GRVS stands for Great River Valley System and was a name chosen back in 1992. The name represents and area encompassing the region around the Mississippi River valley – from Northern Minnesota, down to the Gulf of Mexico. That way members could model any railroad scene or road name and still be covered under the GRVS umbrella.

When GRVS started, back in 1992, club members wanted to participate in many of the local model railroad shows and display a layout to the public. A modular standard was needed and N-Trak was the most dominant (and still is today). GRVS went with this proven design that is easy to use and easy to build. It also helps that the guys that started GRVS had a handful of N-Trak modules to begin with.

Does GRVS support any other modular standards?

Yes - T-Trak

Mostly.

A few years ago, GRVS did a joint layout with a Bend-Trak group that worked out very well. The Bend-Trak club provided the necessary interface module to join our N-Trak layout with their Bend-Trak layout. This was fun and GRVS would be open to doing it again.

Recently, GRVS has been encouraging the T-Trak standard.  This is mainly for the younger members in GRVS.  T-Trak modules are easier to handle and less intimidating to younger people.

Does GRVS use DCC on its layout?

The topic of DCC has been discussed quite frequently by our membership.  Most are fairly open to it's use on our layout and find it's unique abilities to be very fun.  But, non-DCC equipped locomotives still far out number DCC-equipped one by a very large percentage.  Thus, GRVS has to make sure everyone can enjoy the layout.

Sometimes DCC is used on our layouts.  But, it is done only on very special occasions.  The layout, venue and member participation have to be coordinated to allow DCC to be used on our layout.  And then, typically GRVS only does DCC on one line (typically the Red line - as it has the most passing sidings).  The other lines (Yellow and Blue) are sill run as analog control.

Items, such as corner modules and other necessary "common" equipment for shows, are owned and maintained by individual members.

Does GRVS have officers?

GRVS does not have officers.

Does GRVS have dues?

GRVS does not have dues.  Since GRVS does not own anything, there has been no need for dues.

GRVS has been a fairly open club.  There is really only a couple of requirement that are needed to become a member:

-  Potential new members have to participate in club functions.  This is not that hard to do - as most of what GRVS does is fun to begin with.

-  New members will also be encouraged to have/build a module.  The module will need to comply with the basic N-Trak or T-Trak standards.  A member will also need to provide their own support equipment for their module(s). Click here for a copy of the Support Equipment Check List.

Does GRVS have any rules or By-Laws?

GRVS does not have any bylaws (this would imply that GRVS has officers, for which it does not). However, GRVS is a club that is seen by the public on a regular basis. So, certain common sense rules apply. Like: No foul language, Proper Dress attire,  No chemical substances, Being courteous, Etc…

How does GRVS handle kids?

GRVS wants to promote the hobby to children.  GRVS recently started promoting the T-Trak standard to encourage more young adult participation.

Children of members are encouraged.  However, kids in or around an N-Trak layout should have adult supervision.   Children can become very mischievous and disruptive to layout operations - especially if required to endure a whole day (or even a whole weekend) at the layout.  The rest of the membership will not tolerate disruptive behavior and may ask the member to take their child home.