Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
The Amherst Railway Society's annual Railroad Hobby Show is less than 2 months away. 4 buildings, over 8 acres of floor space dedicated to all forms of railroading and an operating steam locomotive outside the Better Living Center. Further information at: http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Some information for those who arrive by train or bus.
Beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday and 9:30 am on Sunday the Amherst Railway Society Courtesy Shuttles will begin their routes at the south entrance to Springfield Union Station located on Lyman Street. The vans are 15-passenger vans and there are Show Logos/Signs on the vans and the drivers will be wearing an Amherst Railway Society Red Cap.
The van will make its first STOP at the Springfield Union Station, then leave and follow this route:
- Lyman to Dwight Street, taking a right onto Dwight Street
- Dwight Street to Harrison Ave, taking a right onto Harrison Ave
- Cross Main Street and STOPPING between the Sheraton and the Marriott on the Marriott side of the street.
- Proceed over Memorial Bridge onto Memorial Ave to Baldwin St. stopping at that intersection.
- Continue on Memorial Ave and STOPPING at Gate 5 (closed) of the ESE grounds (to pick up people that have come via other public transportation).
- Proceed west on Memorial Ave to GATE 1 entering the grounds and dropping off at the ticket booths and Door 7 of the BLC.
- Van will leave grounds via Gate 9 head east back to Springfield on Memorial Ave, cross the bridge straight to Main Street where it will make a left turn (north) on Main Street to Lyman where it will make a right turn to repeat the route.
- This route will be followed until 5:30 each day.
Obviously there is plenty to see at the show itself including an operating steam locomotive. The CSX West Springfield Yard is located across Memorial Ave from the Big E grounds. If you want to go further afield you can visit the PanAm/Guilford Yard at East Deerfield or depending on road and weather conditions head west to the Hoosac Tunnel. Palmer, MA, to the east has New England Central crossing the CSX Boston Line as well as the MassCentral. Lots of history in Palmer as it was known as The Town of Seven Railroads. I'm sure others can add their favorite locations as well.
Most of the local clubs and their members will be at the show. There is currently a count of 62 operating layouts from table top to HUGE. It's difficult for any club open house to compete with the show.
Tables were being delivered today (Wednesday.) Layouts will start setting up tomorrow. Many of the vendors will arrive on Friday and get their displays put together. Boothbay Railway Village will be arriving with SD Warren #2 on Friday evening. On Saturday morning #2's whistle will announce the opening of the show in competition with a diesel air horn. Weather report looks good. Looking forward to seeing everyone there.
