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Train Show Observation

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  • Member since
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Train Show Observation
Posted by peahrens on Saturday, March 15, 2014 8:30 PM

Here in New Braunfels there's a semi-annual train show that I frequent.  It's a nice mix of displays and goodies for sale. 

One thing I noticed today was that the shows give me an opportunity to see what I might like that I don't know exists.  I like to build my freight cars and can readily see much of what's available of newer production.  But as an example, I found two Athearn BB MOW kits (a box car and a gondola) to complement my three Walthers MOW UP passenger picked at clearance prices.  So I was happy, plus found another BB 4-truck heavy flat car that I like (I see these on Ebay but am reluctant to add the shipping for such a small purchase).

Anyway, our local show seems to get better and better and I need to target the best DFW annual show since we visit Fort Worth lots.  

Paul

Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Big Blackfoot River
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Posted by Geared Steam on Sunday, March 16, 2014 5:53 AM

peahrens

Here in New Braunfels there's a semi-annual train show that I frequent.  It's a nice mix of displays and goodies for sale. 

One thing I noticed today was that the shows give me an opportunity to see what I might like that I don't know exists.  I like to build my freight cars and can readily see much of what's available of newer production.  But as an example, I found two Athearn BB MOW kits (a box car and a gondola) to complement my three Walthers MOW UP passenger picked at clearance prices.  So I was happy, plus found another BB 4-truck heavy flat car that I like (I see these on Ebay but am reluctant to add the shipping for such a small purchase).

Anyway, our local show seems to get better and better and I need to target the best DFW annual show since we visit Fort Worth lots.  

 

the Ft Worth and Dallas area train shows are good for vendors and layouts

http://www.dfwtrainshows.com/content/dallas-area-train-show-january-17-18-2015

Ft worth is in the fall, Dallas in the spring, plus you can visit Discount Model Trains, great hobby shop

 

 

Discount Model Trains

4641 Ratliff Ln, Addison, TX 75001
 

"The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination."-Albert Einstein

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Southeast Texas
  • 5,449 posts
Posted by mobilman44 on Sunday, March 16, 2014 6:01 AM

Hi!

I've been to the New Braunfels show a few times in the last 20 years.  Its a nice drive from Houston, and the show is a "manageable" size without the rubber necker crowds of the big shows.  I highly recommend it.

ENJOY  !

 

Mobilman44

 

Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central 

  • Member since
    March 2012
  • 716 posts
Posted by trwroute on Sunday, March 16, 2014 7:50 AM

It's been 14 years since I've been to the New Braunfels show.  I thought about driving down this year from D/FW, but it just didn't happen.  I guess I'll be headed to Discount Model Trains sometime this week since I need a decoder and a few other odds and ends.

Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • 547 posts
Posted by eaglescout on Sunday, March 16, 2014 8:43 AM

I was at the New Braunfel's show yesterday and IMHO it is better than Houston.  Had a lot of layouts, activities for the kids and a lot of vendors.  I am a little disappointed at some of the vendors that sell everything at retail prices.  At a show we are looking for bargins.

  • Member since
    November 2005
  • From: Utica, OH
  • 4,000 posts
Posted by jecorbett on Sunday, March 16, 2014 9:07 AM

The best thing about train shows is that you can get things that most LHSes don't carry. I usually can find one or two items that I wanted but had been discontinued, sometimes discontinued many years ago. Also, they are a great place for memorabilia. I love picking up old timetables, especially from the era and area I am modeling. There's also no telling what else you might find that you would have never thought of even looking for. To me, it's like being a kid in a candy store.

  • Member since
    December 2011
  • 112 posts
Posted by SWFX on Sunday, March 16, 2014 9:13 AM

i enjoyed the show this weekend. Mix of vendors ran from LHS (yes some higher prices but not that high IMO) type and your "getting rid of the old stuff" feel. Good mix of layouts too plus i stopped by the PHX Saloon for lunch haha, beer and trains. 

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