St Louis RPM – 2026
St Louis RPM – 2026
July 23-25 2026
Look for updates here for upcoming LDSIG plans at the RPM
The Layout Design Special Interest Group (LDSIG) is pleased to announce that our 2026 annual member gathering will be held in conjunction with the St. Louis RPM Meet, taking place July 23–25, 2026, with LDSIG activities continuing into Sunday.
This year’s event is especially notable, as it will also coincide with the Mid-Continent Region NMRA convention, all hosted in the same facility, making this a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of model railroad activities in one location.
Event Overview
The St. Louis RPM Meet begins Thursday evening with layout tours and limited operating
sessions, followed by full programming on Friday and Saturday. LDSIG activities will extend into
Sunday morning and midday.
Please note:
· No advance registration is required for the RPM event; some LDSIG events will require preregistration
· RPM Registration begins on Friday at 9:00 AM
· St Louis RPM’s standard policy is cash payment at the door for registration, no checks.
More information:
· There is no charge for LDSIG activities except for the optional Meet & Greet Breakfast and Polo Shirt.
· LDSIG Event Page: https://ldsig.net/st-louis-rpm-2026/
· St. Louis RPM: https://www.stlrpm.com/schedule
LDSIG Learning Station & Help Sessions
LDSIG will host a Learning Station table in the main exhibition hall throughout the event.
At this location, attendees can:
· Participate in Layout Design Help Sessions
· Receive one-on-one layout design assistance
· Have their layout plans reviewed by experienced LDSIG members
· Participants are encouraged to bring:
· Their layout concept, theme, and vision
· Givens and Druthers
· A room plan
· Goals or ideas for changes and improvements that will help you overcome design
· roadblocks you may be facing. This is an excellent opportunity to get practical, personalized guidance on your layout design.
LDSIG Clinics
LDSIG will present at least four clinics as part of the event’s broader program of approximately
30 sessions:
· “Make Only New Mistakes” – our updated signature clinic 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 reflect the core principles of layout design and operations, offering both foundational knowledge and advanced insights.
Layout Tours
LDSIG is coordinating additional opportunities beyond the standard RPM offerings:
· Saturday Evening Layout Tours (distinct from RPM tours)
· Sunday Midday LDSIG Layout Tours following the morning breakfast gathering
These provide attendees with valuable chances to see a
variety of layouts.
Sunday Meet & Greet Breakfast
· LDSIG will host a Sunday morning Meet & Greet Breakfast open to all RPM registrants’
· Location: DoubleTree Hotel
· Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
· Cost: $30 (buffet, pay at the event, advance sign-up is required by July 10, 2026, as seating is limited.
(Registration details will be available on the LDSIG website shortly) You do not need to stay at the hotel to attend.
To reserve your spot for the Meet & Greet, use the link below (Link will be active soon)
Commemorative Polo Shirts
LDSIG will offer its traditional navy-blue commemorative
polo shirts with plain sleeves and a
Pocket with the LDSIG logo.
· Price: $30 ($33 for 2XL and up)
· Payment will be collected at the event LDSIG
Learning Station desk (cash or check)
· Shirt size and commitment required in
advance. Signing up by July 10, 2026, is required.
· Sign-up details will be available on the LDSIG
webpage shortly.
To reserve your LDSIG polo, use the link below (Link will be active soon)
Volunteer at the LDSIG Help Station
If you are interested in volunteering at the help station, a
form will be available soon on the LDSIG website at the link below.
· LDSIG Event Page: https://ldsig.net/st-louis-rpm-2026/
If you would like to help at the LDSIG learning station, use the registration link below (Link will be active soon)
Join Us in St. Louis
The 2026 St. Louis RPM Meet promises to be an outstanding event, bringing together modelers,
designers, and operators from across the hobby. With clinics, consultations, tours, and social
opportunities, LDSIG’s presence will provide valuable resources for anyone interested in
improving their layout design.
We encourage all members—and anyone interested in layout design—to join us for this special
event.
Here is the link to register for LDSIG events