Around the Bend
The Midwest Region 2024 Convention
May 2, 2024 - May 4, 2024
South Bend, Indiana
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Thank you for your interest in the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA), Midwest Region (MWR) 2024 Convention hosted by the Michiana Division and sponsored by Visit South Bend Mishawaka. We sincerely welcome you to the convention. We have a great event planned for both veterans and beginners in the hobby of model railroading as well as those interested in non-railroad events.
“The purpose of the Midwest Region is to promote, stimulate, foster, and encourage by all manner and means the art and craft of model railroading and the preservation of the hobby's history, science, and technology.” The Region accomplishes this through its 10 Divisions, publishing the Waybill (a quarterly newsletter), holding Conventions and by promoting the NMRA Achievement Program. Around the Bend is our 2023 convention organized to acquaint you with all aspects of the hobby.
This year, the Steel Mill Special Interest Group will participate in the Midwest Region Convention featuring Steel Mill clinics and vendors. “The mission of the SMMSIG is to share information concerning modeling steel mills and railroads as well as to foster camaraderie among persons with interests in these topics.” If you have an interest in the fascinating steel industry and enjoy modeling -- come to this convention and learn more about modeling the steel industry as well as all facets of the hobby of Model Railroading.
Watch an 11 minute video on all we have to offer during the Convention: https://youtu.be/12WidKu2evU
Download a PDF copy of the Convention flier: https://www.mwr-nmra.org/atb/atbimages/atbflyer.med.vsb.pdf - (9.5Mb)
Download a Jpeg picture of the Convention flier: https://www.mwr-nmra.org/atb/atbimages/atblargeflyer.vsb.jpg - (200 kb)
Media Outlets: Download a copy of latest Press Release: https://www.mwr-nmra.org/atb/atbdata/atbpressrelease.pdf - (200 kb)
Please visit: https://www.visitsouthbend.com/ for more information about the South Bend area.
The event will be held at The Century Center, 120 Doctor M.L.K. Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601. Please see the listing of area hotels. We have not reserved space in any hotel but will notify attendees if this changes. Parking in the Century Center lot is $5 per day. There is plenty of free parking on Saturday and Sunday, but not Thursday and Friday.
Century Center website: https://centurycenter.org/
Travel directions and Unloading/Loading instructions: https://www.mwr-nmra.org/atb/atbimages/centerdirections.pdf
Click Here to download a map of the Century Center Lower Level with all the event rooms marked for your use.
Summary:
Click Here to download a PDF calendar style version of the complete schedule - which is subject to change.
Click Here to download a complete PDF listing of clinicians and clinic descriptions.
Click Here to download a map of the Century Center Lower Level with all the event rooms marked for your use.
There are 32 clinics to choose from - including 3 focused on Modeling Steel Industry Facilities.
Click Here to download a complete PDF listing of clinicians and clinic descriptions.
The event will also feature steel mill modelers equipment and model railroad vendors:
There will be several operating layouts on display at the Convention Center in the Layout Room. Come and see:
Below is a list and web page links to descriptions and photos of all the individual layouts open for tours and operating sessions:
Click Here to download descriptions and photos of all the layouts. (Multi-Page PDF.)
Want to attend an Ops Session? You must sign-up to receive an invitation to an Operating Session.
Click Here to sign up for an Operating Session.
Download a description of the three Prototype Tours by Clicking Here.
You must sign-up to obtain a ticket for a Prototype Tour. Click Here to reserve a seat for a Prototype Tour.
This year the Display and Workshop Room will have a new look and feel. It's a space where:
Interested in seeing models displayed at past conventions? Just click Here
The Around the Bend committee is proud to have worked with Accurail to produce an HO scale Convention Car.
In 1923 the ACF built car number 2024 for the NJ I & I at their St. Louis Plant. It's a “door and a half” 50 foot automobile boxcar originally used to haul Studebakers built in South Bend. This car richly celebrates railroading in the South Bend area with a car number and convention date on a correct prototype. The car was later rebuilt and and additionally lettered for the Wabash Railroad in 1950.
We partnered with Accurail to offer a close to prototype model car. Accurail didn't offer a door and a half version so we purchased Standard Car Company wooden half door add-on kits, included with every car. The add-on comes with instructions for the small alterations needed for a good fit of the door. We consulted with the Wabash Railroad Historical Society and unfortunately was unable to find a photo of car 2024 but they were able to provide us some historical context of the car as well as photos of other cars from the series. We settled on the lettering style of car 2088. A photos of the close prototype and the model are shown below.
Included in each convention labeled box is the Accurail kit, the door add-on, and historical information for the car.
We are offering 54 of these custom lettered and numbered cars, available at the convention for $40. You can reserve your car by clicking the button below and completing the subsequent form. Once reserved, you may pick up and pay for your car at the convention registration desk.
As the saying goes, there's a little something for everyone “Around the Bend”
That's not simply a cliché — it's the truth. From can't-miss exhibits and heart-stopping outdoor adventures in South Bend to serene walks along the St. Joseph River in Mishawaka, there are endless options when it comes to planning your itinerary. The South Bend area offers the NMRA Midwest Region Convention and more!
South Bend has Arts, Entertainment & Culture, Shopping, Outdoors & Recreation, Nightlife, Attractions, and the University of Notre Dame (Art Museum, Tours, lodging at the Morris Inn, the Basilica, the Grotto, and walking beside calm lakes). Come to the Convention early and have fun in the South Bend area!
Here are a number local attractions recommended by the convention committee that might be of interest to you.
We have a great event planned for you and registration is now open.
Admission prices for the convention are as follows:
Early Bird prices prior to April 1st.
Prices effective April 1st and after:
Convention registration will be a little different from past events. Advance registration tickets are available by Email Only. Those without email or not wishing to use our secure on-line registration process may purchase full fare tickets at the door.
Click on the red Register Now button below you will be transferred to our Secure Ticket Vendor's website. Have your NMRA number and credit card information handy and expect the following registration process:
Questions – contact Greg Bueltmann, (312) 730-4109 or Greg@uncleheavy.com
Hotels are listed in proximity to the Century Center.
Downtown Hotels
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel South Bend 123 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601-1624
0.1 miles from Century Center Convention Center.
The double Tree by Hilton has extended us a discounted rate of $129 per night plus taxes and optional over-nite parking for Thursday, Friday and/or Saturday nights. Booking at this rate must be completed by April 1 prior to the convention. Other terms apply so please review them carefully by: clicking here to download a PDF document of the terms. You must CLICK HERE to reserve one of the 25 rooms at the special NMRA rate.
Courtyard South Bend Downtown 121 S Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, South Bend, IN 46601-1901
is across the street from Century Center Convention Center.
The Courtyard South Bend Downtown has extended us a discounted rate of $119 per night plus taxes and free valet over-nite parking. Booking at this rate has been extended to April 22. Other terms apply so please review them carefully. You must CLICK HERE to reserve one of the 20 rooms at the special NMRA rate.
NMRA CONVENTION REGISTRATION DESK REQUEST (at Century Center Convention registration desk, not the hotel.) Please let us know how many room nights you have booked and at what hotel. This information supports the Marketing Grant reporting requirement we have for the Visit South Bend Mishawaka organization. They are paying for the event marketing and need these statistics. Example: DoubleTree 3 nights or XYZ Hotel 2 nights, etc.
Aloft South Bend 111 North Main Street, South Bend, IN 46601 0.2 miles from Century Center Convention Center
Residence Inn South Bend 716 N Niles Ave, South Bend, IN 46617-1924 0.7 miles from Century Center Convention Center
Notre Dame Area
Embassy Suites by Hilton South Bend at Notre Dame 1140 E. Angela Blvd, South Bend, IN 46617 1.3 miles from Century Center Convention Center
Ivy Court Inn & Suites 1404 Ivy Ct, South Bend, IN 46637-5684 1.8 miles from Century Center Convention Center
North of Notre Dame Area
Hilton Garden Inn South Bend 53995 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN 46637-3345 2.3 miles from Century Center Convention Center
The Inn at Saint Mary's 53993 Indiana State Route 933, South Bend, IN 46637-3345 2.3 miles from Century Center Convention Center
Quality Inn South Bend 215 S Dixie Way, South Bend, IN 46637-3319 2.6 miles from Century Center Convention Center
Baymont by Wyndham South Bend 215 S Dixie Way, South Bend, IN 46637-3319 2.6 miles from Century Center Convention Center