As of now we are a go. No mask requirements yet but I'm sure it's coming. All the details below. Hope to see you there.
If you look at the list of vendors, you'll see many old faces, and some new. The place will be full of vendors (Four buildings).
OGR no longer attends, I'll leave it up to you guys if you want to do a photo op somewhere. I won't know how long I'll be there until I get into the meat of the show that Saturday.
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To date, things have not changed. Masks not required but recommended.
Which if the four buildings is not being used this year?
All four buildings are still being used. As of a week or so ago there were about 339 exhibitors with 21 new ones. The number is down about 15%, although from the maps of the 4 buildings, it appears that most of the floor space is taken up, thus I do not think anyone will notice much of a difference unless your favorite exhibitor is not there,
@superwarp1 posted:If you look at the list of vendors, you'll see many old faces, and some new. The place will be full of vendors (three buildings).
The original post indicated that three buildings are being used (unless all of the exhibitors are different from "vendors" and going in the fourth building.
With covid running rabid here in Maine I am staying home! The hospitals here are down to 55 beds state wide.
SAFETY FIRST
Gunny
@BenLMaggi posted:The original post indicated that three buildings are being used (unless all of the exhibitors are different from "vendors" and going in the fourth building.
I counted wrong, I stand corrected. It’s four buildings, been that way for a decade.
I agree with Gunny. This is one of my favorite little side trips every year. But, not many things scare the begeesus out of me. This virus does. Please consider missing just one more get-together so we can all stay alive and meet on the other side of this disaster.
If it wasn't so far away, I'm in Indiana I'd love to go. That and I'm not feeling well, not covid.
Im finally booked my bracelets for both days!
Having just bought a new loco and a 16" MacBook Pro in the same week, I'll probably forego the show this time. My wife and I however continue to lead a perfectly normal and happy life... so it's not that other thing...
Jon 
I will be there with a contingent of NJ HiRailers I love this show
@bluelinec4 posted:I will be there with a contingent of NJ HiRailers I love this show
Look forward to running into you. As of now, no changes. Masks not required but encouraged
I wish it were several hours closer, 5+ hours one way is too much for one day.
I keep saying the same about the Allentown meets. - Maybe some year!
@Arthur P. Bloom posted:I agree with Gunny. This is one of my favorite little side trips every year. But, not many things scare the begeesus out of me. This virus does. Please consider missing just one more get-together so we can all stay alive and meet on the other side of this disaster.
I totally agree with you, I live nearby, things are extremely NOT good around here Now, by end of month, who knows??????? I'm in the ambulance route, constant traffic from all the surrounding towns. IF you do decide to come to W. MASS , PLEASE GET ALL YOUR SHOTS AND BOOSTER ( S), AND N95 MASKS to protect yourself and others . I Love trains for 62 years since I was 7 but I want to be around to run them and enjoy them, I'll wait thanks.
@Richard Pardo posted:I totally agree with you, I live nearby, things are extremely NOT good around here Now, by end of month, who knows??????? I'm in the ambulance route, constant traffic from all the surrounding towns. IF you do decide to come to W. MASS , PLEASE GET ALL YOUR SHOTS AND BOOSTER ( S), AND N95 MASKS to protect yourself and others . I Love trains for 62 years since I was 7 but I want to be around to run them and enjoy them, I'll wait thanks.
And for Gods sakes take your vitamins before you go that day! Boost your immune system! I don't wanna be a part of a superspreader event!
A week and a day to go. As of writing no restrictions. See you all there.
Been going every year for as long as i remember. Not worth the risk this year...
Can't wait see you there!!!
I’ll be there on Saturday. Looking forward to it!
I will be attending the show for the first time next week. I hope to say hello to many of you!
@superwarp1 Thank you for posting the links to the show. As a first time attendee, I will them very useful. Would anyone be interested in an informal OGR "Meet and Greet" at the show? Perhaps at lunch time at the food vendors? Or at a favorite train vendor's display?
For the second time since 1984, I will not be there. - Too much risk in the Pioneer Valley.
Going Saturday! Double vaxxed and had CV19 a month and a half ago. Wear a high filtration mask and be safe guys, your health is #1.
As of now no restrictions, masks are optional but highly recommended. Long range weather is looking good, mid 20’s
@Madockawando posted:@superwarp1 Thank you for posting the links to the show. As a first time attendee, I will them very useful. Would anyone be interested in an informal OGR "Meet and Greet" at the show? Perhaps at lunch time at the food vendors? Or at a favorite train vendor's display?
In years past we took a group photo at the OGR booth. Since OGR no longer attends, the last couple meet ups have been at the Ross Custom Switches booth. Usually around 1pm or 2pm on Saturday. I'll be at the show both days. Hope the meet a bunch of my forum friend.
@Mike McCutcheon posted:In years past we took a group photo at the OGR booth. Since OGR no longer attends, the last couple meet ups have been at the Ross Custom Switches booth. Usually around 1pm or 2pm on Saturday. I'll be at the show both days. Hope the meet a bunch of my forum friend.
I would be happy to meet up at the Ross Custom Switches booth at either time on Saturday. This sounds like a great show! Any advice for a first timer? The best part its only about an hour an a half drive for me to attend.
I'm thinking Lionel (Mallory building) at 1pm on Saturday for the meet up. The reason being that Ross is in the Young building right near a entrance. It is very crowded with traffic. Hard to talk and during the picture, traffic has to stop. The Mallory building is larger and we will be able to find a open space for the group photo without causing a traffic jam.
For show tips, definitely arrive early (before 9am). To get a close parking spot and purchase tickets or swap prepaid tickets for wrist bands. The ticket line can get very long. We usually to start in the BLC, however last show we started in Stroh, Young, Mallory and finally BLC. Thinking that when we got to the BLC, the crowds would be moved onto the other buildings. Then on Sunday hit stuff we missed or need to see again.
I should be around at 1 pm if you want to do it in front of Lionel. But I’ll leave that up to you guys.
@Mike McCutcheon posted:For show tips, definitely arrive early (before 9am). To get a close parking spot and purchase tickets or swap prepaid tickets for wrist bands. The ticket line can get very long. We usually to start in the BLC, however last show we started in Stroh, Young, Mallory and finally BLC. Thinking that when we got to the BLC, the crowds would be moved onto the other buildings. Then on Sunday hit stuff we missed or need to see again.
good idea, if you are coming from I91 and heading to the fair grounds from the east. I would go past the first entrance and go in Gate 1. Follow the other cars/attendants. This will get you close to the BLC which is the main building.
@superwarp1 posted:I should be around at 1 pm if you want to do it in front of Lionel. But I’ll leave that up to you guys.
Earlier may be better? 11am or noon at Lionel. If 11am, l'll probably be in Mallory doing my normal rounds before heading to the car for a snack. 1pm I'll be in BLC and would have leave to head to Mallory.
@superwarp1 posted:I should be around at 1 pm if you want to do it in front of Lionel. But I’ll leave that up to you guys.
I would be fine to meet at 1:00 at the Lionel exhibit.
I saw this quote from the Amherst Railway Society on the Big E show:
"More than 22,500 railfans and public attended the Show each of the past five years."
I did not realize that the show was that big. From what I can read, it looks like it is smaller than York as far as the floor space goes but it looks like it has more attendees. Must be packed.
I was there once about ten years ago. There are a lot of vendors selling other scales and I was not overly impressed. I did manage to buy some modeling supplies. It's about a 3 hour drive for me. Considering how much I miss going to shows I'll have to consider it.
@Frank Mulligan How much of the show is O Gauge?
@Madockawando posted:@Frank Mulligan How much of the show is O Gauge?
I’m a normal year, 30% is a guess buts it’s more than just model trains. Look at the exhibitors list. For a who’s who
I’ll also be looking for updates from a lot of historical societies, Preservation groups,
no it’s not York but what is. It’s trains of all sizes. From 1:1 scale down to Z
I’m looking forward to visiting Lionel, Gryzboski Trains, Trainworld, Nassau Hobbies, Trainz and the TCA.
I’ll be there. Will be nice to see lots of things in person instead of through a computer monitor.
I will get get there.....one day.....
It's a two day trip in each direction and what I will do is coordinate it with visiting children in DC, Philly and Manhattan.
One of our modular group members is going with the group from his other interest Richmond N-TRAK. They are taking Amtrak to New Haven, the ConnDOT to Springfield.....they have rented a car and a hotel.......
That's a great way to get there....and, would be fun with a group....... but,i f you buy a lot of stuff it's a pain to carry it back south on the train.....unlike our N gauge colleagues, who can likely fit a fortune of purchases in a regular grocery bag.......
Peter
Hello everyone.
There is a gentleman who sells custom flat cars with heavy equipment loads. I know that is vague, but does anyone know his name and/or contact info? Not sure what building I saw him in...
Thanks for any help.
Paul
I don’t see Charlie Ro listed as attending or I missed them listed.
My suggestion for Madockawando is start in one of smaller buildings and save the Better Living Center for last, just my opinion.
I’m trying to attend the show on Sunday.
George
Railrunnin
Ralph’s Trains in the Mallary Building for the custom flatcars
George
I would love to go, and am seriously considering it, and a major reason for that is to meet some of you folks in person.
I just checked the weather channel app on my smartphone, which said that 6 to 10 inches of snow is forecast for Friday and Saturday, and no snow on Sunday, in Springfiekd MA. Of course, that is now a long range forecast which could change, but worth keeping an eye on, during the week.
I, for one, will wear an N95 mask if I go to the show on Saturday or Sunday.
Arnold
There's a guy who sells nothing but Weaver in the Mallary building. I hope he shows. CharlesRO is mainstay of the show but I don't see them listed. I've emailed them to see what's up.
They are saying storm Saturday will be a near miss subject to change.
The guy who sells custom flat car loads is in the Mallary building I think. Next to Micro fasteners which I need to stop by as well.
@MrMuffin'sTrains has shown in the past and hope they do in the future. Justrains used to attend but haven't since kirke passing. Would love to see them both back.
@Madockawando posted:@Frank Mulligan How much of the show is O Gauge?
I have to be fair and I believe at the time I was looking for Standard Gauge items. Maybe there was one dealer with anything.
There were some demonstrations in regards to scenery that I found interesting.
Railrunnin
Check out the The Load Man in the BLC section 2a tables G&H for custom loads for flatcars. I have bought steel plate and I beam loads for the PS4 flatcars. He has O Scale loads too.
George
@The Judge posted:Railrunnin
Ralph’s Trains in the Mallary Building for the custom flatcars
George
Many thanks George and Gary!
Judge - thank you, I will check him out.
Paul
@Arnold D. Cribari posted:I would love to go, and am seriously considering it, and a major reason for that is to meet some of you folks in person.
I just checked the weather channel app on my smartphone, which said that 6 to 10 inches of snow is forecast for Friday and Saturday, and no snow on Sunday, in Springfiekd MA. Of course, that is now a long range forecast which could change, but worth keeping an eye on, during the week.
I, for one, will wear an N95 mask if I go to the show on Saturday or Sunday.
Arnold
I will be there Arnold, got my tickets and have a hotel reserved that can be cancelled up until Friday. Right now weather forecast looks like chance of snow but no big accumulations.
And just a word of warning. I have been to his table by 11:00AM on Saturday and some of his stuff (including what I wanted) was already sold out. Not all, mind you, but some. If you have something specific you want, I recommend emailing him in advance and making arrangements.
@superwarp1 posted:There's a guy who sells nothing but Weaver in the Mallary building. I hope he shows. CharlesRO is mainstay of the show but I don't see them listed. I've emailed them to see what's up.
Gary, I'm pretty sure the "Weaver" guy you're thinking of in the Mallary Building is Ray Cyr. He used to go under the business name of "Bonnie's Baubles"...not sure if he still does. I've bought a lot of Weaver stuff from him at this and other shows over the years!
Just confirmed by email CharlesRo will not be at the show. Not sure why, virus of unknown origin or something else. Hope it's a one off and they'll be back next year. Big blow to the show.
The powers to be will have no problem filling their spot as there's a wait list to get into this show vendor wise but I'm sure it won't be O gauge.
I read somewhere on this forum in the past that since the death of Charles SR the current management/ ownership isn't doing shows anymore. Not sure if it's true or not.
Railrunnin
I found Ralph’s Trains business card
@Train Nut posted:Been going every year for as long as i remember. Not worth the risk this year...
Unfortunately, I would have LOVED to go, but as I've previously commented it's really not in the cards now, still too risky for me , and if you do go PLEASE at least wear a mask for yourself and all the rest of us.
Weekend storm may impact my show plans. Current track and forecast calls for blizzard conditions Friday evening through Saturday. 8 to 12 inches for my location in Southern Maine. If the track moves 50 miles west, it becomes sleet and rain. 100 miles east and it's out to sea and a complete miss. Just have to wait a see what happens as the weekend gets closer.
Latest and greatest on the Weather for the weekend. I certainty won't hold it against anybody not showing up Saturday if this storm hits.
I am waiting until Thursday to make a decision, fortunately i can cancel until the 28th (hotel room)......figures I decide to go and this happens...
If there is hardly anyone at the show on Saturday because of the weather, do you think the vendors will still be there on Sunday?
Arnold
@The Judge posted:I don’t see Charlie Ro listed as attending or I missed them listed.
My suggestion for Madockawando is start in one of smaller buildings and save the Better Living Center for last, just my opinion.
I’m trying to attend the show on Sunday.
George
They did appear on an earlier version of the dealer list but apparently cancelled out.
Pat
@Arnold D. Cribari posted:If there is hardly anyone at the show on Saturday because of the weather, do you think the vendors will still be there on Sunday?
Arnold
Yes, Sunday will be well attended. This has happen before, not often but a few in the 25 years I've gone. I'll be there whether there's two inches or twenty.
I checked with the Show organizers. Tickets for Saturday can be exchanged in the Better Living Center for Sunday tickets. Gives those of us who have a lengthy drive to Amherst a good option, if the snow on Saturday is bad. Weather on Sunday is supposed to be good.
Pat
Snow seems to happens 9 out of 10 times for this show. Always wished they'd move it to April. That would also alleviate the cold mile long walk i always end up with from the parking lot. They always start a new row it seems as soon i drive in...LOL.
I requested both Saturday and Sunday off from work months ago for the show. After the past crazy two weeks at work need a break. Hoping to go both days weather pending for Saturday. My advise for anyone that's going for the first time is wear proper foot wear and bring plenty of cash.
Latest and greatest. Subject to change but I'm hearing 6-12 inches Saturday. 20 degs with wind and blowing snow. Not looking good. All depends on the track of the storm. Could be worse could be better. To the east like Boston two feet, those to the West like Albany only a couple of inches. Storm should be out of year by 7pm so cleanup for Sunday shouldn't be an issue.
Sunday is looking great though.
@CNJ #1601 posted:Gary, I'm pretty sure the "Weaver" guy you're thinking of in the Mallary Building is Ray Cyr. He used to go under the business name of "Bonnie's Baubles"...not sure if he still does. I've bought a lot of Weaver stuff from him at this and other shows over the years!
Just going over the layout PDF. You are correct the Weaver dude is there as Bonnie's Baubles, Same spot in the Mallary building right behind Nausea hobbies. I've have notice less vendors this year allowing for wider rows. Still four buildings.
I was planning to take the train up Thursday and head back Saturday afternoon, i’m wondering if with the snow they’ll shut down the railroad. It looks like Springfield is on the line that it could be snow or it could be rain.
This s going to be tough for me since I will be coming from Leominster MA. I might not make it out of my driveway on Saturday!
Forecast for Schenectady now snow flurries Springfield 3 to 5 its New England and winter start your four wheel drive and let's have a train show!
@dk122trains posted:Forecast for Schenectady now snow flurries Springfield 3 to 5 its New England and winter start your four wheel drive and let's have a train show!
Forecast models are having it more out to sea. So Don is right. Let the fun begin.
Keeping my fingers crossed it blows out to sea, would really love to go, I have until tomorrow night to decide and usually forecasts within 48 hours are pretty accurate.
@M J Breen posted:I was planning to take the train up Thursday and head back Saturday afternoon, i’m wondering if with the snow they’ll shut down the railroad. It looks like Springfield is on the line that it could be snow or it could be rain.
I used to take shoreline east daily and they really wont shutdown unless its a true blizzard. In 2013 the area got a few feet of snow and they shut down. The conductor told me the springfield line was fun because they would punch thru the snow piled up at crossings.
@biscuitag97 posted:I used to take shoreline east daily and they really wont shutdown unless its a true blizzard. In 2013 the area got a few feet of snow and they shut down. The conductor told me the springfield line was fun because they would punch thru the snow piled up at crossings.
Thanks - I’ll roll the dice and head up. If I get snowed in I’ll just have a few more liters at the Student Prince!
Latest on the show from the Amherst society
The 2022 Show is on! (Jan. 29th & 30th, 2022) * Update as of 1.26.2022 * In our 54 year history, we have never closed for weather.....so, please join us....especially with reports of it being sunny on Sunday as well as some reports of little accumulation on Saturday. We are still recommending that all visitors wear masks inside all buildings. Watch for further announcements as we get closer to the weekend. Stay tuned!
Latest and greatest estimate. 2-5 inches which is nothing for us or the show.
The forecast in Springfield looks manageable; it's coastal New England that appears to be the target for this storm, which will still make travel difficult for those of us on the coast. I thought I might go, but unless the storm takes a hard right turn out to sea, I'm going to spend the day working in my train room. Be safe everyone and enjoy the show.
After going to this show for probably a dozen years or more, I finally gave up attending this show several years ago. Just became to jam packed with people. Ticket lines too long especially in the winter cold. Now the Covid threat is the ultimate reason to stay home, and build a model near the warmth of my wood stove.
Bob
Love to go again this year, but being on Boston's North Shore, it's not the snow in Springfield, but the snow in the east that will make it difficult. Between the weather and Covid, I will probably not make it.
Please everyone.....safe travels and protect yourselves while in crowds.
I will enjoy hearing about the fun!
Peter
My train buddies and I will definitely be going. Looking more like we will go on Sunday, as the Weather Channel and Accuweather are both predicting a significant snowstorm for CT and MA for Friday night and Saturday, and both have Winter Storm Watches posted, although their projected amounts are still quite a bit different. For my area near the coast in CT, the Accuweather prediction is 10-15" and for the Springfield, MA area, it is 12-18". The predictions from the Weather Channel for those two locations are 6-10" and 4-9", respectively. Both weather services are predicting clear skies for Sunday.
Pat
Well, the mrs greenlighted the trip, didnt cancel the hotel room in West Springfield. We launch @1:00pm tomorrow. I hope I can make the show Sat!
@irish rifle posted:My train buddies and I will definitely be going. Looking more like we will go on Sunday, as the Weather Channel and Accuweather are both predicting a significant snowstorm for CT and MA for Friday night and Saturday, and both have Winter Storm Watches posted, although their projected amounts are still quite a bit different. For my area near the coast in CT, the Accuweather prediction is 10-15" and for the Springfield, MA area, it is 12-18". The predictions from the Weather Channel for those two locations are 6-10" and 4-9", respectively. Both weather services are predicting clear skies for Sunday.
Pat
Never go with the national news services when it comes to snow predictions. Go local, as they know the areas and the quirks that effect the weather. This storm keeps changing. One day it's up, the next it's down. Here is the latest for Springfield, Ma. I'll be there tomorrow come high water or what have you.
If anyone spotifies Neil Young, please post some pictures.
Just cancelled my hotel reservation for Saturday night. Not going to risk the drive down from Maine on Sat. morning. 12" to 18" + predicted here on the coast. High winds and possible power outages. I'll be snowblowing and ready with the generator all day Saturday. I may make the trip down on Sunday? If we still have power and I feel like dealing with the increased crowds!!
Looks like more than a dusting. Time for snow tires and four wheel drive.
Pete
The show will most likely be cancelled for Saturday as the state will likely shut down. Lots of snow and blizzard conditions.
I'm still going Saturday. Latest from the society
The 2022 Show is on! (Jan. 29th & 30th, 2022) * Update as of 1.28.2022 * Latest weather report: About 6 - 12 inches of snow expected. Sunny on Sunday. Saturday tickets will be honored on Sunday! We are still recommending that all visitors wear masks inside all buildings.
Good luck Gary. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Gerry
I heard that Tichy, Bar Mills, FOS Scale, Ron's Books, and ExactRail all cancelled last minute. I respect their decisions.
Will the website listing of vendors be updated today to list who are still confirmed to be there this weekend?
@gmorlitz posted:Good luck Gary. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.
Gerry
I'm only a few miles from the show. If these snow totals keep going up, I may delay to Sunday. There's been several vendors that have canceled. Nothing I really care about but I'm wondering what will happen if more don't come. Today is set up day. Plans are for my Son and I to do a video of the show so stay tuned.
Well the supermarket l work at has sent out a email to all the departments that we will be closed tomorrow. From the looks of things ill be going Sunday which is fine l can work on a few things tomorrow.
Live cam in of the Mallory building
If they really get between 6-12" of snow tomorrow, I hate to think what the parking lot (field) will look like at the end of the night when people get ready to leave. I imagine a lot of cars will be stuck in the snow.
Might be a good idea to take a shovel
Was going to drive up Saturday and spend sat night at a hotel, but it is a long drive for me and the weather prediction has gotten significantly worse, even where I live. Not worried about getting out of the exposition center, more about driving 3 hours in a raging snowstorm on hilly highways and roads with drivers that have a hard time even in good weather
I may try to get up early Sunday and drive up and still go, see how it all pans out.
Sadly this is the perfect storm, pun intended. The virus of unknown origin and this weather. Going to keep vendors and attendees away
Well my family snd I have srrived st our hotel in West Springfield, MA. Amherst Society posted on their website they will honor Sat bands for Sunday.
The trip had its moment of congestion from Leigh Valley to West Springfield, MA. I choked that up to peolle leaving work early to avoid snow as flurries did come down in certain areas.
Very unfortunate Gary, I too cancelled my hotel reservation for tomorrow evening. Looking at 18"-24" here in Rhode Island.
Gov in RI has ordered all vehicles off the road tomorrow. On the positive side, Sunday is looking bright and cold. I'm sure many people will get there for Sunday, unfortunately I won't be one of them this year.
Paul
Saturday is not cancelled, you can use Saturday band on Sunday if you want.
looking at the live cams in all four buildings, they look sparsely populated with tables, May take another year before everyone returns.
Heading over now from Albany, NY. Typically less than 90 minutes there. The drive home... I hope it won't be bad!
I don’t think I can make it in from Central Massachusetts. We are buried in snow here
Here is the view from my hotel window at 8:15am in West Springfield, MA. Expecting 6-12 inches locally
Looking east toward route 5.
They say the heaviest is going to be between 10 am and 4 pm. Lots a blowing snow but it doesn’t look that bad. Look for me and my son on the webcam
Just spotted Gary and his Son on the webcam. 9:22am in the BLC walking past the Kato booth. Wish I was there. Hopefully tomorrow?
You guys are troopers for sure!….hope y’all get to enjoy the show, and bring home some goodies!….stay safe!…
Pat
@Train Nut posted:The show will most likely be cancelled for Saturday as the state will likely shut down. Lots of snow and blizzard conditions.
Sorry but its not cancelled 4 Sat! Great 4 attending though!
All pics by me! Im here!
Maybe they should re-think holding this in the dead of winter. 
Wow! No Charles Ro..no Grysbotski's...
This show feels wierd...like "Walkin in Staten"
@gunrunnerjohn posted:Maybe they should re-think holding this in the dead of winter.
In there 56 years of hosting this show they have never had to cancel. In the 25 years of me going I can only think of two other times it has snowed. I don’t know about Boston, but we are going to get the low end of the weather mens predictions on this one. Roads are passable. Crowds are good.
But, with that said this show will be known as who didn’t attend over who did. Lots of no shows. So I’m hoping next years show will be more normal vendor wise.
even with the lack of vendors there were product to be had. Someone had the MTH woodsided passenger cars MTH make. 500 bucks but I was out of money. Trainz had product on had. Ray the Weaver guy in the Mallary building had some stuff. Purchase a few items from Ross.
Sadly I was done In Three hours .
I did have a nice conversation with Steve Ross and Andy Eldaman was with him. After walked over to Lionel and had a nice conversation with Dave and Ryan, begging for this and that to be produce. It was a nice couple of hours but the show is obvious reasons is not to its former glory
I’ll post a video tonight
@prrhorseshoecurve posted:Wow! No Charles Ro..no Grysbotski's...
This show feels wierd...like "Walkin in Staten"
I know Grzyboski’s was definitely planning on going - most of this week there was a message on their website that the store was going to be closed Friday and Saturday due to attending the show. I guess the weather reports gave them pause to reconsider!!!
@superwarp1 posted:Someone had the MTH woodsided passenger cars MTH make. 500 bucks but I was out of money. Trainz had product on had. Ray the Weaver guy in the Mallary building had some stuff. Purchase a few items from Ross.Sadly I was done I. Three hours .
I did have a nice conversation with Steve Ross and Andy Eldaman was with him. After walked over to Lionel and had a nice conversation with Dave and Ryan, begging for this and that to be produce. It was a nice couple of hours but the show is obvious reasons is not to its former glory
$500 for a set of the MTH Woodsite passenger cars? That sounds like the new Lionel pricing! Was that one of the 3-car sets or the 5-car set? I bought most of mine for around $50-60 a car, a price I could stomach. 
I briefly considered coming up for this show, but I'm glad those plans were shelved.
@gunrunnerjohn posted:$500 for a set of the MTH Woodsite passenger cars? That sounds like the new Lionel pricing! Was that one of the 3-car sets or the 5-car set? I bought most of mine for around $50-60 a car, a price I could stomach.
I briefly considered coming up for this show, but I'm glad those plans were shelved.
Five car set, going price these days. Actually glad I didn’t buy.
Can someone there take some pictures of the lionel booth to see what they are showing off.
Thanks
James
@superwarp1 posted:In there 56 years of hosting this show they have never had to cancel. In the 25 years of me going I can only think of two other times it has snowed. I don’t know about Boston, but we are going to get the low end of the weather mens predictions on this one. Roads are passable. Crowds are good.
But, with that said this show will be known as who didn’t attend over who did. Lots of no shows. So I’m hoping next years show will be more normal vendor wise.
even with the lack of vendors there were product to be had. Someone had the MTH woodsided passenger cars MTH make. 500 bucks but I was out of money. Trainz had product on had. Ray the Weaver guy in the Mallary building had some stuff. Purchase a few items from Ross.
Sadly I was done In Three hours .
I did have a nice conversation with Steve Ross and Andy Eldaman was with him. After walked over to Lionel and had a nice conversation with Dave and Ryan, begging for this and that to be produce. It was a nice couple of hours but the show is obvious reasons is not to its former glory
I’ll post a video tonight
Gary......A group of the N gaugers of RANTRAK who are part of our parent club (the RF&P or the Richmond Freelance & Prototype Railroaders) are there.....they took Amtrak to New Haven and then ConnDOT north......rented a car and are in a motel.....I will be interested in what they think.
Peter
Bummer! Only WBB and Lionel were representing!
No MTH...
[Usually Ross behind MTH booth]
No Atlas O ...or even Atlas!
Atlas O usually behind this booth.
Gary,
Is it confirmed that Gryzboski is not there?
Seems like there would not be too much MTH stock to look at.
Ed
@gunrunnerjohn posted:$500 for a set of the MTH Woodsite passenger cars? That sounds like the new Lionel pricing! Was that one of the 3-car sets or the 5-car set? I bought most of mine for around $50-60 a car, a price I could stomach.
I briefly considered coming up for this show, but I'm glad those plans were shelved.
John:
As I recall, I paid $500 for a 5-car MTH Strasburg Woodside passenger set from Nicholas Smith. So $500 is a good price, given today's inflation and steep increase in price for the Lionel (former MTH) woodside cars. If that set is still there tomorrow, I may well buy it for a friend who is looking for one.
Pat
@Apples55 posted:I know Grzyboski’s was definitely planning on going - most of this week there was a message on their website that the store was going to be closed Friday and Saturday due to attending the show. I guess the weather reports gave them pause to reconsider!!!
Grzyboski's was definitely going. Spoke to Teresa earlier this week. Weather probably caused them to change their plans.
Pat
@superwarp1 posted:In there 56 years of hosting this show they have never had to cancel. In the 25 years of me going I can only think of two other times it has snowed. I don’t know about Boston, but we are going to get the low end of the weather mens predictions on this one. Roads are passable. Crowds are good.
But, with that said this show will be known as who didn’t attend over who did. Lots of no shows. So I’m hoping next years show will be more normal vendor wise.
even with the lack of vendors there were product to be had. Someone had the MTH woodsided passenger cars MTH make. 500 bucks but I was out of money. Trainz had product on had. Ray the Weaver guy in the Mallary building had some stuff. Purchase a few items from Ross.
Sadly I was done In Three hours .
I did have a nice conversation with Steve Ross and Andy Eldaman was with him. After walked over to Lionel and had a nice conversation with Dave and Ryan, begging for this and that to be produce. It was a nice couple of hours but the show is obvious reasons is not to its former glory
I’ll post a video tonight
Gary:
Do you recall the name of the dealer or the Hall where the dealer is who had the MTH woodside passenger set? Also, do you recall which road name the set is? Thanks.
Pat
@irish rifle posted:Gary:
Do you recall the name of the dealer or the Hall where the dealer is who had the MTH woodside passenger set? Also, do you recall which road name the set is? Thanks.
Pat
Better living center. Walk in the west entrance and take a left. Then a right. He’s near the west Chester hobby store or was it west minister. Had a Lionel B&M ten wheeler with it TMCC for 800. Cars were B&M
Did Trainworld show up? I watched the live feed several times and did not see them.
Gunny
@gunny posted:Did Trainworld show up? I watched the live feed several times and did not see them.
Gunny
Didn’t see them
WOW what a day perfect day for an inside train show saw a few venders that also set up at York.
I watched the Virtual Railfan cameras and walk through video today. Definitely a different looking show this year. My son and I were thinking about going on Sunday.
I just finished snow blowing 12" of snow, and still there's still 6" more of the white fluffy before it finishes up late tonight! The new plan is to clean up the yard and relax at home tomorrow. Versus a 7 hour round trip drive if the roads are clear? We are bummed that the blizzard disrupted our usual two day weekend get away. We can hope for good weather and a bigger show next year.
@gunny posted:Did Trainworld show up? I watched the live feed several times and did not see them.
Gunny
I didnt see them either but Nassau Hobbies was there!
@superwarp1 posted:Better living center. Walk in the west entrance and take a left. Then a right. He’s near the west Chester hobby store or was it west minister. Had a Lionel B&M ten wheeler with it TMCC for 800. Cars were B&M
Hi Gary:
Great. Thanks.
Pat
I wife and I went, just like Gary we are about 15 minutes away. Was hoping this show was going to be like the last “snow show” some years ago. The high light of the show for me wasn’t what one would expect. After buying a nice weaver 50’ B&M trailer flat for 35. I hear someone next to me talking about the show. I give my two cents, turns into about a hour long conversation with his wife and him. Ends up Gregory is a OGR member but also a Marine. I’ll leave out all the details, but made the show for my wife and me. Working on putting all the videos together from the show, and what we got.
@Trainwreck nate posted:I wife and I went, just like Gary we are about 15 minutes away. Was hoping this show was going to be like the last “snow show” some years ago. The high light of the show for me wasn’t what one would expect. After buying a nice weaver 50’ B&M trailer flat for 35. I hear someone next to me talking about the show. I give my two cents, turns into about a hour long conversation with his wife and him. Ends up Gregory is a OGR member but also a Marine. I’ll leave out all the details, but made the show for my wife and me. Working on putting all the videos together from the show, and what we got.
You never know who you are going to meet. Saw you for like a minute then you disappeared
Wondering if anyone saw Gryzboski Trains.
Ed
They're not there. Covered already in multiple posts.
Pat
@BenLMaggi posted:Heading over now from Albany, NY. Typically less than 90 minutes there. The drive home... I hope it won't be bad!
The drive on Saturday morning was fine. Just left a little earlier, and I only got there a few minutes after 9. I never had such a good parking spot in my life, and no lines! The wind outside was brutal but everything else was great. Less vendors... less people... but no fighting through crowds. Still a great $15 show!
@superwarp1 posted:Five car set, going price these days. Actually glad I didn’t buy.
I saw this. Wanted to buy it, but it was out of my range.
Well I dug myself out and I am going to drive out for today. I hope to see some of you there.
@superwarp1 posted:You never know who you are going to meet. Saw you for like a minute then you disappeared
Gary I know, you just started talking with Ross. Plus my A.D.D. was kicking in but it was a train show so it’s expected.
Bummer, my street is slick as ****. No go this year. I really wanted to go
@BenLMaggi posted:I saw this. Wanted to buy it, but it was out of my range.
Yep those are them. Might be able to get a deal before the show closes
@BenLMaggi posted:I saw this. Wanted to buy it, but it was out of my range.
Its a steal at that price. Engine alone lists for 600 bucks. This has the desirable Pittman motor and zero issues. Lionel now wants 225 a car these days.
Pete
Great time at the show missing about 100 vendors but still 200 plus there. And yet found flats cars, details and friends its all good!
Ben,
I noticed you looked at the set with the B&M mogul. I have a Lionel #1455 Mogul (6-38019) w/TMCC, RailSounds, Odyssey, etc. Test Run Only, Like New with original box & packing that i’ll sell for $450. Email is in my profile.
Thanks for sharing the pictures, Don. Looked like a good show with a little extra elbow room thrown in! Those ship and boat models are great-looking.
@dk122trains posted:Great time at the show missing about 100 vendors but still 200 plus there. And yet found flats cars, details and friends its all good!
Hi Don,
It was great to bump into you at the Lionel booth. Regarding the 2 photos above, I'm so glad that it was you and not me, that caused the Lionel layout to shut down, LOL. You, I, and the Lionel staff had a great laugh about "you break it, you bought it" and then you said that you buy it all anyway. You had me rolling, LOL!!!
And while I usually don't like using my phone when I'm talking to someone, I had to pull up some pictures when I was talking to Ryan to nail down a future project. Needless to say, shortly after you took that photo, Ryan and I fist bumped and "inked" a deal for a future custom run LEGACY loco.
Thanks for posting these pictures. It's the personal interaction indicated above that I really love about the hobby. You were one of the many bright points of this event. Thank you, Don!
Stu
Just got home from the show. Best $20 spent on the hobby this year. I realize several of the large vendors of new items were not there, but there were still many dealers there for all scales. I was very impressed with the number and quality of club layouts, and kudos to those clubs and members who obviously put a lot of effort into the show.
@ByronB posted:Just got home from the show. Best $20 spent on the hobby this year. I realize several of the large vendors of new items were not there, but there were still many dealers there for all scales. I was very impressed with the number and quality of club layouts, and kudos to those clubs and members who obviously put a lot of effort into the show.
Get this insanity. All those clubs have a week to set up. They have until Sunday night to teardown and get out of dodge. I did spend of lot of money, but lets hopping for a full show next year.
Here's the report from WWLP, the Springfield NBC affiliate.
https://www.wwlp.com/news/loca...e-big-e-fairgrounds/
A couple of 3-rail trains in operation are in the video.
@Tuscan Jim posted:Thanks for sharing the pictures, Don. Looked like a good show with a little extra elbow room thrown in! Those ship and boat models are great-looking.
Jim, you are so right about the boat and ship models at the Big E.
I'm planning to build a removable river using a thin plywood base, 2 inch thick pink foam board, acrylic paints and Mod Podge.
I'm delighted with this Lionel NY Central Tugboat I miraculously found and bought at the show that will go on the removable river once I build it:
It will pull this custom built barge I bought at the show:
And I also bought this custom built steam ship schooner that may not go on the layout, but instead remain on top of the piano in my living room because my wife and I think it is so attractive:
Yesterday was the 3rd time I went to the Big E. I focus on scenery, structures, vehicles and figures, and not so much on trains, at the Big E.
The Big E is my favorite show.
Haven't been to York since about 1995 when I made my first and only visit to the York show.
Next time I go to York, which I hope will be this year, I think I'll focus on trains and accessories, and may decide it is my favorite show.
Arnold
Does anyone have the telephone number of John Flaherty from Stovall, Vermont, who sold custom made models, including boats and barges, in the Better Living Center building at the Big E?
He may do business under a company name I don't have. Also, I could not find John Flaherty from Vermont when I Googled him.
Arnold
Final numbers are in. just over 5900 braved the virus of unknown origin and the blizzard that wasn’t. Far cry from the 18,000-20,000 that usually show but it’s a start.
@Arnold D. Cribari posted:Does anyone have the telephone number of John Flaherty from Stovall, Vermont, who sold custom made models, including boats and barges, in the Better Living Center building at the Big E?
He may do business under a company name I don't have. Also, I could not find John Flaherty from Vermont when I Googled him.
Arnold
Would this be the guy?
@Arnold D. Cribari posted:Jim, you are so right about the boat and ship models at the Big E...s so attractive:
Arnold, that's an epic haul, magnificent models for your idea (and your piano)! That's my favorite thing about train shows, how unpredictable and serendipitous they can be. That tug is beautiful and will look great hauling the barge. Great how that came together for you. I need to get to that show sometime. It will make a good road trip from SE PA.
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