Tacoma, WA. – Puget Sound Express – 2027

Tacoma WA. – Puget Sound Express LDSIG Convention

Information is still be added to this page.

Welcome to Tacoma, WA. – Puget Sound Express 2027 NMRA National Convention. The Layout Design Special Interest Group, Inc. (LDSIG) is an association that is focused on bringing attention to designing model railroad layouts and their elements. We are a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organizations that exist to:

  • Act as a forum for members’ exchange of information and ideas.
  • Develop improved methods for hobbyists to learn the art and science of layout design.
  • Provide leadership for planning, developing, coordinating, and expanding the knowledge base for designing and building model railroads that satisfy the goals of their owners.
  • Promote, develop, support, and encourage participation by the public in model railroading and design of model railroad layouts.

Its prime purpose is to aid efforts in designing and creating layouts that achieve the owner’s layout goals within the owner’s constraints. We try to avoid common design flaws while including renditions of prototype practices and the owner’s goals.

LDSIG membership benefits include opportunities to meet fellow designers and operators at regional and national events, forums for the exchange of ideas among members and the public, and four issues of our periodic publication, the Layout Design Journal. It also offers the prospect of interacting with others willing to assist you with your designs, and participation in several Internet discussion groups.

Our slogan, “Make Only New Mistakes” means don’t repeat the old ones — they’ve already been made quite a few times. We look forward to seeing you at the SIG Room in Novi..

LDSIG Convention Information – Coming Soon

We’re looking forward to next year’s convention and the opportunity to gather once again with our members and fellow layout design enthusiasts.

At this time, specific details regarding the LDSIG SIG Room location, activities, layout tours, dinner plans, design consultation services, displays, and daily schedules have not yet been finalized.

As we get closer to the convention, we will share complete information about:

  • SIG Room location and hours
  • Layout Tours
  • SIG Dinner details
  • Design Consultation Service signups
  • Member layout displays
  • Layout Design Journal back issue availability
  • Leadership meet-and-greet opportunities
  • Special events and daily schedules

Our SIG Room traditionally serves as the headquarters for LDSIG activities during convention week—a place to connect with fellow members, exchange ideas, view layout displays, participate in consultations, and enjoy the camaraderie that makes our SIG community special. We fully intend to provide another engaging and informative presence at next year’s convention.

Please check back regularly as plans are confirmed. We will post updates as soon as information becomes available.

We appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing more details soon!

LDSIG Meet ‘N Greet – Details Coming Soon

We’re excited about hosting our traditional LDSIG Meet ‘N Greet at next year’s convention. This event is always a wonderful way to begin the week—connecting with fellow attendees who share a passion for layout design.

At this time, specific details regarding the Meet ‘N Greet schedule, location, and program format have not yet been finalized.

As plans are confirmed, we will provide full information including:

  • Date, time, and location
  • Event format and presentation details
  • Opportunities for member introductions and layout updates
  • Tour announcements and convention updates
  • Special distribution information (if applicable)

The Meet ‘N Greet has traditionally offered a relaxed setting to exchange ideas, meet new friends, reconnect with familiar faces, and hear informal updates from fellow layout designers. We look forward to continuing this tradition and will share complete information as soon as arrangements are finalized.

Please check back for updates as we get closer to the convention.

We appreciate your patience and look forward to kicking off another great convention week together!

Layout Tours – Information Coming Soon

Plans for next year’s convention are still being developed, and details regarding layout tour formats and daily opportunities have not yet been finalized.

As we get closer to the convention, we will share complete information about:

  • The structure and format of layout tours
  • Whether tours will be self-guided, organized, or a combination
  • The number and general locations of participating layouts
  • Special opportunities tailored for LDSIG members
  • Any curated recommendations or featured layouts

We understand that layout tours are a highlight of convention week—offering the opportunity to see a wide variety of modeling approaches, design philosophies, and construction techniques. LDSIG is committed to helping our members get the most value possible from these experiences.

If special daily recommendations, curated lists, or member-focused guidance will be provided, those details will be announced once confirmed.

Please check back as plans continue to take shape. We look forward to sharing more information soon and helping you make the most of next year’s convention.

Clinics & Educational Programs – Details Coming Soon

Convention clinic programming is currently being developed, and specific information regarding layout design and operations presentations has not yet been finalized.

As we get closer to the convention, we will share complete details including:

  • Clinic topics and descriptions
  • Presentation times and room assignments
  • Featured presenters and panel sessions
  • Any joint coordination with other SIGs
  • Full schedule and timetable information

The convention traditionally offers a wide range of clinics covering layout design, construction, and operations—presented by knowledgeable and experienced modelers. We anticipate another strong educational lineup and will provide full information once the program is confirmed.

LDSIG-Sponsored Programs

At this time, LDSIG-specific clinic offerings and special sessions have not yet been finalized. Information about any:

  • Moderated panel discussions
  • Special design-focused presentations
  • Interactive Q&A sessions
  • Multi-hour workshops or in-depth seminars

will be posted as soon as details are confirmed.

Layout Design Educational Sessions

In past conventions, extended clinics such as in-depth layout design workshops or “bootcamp”-style sessions have been offered. If similar programs are scheduled for next year’s convention, including session descriptions, learning objectives, and room assignments, those details will be announced once finalized.

Topics may include layout planning principles, vision and concept development, yard and staging design, user experience, prototype research, and common design pitfalls—but no final program content has been confirmed at this time.

Please check back regularly for updates as clinic programming is completed. We look forward to sharing a comprehensive and engaging educational schedule with you soon.

Design Consultation Service – Information Coming Soon

Plans for next year’s convention are still being finalized, and details regarding the LDSIG Design Consultation Service have not yet been confirmed.

As we get closer to the convention, we will share complete information about:

  • Whether consultation sessions will be offered
  • Dates and times of availability
  • How to sign up
  • Location details
  • What materials to bring for review

The LDSIG has traditionally provided a free layout design consultation service for convention attendees—offering one-on-one opportunities to discuss layout concepts, room plans, track arrangements, and design challenges with experienced members. If this service will be available at next year’s convention, full details will be posted once arrangements are finalized.

Please check back for updates as convention planning progresses.

We look forward to sharing more information soon and helping members make the most of their layout design journey.

The annual SIG Dinner has historically provided a relaxed opportunity to connect with fellow SIG members, reflect on convention experiences, and share ideas in a social setting.

Information regarding:

  • Date and time
  • Venue
  • Speaker
  • Cost
  • Seating limits
  • Ticket purchase procedures

is still being finalized.

Complete details will be posted once confirmed.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact us at membership@ldsig.org.