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Amherst (West Springfield) Train Show

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Amherst (West Springfield) Train Show
Posted by maxman on Saturday, January 23, 2016 1:32 PM

One week to the show and counting down.  Hopefully all the snow will be taken care of this weekend.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Saturday, January 23, 2016 2:12 PM

There's nothing scary in the weather forecast.  I'm planning to go one day, but both are free for me so I'll choose which based on the weather.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by WilmJunc on Saturday, January 23, 2016 8:15 PM

I'm disappointed, I need to coach games on Saturday and Sunday and cannot attend.

Modeling the B&M Railroad during the transition era in Lowell, MA

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Posted by richg1998 on Saturday, January 23, 2016 11:51 PM

Weather Channel predictions right now.

Saturday. 42 F morning rain snow showers

Sunday 47 partly cloudy.

No snow to worry about. I live about 12 miles away. Jonas did not touch us.

CSX rail yard right nearby.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by G Paine on Sunday, January 24, 2016 8:30 AM

Our group from Boothbay Railway Village will be at our usual spot in section 15 of the BLC. Drop by and say Hi.

George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch 

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, January 24, 2016 8:31 AM

G Paine
Our group from Boothbay will be at our usual spot in the BLC. Drop by and say Hi.
 

Will do, I will be in Young Building, right smack in the center in my clubs usual spot.

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Posted by cowman on Sunday, January 24, 2016 1:59 PM

Got my bus ticket and am ready to go, have to go further than Rich just to get to the bus stop but once there it's only a few steps to the door.  Going alone this year, so will not have to worry about getting seperated.  (I don't have a cell phone, so it was the old fashion "in sight" method of staying together.)  Should be able to stop at all the booths that I am  interested in.  Will mark my floor plan in a day or two, to make sure it/s as up to date as possible.

A few things I hope to find and I plan to do a lot of looking.

See you all there.

Have fun,

Richard

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Posted by TheWizard on Sunday, January 24, 2016 11:50 PM

Rapido is droppinng hints that they're going to announce something. I'm excited to see what's new.

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Posted by KemacPrr on Monday, January 25, 2016 12:17 AM

Always look forward to this show. If memory serves me correctly this will be my 19th year in a row attending. One of the few shows that I attend that still seems to be growing . I think the once a year idea helps . Miss it and wait a whole year for the next one. ----   Ken 

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Posted by steemtrayn on Monday, January 25, 2016 12:41 AM

To avoid the traffic and the long walk from the parking lot, sneak in the back way.

From I-91 take the U.S. 5 bridge to Rt. 57 (W), right on Main St., right on Sheffield St. Take the first entrance on right.

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Posted by Anonymous on Monday, January 25, 2016 8:20 AM

steemtrayn

To avoid the traffic and the long walk from the parking lot, sneak in the back way.

From I-91 take the U.S. 5 bridge to Rt. 57 (W), right on Main St., right on Sheffield St. Take the first entrance on right.

 

If you tell every one the back way, you no longer avoid the traffic....

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Posted by keystonecrossings on Monday, January 25, 2016 6:24 PM

TheWizard

Rapido is droppinng hints that they're going to announce something. I'm excited to see what's new.

When they announced the FA2, they said it would be on display at Springfield AND a new announcement would be made.

Jerry Britton

Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad's Middle Division in the early 1950s

http://pennsyrr.com

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Posted by dmoore74 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 9:57 AM

If you check out the show's website you can get an updated vendor list and floor plan.  www.railroadhobbyshow.com  It helps you plan ahead and avoid needless wandering.

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Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:24 AM

Wish I could go but living near Philly it's just too far.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:24 AM

dmoore74

If you check out the show's website you can get an updated vendor list and floor plan.  www.railroadhobbyshow.com  It helps you plan ahead and avoid needless wandering.

 

I bring a clipboard and put the show map on it, and also the list of vendors.  There are a few I try to hit every year, as I can always find something I want.  Of course, there's the tool vendors and the tiny-screw vendors, plus places like Tichy with scratchbuilding supplies for the coming year's projects, even if I don't quite know what those projects will be yet.

But, needless wandering?  I prefer to call it "aimless" wandering.  There is discovery around every corner.  I don't like to leave until I've been down every aisle at least once.

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:25 AM

BMMECNYC

 

 
steemtrayn

To avoid the traffic and the long walk from the parking lot, sneak in the back way.

From I-91 take the U.S. 5 bridge to Rt. 57 (W), right on Main St., right on Sheffield St. Take the first entrance on right.

 

 

 

If you tell every one the back way, you no longer avoid the traffic....

 

For a show at this time of year, there is never an issue getting in.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by dmoore74 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:33 AM

DAVID FORTNEY

Wish I could go but living near Philly it's just too far.

.

 

Presuming you're shoveled out by then, it's not that bad.  It's Interstate highway all the way.  There is a good sized group that comes from Dover, DE, every year.  Other people come from further away and make a weekend out of it.

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Posted by MisterBeasley on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 11:40 AM

BMMECNYC
Will do, I will be in Young Building, right smack in the center in my clubs usual spot.

Mystic Valley Railway Society?

It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse. 

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Posted by NittanyLion on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 1:04 PM

I'd love to go some day, but as long as I'm at my current job I can't.  This is my busy time of the year and I often have to work that exact weekend.

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Posted by steemtrayn on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 1:37 PM

BMMECNYC

 

 
steemtrayn

To avoid the traffic and the long walk from the parking lot, sneak in the back way.

From I-91 take the U.S. 5 bridge to Rt. 57 (W), right on Main St., right on Sheffield St. Take the first entrance on right.

 

 

 

If you tell every one the back way, you no longer avoid the traffic....

 

Now, really...How many people reading this do you think are going? Three? Five?

 

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Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 1:49 PM

steemtrayn

 

 
BMMECNYC

 

 
steemtrayn

To avoid the traffic and the long walk from the parking lot, sneak in the back way.

From I-91 take the U.S. 5 bridge to Rt. 57 (W), right on Main St., right on Sheffield St. Take the first entrance on right.

 

 

 

If you tell every one the back way, you no longer avoid the traffic....

 

 

 

Now, really...How many people reading this do you think are going? Three? Five?

 

 

I will admit if coming up 91 from the south, best way to avoid the construction on 91 when you have to get off and take the Memorial Bridge into West Springfield. No idea if the crews will be working Saturday and Sunday.

When you get off 91 at the point suggested, you can also take Rt 5 North up to the Memorial bridge rotary and onto Memorial Ave.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by steemtrayn on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 2:54 PM

Yeah, but it's the Memorial Ave. traffic and the walk from the parking lot is what I'm avoiding. Using the west entrance let's you park right near the buildings.

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Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 3:03 PM

I have never had a parking issue with the train show as only four buildings are in use. Usually I am fairly close to the Better Living Center as I get there about 9 Am.

 

Rich

 

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by chutton01 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 3:34 PM

MisterBeasley
But, needless wandering?  I prefer to call it "aimless" wandering.  There is discovery around every corner.  I don't like to leave until I've been down every aisle at least once.

I went to the show last year (yes, in the snow storm - roads were actually well plowed, and traffic light, so I had a pretty easy and uneventful trip), and will be going this year. I had no period of aimless wandering, as I got well experienced in attending trade shows back around the turn of the century and efficently visiting vendors booths (remember PC Expo, which around it's peak in 2000 covered the entire Javits Center and outbuildings in Manhattan), so effectively covering large trade shows is no big problem for me.

I have only a small list of must-see vendors in mind (I have some questions for Evans Designs...and a few other vendors as well) and exhibits (1/87 Vehicle is a requirement, among with a few others).

Also, lets see what trade show special prices will be (hint, MSRP is not a trade show special price, at least not to the attendees)
Benny Hill as Cut-Rate Tour Agent Fred Scuttle:
"Three whole weeks of fun and sun, sir. Three hundred and fifty pounds."
Thames TV Interviewer: "I'd hardly call that a popular price."
Fred Scuttle: "I like it, sir."

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Posted by maxman on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 4:46 PM

richg1998

 

I have never had a parking issue with the train show as only four buildings are in use. Usually I am fairly close to the Better Living Center as I get there about 9 Am.

 

Rich

Now, now, Rich.  Maybe at 09:00 you can park close.  But get there some time later and you might get one of those spots 3 rows in from the parking lot entrance.  Especially if it's a bright sunny day.

Anyway, when you get there you can stop by and say hello.  I have a table in the BLC, section 2A, table F.  Sign says "Loadman".

See you there.

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Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 5:25 PM

Do you know the name of that group and how does the group travel?

I can't drive long distances due to Parkinson's but would be interested for next year. 

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Posted by cowman on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 6:14 PM

Dave,

Go to the shows web site, there is a listing of tour busses and where they come from.  Don't know where you are, so can't give you specifics.  At least the one I take from VT has limited pick up points, so not sure what you'll find available.  Also, we had to have our reservations in early.  However, if they have a space, I'm sure they would be glad to fill it. 

Good luck,

Richard 

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Posted by dmoore74 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 6:35 PM

DAVID FORTNEY

Do you know the name of that group and how does the group travel?

I can't drive long distances due to Parkinson's but would be interested for next year. 

 

The group from Dover is the First State Model Railroad Club.  As far as I know they carpool to the show.  Some come for a single day and some for the weekend.  Remember there is Amtrak service to Springfield and the Society runs a shuttle bus from the station and the downtown hotels all day long on both days.

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Posted by richg1998 on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 6:36 PM

maxman

 

 
richg1998

 

I have never had a parking issue with the train show as only four buildings are in use. Usually I am fairly close to the Better Living Center as I get there about 9 Am.

 

Rich

 

 

Now, now, Rich.  Maybe at 09:00 you can park close.  But get there some time later and you might get one of those spots 3 rows in from the parking lot entrance.  Especially if it's a bright sunny day.

Anyway, when you get there you can stop by and say hello.  I have a table in the BLC, section 2A, table F.  Sign says "Loadman".

See you there.

 

Yea, know about walking. Be 75 soon but been going to the Big E since 1953 and the train shows since they started. Was a member for number of years.

I work out daily and don't even think about walking. Forget many will get there later. My bad. I always got there early.

Girlfriend wants to come this year.

Memo's across the street first. Many train enthusiast with significant other be there also for breakfast or lunch. Lol.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

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Posted by dmoore74 on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 11:55 AM

If you can live without having to be the first to see everything at the show , come on Sunday morning.  The show opens at 10:00 and the first couple of hours are normally relatively calm.  Less parking hassle too.

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