RPM has for the previous 18 years been a part of the NMRA National Convention. With no formal structure each year has been a little different. Over the years various people have stepped forward to organize and run the “RPM Room”. However this year with the convention in Seattle, none of the usual folks were going. It looked like there would be no RPM this year. However Chris Palomarez decided on his own to at least have a one-night gathering of RPM combined with Free-Mo. He arranged for a room at the Marriott Hotel and put out notices, only to find out that the Convention Committee had set aside space for RPM, so Chris relocated his gathering to the Doubletree for Saturday night at 5:00PM. When I arrived at the convention on Tuesday several folks were asking “where is RPM?” With those responses, on Wednesday Rene Gourley got the key and opened the room. Without much publicity not many folks brought models, but there were some, with the promise of more on Saturday. I have photos of some of the models from during the week in the first part of the gallery.

Many of the folks from the Train Show were committed until it closed at 6:00, by 7:00 the room was full as you can see. I counted over 50 folks at the height of action. Tim Costello got the lounge cocktail waitress to come up and serve beverages. Harry Wong took a collection and ordered a second round of Pizza as the 5 o’clockers had finished off the first batch.

Next year in Cincinnati will mark the 20th anniversary of RPM. Andy Harman is leading that meet, so make your plans.

I present the models of RPM 2004. With thanks to all who came and participated, and most of all Rene Gourley, Chris Palomarez and Harry Wong without whose efforts this would not have been possible.
Dave Hussey

All photos are copyright by the photographer – David Hussey, and may not be used without written or verbal permission. Feel free to pass along the link.