Amherst Show in Springfield

I plan to be there on both days.

MELGAR

Likely going but these shows are getting expensive.  For wife and I admission is $30 plus parking at $5 plus gas so how much stuff do I have to buy at a good price in order to break even.

I can't wait. Already have my hotel and ticket. This show gets better every year. Has something for everybody. Absolutely worth the money! John

Wife and I have gone to that show for as long as I can remember. This is the first year I'm really not sure if we will go.  The bulk of the show is HO and N scale, and it seems like I always come home thinking I would have just been better spending the day on eBay.

Taking both days off from work already put in for the days off. Just need to order my tickets

Been trying to go the last four years and something always seems to stop me from getting there...will try again.

Definitely going with a couple of train buddies on Saturday, assuming the weather cooperates.

Pat

Were going for the 1st time! May be the only time if its predomanitly smaller scales but ought to be interesting.

I plan to go on Saturday of that weekend.  Arnold

If the weather free from a major show storm, I'll be there Saturday and Sunday.   So much to see.   My Son has a N scale layout.   So we spend a lot of time looking at N scale items.    Maybe I'll find some MPC items for myself.

I never missed it but because of all the walking involved (3 buildings) I have not gone in a few years and probably won't in the future, too bad but that's life.

sidehack posted:

I never missed it but because of all the walking involved (3 buildings) I have not gone in a few years and probably won't in the future, too bad but that's life.

4 buildings........

If the weather is decent, I'll go. If not, I'll stay in Boston. I'm traveling from my home in Washington (DC) for the show. Last year was my first time. Lots of HO and N but I did manage to pick up a beautiful, boxed, Postwar Lionel 2338 I'd been looking for. 

4 buildings...that's a lot of miles

I wont attend this next time.

everyone have a great time.

Leroof.

Will be there both days   Love this show

Arnold D. Cribari posted:

I plan to go on Saturday of that weekend.  Arnold

I particularly like the scenery materials at the Big E.

Last year I bought O scale baseball figures, a boat, and numerous scenery materials there. Arnold

If you are into model railroading , it is a fun day , yes there is 0 gauge trains there , and i have found many trains in 0 that i was looking for ,and some that i have never seen .The operating layouts are fantastic , there are plenty of scenery items to pick up . They even have a live operation steam engine on the grounds for the last three years . I go on a bus trip from taunton ma every year $45.00 for bus  ride in deluxe motor  coach ,ticket are included , and the bus parks next to the door and you are given your tickets in the bus , great time 

                                                                techman

A friend and I drove down quite a few years ago on a Saturday and (I think) only two buildings but it was so busy, we decided to have lunch at the restaurant on site and go back home. He knew about the restaurant because he had been to a circus on the fairgrounds previously. It was so crowded that we could hardly move and could not get near the tables that might have had something in which we were interested so never again for me because I cannot tolerate crowds.

If you are into Prewar 1900 to 1942 or postwar 1945 to 1969 Lionel trains it's a waste of time if you are coming from a distance.

Looking forward to going again this year on Saturday, the 25th, if the weather holds.

With 4 buildings and about 400 exhibitors including Lionel, MTH, Atlas, Charles Ro, Z-Stuff, Grybowski's, Amato's, Bar Mills, Mianne, Miller Engineering, Ross, Scenic Express and Woodland Scenics, just to mention a few, plus numerous O-scale vendors, there's a lot of O-scale in the show.

The exhibitor list and floor plans are on-line for those going or considering.

http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/

Wish Scott Mann and 3rd rail/GGD were there

20centuryhudson posted:

Wish Scott Mann and 3rd rail/GGD were there

We went for a number of years back in the 1990's when Mort Mann owned the business. It just did not seem worthwhile to us, particularly since the fellow who ran the show at the time said we could not find out until the day before if we had tables or not.

It is a 6 hour drive from me so that is what made the decision. Obviously we go to York twice per year.

R. Heil     Sunset / 3rd Rail / Golden Gate

Richie C. posted:

The exhibitor list and floor plans are on-line for those going or considering.

I have printed out the map and highlighted items I was interested in. It is very easy to miss things. Especially in the Better Living building.

There is a lot to see.  

If you do a search there should be a lot of pictures of past shows.

Unless we have a blizzard I'll be there!

I will be there Saturday  with Eddiem.

Art Howes posted:

A friend and I drove down quite a few years ago on a Saturday and (I think) only two buildings but it was so busy, we decided to have lunch at the restaurant on site and go back home. He knew about the restaurant because he had been to a circus on the fairgrounds previously. It was so crowded that we could hardly move and could not get near the tables that might have had something in which we were interested so never again for me because I cannot tolerate crowds.

Show is always crowded. Have to expect that at a successful Show. That said, if you come early in the day, there should be no problem getting through all of the halls.

It's so crowded  No one goes anymore.

Richie C. posted:

Looking forward to going again this year on Saturday, the 25th, if the weather holds.

With 4 buildings and about 400 exhibitors including Lionel, MTH, Atlas, Charles Ro, Z-Stuff, Grybowski's, Amato's, Bar Mills, Mianne, Miller Engineering, Ross, Scenic Express and Woodland Scenics, just to mention a few, plus numerous O-scale vendors, there's a lot of O-scale in the show.

The exhibitor list and floor plans are on-line for those going or considering.

http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/

 

Also Model Tech Studios. They have awesome stuff.

Pat

Just eleven (11) days until the start of the show on Saturday, January 25th.

Long range forecast looks to be colder than it has been in Massachusetts lately (although that's not too hard to accomplish considering it was 72 degrees in Boston two days ago). Hopefully, no snow.

eddie g posted:

It's so crowded  No one goes anymore.

If no one goes any more...it won't be crowded????? If you volunteer on Fri you can attend all weekend free. It's still a good show....

Not going.  Used to go every year a while ago but now the cost is not worth it.  $30 for my wife and I plus $5 to park even before we see anything worth buying and the show has VERY little O Gauge stuff anymore.  Good show for HO and small scales but a waste of time for O.

In my opinion, there is plenty of O gauge - both layouts and vendors. Looking at trains and layouts in smaller scales and On30 leads to ideas that can be implemented in O gauge. Railroad historical societies  (New Haven, B&M, New York Central), structure kit manufacturers, railroad booksellers, scenery products also of interest to me. Lionel, MTH, WBB, Atlas usually attend too. Most interesting show of the year in New England - in my opinion. I hope to be there.

MELGAR

This will be my first time, but I’ll be there along with a couple others. Looking forward to it. Even if there wasn’t much O stuff, it’ll still be great to see what people do on their layouts, gives me inspiration. 

MELGAR posted:

In my opinion, there is plenty of O gauge - both layouts and vendors. Looking at trains and layouts in smaller scales and On30 leads to ideas that can be implemented in O gauge. 

MELGAR

I totally agree! I always find a lot of o gauge to buy or see. I guess if you are only looking for prewar Lionel .... you may be a little disappointed. 

I am fairly selective in what I buy and I always find a good amount to take home. 

A lot of the layouts are other scales but still impressive and provide many ideas.

Over the last four or five years I've noticed a tremendous increase in S gauge.  In my opinion there doesn't seem to be much interest as I never see much action at the tables.

Went last year, first time, traveling from my home in the Washington DC Suburbs. Picked up a beautiful, boxed Lionel Postwar 2338 GP9. I intend to go next week, I have yet to book my airfare as I am doing the "wait and watch the weather" until the last minute move. That worked well last year and plan to do the same this year. 

SJC,

Just want to let you know that it's possible to go by rail from DC to Springfield, MA. You can take Amtrak all the way to Springfield or New Haven and then CT Rail (commuter) from New Haven to Springfield. Total rail time one way about six or seven hours. It's an interesting rail trip if you have time before and after the show.

MELGAR

I plan on taking my nephews ...haven’t been there in 5 years or more.

I was just wondering if there is a forumite meeting planned ?  Its always nice to meet face to face and talk about what's been going on over the past year and what everyone is planning for the next.

I just printed out my tickets for two days. Hopefully someone from the OGR forum will recognize me!

Weather is looking not great, for both days.   Luckily I live 15 minutes away. 

Last I heard, the expected storm is holding off in Springfield until Saturday night, so travelling from the east shouldn't be too bad on Saturday. Also, east of Springfield they say it would likely be mostly rain or a wintry mix at worse and not much snow.

I am about an hour east of Springfield but I work in Chicopee so I'm use to traveling that way in all weather. The base very rarely shuts down for weather. I'm going to try to make it both days.

The wife and I will be there starting Friday to help set up the Mianne Booth Display. Please stop by and say Hi Saturday and Sunday!

Cape Cod Northern posted:

The wife and I will be there starting Friday to help set up the Mianne Booth Display. Please stop by and say Hi Saturday and Sunday!

Al, Ed and I will stop by, as usual.😁

Train Nut posted:

Weather is looking not great, for both days.   Luckily I live 15 minutes away. 

Exactly why, unfortunately, I won't be making the trip this year. With the possibility of snow on travel days, and the need to go to work, I'm just not willing to risk it. Maybe next year...

techman posted:

If you are into model railroading , it is a fun day , yes there is 0 gauge trains there , and i have found many trains in 0 that i was looking for ,and some that i have never seen .The operating layouts are fantastic , there are plenty of scenery items to pick up . They even have a live operation steam engine on the grounds for the last three years . I go on a bus trip from taunton ma every year $45.00 for bus  ride in deluxe motor  coach ,ticket are included , and the bus parks next to the door and you are given your tickets in the bus , great time 

                                                                techman

                                        

Can you give me the details on the Bus leaving from Taunton?   I’m in Swansea   

Checked the weather looks like rain Saturday afternoon through Sunday and no snow

West Springfield looks right rain.   But, I'm worried about the freezing rain/ mix / snow line that I may be heading into going north on my trip home to Maine.    The forecast has been changing every few hours.   Hopefully the low pressure cold front stays far enough north in Canada, so it stays rain in all of New England.       

Ahh yes mike, black ice happens! Caution and good decisions will keep one safe.

The five hour trip from Camden to west Springfield in the sunlight isnt that bad, but I encounter black ice on the way from work in my twenty minute commute, often these nights.

Be safe and have a good time.

a direct bus from Portland would make this easier!

MJ and I are looking forward to going on Saturday. She may drive most of the way as Lyme Disease is kicking my butt. Looking forward to scoping out a turntable, some scenery, and Mianne Benchwork.

Why don't we try to meet up for the annual picture @1:30 in front of Steves booth at Ross Custom Switches.  Young Building Section 88.

Safe travels everyone.

Paul

Mike McCutcheon posted:

West Springfield looks right rain.   But, I'm worried about the freezing rain/ mix / snow line that I may be heading into going north on my trip home to Maine.    The forecast has been changing every few hours.   Hopefully the low pressure cold front stays far enough north in Canada, so it stays rain in all of New England.       

Might want to head due east and up the coast - Mass Pike to 128/95 north, rather than cut across. A little longer depending on what part of Maine you're in, but a better chance of just rain.

Railrunnin posted:

MJ and I are looking forward to going on Saturday. She may drive most of the way as Lyme Disease is kicking my butt. Looking forward to scoping out a turntable, some scenery, and Mianne Benchwork.

Why don't we try to meet up for the annual picture @1:30 in front of Steves booth at Ross Custom Switches.  Young Building Section 88.

Safe travels everyone.

Paul

I feel for you.  Hope your Doc knows what he/she is doing and you beat Lyme. 

Just watched the weather.  Mix starting early afternoon, in the valley will have rain, the hills will have more snow.  

I like the 1:30 time for a group photo in front of Ross.  Sad OGR doesn't think this show is worth their time but it's not my business so more power to them.

OK. Ross, Young Building section 88 at 1:30 PM.

MELGAR

I will be exhibiting in the Young Building, Section 86, Tables B&C for the first time. Bit of a challenge for me as the table size is a smaller than York booth space. Just mean that I need a smaller van! I will be debuting a special shadowbox model for the show, the Birthplace of Basketball. The first of what I plan to be a running series, the model is our recreation of the building where basketball was invented that was torn down in the 1960's. Its home may have been in Springfield but the classic design can be on just about any layout. We'll be scoping out a building version of it also so please stop by to shake and howdy after visiting MTH and Ross Custom Switches at the adjacent sections.

I'll be there Saturday at noon, coming from Watertown, MA. I will probably walk right by all you guys without even knowing it, so Hi from me and good luck in your train shopping!! 

Mike McCutcheon posted:

West Springfield looks right rain.   But, I'm worried about the freezing rain/ mix / snow line that I may be heading into going north on my trip home to Maine.    The forecast has been changing every few hours.   Hopefully the low pressure cold front stays far enough north in Canada, so it stays rain in all of New England.       

Mike, I'm glad you will be there to represent the rest of us from the great State of Maine--but please be safe. One of these years I'll get back to Springfield, but will have to pass this year regardless of the weather. 

John

Richie C. posted:

Mike McCutcheon posted:

West Springfield looks right rain.   But, I'm worried about the freezing rain/ mix / snow line that I may be heading into going north on my trip home to Maine.    The forecast has been changing every few hours.   Hopefully the low pressure cold front stays far enough north in Canada, so it stays rain in all of New England.       

Might want to head due east and up the coast - Mass Pike to 128/95 north, rather than cut across. A little longer depending on what part of Maine you're in, but a better chance of just rain.

It's looking like all rain right now.        I'll keep the I-90 option open just in case.   I'm not a big fan of I-495, but it's the most direct way.     When I travel to York, I take I-90 towards Albany and then down 87.   Just to avoid the CT / NYC metro traffic headache.   

Thanks.

I'll try to make the 1:30pm photo gathering at Ross.    Depends on which building I'm in around that time.

eddie g posted:

If you are into Prewar 1900 to 1942 or postwar 1945 to 1969 Lionel trains it's a waste of time if you are coming from a distance.

Very Limited audience. John

john dellagrotte posted:

eddie g posted:

If you are into Prewar 1900 to 1942 or postwar 1945 to 1969 Lionel trains it's a waste of time if you are coming from a distance.

Very Limited audience. John

I love the Amherst Springfield show.   I'm not into anything made before 1970.   Maybe this is why I can buzz through member halls at York in record time!   I just scan for those red and white boxes.  (Maybe some yellow boxes) 

Mike McCutcheon posted:

john dellagrotte posted:

eddie g posted:

If you are into Prewar 1900 to 1942 or postwar 1945 to 1969 Lionel trains it's a waste of time if you are coming from a distance.

Very Limited audience. John

I love the Amherst Springfield show.   I'm not into anything made before 1970.   Maybe this is why I can buzz through member halls at York in record time!   I just scan for those red and white boxes.  (Maybe some yellow boxes) 

Eddie says that every year but the Young building is full of that stuff, so it goes to wonder what Eddie is seeing.

anyway the weather is getting better, no snow, just rain.  Storm is going more north.

My wife and I are driving down tomorrow night and staying in Sturbridge (because who can argue at a Hampton Inn for less than $100?).  We'll try to hang around for the picture... weather depending.  We have some pretty high elevations in the Green Mountains to go over on the way home...

Jon

The Amherst Show Is the best show Period. I don't know how anyone could Knock it. Unlike York, its still at its peak. After the last April York I couldn't believe how much smaller it is getting. I  will only go in October from now on. Also Springfield has the Red Rose. Another great reason to go to the show. John

I love all the scenery, structures, figures and other decorative things available to possibly enhance my layout.

Weather is looking better, much more rain and less, if any, freezing rain or snow, so Melgar and I plan to go together on Saturday, arrive early, stay late, and attend the 1:30 get together. Arnold

Hope to bump into you and Melgar.

Mike23 posted:

I'll be there Saturday at noon, coming from Watertown, MA. I will probably walk right by all you guys without even knowing it, so Hi from me and good luck in your train shopping!! 

I'm a near neighbor - Belmont.  Are you a prewar-postwar collector ?  I work out of the North Shore Model Railroad Club exhibit.

Malcolm Laughlin

no Malcolm I'm not a collector. I run the trains my dad gave me in 56-58.  the 210 and 1599 set, the 681, 2026 couple scouts, and a 2353 I just picked up a year ago. I am starting to buy some cheap postwar these days though! However my grandparents lived on Winslow rd. Maybe we'll meet at the 1:30 photo op         

Very nice layout, Mike. I particularly like your baseball park. Arnold

Sorry gents, I;m not up to making the trip today to join everyone @1:30.  Hope everyone has a great time.

Paul & MJ

My son and I arrived 8:20am.   Got our wristbands.    Now waiting a few more minutes until the 9am opening.

There’s a Santa Convention at our hotel in Massachusetts... so that’s fun.

Jon  

Virtual Rail-fan is live streaming

It’s packed the Lionel displays were cool

Dotty showed up,  it was very nice to see her and she’s doing well

20centuryhudson posted:

It’s packed the Lionel displays were cool

Yes the Golden spoke Hybrid 4-4-0 are fantastic!

I can't wait to see the PRR version.

I spoke to Ryan re the aux tender that some were vocal about. Ryan stated the mowhawk tender they had was defective and had a lot of discrepancies in the details. Lionel will take another look at that tender and see if the details can be fixed. If not the scale Hudson tender is as close as Lionel can get to that specific tender.

From the Lionel display. 

Just got back from the show. It was packed! My wife and I had a great time.    Actually had some extra money today so bought a ton!  I will say it seems like some of the vendors didn't bring as much stuff this year. Particularly Charles Ro.  Still managed to spend money there though.

Walked by as you guys were lining up to get your picture taken at the Ross Switch table.  

Might go back tomorrow just to take in the displays. Just not enough time in one day to do everything.

Just a mix of all 4 buildings.    Sorry the quality isn't the best.   Smartphone pictures.   I didn't feel like lugging around my mirrorless Canon.    And the phone pictures upload a lot faster.   Seem to be more O gauge this year.

Great show. It was packed.

A few more.

It was really nice meeting all you today! 

Unfortunately I forgot to say hi to you Malcolm from Belmont. I found the NSRC and asked the guys if you were there but they said you weren't around. Oh well, maybe another time. 

again, nice meeting you all

mike pepe, watertown

Thanks for the Nice pictures MIKE.

Nice pics Don.

Don, thanks for posting the OGR Forum group photo.  I didn’t realize that Steve B. from Ross photobombed us until I saw the picture posted here...LOL!  It was really great to see Dotty...glad she decided to attend.

Just got home...2 hour ride back to NH. Lots of nice layouts and demos going on...it’s been a while since I was there. I have O guage 3 rail....after looking at the “S Guage” layouts ....now I want that...lol. What’s a guy to do... And I also checked off another box...Prime Rib at Bernies Diner in Chicopee....holy crap..the regular cut is massive ! Great eats !

Sorry I missed all you guys especially Dotty.  I had to get home a little early. The place was packed! 

Thanks to all for the pics. Great to see Dotty there!

Lots of cool stuff. That Lionel LED FasTrack is going to be a big seller I think. 

Great pics....thank you......next January will be my 1st time attending....

Peter

We left before the picture.  Great show, but a TON of people at every display!  

Jon  

Great pics, thanks for sharing!  

OMG  thanks Bluelinec4... Now I'm hooked on "Weekend at Bernie's"

There's a YouTube video as well!

There were a lot of unique items at the show.  My wife liked this one-

love the eyelashes!  🤣😂🤣

prrhorseshoecurve posted:

OMG  thanks Bluelinec4... Now I'm hooked on "Weekend at Bernie's"

There's a YouTube video as well!

 

I told you mark.  You don’t have to eat for a week. Lol

I enjoyed the show and made it into the picture. Also plan to spend Sunday at the show. Lots to see...

MELGAR

Were there any 2 rail O scale layouts modular layouts at the show?  I have looked through the photos and I can't tell the scale of many of the 2 rail modular layouts.  By 2 rail O scale I mean mainline trains - not On3 or On30, etc.  NH Joe