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Post by dlagrua on Jan 17, 2024 15:00:25 GMT
Not long ago I read that the Amherst Show drew something like 9,000-10,000 people. If that is still the case it may be the largest model train show in the country. Wish that it was closer to where we live.
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Post by Adam on Jan 17, 2024 15:33:10 GMT
That number wouldn't surprise me. It comprises 4 large buildings (350,000 square feet) in the same fairgrounds where the Big E is held. the Big E is one of the largest fairs in the country that represents all of new England.
Here is what the Amherst shows website says about last years show:
"In 2023. only one phrase can explain it: "...We're Back!" Perfect weather and over 18,000 folks not to mention the 3500 exhibitors that are in the Show!"
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Post by superwarp1 on Jan 17, 2024 15:57:08 GMT
Some say it's the largest train show in the country. For sure it's the biggest east of the Mississippi. Pre covid they used to get 20,000 plus. Last year was the first really post covid where attendance was close to pre covid. 2022 was hit by a snow storm so lots of vendors canceled and not many people showed up.
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Post by dlagrua on Jan 17, 2024 16:20:33 GMT
I did not realize that the show ran free shuttles from the Amtrak Springfield, MA station to and from the the Amherst train show that is open to the public. Drawing an attendance of 18,000 to 20,000 give folks in the NE and Mid Atlantic a good reason to attend. I'll check my schedule but its pretty late in the game.
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Post by Spice7 on Jan 17, 2024 17:11:21 GMT
I try to go every year but the legs have been giving out lately. I do not go with the intention to buy anything but it is easy to find things that you like. There are numerous modular club layouts of all scales. Observing the scenery is always special and for great ideas.
I always enjoy seeing guys and gals that I have met over the years, I then meet a few at the Italian restaurant, Red Rose, for a nice meal.
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Post by superwarp1 on Jan 17, 2024 18:47:08 GMT
I try to go every year but the legs have been giving out lately. I do not go with the intention to buy anything but it is easy to find things that you like. There are numerous modular club layouts of all scales. Observing the scenery is always special and for great ideas. I always enjoy seeing guys and gals that I have met over the years, I then meet a few at the Italian restaurant, Red Rose, for a nice meal. That's another Point. I and a few friends always go to Red Rose for dinner after the show. Saturdays usually. Another good place to go if you are from Eastern Mass, RI, NH or Maine is the Steamin tender restaurant in Palmer Mass. Old RR station, great food, two active rail lines within feet.
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Post by dctrainguy on Jan 18, 2024 1:56:34 GMT
Good to know this is a good show to attend. Definitely going to check out Ross switches. I need 2 turn out switches. Maybe he’s got good prices than the website. Also looking for MTH bridge. I’m sure I can find it there as well. My dad collects old Marks signals and lights. Hoping I can find a few items for him as well. To much walking for him to attend.
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Post by bluelinec4 on Jan 18, 2024 2:47:14 GMT
The Big E is the best train show in the Northeast I like it better than York I get there Friday night and stay until Sunday There is plenty of O Gauge and more scenery items than you think existed The layouts are great and there are great restaurants around
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Post by superwarp1 on Jan 18, 2024 14:44:43 GMT
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Post by dlagrua on Jan 19, 2024 17:08:47 GMT
The Big E is the best train show in the Northeast I like it better than York I get there Friday night and stay until Sunday There is plenty of O Gauge and more scenery items than you think existed The layouts are great and there are great restaurants around Ben, you make a convincing argument that the Big E is the best show to attend. I viewed the many You Tube videos on the show and it definitely looks like plenty of O gauge and O scale trains there. The layouts and scenic supplies look abundant. Its a bit of a hike from where we live so I'm on the fence whether to attend. It looks like one day to travel and one day back, plus two days at the show so its a three night stay.
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Post by Adam on Jan 19, 2024 17:11:50 GMT
The Big E is the best train show in the Northeast I like it better than York I get there Friday night and stay until Sunday There is plenty of O Gauge and more scenery items than you think existed The layouts are great and there are great restaurants around Ben, you make a convincing argument that the Big E is the best show to attend. I viewed the many You Tube videos on the show and it definitely looks like plenty of O gauge and O scale trains there. The layouts and scenic supplies look abundant. Its a bit of a hike from where we live so I'm on the fence whether to attend. It looks like one day to travel and one day back, plus two days at the show so its a three night stay. Since you will be in New England, you can make your way up to the Berkshires and enjoy the beautiful countryside. Make a week adventure of it.
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Post by dlagrua on Jan 20, 2024 0:30:09 GMT
Ben, you make a convincing argument that the Big E is the best show to attend. I viewed the many You Tube videos on the show and it definitely looks like plenty of O gauge and O scale trains there. The layouts and scenic supplies look abundant. Its a bit of a hike from where we live so I'm on the fence whether to attend. It looks like one day to travel and one day back, plus two days at the show so its a three night stay. Since you will be in New England, you can make your way up to the Berkshires and enjoy the beautiful countryside. Make a week adventure of it. That sounds great and I was planning on it, but I have just been advised by my doctor today that I have severe urinary tract infection and must go to the hospital tomorrow for IV antibiotics. I guess there is always next year.
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Post by Adam on Jan 20, 2024 1:16:48 GMT
Since you will be in New England, you can make your way up to the Berkshires and enjoy the beautiful countryside. Make a week adventure of it. That sounds great and I was planning on it, but I have just been advised by my doctor today that I have severe urinary tract infection and must go to the hospital tomorrow for IV antibiotics. I guess there is always next year. I hope you get well soon. |
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Post by superwarp1 on Jan 20, 2024 3:45:58 GMT
That sounds great and I was planning on it, but I have just been advised by my doctor today that I have severe urinary tract infection and must go to the hospital tomorrow for IV antibiotics. I guess there is always next year. I hope you get well soon. Ditto get well, there’s always next year. Weather forecast is getting better.
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Post by superwarp1 on Jan 20, 2024 15:48:07 GMT
I feel like EddieG. Weather forecast improving.  |
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