The Timonium show is not worth an over night trip. The show suffered greatly in the recession ten years ago and never recovered. The Fall and Winter shows are better than Spring and Summer. I drive about 3 hrs each way to get there, but that's about the maximum I would recommend. Even though it has Scale in the name, it also has toy trains, Lionel, MTH, American Flyer, etc.
Paul
From where you are at, I would definitely travel to the annual train show in Atlanta, GA.
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They only have one a year, so it is something good.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
The Amherst Model RR Society show in West Sprigfield, MA is one of the biggest show in the US. At least 4 buildings at the Eastern States Expo. Typical paid attendace is around 20,000 over 2 days, all the major manufacturers are there as well as many layouts. If you live in the East and can travel to a show this is the one to go to
http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/index.php
George In Midcoast Maine, 'bout halfway up the Rockland branch
Timonium used to be better but it's still pretty good and big. Some days are better than others. I went to Sunday's Timonium show because something got scheduled on Saturday and I couldn't make it; Sunday was slow.
I've noticed company reps almost never come to Timonium; I saw a guy from ExactRail there maybe once and most of the other big companies seem to go other places.
Probably the best show I've been to anywhere was Springfield MA/Amhearst. I did see big company reps there and lots of good vendors, but it's been probably 10 years since I went and 10 years ago Timonium used to be better too, so not sure if Springfield has wained as well.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
I wouldn't drive 2 days to go to Timonium. I was there a couple Sundays ago. I felt bad for the venders and the clubs that set up modular layouts. At most of the layouts, I was the only person looking.
There seemed to be less vendors than usual and way less customers than you would see normally in the first fall show. None of the big companies, Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Rapido, or the DCC companies come to this show. I would enjoy a show that was more of a trade show than a yard sale.
Some of the smaller companies do come, Yankee Dabbler, CMR, Nick & Nora, Funaro and Camelengo. There is always someone selling Tichy, and NJ International. Don't know if they are from those companies or not. Lots of books and t-shirts and memorabilia
There are seminars: LED's, resin kit construction, DCC. There are bargains. There is also a lot of stuff that I don't believe they will ever sell...train set type trains and old buildings of poor quality
I'm a HO scale guy, but there are N scale vendors and layouts. Modeltrainstuff is only 10 minutes away.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
Jim,
I am aware of some of those shows but I have never attended any of them. I am leary of the show hype. The largest show I have attended is in OKC (I used to live ini that area) and it was very nice. First weekend in Dec each year and I think I will drive over this year. About a 5 hour drive for me on way. I know St Louis and KC are hot beds and I am willing to drive to either if the drive was worth it. Looking for some feedback on how good some of these shows are before I plan any trip.
Paul D
N scale Washita and Santa Fe RailroadSouthern Oklahoma circa late 70's
Paul,
Timoniun has great shows(been there once). I am surprised you are looking so far away. Trainfest in the Milwaukee area is this weekend, and I have been going there for a number of years. Lots of stuff to buy and lots to see.
Are you sure there is nothing closer to you? A quick search shows at least 3 large shows in Texas and 2-3 shows in the St Louis area. St Louis and Kansas City are hotbeds for model railroading...
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
I live in a rural area of Arkansas with no major train show within convenient driving distance. I read with envy about major train shows around the country that others can attend with ease. I am interested in making a road trip that would let me visit some of the major shows but I don't want to make any trip blind and be dissapointed because the show was not as great as I expected. I am looking for input on where some of the major shows are located. Also, I model N scale so having a major N scale component would be a plus.
I have heard numerous reference to Timonium....is it as good as people think? How about the N scale convention each year (Chicago for 2019)? I have been to some of the commercial shows (Great Train, etc) and I was not as impressed as I expected. Seen one and you have seen them all plus not so great pricing.
Disreguarding distances, where should I try to travel?