The 2025 RPM Naperville prototype modeler event covered a few whirlwind days in northern Illinois. Modelers arrived from near and far to attend this annual gathering.
Several presentations kicked things off on Thursday evening as the Mod-U-Trak HO and Mod-U-Trak N groups assembled the many sections of their fine layouts. The model display tables filled quickly on Friday as most of the attendees arrived.
Attendance was just over 300 people for our 2025 event. The 74 presentations were well attended. I noticed standing room only for a couple of them. The vendor room was buzzing during the breaks between presentations.
The models were outstanding with about 500 displayed across several scales. This doesn’t include all the fine work on the two Mod-U-Trak layouts. A couple of RPM Naperville photo galleries have been posted. Dick Harley has shared his photos from the event. Eric Hansmann has uploaded many photos he snapped during the meet.
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate RPM events for the people. Spending some time with good friends, chatting with modelers, and meeting new modelers are experiences we can’t quite achieve with a phone call, an email, or a Zoom gathering. I owe a great deal to modelers I’ve met at RPM meets as they have taken the time to explain ideas and share prototype details.
We have dates for 2026! The Northern Illinois University Conference Center in Naperville has been reserved for the next event. Save the October 8 – 10, 2026 dates on your calendar for our next RPM! Thanks to all of the 2025 RPM Naperville attendees for making the event a success!
RPM Naperville Team
Frank Hodina, Mike Skibbe, Steve Hile, Tom Madden, Jerry Hamsmith, Eric Hansmann
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