This one is close, so I'm going! I've never been to a National Train Show before. What days are the best to go and what can I expect to see?
Lots of manufacturer displays, and direct sales from some. Many in the hobby (company wise) are available to speak with, ask questions, etc...
I have a few favorites from when I attended in Cleveland a few years back now.
NOTE: Unless you are a NMRA member, you can only go on "public" days.
Members get their own "show" so to speak, with some "hands-on" classes, presentations, tours, and other "perks" that the "public" does not have access too.
If I had the money, I would go again, as I absolutely loved the Cleveland show. If you've never been to one, by all means go to this one!
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.
I also made the Cleveland show. It was worth the admission money just to be able to talk with manufacture reps.
Having said that I would not have gone there if I weren't on my way to something else since Cleveland is a 10-hour drive from NYC.
Joe Staten Island West
I've been to 3 of them. Going to St. Louis this year. Show opens to the NMRA members at 9AM Friday (at least the last ones I attended) and then the public at noon. I would think if you can go Friday then go, unless you think you need more than 5 hours to see the show. Friday morning the manufacturers know these are the true modelers so they get into conversations. Saturday as well, and Sunday is usually the family day, especially if the weather is inclement.
Enjoy!
Neal
I've been to three Nationals in the past 15 years, and enjoyed them all immensely. I'm thinking about going to St Louis, but won't know for sure for another month or two.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
The National Train Show was great to meet manufacturers and see new products. It was a wealth of information.
.
It is not a place to look for bargains or see train dealers.
When it returns to the South, I will go again, on Saturday.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
If you're not too far way, you may want to look into joining the NMRA since the national convention runs all week. You can see all the details here: [Link removed by moderator]
It allows you to attend a lot of clinics by well-known modelers, see some great models on display, take tours of layouts and prototype sites, and more. I always enjoy it.
You can usually register for the whole week or just a day or two at a time.
Jim
SeeYou190 The National Train Show was great to meet manufacturers and see new products. It was a wealth of information. . It is not a place to look for bargains or see train dealers. . When it returns to the South, I will go again, on Saturday. . -Kevin .
I agree there are 2 types of train shows the flea market type where you look for bargains and the knowledge kind where you look to increase your knowledge of the hobby NTS is the second kind.
I went to Salt Lake last summer, it was my first. Drove down from Montana. While I did spend some money, talking to the manufacturers was worth the drive - and getting to touch some of the products that I don't see in my LHS. Go!