Welcome to the Great Northern Railway Historical Society!
The GNRHS is dedicated to the preservation, study, and history of one of America's greatest railroads, the Great Northern Railway.
To Society Members, we offer carefully-researched Reference Sheets, a quarterly GN Goat publication, an annual calendar, discounts on model kits, books, CDs and other items, and an annual convention to discover all that is the Great Northern Railway.
Our extensive GN archives are available for study of the Great Northern Railway.
Each quarter GNRHS members receive the 'Goat' package. It includes the GN Goat Magazine, a varying number of Reference Sheets and the Modelers' Pages. Next year's calendar is included in the September package.
For researchers the GNRHS Archives have historic documents and photos available on a wide range of subjects covering the Great Northern.
A large part of the information is accesible via the joint GN-NP Archives website, but researchers can also visit the Archives or ask our Archives staff to search for materials.
Many GN fans are also modelers of the Great Northern Railway. A great modeling resource are our Modelers' Pages, with the Goat and our Archives offering a great information source for researching modeling projects.
Included in the quarterly Goat package is the Modelers' Pages. Geared towards the Great Northern modeler it contains modeling articles, tips, new GN product announcements and a questions and answers section.
GNRHS Members enjoy many benefits like our quarterly Goat publication, our yearly convention, research materials, GN modeling information and discounts in the GNRHS Store.
This year's Essex Convention has been replaced by an online gathering November 7-8, 2026. Stay tuned for further details.
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Welcome to the Great Northern Railway Historical Society
The GNRHS is dedicated to the preservation, study, and history of one of America's greatest railroads, the Great Northern Railway.
To Society Members, we offer carefully-researched Reference Sheets, a quarterly GN Goat publication, an annual calendar, discounts on model kits, books, CD's and other items, and an annual convention to discover all things Great Northern. Learn more.
For researchers the GNRHS Archives hold historic photos and documents on a wide range of Great Northern subjects.
For a quick overview of all GNRHS has to offer, explore the menu above.
Now available are the GN 35000 series cars by Moloco in HO scale. These are models of 50’ 6” inside length St. Cloud built steel double sliding door box cars with a 15-foot clear opening. During 1956 Great Northern’s St. Cloud shops began a multiple year project to build these 50-ton capacity cars, with wide side doors.
The model has the signature diagonal reinforcing panels on each side of the doors. The body is an accurate match for 50 cars 35000 to 35049 built in 1956 equipped with permanent auto stowage devices tor automobile transport service, and 350 cars 35050 to 35399 also built in 1956, used to haul lumber, plywood, wood pulp, and paper.
We even have a small number of the special “750,000th Car Over Hump” at Gavin Yard car from 1958.
Click here to view and purchase these fine models.
As previously announced, the originally planned Essex, MT convention site closed due to bankruptcy of its parent company, and a feasible alternative could not be found on short notice (convention venues are typically arranged 2 years or more in advance).
In its place, we’ll be hosting an online convention utilizing Zoom technology, scheduled for November 7-8, 2026. Both days will begin at 12:30pm Pacific time and extend to approximately 7pm Pacific, with breaks and an afternoon recess. Presenters are being finalized and we already have an interesting array of topics; further details to be provided as November approaches.
As you may be aware, the host site for the 2026 GNRHS Convention filed for bankruptcy in mid-February. The facility will close in early March.
Given all the work and effort that has been put into place, it is certainly disappointing. We know that the site is incredibly special to fans of the Great Northern Railway. Clearly this is unfortunate for both the members of the GNRHS as well as for the host site.
The instant that the GNRHS Board became aware of the situation, alternative plans were explored. The Glacier National Park area has hosted previous GNRHS conventions, including East Glacier (1984, 2010), Whitefish (1990), and Kalispell (2006). However a feasible alternative could not be found under the circumstances.
Therefore, GNRHS will hold an online “Zoom” convention this fall, similar to our 2021 convention. Details and dates will be shared as planning progresses.
Posted on July 3, 2026, by