I was considering going to GMT this weekend until I looked at my checking account. Maybe next time.
Chicago is a great place to be a Model Railroader. We've lost many, but still have quite a few shops, a couple of shows a month. Also LOTS of trains.
As to the OP's question. GMT is a great show, but -partially because of the above- I have a tough time imagining driving 4 hours for a show unless I was spending the weekend. Even moreso given the weather.
Still, there's almost no chance of the show being canceled so if you don't mind the drive and have a train-show itch, there are worse ways to spend the day.
Visit the Chicago Valley Railroad for Chicago Trainspotting and Budget Model Railroading.
Unless it's a National show, I will not travel more than 2 hours one way for a train show.
By that point, my great deals are no longer so great based on fuel, food, motel room, etc....
In the forecasted weather, a train show would not be my highest priority. Those great deals turn lousy if I damage my car.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
You know I do miss the trainshows in Chicago but I DO NOT miss the snow (or the traffic)- going to be 60's this weekend in VA- no trainshow this week- one in Richmond coming up the next but that is a little far as we are on the NC line. Most of the trainshows here are in the spring.
Well, I am certainly not going to drive into that snow! I'll just stay home this weekend and relax. Maybe I'll go to the beach instead.
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-Kevin
Living the dream.
It's supposed to be a heavy wet snow so my first advice would simply be, "be careful." And remember that no matter how careful YOU are, you'll be surrounded by drivers and pedestrians who aren't, particularly as this will be the first heavy snow in a while and folks have to learn how to drive in it all over again it seems. The freeways/tollways would probably be fine, but to get to the fairgrounds also means driving on city streets.
I suspect that show - what folks around here in the Milwaukee area simply call "Dupage," goes on regardless of the weather. I think it would take a lot to cancel it. However it also would not be surprising if there are fewer vendors than usual -- and likely nobody selling out in the parking lot (which is one reason why I prefer to go in warm weather when the greatest number of vendors show up). Since the show is held every month, my own instincts would be to forego this particular Sunday and wait for better weather. It isn't like I have a shortage of kits and materials in my basement if I end up being snowbound.
On the plus side if attendance at the show is down, that is often when you can wrangle the best deals out of the vendors who do show up.
Give some thought to attending the Madison train show in February. Of course the weather can be (and has been) awful for that show as well, but our NMRA Division charters a bus so we drink coffee and eat donuts while watching other drivers spin out .... We also charter a bus to Dupage but that is in May.
Being in Des Moines, I assume you know about the very good train show in Davenport IA come spring. I try to get there from Milwaukee although that is a long drive for us -- a different set of vendors selling different stuff, and good deals are to be had. Lots more Rock Island stuff for example.
One common thread between Dupage and Davenport is that once you are done buying trains, there is railfanning to be done in the area(s).
Again - just be safe. That train show will also be there in February, March, April, May ......
Dave Nelson
Hopefully by Sunday, whatever happens will cleaned up. I'm in SE WI., East Troy, and they are talking freezing rain, maybe a 1/2" later today and into tonight, changing to snow tonight, may 2", and then 6" to 10" snow throughout Saturday night, done by Sunday morning.
I'm not going anywhere!.
Maybe it will stay more rain to the South ? You'll have to watch radar.
Mike.
My You Tube
Hoping to make it, anyone else think they can make it? I’ll be heading down from Des Moines, IA so I’m still unsure. Has anyone heard them saying anything yet?