Skip to main content

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
Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

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.

Add Reply

Post

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×