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Amherst Show Coming Soon

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Posted by cowman on Monday, December 31, 2018 6:20 PM

Harrison,

Can you get to Burlington and catch the bus there?

Good luck,

Richard

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Posted by dmoore74 on Thursday, January 3, 2019 1:39 PM

Just 3 weeks until show time.  You can still purchase advance tickets and avoid standing in line.

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Posted by Bubbytrains on Thursday, January 3, 2019 2:47 PM

dmoore74

Just 3 weeks until show time.  You can still purchase advance tickets and avoid standing in line.

 

That’s tempting but when I go to their website I can’t tell if they mail them to you or make you pick them up on show day at a different window. 

Bubbytrains

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Posted by dmoore74 on Thursday, January 3, 2019 3:02 PM

Bubbytrains

 

 
dmoore74

Just 3 weeks until show time.  You can still purchase advance tickets and avoid standing in line.

 

 

 

That’s tempting but when I go to their website I can’t tell if they mail them to you or make you pick them up on show day at a different window. 

 

Just checked with the show office.  If the tickets are ordered online by January 20th they will be mailed to you.

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Posted by Bubbytrains on Thursday, January 3, 2019 3:07 PM

dmoore74

 

 
Bubbytrains

 

 
dmoore74

Just 3 weeks until show time.  You can still purchase advance tickets and avoid standing in line.

 

 

 

That’s tempting but when I go to their website I can’t tell if they mail them to you or make you pick them up on show day at a different window. 

 

 

 

Just checked with the show office.  If the tickets are ordered online by January 20th they will be mailed to you.

 

Excellent, thanks! 

Bubbytrains

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Posted by dmoore74 on Thursday, January 10, 2019 9:16 AM

Kalmbach Publishing Co. will be at the show in the Better Living Center, Section 21, Tables A, B & G.  They should be offering many items from their Hobby Store as well as special subscription offers on Model Railroader.

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Posted by chutton01 on Thursday, January 10, 2019 3:16 PM

dmoore74
Kalmbach Publishing Co. will be at the show in the Better Living Center, Section 21, Tables A, B & G.  They should be offering many items from their Hobby Store as well as special subscription offers on Model Railroader.

Yes, it's true that they offer many items, but I don't recall any "show discounts" on books the times I visited the booth over the years (hint, hint Kalmbach).
Oh well, not everyone offers a show special price at the show.

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Posted by G Paine on Thursday, January 10, 2019 4:06 PM

Boothbay RR Village has a lot of HO grain hoppers, 100 ton, plate C, new in the box never run, good price, quantity discount, Intermountan, Exactrail, Walthers Proto - BLC section 15

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

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Posted by dmoore74 on Saturday, January 12, 2019 7:26 AM

2 weeks from today S.D. Warren Co. Number 2's whistle will be announcing the opening of the show.  It will be competing with a diesel air horn.

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Posted by G Paine on Saturday, January 12, 2019 11:29 AM

dmoore74
2 weeks from today S.D. Warren Co. Number 2's whistle will be announcing the opening of the show.  It will be competing with a diesel air horn.

Yes, right now our chief engineer and crew are reparing and building some more 2 foot gauge panel track, and getting a trailer ready to transport #2. 

The link to our BRV website gives some history of the SD Warren Baldwin locomotives and the restoration of #2. The restoration was completed last summer and she was christened with Moxie. SDW #2 is the only operational 2 foot gauge industrial locomotive that ran in Maine. The other 2 remaining ones that I know of are SDW #1 which is on static diaplay at BRV and another one in a park in Rockport, ME.

https://railwayvillage.org/explore/maine-railroad-history/baldwin-locomotive-restoration/

 

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

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Posted by C&O 9051 on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 9:34 PM

Good Evening all,

Living in South Jersey, I'm 105 miles from Timonium and I've only ever attended this show over the past 30+ years. I've always wanted to attend the Amherst show (about 235 miles away) but because of the distance, told myself it wasn't 'as good' as the show in MD. Looking at the downloaded maps of the property, it would appear Amherst is every bit as 'big' as the GSMTS. Has anyone been to both shows and if so, is it worth the extra effort/expense?  From what I can tell, more manufacturers debut more new products at the show in W Springfield. Is that about right?

Thanks,

Stan

 

Some days you're the doodle. Some days you're the bug!
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Posted by maxman on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 11:34 PM

C&O 9051
Has anyone been to both shows

Yes.

C&O 9051
is it worth the extra effort/expense?

ABSOLUTELY!

C&O 9051
From what I can tell, more manufacturers debut more new products at the show in W Springfield. Is that about right?

I can't say if the manufacturers debut new items at W.Springfield.  But those that attend generally have nice display booths.  It's been a very long time since I've seen any sort of manufacturer display at Timonium, with the exception of Spring Mills.  They happen to be local.

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Posted by chutton01 on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 8:46 AM

G Paine
right now our chief engineer and crew are reparing and building some more 2 foot gauge panel track, and getting a trailer ready to transport #2.

I recall vise grips being used as "rail joiners" between the track panels last year - looked a bit wonky to me. Will everything be bolted together this year?

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Posted by NittanyLion on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 9:52 AM

maxman
I can't say if the manufacturers debut new items at W.Springfield.  But those that attend generally have nice display booths.  It's been a very long time since I've seen any sort of manufacturer display at Timonium, with the exception of Spring Mills.  They happen to be local.
 

To be fair, there are others, but do tend to be smaller and ones based in the Mid-Atlantic.  Tichy, for instance, is almost always there.  

True that you don't see the big "trade show" style booths.

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Posted by G Paine on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 3:27 PM

chutton01

  

G Paine
right now our chief engineer and crew are reparing and building some more 2 foot gauge panel track, and getting a trailer ready to transport #2.

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

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Posted by cowman on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 5:47 PM

Stan, (and everyone interested)

If I remember correctly, the four buildings cover about eight acres.  To just walk by it all in one day is a challenge.  Since you are coming such a distance, you might want to consider staying overnight in the area and attending both days.

I ride a charter bus and we are there most of Saturday.  Before going I make a copy of their dealers list from their site, then make a list of vendors locations in each building that I want to visit.  I look at whatever is displayed as I go from one vendor to another.  The aisles are well marked so you can usually find the location fairly easily. 

There are some unbelievable layouts to look at too.

It might  not be something you want to do every year, (might want to but....) but it certainly is an experience worth at least one trip.

Have fun,

Richard 

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Posted by dmoore74 on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 5:53 PM

cowman

Stan, (and everyone interested)

If I remember correctly, the four buildings cover about eight acres.  To just walk by it all in one day is a challenge.  Since you are coming such a distance, you might want to consider staying overnight in the area and attending both days.

I ride a charter bus and we are there most of Saturday.  Before going I make a copy of their dealers list from their site, then make a list of vendors locations in each building that I want to visit.  I look at whatever is displayed as I go from one vendor to another.  The aisles are well marked so you can usually find the location fairly easily. 

There are some unbelievable layouts to look at too.

It might  not be something you want to do every year, (might want to but....) but it certainly is an experience worth at least one trip.

Have fun,

Richard 

 

Total floor space is now 400,000 sq. ft., that's more than 9 acres.  Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.  Those floors are concrete and there's no deep pile carpeting.

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Posted by nealknows on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 6:35 PM

Latest weather report doesn't look good. Comfortable walking shoes inside, snow boots for the outside. Predicting snow all three days, as of this writing 1-3 inches. I will be there going up Friday AM. Even in the snow I go!! Wink

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Posted by dmoore74 on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 6:53 PM

nealknows

Latest weather report doesn't look good. Comfortable walking shoes inside, snow boots for the outside. Predicting snow all three days, as of this writing 1-3 inches. I will be there going up Friday AM. Even in the snow I go!! Wink

 

Forecast is pretty long range so things can change.  Big E does a super job of plowing and keeping the sidewalks sanded/clear.  There are covered walkways between most of the buildings.  Show goes, snow or no.

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Posted by G Paine on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 10:49 PM

They also provide shelters between building entrances. No heat, but some protection from wind and weather. There are gaps at roads which must remain opne.

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

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Posted by C&O 9051 on Thursday, January 17, 2019 8:35 AM
maxman, cowman, and dmoore74... THANK YOU for your input. I'll check into hotels today. Still have not made up my mind, but I really got the urge to go and weather is not a problems with the Ford Ranger... If I go at all, gotta do both days, I can see that, for sure. - Stan
Some days you're the doodle. Some days you're the bug!
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Posted by cowman on Thursday, January 17, 2019 11:51 AM

Stan,

Don't know if you saw it, but on the shows site they have a listing of accomodations in the area, it's under the Attending the Show catagory.

Hope you can make it.

Have fun,

Richard

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Posted by riogrande5761 on Thursday, January 17, 2019 1:10 PM

C&O 9051

Good Evening all,

Living in South Jersey, I'm 105 miles from Timonium and I've only ever attended this show over the past 30+ years. I've always wanted to attend the Amherst show (about 235 miles away) but because of the distance, told myself it wasn't 'as good' as the show in MD. Looking at the downloaded maps of the property, it would appear Amherst is every bit as 'big' as the GSMTS. Has anyone been to both shows and if so, is it worth the extra effort/expense?  From what I can tell, more manufacturers debut more new products at the show in W Springfield. Is that about right?

Thanks,

Stan

 

I have been to both Amherst and Timonium mulitple times.

I'm 111 miles from Timonium MD where I live now in Virginia and generally make the trek to the 3 big shows (Fall/Winter/Spring).

Back when I lived in central NY, I did make the Trek to Amherst 3 times - it was a 3 1/2 hour drive each way (242 miles), which is a bit closer than the distance you are.  I got up early, drove out and attended the show all day, and drove home.  No hotel etc., but I was doing it on the cheap.  YMMV.

When I went prior to moving to VA in 2009, Amherst/Springfield show it seemed better than the current Timonium show and always had more company reps and booths - like the major players often there.  That was the biggest difference.  Amherst was in severl buildings vs. Timonium one large building but both probably similar in terms of floor space.

Personally from where I live now Springfield/Amherst the distance is 424 miles I haven't gone since living in northern VA.  It's just too far.

You, however are close enough I would encourage you to go.  

Rio Grande.  The Action Road  - Focus 1977-1983

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, January 17, 2019 5:23 PM

riogrande5761
Amherst was in severl buildings vs. Timonium one large building but both probably similar in terms of floor space.

Don't know when you attended, but the Amherst show is much bigger.  According to the Timomium show website, they claim 3.5 acres or about 152,460 square feet.  The Amherst show claims 400,000 square feet.  I think one of the Amherst buildings has as much space as the Timonium Cow Palace, and then there are three additional buildings at Amherst.

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Posted by maxman on Thursday, January 17, 2019 6:39 PM

C&O 9051
but I really got the urge to go

If you do go and are happy with what you find, you can stop by and say hello.  I have a table there.   The table is in the Better Living Center building, section 2A table G.  The sign will say "Loadman".

On the other hand, if you are unhappy, my secretary will disavow any knowledge of any recommendation to attend and I will self-distruct in 15 seconds.

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Posted by dmoore74 on Thursday, January 17, 2019 7:59 PM

You have until Sunday to order your tickets online and avoid standing out in the cold to purchase your ticket.

[Ticket link removed by moderator.  Please stop posting direct links to the show, as this violates our forum policy - Thank you.]

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Posted by C&O 9051 on Friday, January 18, 2019 7:52 PM

Again, to maxman and all, thank you for taking time to post. If I go, I will surely look for "Loadman".  I think the biggest factor is weather. Distance is not. I can get a room a little further out if need be (want to do both days).  Will follow the weather and act accordingly. 

Stan

 

Some days you're the doodle. Some days you're the bug!
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Posted by dmoore74 on Saturday, January 19, 2019 8:00 AM

One week til opening steam whistle.  Have your shopping list ready and bring your best walking shoes.

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Posted by nealknows on Saturday, January 19, 2019 8:34 AM

The weather is looking better each day! It's a great show! I plan on hanging out in the Better Living Building Section 40 with the guys who are all wearing burgundy shirts! Last year I scored quite a few Athearn BB kits at very good prices. Just a great show to attend!

Neal

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Posted by G Paine on Saturday, January 19, 2019 10:14 AM

At Boothbay Railway Village, we have almost finished packing; will load vehicles Thursday and head to W. Springfield Friday morning. Come look for us at section 15 in BLC.

Also be sure to have a look at and listen to our 2 foot gauge 0-4-0T, SD Warren #2 locomotive which will be running outside the BLC. An old photo, circa 1900 of SDW #1:

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

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