Here we are in the Dog Days of summer. It’s the perfect time to plan your October 16-18 prototype modeling getaway to RPM Naperville!
Registration
Early registration has been rolling along. Registration is $60.00 for those who print out the PDF and mail it in. Registration is $65 if you use the PayPal function on our website. Visit the Registration page to print out the PDF or register via PayPal. Registration for spouses is $30. Early registration ends on Friday October 3, 2025. Registration at the door for the full event will be $70.00. Friday or Saturday-only registration will be $40.00, at the door only.
The first 100 registrants will receive a free mini-kit gift provided by RPM Naperville host, Resin Car Works. A few of these kits remain available for early registrants. The mini-kit includes HO scale resin parts and decals to upgrade an MDC/Roundhouse kit to follow a St Louis-San Franscico double-door, 50-foot, single-sheathed automobile box car.
Resin Car Works is planning to debut a couple of new models at RPM Naperville. A sneak preview of one of those kits is featured on the Resin Car Works blog.
Clinics
The 2025 RPM Naperville has thirty-seven presenters lined up. Current details are posted on the Presenters page..
Jim Singer is now on the list with his presentation on CB&Q Passenger Car Department Interactions with other Railroads. Jason Klocke will be sharing his techniques on Scenery – Planning and Execution.
All of the presentations will be repeated. We have four clinic rooms on Thursday evening, and six rooms on Friday and Saturday for learning and discussion. Steve Hile could use a couple of extra presenters in case we have cancellations. Contact him directly if you can help out (shile@mindspring.com) . A tentative presentation schedule will be posted in late September.
Event details
Eight evening presentations will launch the RPM on Thursday, October 16 with eight evening presentations. Action hits run-eight for Friday and Saturday. October 17 and 18. We return to the beautiful Northern Illinois University Conference Center on the NIU campus in suburban Naperville, Illinois (1120 E. Diehl Road, Suite 150, Naperville, IL 60563).
Registration check-in will open at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, October 16 with presentations starting at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Events run from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Model Display
Models are our inspiration! Bring your models for display and discussion. We have two large rooms available for your models. All scales, eras, gauges and sizes are welcome. There are no contests. Bring your best and latest work to explain, teach and inspire your fellow modelers. There is no additional fee for displaying models.
Layouts
A couple layouts will be on-site for RPM Naperville. The Modutrak groups’ large, highly prototypical HO and N scale layouts will be operating. We hope to post details for a couple of home layout tours.
Vendors
Several vendors are attending. Details will be posted on the Vendors page as commitments are confirmed. We are expecting full vendor rooms. Some new models are scheduled for release at the event. If you’re interested in joining us as a vendor, contact Frank Hodina at fhodina@gmail.com for table info and vendor registration.
Hotels
Several hotel options are nearby and within walking distance. The Naperville Embassy Suites, Naperville Fairfield Inn, Hilton Garden Inn, Courtyard Chicago Naperville, and Holiday Inn Express Naperville are located across Diehl Road from the NIU center. Here’s a Google Maps link to the area.
We will see you in Naperville!
Signed,
RPM Conference Team
Frank Hodina
Mike Skibbe
Steve Hile
Jerry Hamsmith
Tom Madden
Eric Hansmann
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