It's coming in 4 weeks. Who's going to be there?
I plan to be there, manning our booth. Stop by!
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
I wish I could go, but my dad doesn't like the idea of driving 4 hours in the winter...
Harrison
Homeschooler living In upstate NY a.k.a Northern NY.
Modeling the D&H in 1978.
Route of the famous "Montreal Limited"
My YouTube
Harrison I wish I could go, but my dad doesn't like the idea of driving 4 hours in the winter...
I can't say that I blame him. A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise? I'm surprised they don't hold it in April or May, but what do I know, I'm not one of the organizers.
Flintlock76A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise?
Oh, for heaven's sake, it's not as if Mark Twain's comment is still completely valid for New England weather. It's certainly easy to predict whether disaster might ensue in 'the next twelve hours' and if there's significant likelihood according to the NWS, then his father says not to go.
I do know that when I was his age, not only was I putting the snow tires on the cars in the driveway every winter season, but my father had carefully taught me how to drive in winter conditions ... including when not to drive in them at all, or stop if you even start to be concerned.
Presumably his father is also willing to provide him emergency funds to hole up in a motel somewhere if the weather actually does throw a problem, or risks from other drivers' incompetence become apparent. Or at least give the motel a credit-card number over the phone.
In this age of cell phones with GPS, the issue of unexpected breakdowns in winter conditions becomes much, much less troublesome. I think everyone in the Northeast knows to keep some permanent high-energy snacks and drinking water in the car in case of 'surprise'.
Whether the Amherst show is actually 'worth' driving 250 miles or so each way is entirely a different matter.
Well Mod-man, I haven't been to the Amherst show (yet) but my brother-in-law and N-Gauger "Big B" has, and he says it's one helluva train show!
That being said, I think you've been away from the Northeast too long. It's not the weather that's the problem, it's everyone else on the road in dirty weather that's the problem! And it's only gotten worse since you and I said good-bye to the area. Google the "Route 80 Rant Page" for a taste.
Hell, I'll even drive in freezing rain if I'm the only one on the road!
No, I don't blame Harrison's dad for playing it safe. So would I.
And despite all the advances in meteorology you still can't predict weather with 100% reliability more than 48 hours in advance. Better than the 24 hours of years ago, but still...
Mother Nature plays by her own rules, not ours. She doesn't care.
Personally, my drive limit to a train show is two hours tops. But if I happened to be in the West Springfield MA area while the Amherst show was going on I'd definately try to get there.
Flintlock76That being said, I think you've been away from the Northeast too long. It's not the weather that's the problem, it's everyone else on the road in dirty weather that's the problem!
As I specifically ... evidently not quite specifically enough ... noted.
Even in my day it was usually the other drivers who posed the problems, whether by getting stuck or actively skidding into your comfort zone. I well remember having to come down off 115 with only triangulation on the taillights of the rig in front of me (who was up higher with better lights, and could see through snow better) and then having to use neutral to go down a long iced grade on 80 littered like some video game with trucks stopped at various angles.
Wouldn't do that again -- and had I paid attention to the weather forecast even an hour before leaving, wouldn't have tried. Avoiding the analogue of 'red mist' that comes from personal overconfidence in ability is sometimes a skill acquired late.
And so would I. I'm not even going to argue that Harrison's dad can use any form of advice he wants. Only that the advice 'not to go' merely because it's wintertime is a bit premature...
... 12 hours of effective advance warning to exercise the 'no go' option correctly, even in the bad old days. Note that implicit in what I said was that if even the possibility of severe winter conditions existed -- and it is not in the current mindset of either the NWS or any current weather-clown media to underestimate anything that might qualify as a winter event -- it would be time to make the no-go decision. It's equally probable that the forecast would be three days without precipitation, at a time the roads were established to be clear of dangerous icing or residual snow.
If the show required an expensive ticket for admission that could not be returned for credit or used toward a future event ... then maybe deciding not to attend on any uncertain grounds like weather might make sense. But that's not the case for the Amherst show, at least to my knowledge.
Flintlock76I can't say that I blame him. A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise? I'm surprised they don't hold it in April or May, but what do I know, I'm not one of the organizers.
Several years ago the show followed two back-to-back major winter storms. People shovelling sidewalks had no place to put the snow.
Attendance at the Amherst show might have been down slightly that year. But the daily totals are consistently in the five-figure range.
A predicted storm reduced attendance a couple of years ago, but again, not by much.
For those not familiar - the Amherst/Springfield show fills four large buildings with vendors of all sorts, numerous layouts of all sorts and sizes, and representatives of most, if not all, of the tourist and shortline railroads in New England. If you're looking for something railroad, odds are you'll find it there.
If you are into really shopping - visiting most all of the vendors - plan for a full day.
One thing I tell folks about the show is that while you'll find products from a number of manufacturers at most shows, large or small, at this show you'll find the manufacturers themselves, showcasing their products, running workshops, etc.
The Kalmbach folks are usually there, if you want to stop and chat.
Even if the railroad wasn't doing a booth, I think I'd go over. I usually don't get a lot of spare time to "shop," so I spend any time I do have to wander looking for things on my "shopping list."
tree68Several years ago the show followed two back-to-back major winter storms. People shovelling sidewalks had no place to put the snow. Attendance at the Amherst show might have been down slightly that year. But the daily totals [were] consistently in the five-figure range. A predicted storm reduced attendance a couple of years ago, but again, not by much.
But remember that this issue here isn't whether people don't go to train shows if the weather is bad. It's whether a home-schooled high schooler (who presumably has relatively little long-distance winter driving experience) should be forbidden to go merely because it's winter and the weather 'might be' bad.
He might easily brave bad weather to join the happy throng. But I wouldn't advise that he do so just because the show is good and even because a group of happy folks many of whom 'probably should have known better' slipped and slid their way over to it. (We've had a very similar discussion here before...)
This is about saying he can't go whether or not there's bad weather in the picture. Not whether it would be worth his while to go if there is ... he would not be traveling if so, and that's both his dad and I probably saying it.
As I read homeschooler Harrison's post, the prospective driver was the father. If he can't figure out that it is best to buy tickets on arrival, but wait until the immediate Friday for the weather forecast (NOAA or Accuweather) and then decide, then maybe he should move south.
Overmod Flintlock76 A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise? Oh, for heaven's sake, it's not as if Mark Twain's comment is still completely valid for New England weather. It's certainly easy to predict whether disaster might ensue in 'the next twelve hours' and if there's significant likelihood according to the NWS, then his father says not to go. I do know that when I was his age, not only was I putting the snow tires on the cars in the driveway every winter season, but my father had carefully taught me how to drive in winter conditions ... including when not to drive in them at all, or stop if you even start to be concerned. Presumably his father is also willing to provide him emergency funds to hole up in a motel somewhere if the weather actually does throw a problem, or risks from other drivers' incompetence become apparent. Or at least give the motel a credit-card number over the phone. In this age of cell phones with GPS, the issue of unexpected breakdowns in winter conditions becomes much, much less troublesome. I think everyone in the Northeast knows to keep some permanent high-energy snacks and drinking water in the car in case of 'surprise'. Whether the Amherst show is actually 'worth' driving 250 miles or so each way is entirely a different matter.
Flintlock76 A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise?
I am not old enough to drive. When I am, I will most likely be allowed to go.
Flintlock76 That being said, I think you've been away from the Northeast too long. It's not the weather that's the problem, it's everyone else on the road in dirty weather that's the problem! And it's only gotten worse since you and I said good-bye to the area. Google the "Route 80 Rant Page" for a taste.
I agree, it's everyone else on the road, which isn't usually a problem when you can stop or swerve. The last time we were driving in a snowstorm, the tractor trailers were the worst, because half of them were going 80mph, and the other half were in front of you blowing snow in your windshield.
Well Harrison I'll tell you, and probably the rest of us geezers here will tell you as well, when you get that drivers license life gets so much better!
But let me give you a bit of premature advice, which I'm sure the other guys will agree with, and I hope you remember.
When you start driving keep this in the back of your mind...
You're not as good as you think you are. That only comes with time. Be careful, and as you've observed by now watch out for everyone else on the road!
Harrison: It helps when people read others' postings correctly, which most members here did/do not in regards to yours.
When you get your license, I feel reasonably certain that whether to drive or not won't be such a difficult choice.
Maybe Harrison and his dad can manage their relationship without our help ...
For record - I wasn't responding to Harrison's post, I was responding to Flintlock's comment about why they would have a train show in New England in January.
The Amherst club has been holding this award winning show at the "Big E" at this time of year since 1982. Apparently they don't find the weather (or potential thereof) to be an issue.
tree68The Amherst club has been holding this award winning show at the "Big E" at this time of year since 1982. Apparently they don't find the weather (or potential thereof) to be an issue.
tree68 For record - I wasn't responding to Harrison's post, I was responding to Flintlock's comment about why they would have a train show in New England in January.
I understood that to be the case.
I was not aware of the show, so I looked it up. That looks like a great event!
Flintlock76 Harrison I wish I could go, but my dad doesn't like the idea of driving 4 hours in the winter... I can't say that I blame him. A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise? I'm surprised they don't hold it in April or May, but what do I know, I'm not one of the organizers.
Main reason the show is held in January is that is when the Big E has the space available. Events are held most every weekend throughout the year as well as the17 day Exposition in September/October.
Lithonia Operator Maybe Harrison and his dad can manage their relationship without our help ...
I concur heartily! From what I've seen of Harrison the Youngers photos and videos and passion for the hobby he's a fine young man. Harrison the Elder is doing a fine job with him!
dmoore74 Flintlock76 Harrison I wish I could go, but my dad doesn't like the idea of driving 4 hours in the winter... I can't say that I blame him. A show in New England in the middle of winter? Who knows what might happen weather-wise? I'm surprised they don't hold it in April or May, but what do I know, I'm not one of the organizers. Main reason the show is held in January is that is when the Big E has the space available. Events are held most every weekend throughout the year as well as the17 day Exposition in September/October.
As I said earlier, what do I know?
Winter is Hell in New England. One Nor-Easter after another..Sunshine,Wet Sleet,3 feet of snow and a Tornado in the same day. One big reason why Industry left the New Haven lines and went to the Sun Belt.--Another reason why Mass and New England have the highest Alcoholism rates in the country.
Cum_* hoc ergo propter hoc.
*-attempting to avoid the stupid censor on this site.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.
I won't be there.
According to Google Maps my round trip would be over 8,000 km of driving!
Or over $1,000 on plane tickets alone....
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
divebardave Winter is Hell in New England. One Nor-Easter after another..Sunshine,Wet Sleet,3 feet of snow and a Tornado in the same day. One big reason why Industry left the New Haven lines and went to the Sun Belt.--Another reason why Mass and New England have the highest Alcoholism rates in the country.
Don't know where you got your data, but no New England states rate in the Top 10 for alcohol consumption. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/03/08/these-americas-drunkest-states/406342002/
We New Englanders would love to drink more. But you have bundle up, shovel the drive, scrape the windshield, drive on bad roads to the liquor store ...
3 weeks to go. Make sure your shopping list is ready. Kalmbach Publishing will be in the Better Living Center, Section 21, Tables A, B & G.
Monson #3 will be operating on 100 feet of 2 foot gauge track at the Amherst Railway Society's Annual Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, MA.
dmoore74 Monson #3 will be operating on 100 feet of 2 foot gauge track at the Amherst Railway Society's Annual Railroad Hobby Show in West Springfield, MA.
And letting people blow the whistle...
I saw the video of Monson #3 at last year's show, and for a small engine it sure puts on a big show.
Too bad I live 500 miles away. Maybe one day...
Flintlock76 I saw the video of Monson #3 at last year's show, and for a small engine it sure puts on a big show. Too bad I live 500 miles away. Maybe one day...
Was actually S.D. Warren Co. #2 that was at the show in 2019. It was an industrial switcher that had been made operational by the Boothbay Railway Village shops.
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