The Providence Northern is a nonprofit organization consisting of amateurs and hobbyists.  It's mission is to promote the hobby of Model Railroading through education and the establishment and operation of a world-class model railroad in HO (1:87) scale.

Founded in 1994, the Providence Northern began as a hobbyist club in Providence, RI.  Over the next twelve years, the club designed and built the largest HO scale model railroad in southern New England on Hathaway Street in Providence.   Due to rising costs at that location, the PN moved to Warwick in 2006, where the layout was redesigned for the new space, incorporating lessons learned from the first location.

In 2007, the Providence Northern Model Railroad Club became a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation.  The club now acts as an educational center dedicated to model train building and design.  Model Railroading is a multi-faceted hobby incorporating disciplines such as engineering, architecture, woodworking, electronics, and information technology.  The Providence Northern layout has become a learning laboratory for teaching and refining these skills, in addition to being a perfect medium in which to educate, inform, and entertain the public. 

Some of the Providence Northern’s activities include:

• Creating and operating a large permanent exhibition layout that demonstrates the hobby.  The layout is open for free viewing by the public during the weekly open hours.
• Assisting local community groups such as schools and scouting organizations in promoting the hobby
• Maintaining a reference library related to railroads and model railroading
• Maintaining a portable modular layout used at shows to create awareness about the organization and the hobby of model railroading
• Conduction periodic shows and seminars for the public at which members and non-members teach modeling skills, or display the results of applied modeling skills
• Creating a semiannual electronic newsletter that is available for free to members and non-members.

Contacting the Providence Northern

People interested in the Providence Northern Model Railroad Club are encouraged to visit during the public hours, or contact us via this link: Contact the Providence Northern

Supporting the Providence Northern

The Providence Northern is supported primarily by donations and member dues.  You may also support our mission by donating to the Providence Northern using the button below.  As a 501(c)3 organization, your donation may be tax deductible.   Please check with your tax preparer for details.