want an empire of your own I wouldn't count out the club experience. Speaking for my own club PennLUG while we are not a train specific club, train layouts do form a big part of what we do. And member participation in our layouts comes in all shapes and sizes. We have some members who contribute significant chucks to our layouts, some who may only bring a MOC or two and some who don't contribute any MOCs at all but help set up and run things at shows. All of these members no matter how great or small are valued and at the end of the day every one has a great time. There is no replacement for the fun to be had hanging out with like minded individuals and no better motivator, inspiration, or learning experience.

Most clubs I've found are pretty welcoming of fellow fans. I've had the pleasure of participating with many clubs over the years and have always felt welcome, even if all I had to contribute was a train or two on their layout for the weekend. I encourage you to check out NILTC. I've met many of their members over the years and they're all great people. You can still run your own empire and have fun at the club level too.

Cale

NILTC being one of the very unique in that we are a LUG, yet also a TC (Train Club). If you've been to a show of ours, none of the layouts reflect or correspond with the one next to it. We give members the opportunity to do their own thing.

This is so true! I'm also a NILTC member and I can tell you that you can pretty much display whatever theme you want... *cough* Modulex *cough*

You probably have already talked to Stash2Sixx, but if you want more info you can shoot me a PM too.