Trains O Scale - Model Train Shows February 2011

There is nothing like going to a model train show to see all the different facets of this great hobby.

Here are some model train shows which will take place across the U.S. in February. Many local railroad clubs also have open houses where you can view layouts and learn about model railroading.

Check out a train show soon then come join me at Trains O Scale to learn more about how to get started with model trains.

FEBRUARY 2011

Regal Railways Presents Train Show & Swap Meet
Port Richey, Florida (February 5)

Greenberg's Train & Toy Show
Middletown, New York (February 5-6)

Great Scale Model Train Show
Timonium, Maryland (February 5-6)

The Great Train Expo
Louisville, Kentucky (February 5-6)

Buffalo Snowball Train Show
Depew, New York (February 6)

Brick Train Show
Brick, New Jersey (February 6)

Medina Model Railroad & Toy Show
Medina, Ohio (February 6)

33rd Jacksonville Rail Fair
Jacksonville, Florida (February 12)

Greenberg's Train & Toy Show
Fredericksburg, Virginia (February 12-13)

World's Greatest Hobby on Tour
Atlanta, Georgia (February 12-13)

Great Midwest Train Show
Wheaton, Illinois (February 13)

Classic Shows Model Railroad Show
Wallingford, Connecticut (February 13)

Sn3 Symposium 2011
Monrovia, California (February 17-19)

Greater Houston Train Show
Houston, Texas (February 19)

Greenberg's Train & Toy Show
Virginia Beach, Virginia (February 19-20)

The Great Train Expo
Portland, Oregon (February 19-20)

Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club 41st Annual Train Show & Sale
Saline, Michigan (February 20)

Allentown Train Meet Spring Thaw Show
Allentown, Pennsylvania (February 26-27)

World's Greatest Hobby on Tour
Edison, New Jersey (February 26-27)

The Great Train Expo
Denver, Colorado (February 26-27)

Western Reserve Model Railroad Museum Train Show
Mentor, Ohio (February 26-27)

George Washington Train Show
Clifton Forge, Virginia (February 26-27)

Adding Too Much Realism to Model Train Displays?

I'm all for adding as much realism as possible to model train displays. Everything from weathering rolling stock and buildings to recreating with precise detail some bygone era we wish we were a part of or that we remember fondly is great.

I've even gotten used to the graffiti that some modelers place on their boxcars to lend an air of authenticity.

But when does realism border on bad taste? Well, I may have found the answer.

Check out this article about a recent model train display at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Granted, it's just a display using plastic figurines and models but it may be a little over the top.

What do you think?

If you want to give it a try yourself, you can learn how to build your own display at Trains O Scale.

A Model Train Collector's One-Track Mind

So... you think you like trains? Well meet Jerry Green who has been collecting model trains and accessories for almost 50 years.

After years amassing a miniature world, his collection will be auctioned by Sotheby's for an out-of-this-world price. His estimate, over $10 million.

Check out the article here: Model Trains

The next time anyone gives you any grief at all about buying more model trains and accessories just whip out that article.

Visit Trains O Scale if you're interested in getting started in this great (and obviously rewarding) hobby.

Z Gauge Model Trains

The miniature Z gauge (track) and Z scale (rolling stock) has been in existence for nearly 40 years. First introduced by Märklin of Germany in 1972 it is the smallest mass produced model train today and manufactured by a number of  different model train companies.

It has gained a steady following throughout the years and is no longer just coveted by apartment dwellers for bookshelf or coffee table layouts. Today even seasoned model railroaders choose Z scale as it allows them to create far more elaborate layouts with more realistic spacing for their scenery between towns, mountains and industrial areas.

If you're thinking about modeling in Z scale be aware that there are many advantages as well as disadvantages. Find out what they are here: Z Gauge

Why do boys and men love electric trains?

With regards to entertainment for boys, nothing surpasses model train sets. It's a pastime as well as a tradition which dates back a long, long time. Today you will see grown men in every age bracket collecting and enjoying electric trains.

 

Electric trains have delighted men and boys for nearly a century. It incorporates numerous elements which are fascinating for men of all age groups, especially boys. It happens to be an excellent hobby where you can spend hours upon hours constructing, designing and of course running your model trains.

 

There is also a lot more associated with it than just looking at trains going around a track. You also design your landscape, add some scenery, create a layout as well as add people and other elements to your mini-world.

 

You are actually building a physical virtual world. You can touch and interact with the trains as well as the landscape that you created. There is something tangible with regards to a model railroad environment. Moreover, you will get a feeling of accomplishment that accompanies a well performing railroad layout.

 

It’s also a pastime which allows for expansion. Boys usually begin with a small simple train set, however, as they get older they move on to larger layouts which brings more realism into play. They also experiment with different scales to find which one they enjoy the most.

 

Another reason boys and men like trains is the fact that it offers them the ability to escape to a different world in which they are in complete control as they can make their scenery and layout look anyway they want it to look. With some planning and vision, you'll be able to build something totally unique and something that you've got complete ownership over.

There are plenty of reasons why boys love trains and from modest beginnings it could turn into a lifelong hobby.

Model Trains Among $10 Million in Sotheby’s 27,000 Antique Toys

If you love model trains and money is no object, have I got a story for you.

Sotheby's in New York is set to auction off a collection of model trains and toys worth an estimated $10 million with some estimates putting the collection at $40 - $50 million.

Check out the story and some photos here: Jerni Collection

Find out about model train history and how to get started in this great (and obviously rewarding) hobby by visiting: Toy Trains Sets

Model Train Shows in January

Going to a model train show is a terrific way for you and your family to see the many different aspects of this great hobby.

Here are some major January train shows across the U.S. You can also look for local model railroad clubs which often have open houses where you can view and learn about model trains.

Visit a train show soon and join me at Trains O Scale to find out more about getting started in model railroading.

 

JANUARY 2011 TRAIN SHOWS

Greenberg's Train & Toy Show
York, Pennsylvania (January 8-9)

34th Florida Rail Fair
DeLand, Florida (January 8-9)

World's Greatest Hobby on Tour
Columbus, Ohio (January 8-9)

The Great Train Expo
Indianapolis, Indiana (January 8-9)

Great Midwest Train Show
Wheaton, Illinois (January 9)

METCA Toy Train Show
Garfield, New Jersey (January 9)

DeLaSalle Dads' Club 14th Annual Train and Toy Show
Warren, Michigan (January 9)

40th Atlanta Train Show
Norcross, Georgia (January 15)

Greenberg's Train & Toy Show
Somerset, New Jersey (January 15-16)

World's Greatest Hobby on Tour
Omaha, Nebraska (January 15-16)

The Great Train Expo
Sacramento, California (January 15-16)

All Trains Swap Meet
Dayton, Ohio (January 16)

31st Annual Utica Train Show
Utica, New York (January 16)

Regal Railways Presents Train Show & Swap Meet
Pinellas Park, Florida (January 22)

Greenberg's Train & Toy Show
Monroeville, Pennsylvania (January 22-23)

The Great Train Expo
Anaheim, California (January 22-23)

Great Lehigh Valley Train Meet
Allentown, Pennsylvania (January 22-23)

Northwest Jersey Train-O-Rama
Dover, New Jersey (January 23)

Amherst Railroad Hobby Show
West Springfield, Massachusetts (January 29-30)

The Great Train Expo
St. Charles, Missouri (January 29-30)

The Great Westchester Train & Toy Show
White Plains, New York (January 30)

 

Model Train Shows – What You Will See

"There are all kinds of people who attend these shows. Some people are those who just love trains and like to see the various kinds of models available or people who want to own them and have the time and money to buy trains that are identical to actual train cars."

Read the entire story: Model Train Shows

Visit Trains O Scale, your guide to model railroading.