LDSIG to Gather at the 2026 St. Louis RPM Meet
The Layout Design Special Interest Group (LDSIG) is excited to announce that our 2026 annual member gathering will take place in conjunction with the St. Louis RPM Meet, July 23–25, 2026, with LDSIG activities continuing into Sunday.
The St. Louis RPM has become one of the premier railroad prototype modeler events in the country, attracting modelers from across North America. The event is known for its extensive displays, operating and modeling discussions, clinics, learning opportunities, and thousands of models brought by attendees for sharing and discussion.
This year’s gathering is especially notable because the St. Louis RPM will also coincide with the 2026 Mid-Continent Region NMRA Convention, all hosted in the same facility at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, Illinois.
A Great Opportunity for Layout Designers
The St. Louis RPM is a natural fit for the LDSIG community. The event focuses heavily on learning, sharing ideas, and improving modeling skills through discussion and collaboration. Attendees are encouraged to bring models, projects, and ideas for conversation and feedback in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Throughout the event, LDSIG will host a Learning Station table in the main exhibition hall where attendees can receive one-on-one layout design assistance from experienced LDSIG members.
Participants are encouraged to bring:
- Layout concepts and themes
- Givens & Druthers
- Room plans
- Operating ideas
- Design challenges or layout roadblocks
Whether you are just beginning to plan a layout or refining an existing design, the Learning Station will provide an excellent opportunity to discuss ideas and receive practical guidance.
LDSIG Clinics
LDSIG will present at least four clinics during the event as part of the RPM’s broader program of approximately 30 sessions.
Planned LDSIG presentations currently include:
- “Make Only New Mistakes” — updated with new material
- Yard Design — presented by Travers Stavac
- Timetable & Train Order Operations Made Easy — presented by Doug Harding
- Ergonomics of Layout Design — presented by John Young
These clinics will cover both foundational and advanced layout design concepts with a strong emphasis on realistic operations and practical application.
Layout Tours and Additional Activities
In addition to the standard RPM tours and activities, LDSIG is coordinating:
- Saturday evening LDSIG layout tours
- Sunday midday layout tours following the breakfast gathering
These tours will provide attendees with additional opportunities to visit layouts and exchange ideas with fellow modelers.
Sunday Meet & Greet Breakfast
LDSIG will also host a Sunday morning Meet & Greet Breakfast open to all RPM attendees.
Location: DoubleTree Hotel
Time: Sunday, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Cost: $30 buffet breakfast (pay at the event)
Advance sign-up will be required by July 10, 2026, as seating is limited. Registration information will be posted on the LDSIG website soon. You do not need to stay at the hotel to attend.
Commemorative LDSIG Polo Shirts
LDSIG will again offer commemorative navy-blue polo shirts featuring the LDSIG logo.
- $30 standard sizes
- $33 for 2XL and larger
- Payment collected at the event
- Advance sign-up required by July 10, 2026
Additional information and ordering details will be available shortly.
Volunteer Opportunities
Members interested in helping at the LDSIG Learning Station will also be able to volunteer through a signup form that will be posted on the LDSIG website in the near future.
Join Us in St. Louis
The 2026 St. Louis RPM Meet promises to be an outstanding event for anyone interested in layout design, operations, and prototype modeling. With clinics, consultations, tours, learning opportunities, and social gatherings, LDSIG activities will offer something for both new and experienced model railroaders.
We encourage all LDSIG members—and anyone interested in improving their layout design—to join us in St. Louis for this special event.
For updates and future registration information, visit:
Additional information about the St. Louis RPM Meet is available at: