About OMRA

Ozarks Model Railroad Association

We started in the early 1970's as a group of enthusiasts who chased trains (real ones) and operated home layouts. Our first Springfield meet was held at Howard Johnson's in 1979 and we adopted our name (OMRA) the following year.

 The club has built several layouts. The first was built in a member's garage, but was dismantled when we had to move from that location. The second, a large portable layout was constructed  at the South Oakes Mall to show a large section of downtown Springfield during the 1950's. It appeared at many model railroad meets over several years. In 1990 a third layout was constructed at the North Town Mall where we stayed for several years.

In October 1995, after fifteen years of fund raising, we were able to purchase our present location at 424 W. Commercial. After moving in, a 50' X 15' HO layout was constructed using various modules the club had built over the years. A smaller portable layout was constructed later and is now used for shows and special events. In 2002 OMRA began building a new layout approximately 17 X 75 based on the FRISCO Monett to Ft. Smith  route.