Layouts near Philadelphia?

[Green Bay Paddlers]

Hello all... Quick question for you. My wife and I are flying out to Philadelphia in December for the Packers/Eagles game. We've got some time to kill on Saturday afternoon and was wondering if anyone can recommend a layout to visit in the area?

I looked at NORTHLANDZ in Flemington, NJ and was wondering if it truly lives up to the hype (and admission cost...)? What about Strasburg? Any others? Was hoping to visit a nice layout in the area.

Any advice would be MORE than welcomed! Thanks!

Jeff

[rrinker]

Depending on the date of the game, there will be more layouts open than you have time to visit, all within 1.5-2hrs drive from the stadium area. Most are north of the city.

(excuse me if I miss some, these are the ones I know about for sure.)

GATSME Lines, Ft Washington (short drive north of Philly)
Schuylkill Valley Model Railroad Club, Pheonixville
Logan Model Railroad Club, Sounderton
Lehigh and Keystone Valley, Bethlehem
Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers, Bethlehem
Nazareth Area Society of Model Engineers, Stockertown

I've been to all of these, except GATSME, multiple times. All great layouts. I was a member of the L&KV at one point. Most have web sites, as well. I know there are more around here.

--Randy

[Anonymous]

If you're into real trains, then the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg will be worth the drive alone, along with the Strasburg Railroad which is across the road from the museum. I've spent alot of time there. That "choo choo barn" layout you mention is right down the road ...... O scale, kinda cheesy and touristy. There's also a Toy Train Museum, a small car museum with rotating exhibits, other things, and of course in your in Amish County.

With layouts, do you want to see a huge tourist thing from a far, then the two you mention are good. Northlandz really is a mile walk or whatever it is. But they are not club layouts, where you can talk to the people and stuff, like the places Randy mentioned.

Are you guys wearing Packer jerseys to the game? Better pack a piece with ya. I went to alot of Giants - Eagles games at the old Veteran's stadium. If pieces of the roof weren't coming loose and hitting you in the head, then the rowdy drunks were. Just kidding (mostly).

Jim

[Green Bay Paddlers]

LOL... My cousin and his wife invited us out for the game. We had them out in Green Bay last year and they LOVED Lambeau! They warned us about wearing Packers gear... Looks like we'll be wearing simple green jackets - BUT GREEN AND GOLD UNDERWEAR!!!! :)

Appreciate the info on the layouts. Is NORTHLANDZ worth the trek? Does it live up to expectations? Are there freight yards and actual operating? Or is it simply trains running in circles?

Excited!!!!

[Anonymous]

I hope someone else here can help you ......because I was at Northlandz only one time, when it first opened, many years ago, before I was even into model railroads. But, I don't remember any freight yards, and I really don't think there is any actual operating. Just trains running. Its just really huge, with much detail.

I think it is all about scenicing.......mountains and such. Villages and towns. Different scenes. All with great detail and in perfect condition. You climb up and down stairs because it is vertically large, also. Huge, handmade wooden bridges.

I think I'm right about this.

For me, I would rather go to a nice club layout to hang out for a while. I don't know about your wife, though.

Jim