The Big E is coming up very soon. January 26 & 27. Please don't snow.
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Cant wait Love the Big E
I'll be there --went the first time last year very impressive
eddie g posted:The Big E is coming up very soon. January 26 & 27. Please don't snow.
What’s this Eddie, are you going weather permitting?
I'm planning on making the trek from Washington DC for this show, first time. The "cover story" is that I'm visiting my sister in Boston! LOL!
Maybe this will be the start of another countdown. T minus 28 days to go to the Big E and counting. LOL
eddie g posted:The Big E is coming up very soon. January 26 & 27. Please don't snow.
Snow in New England??
Not any more!
Got to go to Arizona for that!
15 minutes from my house. We'll be there no matter what the weather.
I'll be attending my first Big E show this January. I'm really looking forward to it and since I have a 4 hour drive, I really hope it doesn't snow!
-Greg
I'm closer to Boston, there'll be train vendors there worth the ride? I honestly don't know. Thought it was like a big 4H Fair (shrugs shoulders)
http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/
no Mr. Muffins this year. Guess one and done, not worth the travel
Mike23 posted:I'm closer to Boston, there'll be train vendors there worth the ride? I honestly don't know. Thought it was like a big 4H Fair (shrugs shoulders)
4H really, only the second biggest train show next to York. See above.
(ahem) York is a Meet
oh. my. god.....
Farmer_Bill posted:(ahem) York is a Meet
This show is the one I enjoy most. If you live in New England and like model trains, it is a "must." I begin to look forward to next year's Big-E Springfield show the moment the current year's show ends.
MELGAR
I can hardly wait. This show has a good mix of everything in all scales from z to real and it’s one of the largest in the country.
Mike23 posted:I'm closer to Boston, there'll be train vendors there worth the ride? I honestly don't know. Thought it was like a big 4H Fair (shrugs shoulders)
Yeah! A "4H fair" exclusive to model railroaders of ALL scales! With 4 buildings of trains and train related items, if you don't like it, your not too interested in the hobby! Even your "buddy" Charlie Ro attends this show Yearly and with some great deals to Boot!
I pre-ordered my two day pass!
Attachments
I plan to go to the Big E for the 1st time on Sunday, January 27th (I have another commitment that Saturday).
I'm too far away and unfamiliar with the vicinity to organize a Forum get together that Sunday, but if someone is willing to initiate such a get-together on that Sunday afternoon or early evening, I would love to attend. Arnold
Farmer_Bill posted:(ahem) York is a Meet
But NOT as Many people as this show! Depending on how you look at this show, at some angles, YORK is SECOND to this event- amount of Attendies, types of Scale represented, etc.
Arnold D. Cribari posted:I plan to go to the Big E for the 1st time on Sunday, January 27th (I have another commitment that Saturday).
I'm too far away and unfamiliar with the vicinity to organize a Forum get together that Sunday, but if someone is willing to initiate such a get-together on that Sunday afternoon or early evening, I would love to attend. Arnold
Preorder your ticket and GET there EARLY! Traffic and parking is a "Big Dance"! .... NOT to mention you have FOUR huge halls to visit!
superwarp1 posted:http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/
no Mr. Muffins this year. Guess one and done, not worth the travel
Bummer! I tried to Support him last year with a PS 3.0 H-10-44 purchase!
MELGAR posted:This show is the one I enjoy most. If you live in New England and like model trains, it is a "must." I begin to look forward to next year's Big-E Springfield show the moment the current year's show ends.
MELGAR
New England? That's a bit Shelfish of ya! Lets try to include Canadians [Yes Rapido has a booth...eh!] and the
Mid-Atlantic states!
MELGAR posted:This show is the one I enjoy most. If you live in New England and like model trains, it is a "must." I begin to look forward to next year's Big-E Springfield show the moment the current year's show ends.
MELGAR
Is this bigger than York? And are there just as many O gauge trains?
I’ll be there weather permitting.🌨
Mike23 posted:I'm closer to Boston, there'll be train vendors there worth the ride? I honestly don't know. Thought it was like a big 4H Fair (shrugs shoulders)
That the Big E State fair. A huge fair/exhibition every fall.
For those that have not been to this show, I just want to warn you it is about 20% O gauge pre & postwar 1900 to 1969, & 80% HO gauge & N gauge. Please correct me if I am wrong. Anything after 1969 to me is not postwar. I call it modern.
Been trying to get up to this show for years...there always seems to be something that stops me. Hopeful to attend this time around.
eddie g posted:For those that have not been to this show, I just want to warn you it is about 20% O gauge & 80% HO gauge & N gauge. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Id say 30% O gauge. A couple of G dealers too. Charles ro brings a lot of G. Last year seemed like an large amount of S gauge too.
There are several multigage interests at this show. The layouts in most popular scales are a BIG attraction. Clubs come from near and to far set up the exhibition layouts. G gage, O Gage, O scale, S Gage and S scale HO scale, N scale, narrow Gage in popular sizes, European Marklin club, some switching layouts too. Train and related merchandise for sale everywhere you look! The clinics are cool to attend as well. Check your entry books for table and other locations. It's a really exciting show to attend. Have a great time attendees. I can't go this year, first time missed in about a decade. I really don't need more trains but all the layouts and folks that run them will be missed.
Melgar, show Arnold around! have a great time and good Pizza afterwards.
Pierre, your post sounds like you're not going.
I'll be there. I believe that this will be my 35th show (although I may have missed a year or two).
On a more somber, but show related, note. The memorial service for Sudro Brown, one of the show's founders and long time builder of modules, was yesterday. He passed away several weeks ago at age 80. He was still active until the end. I saw him at the last Amherst railway society meeting that I attended in August. Living in the same town, and as academics, we had many mutual friends both in the train community and the academic community.
Here's the tribute to Sudro from the Amherst Railway Society website
http://www.amherstrail.org/ARS/news-SudroBrown.php
Lad Nagurney
You just started counting down now. This will be my 26 show, plan on going both day regardless of weather. I believe it was 4 years ago on a Saturday it snowed bad. Put the truck in 4x4 and still get there early, plus side of being 15 mins away. The best show I went to due to lack of people. Looking forward to seeing you all there.
eddie g posted:For those that have not been to this show, I just want to warn you it is about 20% O gauge & 80% HO gauge & N gauge. Please correct me if I am wrong.
Eddie, come on be real. There's more O guage than 20% Maybe 20% post war, but lots of modern o gauge.
I cannot wait for this years show. I came down with the flu the day before and had to eat my hotel and tickets. Plus we get to eat at the Red Rose after . Thanks to Gary or I never would have known about it. John
Gary, I guess that now I am going. I just bought 2 tickets for Sat. $15. each paid with Paypal. If the weather is bad, i guess I wasted the money. I also have a Quality Inn reservation Friday night. I wanted the Hampton Inn, but no rooms.
I'd estimate 20% O gauge, 25% tops.... if all the other gauges went home, it wouldn't hold a candle to York.
But, I still look forward to it every year! Lots to see... many, many, more operating layouts makes it a family event!
I wish they had camping (with hookups) like York.. then I'd make it a 2 day event.
BUT,
First things first... NJHR is right around the corner! (almost!)
Hey COACHJOE, how ya do'in? Yeah buddy, I cannot attend this year.
But Arnold, Melgar and probably 20 something thousand attendees will go that weekend!
I will be in NYC that weekend visiting friends and family. The Westchester toy and train show will be on again when we are on the way home Sunday. I wonder what we will eat at starlight diner! Probably the Ruben this time. Lol.
maybe you and Melgar and Arnold can meet up and do a pizza dinner after your show. Hope so.
Best for 2019.
the annual Railroad Hobby Show occupies four buildings at the Eastern States Exposition, draws 25,000 people, and is one of the most respected railroad shows in the country. Twice, the Railroad Hobby Show has received the Walther’s Showmanship Award in recognition of our efforts to promote interest in railroads and model railroads in the United States. This is a must attend show ,if you are a model railroader , there is a lot to see and learn ( the operating layouts alone are something to see ) this is the type of show that will keep the hobby alive , the last two years they had an operating live steam loco!!!! techman
techman posted:the annual Railroad Hobby Show occupies four buildings at the Eastern States Exposition, draws 25,000 people, and is one of the most respected railroad shows in the country. Twice, the Railroad Hobby Show has received the Walther’s Showmanship Award in recognition of our efforts to promote interest in railroads and model railroads in the United States. This is a must attend show ,if you are a model railroader , there is a lot to see and learn ( the operating layouts alone are something to see ) this is the type of show that will keep the hobby alive , the last two years they had an operating live steam loco!!!! techman
You guys do a great job of making the show appealing to a wide variety of enthusiasts. While I'm all in for the buying sprees at the big swap meets, for fun, this show is the best!
Please NO snow storm.
eddie g posted:Please NO snow storm.
Doesn't snow in New England anymore. At best, it "slushes" !
SJC posted:I'm planning on making the trek from Washington DC for this show, first time. The "cover story" is that I'm visiting my sister in Boston! LOL!
IF you do, when You get to the NJ, Get off of I95! Take I280 to the NYS Thruway East. Cross the Hudson River at the Tappan Z. Stay right to the Saw Mill River Parkway North [WATCH out for the Three Lights]. Mege Onto 684 N then take 84 East to Hartford, CT and finally to I91 North.
Your GPS Will direct you to I 95 all the way up and most of that way will be nasty truck traffic, Numerous and expensive tolls, and mostly traffic jams.
prrhorseshoecurve posted:SJC posted:I'm planning on making the trek from Washington DC for this show, first time. The "cover story" is that I'm visiting my sister in Boston! LOL!
IF you do, when You get to the NJ, Get off of I95! Take I280 to the NYS Thruway East. Cross the Hudson River at the Tappan Z. Stay right to the Saw Mill River Parkway North [WATCH out for the Three Lights]. Mege Onto 684 N then take 84 East to Hartford, CT and finally to I91 North.
Your GPS Will direct you to I 95 all the way up and most of that way will be nasty truck traffic, Numerous and expensive tolls, and mostly traffic jams.
Thanks....but I'm flying up for the weekend. Most certainly will not do that drive at all!
Holy mackerel. I looked at the participants and I am overwhelmed. This meet is huge. I would love to attend but 6 hour drive is a little too far for me. I could see this being more fun than York.
Believe me York is more fun if you are into pre & post war O Gauge.
I’m sorry but those who think o gauge is less than 20% of the entire show are nuts. Yes, every scale is represented and yes mostly HO but there’s o gauge to be found in ever building, all 4. So I would say a third at least maybe more. Here’s a list of o gauge vendors at the show.
Amato’s
charlesRo
B and F hobbies
Grzyboski Train Store
Kadee
Lionel
AtlasO
MTH
Ross switches
Pioneer hobbies(my local hobby shop)
mega steam smoke fluid
trainworld
trainz
Zstuff
Many individual sellers, to many to list, one that I always visit has a large selection of Weaver rolling stock in the Mallory building. A few post war parts sellers, lots of post war in the Young building where Ross is. So if you think 20% you’re not looking hard enough. Yes it’s not York but nothing is like York so for the love of God stop comparing this show to York
If you research Amherst Train Show, you will see many photos that I and others have taken.
I have been taking photos of vendors or layouts for the past several years. Enjoy.
DMASSO posted:If you research Amherst Train Show, you will see many photos that I and others have taken.
I have been taking photos of vendors or layouts for the past several years. Enjoy.
Hey Don since it’s too far to attend now that I’m in Florida I’m looking forward to seeing your pictures.
Thanks Doug. Happy New Year.
Gary, Charles Ro. Atlas, Grzyboski, Zstuff, kadee, Lionel, Ross & others on your list don't bring any pre or postwar to Springfield. 1900-1969
Time for a dumb question. If this meet is only 20-25% O Guage, why has Lionel elected to cover this two day event and blows off York in the Spring? Probably more a rhetorical question.
Bottom line is if the show is close enough for you to drive to it's worth checking out. The big vendors bring newer stuff but there are some private tables that might have some pre and post war if that's what your after. If you only are interested in post war than York is probably your best bet in the member halls or some smaller local shows with folks wanting to sell some older trains. The experience of the show itself is worth the trip so long as we don't have a blizzard!
Alabama Joe posted:Time for a dumb question. If this meet is only 20-25% O Guage, why has Lionel elected to cover this two day event and blows off York in the Spring? Probably more a rhetorical question.
Bigger diverse crowd/demographic. Attendance averages 30000 35000 for the two days vs 9000 10000 for York.
Not to mention a lot of families and kids to promote model railroading for future generations. The Lionel booth has a lot of kids and makes the public aware of several product lines Lionel imports.
The attendance is getting bigger & bigger 30,000 to 35,000. I believe it is closer to 20,000.
Amherst Train Show is worth going to. I missed last year but went at least 6 years in a row before that, planning on going this year. I walk through the whole show at least 3 times. One year I made quite a few trips out to my truck with items I bought. If you see something it might not be there next time through. Sunday afternoon you might get a better deal. The layouts are great also.
romiller49 posted:Holy mackerel. I looked at the participants and I am overwhelmed. This meet is huge. I would love to attend but 6 hour drive is a little too far for me. I could see this being more fun than York.
That's why you book a hotel stay in West Springfield, Ma and make it a weekend!
My tickets came in the mail today. The tickets are pink wrist bands.
Same here with the snow. If it snows, no go.
A little north of Boston and been the last two years and looking forward to this year's show as long as it doesn't snow.
Don't forget Woodland Scenics and Scenic Express who usually have large displays and a lot of non-specific vendors like Mianne and others.
The MGM casino opened a few months ago in downtown Springfield, so that may be an option for a place to stay, eat and make a little money to pay for more train stuff - hopefully !
eddie g posted:The attendance is getting bigger & bigger 30,000 to 35,000. I believe it is closer to 20,000.
Around 20,000. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I was at red rose just the other day. Fantastic meal as alway and I walked around the casino. Very nice. Yes lots of options for restaurants and hotels. As for snow. If it does snow, and you guys can’t make it, that’s just more for me.
superwarp1 posted:eddie g posted:The attendance is getting bigger & bigger 30,000 to 35,000. I believe it is closer to 20,000.
Around 20,000. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I was at red rose just the other day. Fantastic meal as alway and I walked around the casino. Very nice. Yes lots of options for restaurants and hotels. As for snow. If it does snow, and you guys can’t make it, that’s just more for me.
We've been going for as long as I can remember. Its gotten so crowded! We both remember the days we used to go and be able to park right near the buildings (only two back then) and walk around freely without bumping into people. That's changed so much through the years. After last year, we both said we were contemplating not going again because it was so crowded.
Of course we will be there again this year..... 😆
Yes, it is so crowded no one goes there anymore.
This shows also offers a good selection of items pertaining to prototype railroading such as books, videos, photos and memorabilia for those of us who are so inclined.
eddie g posted:Yes, it is so crowded no one goes there anymore.
With apologies to Yogi !
Do you need to buy tickets in advance or can you buy them at the door?
Either. At the door works fine. As big as the crowds are, seems like there's never a long wait to buy them at the show.
I substituted the Big E Show for York. In my opinion, the Big E is for model railroaders and York is for train collectors. Wear comfortable shoes for the Big E.
I expect to be there...…….weather permitting.
John
Hoping for nice weather. I'll be there Saturday and Sunday. Already have the pre purchased tickets in the glove box.
Coming aboard the Central Vermont NRHS bus! See y'all there!
Jon
KOOLjock1 posted:Coming aboard the Central Vermont NRHS bus! See y'all there!
Jon
First time in a few years?
At least 10!
Jon
Is O Gauge RR going to be at the show?
eddie g posted:Is O Gauge RR going to be at the show?
No, they gave up on the show a couple of years ago.
Looking forward to it. Is there going to be an OGR group/photo meet? How about dinner at Red Rose Pizzeria - which day?
MELGAR
How about dinner Friday night at the Olive Garden?
eddie g posted:How about dinner Friday night at the Olive Garden?
I arrive on Saturday morning and come back again on Sunday.
MELGAR
Hi Mellgar, And a belated Happy New Year to you'.. Is the Big E train show handicap accessible? Please let me know'..Thanks...Maybe I could ride along with you, and share expenses...
The show is definitely handicap accessible. Every year I see people using wheelchairs at the show.
The show uses 4 buildings of the fairgrounds and there are covered walkways between the buildings. The fiargrounds has parking for those with handicap plates near the building entrances.
MELGAR, how about we all meet at C. Ro's booth for a picture at 1:00 on Saturday.
eddie g posted:MELGAR, how about we all meet at C. Ro's booth for a picture at 1:00 on Saturday.
Eddie G,
I think that's a good location - easy to find. Will be at Charles Ro area 1 PM Saturday.
MELGAR
For those in the NYC area to points south of Springfield, the show organizers will be running shuttle buses from Union station to the show. There’s eight trains a day from New Heaven to Springfield and back on Ctrail and a train every half hour plus Amtrak trains from NYC to New Heaven. What better way to enjoy a train show than ride the train to get there.
IT's early but the forcast is looking good for Saturday at least
https://www.accuweather.com/en...nuary-weather/363_pc
Thanks Gary - that's welcome news for someone with a 4 1/2 hr drive each way.
-Greg
Eddie G,
Back on page 2 of these posts you said-
"Gary, Charles Ro. Atlas, Grzyboski, Zstuff, kadee, Lionel, Ross & others on your list don't bring any pre or postwar to Springfield. 1900-1969"
Charles Ro's tables are my first stop, he has a bunch of Postwar! No mint or like new stuff but lots of operator quality or fixer uppers. Stop by his section and see for yourself.
Lionel6457
LIONEL6457 posted:Eddie G,
Back on page 2 of these posts you said-
"Gary, Charles Ro. Atlas, Grzyboski, Zstuff, kadee, Lionel, Ross & others on your list don't bring any pre or postwar to Springfield. 1900-1969"
Charles Ro's tables are my first stop, he has a bunch of Postwar! No mint or like new stuff but lots of operator quality or fixer uppers. Stop by his section and see for yourself.
Lionel6457
Yeah I don't get why Eddie doesn't see what I see and I'm not looking for the stuff. Plenty of post war stuff in the same building Ross switches is in.
Hey Eddie, at this point don't you have everything Lionel ever made by now? 1946-1969
I will probably still be buying the day I die.
eddie g posted:I will probably still be buying the day I die.
We all should be!
-Greg
prrhorseshoecurve posted:SJC posted:I'm planning on making the trek from Washington DC for this show, first time. The "cover story" is that I'm visiting my sister in Boston! LOL!
IF you do, when You get to the NJ, Get off of I95! Take I280 to the NYS Thruway East. Cross the Hudson River at the Tappan Z. Stay right to the Saw Mill River Parkway North [WATCH out for the Three Lights]. Mege Onto 684 N then take 84 East to Hartford, CT and finally to I91 North.
Your GPS Will direct you to I 95 all the way up and most of that way will be nasty truck traffic, Numerous and expensive tolls, and mostly traffic jams.
Thanks for the heads up ‘Curve. I will try that route. This will be my first time at the Big E. Only I won’t take the Tappen Zee Bridge since it is currently at the bottom of the river. I think the Mario Cuomo will be a better bet!😁
I agree, nice article.
OMG, I just discovered the "Announcements" category on this Forum 2 minutes sgo.
Weather permitting, I am coming with Melgar to the Big E on Sunday, January 27th. I am very excited about attending the Big E for the first time that day.
Arnold D. Cribari
One more thing: it would be great for those Forum members like me attending on Sunday, January 27th, if there was a Forum get-together that day sometime after 2 PM, maybe for Pizza. Is that a possibility?
Arnold
Attachments
superwarp1 posted:http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/
no Mr. Muffins this year. Guess one and done, not worth the travel
Too bad. Chatted with him and Mrs Muffin for the first time at the show last year. Really, really nice people. That is along way to travel however. Our loss.
Gerry posted:superwarp1 posted:http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/
no Mr. Muffins this year. Guess one and done, not worth the travel
Too bad. Chatted with him and Mrs Muffin for the first time at the show last year. Really, really nice people. That is along way to travel however. Our loss.
I had to question Mr Muffins decisions on this show. Last year I told him it would be best if he brought rolling stock, Something in New England would of been best. Instead he brought nothing but engines. In a show like this with dads with young kids who's going to walk out with a 1500.00 engine???? I'm guessing not many as he's not coming back. On top of that, CharlesRO had many of the same engines and was blowing them out for 100 bucks less, both vendors in the same building. Ohwell, I hope he comes back some day. Him and his wife are the greatest.
Glad the show isn't this weekend, We are expecting 10 to 20 inches of snow on Sunday.
I am planning on being there at least Saturday and possibly Sunday too, Would be nice to actually talk to some forum members in person. My only problem is my wife usually takes my credit cards away and gives me a set amount to spend , she says I always spend too much at the train shows. Is that possible?
Arnold D. Cribari posted:One more thing: it would be great for those Forum members like me attending on Sunday, January 27th, if there was a Forum get-together that day sometime after 2 PM, maybe for Pizza. Is that a possibility?
Arnold
I second Arnold's suggestion that there be an OGR Forum picture (or pizza dinner after the show) on Saturday and Sunday. Eddie G has called for 1 PM Saturday at Charles Ro's. How about 2 PM Sunday also at Charles Ro's. Would like to hear some thoughts on dinner at Red Rose Pizzeria in Springfield - either or both days.
MELGAR