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Well, we are now a month away from the biggest train show in New England.  Not to early to start asking who’s going?

I won’t lie, last years show was a real dud,  the snow, cancellations galore, first show since covid, etc, etc. But, with that said four buildings large and full of venders.  A few links to check out.

Railroad Hobby Show

List of Exhibitors

Floor plan



List of few exhibitors

Lionel

Mth

Ross Custom Switches

Scenic express

Kadee

Last edited by superwarp1
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I'll be there. It is my favorite day of the year (Saturday).

As for last year, I really enjoyed it. I got to park really close because the lots were nearly empty when it opened in the morning. The drive over from Albany was very slow (and careful) but the roads were nearly deserted so it wasn't bad at all. And being parked close was good because I just got into O scale last year and I didn't realize that carrying around lots of O scale trains was a lot of work! (Most of my previous HO purchases fit in a shopping bag... not so with O!)

I'll once again tip my cap to the meet's organizers: This show is held on the weekend after the last NFL playoff game and the weekend before the Super Bowl.  There's nothing else going on and it's a great show.  It's not York but rather serves all scales.  While I do make some purchases, I mostly go for scenery ideas.  If you live within 3-4 hours (and this includes much of metro NYC), you should go.  25,000 attendees can't be wrong...

I will be there on Saturday.

Steven J. Serenska

@Norton posted:

Great show for layout builders, scenery, structures, tools, etc. Not so great for O scale trains. Absence of Charles Ro is a big loss.

Pete

Mr. Muffins showed up one year but CharlesRO was beating his prices by about 10% and Muffins hasn't been back since.  Every year I send Steve a email, stating we would love him back.  B&F hobbies hopefully will show up and Grzyboski's is always there but agreed Charles Ro is a big loss.

Yes - held on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA.

I'll be pre-ordering a ticket for Saturday - I think they now mail you a bracelet so you can go right in and don't have to wait in line. If so, that's a good idea.

This nice article in yesterday's Boston Globe:



"America’s largest railroad hobby show returns to West Springfield

Nearly 350 exhibitors will be convening for the fair, which will run from Jan. 28-29

Calling all train enthusiasts: the Amherst Railroad Society is gearing up for the Railroad Hobby Show next month.
Calling all train enthusiasts: the Amherst Railroad Society is gearing up for the Railroad Hobby Show next month.MICHEL SPINGLER/ASSOCIATED PRESS

Calling all train enthusiasts: the Amherst Railroad Society is gearing up for the Railroad Hobby Show, featuring a host of train-themed activities for audiences of all ages. Visitors will be able to drive model trains, take a ride on an operational locomotive, and browse through photos, books, and other train-themed publications at this annual event.

The largest trade show in the United States devoted entirely to railroads will run from Jan. 28-29 and span four buildings on the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield. Nearly 350 exhibitors will be convening for the fair, including historical and preservation organizations, model train vendors, train museums, and railroad-themed magazines. Maggie the Railroad Clown will also be roaming around the fairgrounds.

Attendees can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the N-TRAK modular model railroad system, create a 3-D-printed image of themselves to include in a model railroad set, or drop by the National Model Railroad Association’s booth to chat with board members and department heads.

Tickets to the hobby show can be purchased in advance until Jan. 13, with a one-day adult pass available for $15, and a two-day pass available for $27. A $1 handling fee will be added to tickets purchased in advance, and wristbands will be mailed to each attendee. Tickets can also be purchased on site, and children 15 and under can attend the show for free. Proceeds from the event will go toward railroad preservation and restoration efforts across the country.

Railroad Hobby Show, Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Jan. 28, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Jan 29, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Adults $15; children 15 and under free. railroadhobbyshow.com"

@superwarp1 posted:

Mr. Muffins showed up one year but CharlesRO was beating his prices by about 10% and Muffins hasn't been back since.  Every year I send Steve a email, stating we would love him back.  B&F hobbies hopefully will show up and Grzyboski's is always there but agreed Charles Ro is a big loss.

I have purchased from B&F but don’t think they were there last time I was there a couple of years ago (2020??).

Pete

Size of show?

I went to York for the first time this fall.  I use to live in Wisconsin so went to Trainfest many times.  Realize this show is more like Trainfest, covering Model Railroading in general.  Surprised they say it is the largest, thought Trainfest was.

Can anyone let me know how this does compare in size.  If weather is OK will probably go, it is half the distance York was for me.  Thanks.

Size of show?

I went to York for the first time this fall.  I use to live in Wisconsin so went to Trainfest many times.  Realize this show is more like Trainfest, covering Model Railroading in general.  Surprised they say it is the largest, thought Trainfest was.

Can anyone let me know how this does compare in size.  If weather is OK will probably go, it is half the distance York was for me.  Thanks.

I posted everything up above that should answer your questions.  Link to the show website, layout of the four buildings, and a list of everyone attending.  Can't comment of Trainfest, but if the weather is good and it's well attended, it takes me a good 6 hours to go through it all.

Just over a half hour from home, so I always go on Saturday and sometimes go back on Sunday. For me it's the many layouts and the broad appeal of model trains in general with every scale represented. If you like model railroading, you'll like the show. It's a fun day and while I don't go with the intention of buying as I do at York (different kind of show), I have never come home empty handed.

@MIKATT1 posted:

What are the best places to eat for this show? We usually go to The Steaming Tender in Plamer.

That's a great place but a 40 min drive from the show.  I eat at Red Rose in Springfield,  Bluelinec4 likes Cal's down the road, I have yet to eat there.   For Breakfast I go to Partners which is 5 mins up the road, other like Memo's which is very near the show grounds.

Love this show, something for everyone.

Don't know if it will be 50 degrees like today in Rhode Island, 10 Degrees and snow, or 40 degrees and mud everywhere. Seems like a new adventure each time. I didn't make it last year as I don't fight the snow on the roads anymore.

Regarding a photoshoot - how does 1:00 Saturday at Steve's RCS booth ( I don't think Steve will mind the extra traffic).

I'm looking for some scenery ideas and some 1:1 railroadiana. Does anyone know which building would be best for 1:1 railroad items?

I'm also hoping to check out some operating signal options for the new layout that won't break the bank and are easy to install.

This time I may stay the night and check out the show on Sunday morning.

With the last couple of years being so hard, I am mostly looking forward to seeing old and new friends.

Safe travels everyone.

Paul

@LIONEL6457 posted:

What is the name of the company that sells mostly tools? I remember them just inside one of the entry doors (2019 and earlier). They had a relatively large space and always seemed to be crowded.

I've scrolled through the exhibator list 3 times and just can't seem to bring their name to mind.

Thank you

Rich

B&B Hobby Supplies, Young building section 70, directly right after entering the main entrance.   Look at the floor plan I put a link to in my beginning post.

Last edited by superwarp1

Both Stephie and I will be there. Our first train show in over 3 years. Once again we will be with Tim and Lynn Foley manning the Mianne Benchwork booth in the BLC. It is also their first show since pre covid. Please stop by and say hello. Should be there most of the time as I do not need to "train shop" since I have more than I need. Will however, be doing more "idea shopping" and this is an excellent show for that purpose.

Al

https://weather.com/weather/te...54e8531#detailIndex5

There has been little snow in southern New England this  winter. Here is the weather Channel forecast for West Springfield through Sunday the 29th. No snow in the forecast until Monday the 30th and then only snow showers I  find these long range forecasts can be unreliable, but at least this one is encouraging. Hope to see you all there.

Mike

@PRRMike posted:

https://weather.com/weather/te...54e8531#detailIndex5

There has been little snow in southern New England this  winter. Here is the weather Channel forecast for West Springfield through Sunday the 29th. No snow in the forecast until Monday the 30th and then only snow showers I  find these long range forecasts can be unreliable, but at least this one is encouraging. Hope to see you all there.

Mike

Local stations that go that far out, say the same.  Cross your fingers.

10 Days to go.

@Hudson J1e posted:

This could finally be the year I make it to this show. Is it possible to buy tickets the night/day before or at the show? I don’t want to buy the tickets far in advance because weather or one of the kids getting sick could put a wrench in the plan to go.

Plenty of ticket booths to purchase the day of the show.  I don't do advance tickets as there's no discount so I always buy the day of the show.  As for buying the night before, I doubt it.

I'm not going this year, but just wanted to share that the Big E is my favorite show. IMO, there are plenty of trains in all gauges and it's the best show I've been to for scenery materials and other things to adorn your layout including boats, barges, structures, cars, trucks, etc.

I went boat, barge and dock crazy last time I was there, and as a result this is on my layout:

20220813_07313220220810_15491720220810_154127

Arnold

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I attended the Springfield show every year between 1999 and 2020 - 22 consecutive years, my favorite model railroad show, and I kept count of the years I had attended. I measured time during the year according to months since the previous show and months until the next one. Now, I haven't attended since Covid began and I keep count of how many years I've missed. Wish I could attend. To everyone who attends - enjoy the show.

MELGAR

Last edited by MELGAR
@superwarp1 posted:

I have bad news.  B&F hobbies will not be attending the show.  Frank who's 85 under the advise of a doctor is not going to risk getting exposed to what ever.  Totally understandable.

Really puts a dent in the O scale offerings at the show.

Gary:

Unfortunate to be sure, but inevitable in these times that illness or fear thereof leads to some losses at a show. The good news is that there will be approximately 350 vendors at the Show. We probably lost half of the vendors last year with the snow.

Pat

Well, here is a stroll from gatherings through the years...enjoy. Click to open the picturesBig E 2

Always travel with your attorney

Big e 3 2018

NJ Hi-Railers and more in the house

big e 4

I still don't know why she was there, but purely out of curiosity I had to investigate

Big e 2013

Ed leading the charge in front of the OGR Booth

Big e 2014

I love this shot for a number of reasons

big e group 2018

I guess I got tired from all the walking around...

Ed again

Always a  pleasure to chat with Ed

Train Friends BigE

1:00 tomorrow at the RCS booth - be there or be talked about...

Safe travels everyone.

Paul

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Last edited by Railrunnin
@MELGAR posted:

I attended the Springfield show every year between 1999 and 2020 - 22 consecutive years, my favorite model railroad show, and I kept count of the years I had attended. I measured time during the year according to months since the previous show and months until the next one. Now, I haven't attended since Covid began and I keep count of how many years I've missed. Wish I could attend. To everyone who attends - enjoy the show.

MELGAR

I'm sorry to hear this Mel.  I enjoyed meeting up with you a few years back with my roommate from college (the prof. of chemistry).  He is newly retired and happens to be joining me again this year.  We'll hope to see you in future years.

Steven J. Serenska

Last edited by Serenska

"I'll once again tip my cap to the meet's organizers: This show is held on the weekend after the last NFL playoff game and the weekend before the Super Bowl.  There's nothing else going on and it's a great show. "

I'm confused by this. I think the playoffs are on Sunday, the 29th.

Sorry, I'm the one who wrote that.  In past years, this was always true.  Since the NFL moved to an 17-game season (over 18 weeks)j, however, it threw the show schedule off.  I hadn't checked the playoff schedule whenI wrote the above.  Sorry....

Steven J. Serenska

@bluelinec4 posted:

I survived the whole pandemic walking by the dregs of the world on the subways and not contracting anything   We have a train show with normal people and I am testing positive for Covid this week  Going to miss the Big E

Sorry, Ben…….I feel your pain……after being knee-deep in Covid secretions the last 10 months of my career working in the ICU, I came down with it Jan1, hanging with normal people. Hope it passes swiftly.

Peter

Sorry, Ben…….I feel your pain……after being knee-deep in Covid secretions the last 10 months of my career working in the ICU, I came down with it Jan1, hanging with normal people. Hope it passes swiftly.

Peter

Had covid back at thanksgiving. For the most part it was just a bad cold.  Only on day with a fever.

As for the show it’s packed.

Last edited by superwarp1

First time for me, the show was fantastic!  Made it to Ross at 1PM, great to meet other forum members.  Talked to the "boys from Jersey".  No NOT the "Four Seasons".  The NJ Hi-Railer Guys.

I was VERY curious how big the show was going to be, advertised as the largest in the US.  Formerly living in Wisconsin had gone to Trainfest in Milwaukee, many times.  I thought they too claimed to be the biggest in the US.  Anyhow, this was larger than any Trainfest I ever attended.

Any comments on having a 110 decibel steam whistle 15 ft. from a very busy pedestrian walkway? I’ll go first.

Reasonable to have a real steamer with whistle at a big train show? Sure.

Was it a poor implementation of that idea? Absolutely!

Mark I TOTALLY Agree with you.  Neat to see "but"....

Didn't have a db meter with me, Think it may have been more than 110 decibels.  Hope parents did NOT stand there with small children for very long!  I didn't walk directly by it, stayed away the best I could.  Anyone know if they had warning signs posted about the noise?  I (like I'm sure some of you may) suffer from hearing damage, caused by noise exposure in an industrial environment.  When I was younger, I didn't take it seriously enough.  You live and you learn.  Started wearing ear plugs when I mow the lawn, or use my chainsaw.

Last edited by MainLine Steam

Any comments on having a 110 decibel steam whistle 15 ft. from a very busy pedestrian walkway? I’ll go first.

Reasonable to have a real steamer with whistle at a big train show? Sure.

Was it a poor implementation of that idea? Absolutely!

Mark, I'm glad I was not the only one. After a while I went oh man, they are going to go all day with this thing. After 4 hours it was a bit much. However, I can't imagine what the people waiting to get into the BLC building thought. Thanks for the laugh

Any comments on having a 110 decibel steam whistle 15 ft. from a very busy pedestrian walkway? I’ll go first.

Reasonable to have a real steamer with whistle at a big train show? Sure.

Was it a poor implementation of that idea? Absolutely!

I share your "irascible curmudgeon" worldview.  That whistle was profoundly annoying.   I felt very sorry for the poor ladies working in the booths immediately next to the loco.

In addition to the the placement of the steam engine and the sheer decibel volume of the whistle, it was the fact that some immature idiot was sitting in the cab setting it off every 10 seconds.  There was a fantastic jackknife bridge in one of the halls and I really wanted to see it work but it had a sign that said "Bridge is opened every half hour, 00:00, 00:30, etc."  The exact same discipline and consideration should have been exercised by Mr. Look-At-Me! the engineer.

Grrrr.

Steven J. Serenska

Any comments on having a 110 decibel steam whistle 15 ft. from a very busy pedestrian walkway? I’ll go first.

Reasonable to have a real steamer with whistle at a big train show? Sure.

Was it a poor implementation of that idea? Absolutely!

That’s where they have placed it since it started coming to the show.   Every time I walked by and seeing all the little kids that started screaming every time it blew.   I could hear it all the way in Springfield, at Red Rose.

Last edited by superwarp1

Mark I TOTALLY Agree with you.  Neat to see "but"....

Didn't have a db meter with me, Think it may have been more than 110 decibels.  Hope parents did NOT stand there with small children for very long!  I didn't walk directly by it, stayed away the best I could.  Anyone know if they had warning signs posted about the noise?  I (like I'm sure some of you may) suffer from hearing damage, caused by noise exposure in an industrial environment.  When I was younger, I didn't take it seriously enough.  You live and you learn.  Started wearing ear plugs when I mow the lawn, or use my chainsaw.

I have this app on my phone, and while I didn’t think to take a screen shot, it showed 110 about 50’ away!image

Serenska writes:

”I share your "irascible curmudgeon" worldview.” Guess I didn’t hit delete fast enough🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️. My language was too pejorative and I replaced it with milder phraseology.

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Last edited by Mark V. Spadaro
@Serenska posted:

I share your "irascible curmudgeon" worldview.  That whistle was profoundly annoying.   I felt very sorry for the poor ladies working in the booths immediately next to the loco.

In addition to the the placement of the steam engine and the sheer decibel volume of the whistle, it was the fact that some immature idiot was sitting in the cab setting it off every 10 seconds.  There was a fantastic jackknife bridge in one of the halls and I really wanted to see it work but it had a sign that said "Bridge is opened every half hour, 00:00, 00:30, etc."  The exact same discipline and consideration should have been exercised by Mr. Look-At-Me! the engineer.

Grrrr.

Steven J. Serenska

The Bridge (in the better living center #28) is a O scale rendition of the New Haven Rolling Bascule over the Housatonic River.  Model was built in the 1930's.  It still works, just like the Prototype built in 1906 (they don't build them like they use to).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...iver_Railroad_Bridge

Last edited by MainLine Steam

I have this app on my phone, and while I didn’t think to take a screen shot, it showed 110 about 50’ away!image

110 at 50 feet, thanks for the clarification.  I know there are formulas for calculating at other distances.  But any way it is just too Darn Loud to be safe for small children 15 feet away.  They do warn parents about taking small children to firework displays without ear protection.

The Bridge (in the better living center #28) is a O scale rendition of the New Haven Rolling Bascule over the Housatonic River.  Model was built in the 1930's.  It still works, just like the Prototype built in 1906 (they don't build them like they use to).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...iver_Railroad_Bridge

Is the same fellow still demonstrating the bridge every half hour? As I recall, he had been a field service rep for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft engines and was one of the most senior members of the New Haven modeling society.

MELGAR

@MELGAR posted:

Is the same fellow still demonstrating the bridge every half hour? As I recall, he had been a field service rep for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft engines and was one of the most senior members of the New Haven modeling society.

MELGAR

My guess is Yes.

When I saw it yesterday at 4:30 and started asking questions the comment was there is a guy that is the "expert" on this.  They said if I came back tomorrow, earlier in the day, he would be demonstrating it.  The comment was he can go on and on about it for 20 minutes.

I have this app on my phone, and while I didn’t think to take a screen shot, it showed 110 about 50’ away!image

Serenska writes:

”I share your "irascible curmudgeon" worldview.” Guess I didn’t hit delete fast enough🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️. My language was too pejorative and I replaced it with milder phraseology.

@Mark V. Spadaro Funny, we're more similar than you might think.  I was also regretting the pejorative nature of my last post and, while cooking breakfast for everyone, I tried to think of a way to turn it into something positive .

Here's what I think they steam people should do:

  1. Have a drawing every half-hour where the only qualification for signing up is that you have to be less than 18 years old.

  2. The winner of the drawing gets to yank the cord that blows the whistle.


This would simultaneously 1) space out the loud blasts, 2) give some child a thrill, and 3) give all the rest of us the joy of watching a child tooting the whistle...while covering our ears with our hands.

Steven J. Serenska

How about installing a whistle for the show that isn't as loud?  I saw a Stanley Steamer at a car show that had a locomotive whistle installed.  It was loud, but not as loud as the one on the engine in Springfield.

BTW, the owner of the Stanley was totally annoyed when I asked him if it was a locomotive whistle.  He wouldn't answer my question, but his daughter did!

John

@MELGAR posted:

Is the same fellow still demonstrating the bridge every half hour? As I recall, he had been a field service rep for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft engines and was one of the most senior members of the New Haven modeling society.

MELGAR

I didn’t see him when I walked by Saturday, didn’t ask if he was at the show or not.  

as for complaining about the whistle,  really?  You guys are supposed to be train fans.  Cover your ears next time and be thankful Edeville trucked it out here for people’s enjoyment.

There are decibels and there are decibels. I was in line right next to the locomotive for the Saturday opening. The steam whistle was a joy to hear. The "official" opening horn was loud but not annoying (other than that it wasn't a steam whistle). The compound horn mounted on the NH truck was annoying per se--just as intended and as designed. My solution was to walk inside the BLC. Later, between buildings, I had a conversation with one of the Edaville volunteers. Our talk was interrupted several times by the whistle. Our solution: we shut up; smiled, and waiting for the next silence (only about five seconds later).

I believe the last time I heard a steam whistle was on the Cog. I was very happy the Edaville people came with their locomotive and I look forward to visiting them this summer. I suppose those who limit their model railroading to digital control and microchips probably would be annoyed by the smell of coal smoke, lubricating oil, and ties oozing creosote on a hot day. And I know several children who love toy trains but are overwhelmed by their real-life counterparts.

As far as I could tell, each building has multiple doors, and the noise was easily avoidable--unless you instisted on standing there with your cellphone app trying to measure the damage you were doing to your own hearing by standing there.

Last edited by RDM

Any comments on having a 110 decibel steam whistle 15 ft. from a very busy pedestrian walkway? I’ll go first.

Reasonable to have a real steamer with whistle at a big train show? Sure.

Was it a poor implementation of that idea? Absolutely!

I  don't know if I agree with you or not . It was a real locomotive at a train show which was pretty cool. If I was going to complain about anything it would be the small amount of seating (us old and handicapped need to rest a lot) and the long lines at the food service stands.

Just got home after spending the day with my step-dad at the show. As always, the best $20 spent on the hobby all year. I’m truly impressed and appreciative of the many clubs that set up layouts. I enjoy every one of them, from N scale to Lego.

Not too crowded today. Busy, but we had no problems seeing things, shopping, eating, or sitting. One vendor in the BLC complained to us that he was a little annoyed that he only took cash and all the ATMs were out of cash. I did not independently verify that statement.

I thought the steam engine whistle was too loud as well, but accepted it as “ hey, it’s a steam engine (one I’ve ridden behind) at a train show” and just avoided it. That said, I arrived at 10:30 this morning and was sorry to see a family leaving….the 5 or 6 year old was terrified by the steam whistle and they never made it past the engine. I felt bad for them. He STILL had his hands over his ears out in the parking lot.

Last edited by ByronB
@superwarp1 posted:

There was talk of another train show at the Big E at the end of April going around the show today.  It would be a large scale only show.  Talk was O gauge and up or O to G.  No HO, no N, no Z.  When I get further information I’ll post it here.

Yes, that sounds right. When I was at Charles Ro earlier this week, they said that the next show they were doing was a G gauge show in Springfield.

* * *

My almost-nine-year-old son and I went to the Amherst show and had a great time. He's been to the local Greenberg since he was much younger, but this was his first time to the Big E. As luck had it, he's the right age to start going, we both were ready to go home after about 3.5 hours. He's old enough to be patient while I look through certain vendors stock, but he also has his own developed interests that we check out.

He's at the fun age where he enjoys the playing with his Thomas and Percy sets—then again I do, too—and the postwar and postwar reissues that I've gotten him, but he's also getting really into the detail of my O-scale rolling stock. This is such a wonderful hobby to share with your kid(s).

@Matt_GNo27 posted:

Yes, that sounds right. When I was at Charles Ro earlier this week, they said that the next show they were doing was a G gauge show in Springfield.

* * *

My almost-nine-year-old son and I went to the Amherst show and had a great time. He's been to the local Greenberg since he was much younger, but this was his first time to the Big E. As luck had it, he's the right age to start going, we both were ready to go home after about 3.5 hours. He's old enough to be patient while I look through certain vendors stock, but he also has his own developed interests that we check out.

He's at the fun age where he enjoys the playing with his Thomas and Percy sets—then again I do, too—and the postwar and postwar reissues that I've gotten him, but he's also getting really into the detail of my O-scale rolling stock. This is such a wonderful hobby to share with your kid(s).

Matt:

From everything I have heard from CharlesRo over the past few years, they are done doing train shows. That decision was made after Charlie passed away. CharlesRo was always at the York Meets and the Amherst Shows, but they have not attended either the past few years. Did whoever you spoke to indicate that their thinking has recently changed in this regard, or was it your sense that this would be a one-time exception? It would certainly be great if they have decided to return to attending train shows. Thanks.

Pat

Just for curiosity sake, did anyone see or get photos of Strasburg 90 while at the show?  Did Lionel even have one on display?

Thanks.

Yes, Lionel was running it this afternoon.

* * *

Re. the whistle on the Edaville Portor 0-4-0:

Positive: They let anyone—mostly kids—climb aboard and try ringing the bell and blowing the whistle, they open the door to the firebox so the person can see the fire, all for free. That's awesome. What a gift to give a child the opportunity to blow the whistle on a real steam engine.

Negative: It is extremely loud and right in the flow of traffic between buildings. You only get two sets of ears in this life, and the whistle is loud enough to do damage, possibly permanent. It is not just a matter of scaring kids or annoying adults, it is a health and safety matter.

Even setting it back a hundred feet from the primary walkway would help. We need to bring this to the attention of Edaville and the Amherst Railway Society.

@irish rifle posted:

Matt:

From everything I have heard from CharlesRo over the past few years, they are done doing train shows. That decision was made after Charlie passed away. CharlesRo was always at the York Meets and the Amherst Shows, but they have not attended either the past few years. Did whoever you spoke to indicate that their thinking has recently changed in this regard, or was it your sense that this would be a one-time exception? It would certainly be great if they have decided to return to attending train shows. Thanks.

Pat

I don't know the names of the employees, but I recognize them. One of the long-time fellows up front double-checked with another long-time employee that they were planning on going. Other than that, I did not ask about their overall policy regarding shows. I assumed that if it was a G-scale show, it must be worth it for the USA Trains business.

Last edited by Matt_GNo27

It was great to see so many Forum members show up for the “OGR photo shoot” at 1 PM on Saturday.  I got to meet a few guys for the first time…and saw many familiar faces.  Thank you, Steve (Ross Custom Switches), for once again putting up with us tying up the area in front of your display for a few minutes.  Great job as always by @Railrunnin (Paul) for organizing the photo shoot.  Hopefully he will post some photos in this thread.

I took advantage of an email offer from Micro-Mark that I received prior to the show.  20% off your order and they brought the items to the show, so I saved the shipping cost, too.  I ordered one of their Micro-Make mini power drills and the high-power digital transformer to operate it.  Nice deal!

Last edited by CNJ #1601

What a great weekend!

It was terrific to see how many people showed up for the annual photo at the Big E. I really pulled a bone-head move this time. I went to my car to get my DSLR camera around 12:15 and discovered I had left my SD card at home while I was editing some images. My back-up card was not in my camera bag and I was panicking. There is no time to leave the fairgrounds, buy a new SD card, and get back in time so...

I went with the CCP option (Crappy Cell Phone ) option.

The attached photo shows another great gathering of like-minded folks sharing our love of the hobby. My only regret (besides the missing SD card) was not finding an opportunity to talk wiht everyone who was there. I wanted to say hi to everyone and I missed that goal by a mile. Maybe next year we can figure out a way to visit as a group for awhile.

I did buy a terrific custom flat with load by Ralphs Trains. Mostly it was just fun wandering around the halls and seeing old friends. I also managed to get in some 1:1 railfanning later Sat afternoon and on Sunday.

Have a great week everyone.

Paul - next time I have an extra SD card - LicataBig E 2023

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  • Big E 2023
@Railrunnin posted:

What a great weekend!

The attached photo shows another great gathering of like-minded folks sharing our love of the hobby. My only regret (besides the missing SD card) was not finding an opportunity to talk wiht everyone who was there. I wanted to say hi to everyone and I missed that goal by a mile. Maybe next year we can figure out a way to visit as a group for awhile.

Paul - next time I have an extra SD card - LicataBig E 2023

Thanks for posting the group photo, Paul.  I really like your idea of trying to figure out a way for us Forum members to visit as a group at a future show.  There’s just not enough time to make a lot of introductions when we gather for the photo.  Maybe we can wear name tags with our OGR Forum names so we can easily identify each other.

Last edited by CNJ #1601
@Railrunnin posted:

What a great weekend!

It was terrific to see how many people showed up for the annual photo at the Big E. I really pulled a bone-head move this time. I went to my car to get my DSLR camera around 12:15 and discovered I had left my SD card at home while I was editing some images. My back-up card was not in my camera bag and I was panicking. There is no time to leave the fairgrounds, buy a new SD card, and get back in time so...

I went with the CCP option (Crappy Cell Phone ) option.

The attached photo shows another great gathering of like-minded folks sharing our love of the hobby. My only regret (besides the missing SD card) was not finding an opportunity to talk wiht everyone who was there. I wanted to say hi to everyone and I missed that goal by a mile. Maybe next year we can figure out a way to visit as a group for awhile.

I did buy a terrific custom flat with load by Ralphs Trains. Mostly it was just fun wandering around the halls and seeing old friends. I also managed to get in some 1:1 railfanning later Sat afternoon and on Sunday.

Have a great week everyone.

Paul - next time I have an extra SD card - LicataBig E 2023

Hey, I see a few faces I know. Nice plug in the back there too. Nice Ross switch.

Stayed at Candlewood Suites on Friday night and was there early Saturday morning and found a back entrance to the show which eliminated a lot of the traffic and parking lines. I was out by 1:00 PM, so never made it to the photo-shoot, although I did stop by at Steve's earlier in the day.  Also, stopped by to chat with Al at the Mianne booth, Ryan at Lionel and several others at the show. Missed seeing Miller Engineering and Z-Stuff.

It was definitely packed on Saturday. Couldn't believe the long line to get into the BLC later in the day or the ticket line. Glad I got my bracelet early. I had printed out the vendor list and maps, but then got a nice handout at the show that had both.

Count me in to eliminate the steam whistle; move it; lower the volume; give a warning; etc.

Picked up the WS Electric Substation, chain link fence and wired telephone poles at an excellent price. Also, found a Lionel Maine Central gondola with coal load and a Lionel B&M gondola with containers. Thanks to Gryboski's Trains for coming up with an oversize bag so I could consolidate everything. I'll post pics when I get the chance.

Saw a nice, black 246E pre-war celebration tinplate set in good condition and at a reasonable price, but didn't pull the trigger - still holding out for a command set.

Great show; I was there with my brother-in-law all day yesterday. Picked up some great scenery items from Scenic Express as well as some tools. I also had a pleasant conversation with Dave at the Lionel booth about the much-anticipated arrival of the Strasburg #90; he said it would be May/June; when I asked him why the delay, he said, "Because we want it to be perfect when it is delivered."

We were there all day, and I can honestly say we didn't notice the excessive noise of the train whistle. We saw the loco there and I guess we just assumed we would hear the whistle from time to time. It wasn't any surprise or negative experience at all. The event is about promoting our hobby, so having this type of exhibit there is great in my opinion, especially for the kids who are the future of our hobby.

What did surprise me was that 3 times I went to the Atlas booth to ask some questions about DCS, and all three times, Andy and his buddies were busy watching a football game with their backs turned toward the customers as they approached the booth and were so engrossed in the game that they didn't even notice anyone was there. That is something I'll never understand.

Last edited by BlueComet400
@DMASSO posted:

I was going to ask Andy something but he was engrossed with the other Atlas person so I walked away.

I had a pretty similar experience, Don.  I waited patiently for a little while, but still had a lot of the show to see so I walked away never getting a chance to ask my questions.

On the other hand...I had a great, lengthy conversation with Rich Foster at the MTH booth.  He was very engaging!

Last edited by CNJ #1601

Thanks for posting the photo Paul!  I'm the second one on the left.  Great show.  I picked up a couple Weaver Pickwick Ale reefers and put a bug in the ear of the crew from Atlas about bringing out the HH600 in O gauge.  The talk about the Edaville loco whistle brought back a memory of when I was a kid standing next to the engine at Steamtown in Bellows Falls when the whistle sounded.  Almost jumped out of my shoes!  Traumatized me so badly I collect trains now!

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