National Model Railroad Assn. show in Indy

[carmelmodelrr]

I know there's a similar topic, but my question is significantly different from the other thread.    The "open to the public" show is on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with an admission fee for each day of around $13 or $14. I've never attended an NMRA show before and until I looked at their website yesterday, I thought I would be going to a "train show" similar to the ones put on every once in awhile by The Great Train Show (or whatever they are calling themselves this year).  In other words, there would be a number of dealers selling various scales, mostly at a discount.  When I looked at the NMRA website, however, I get the impression that this is more like a discussion group of model railroaders with the various manufacturers of model railroad items.  In other words, if anything is to be sold, it will probably be at list price from the manufacturer.

So just what should I expect if I pay $13 or $14 and walk in on Friday, Saturday or Sunday?

Richard Wroblewski
carmelmodelrr

[PGBowler2]

There should be dealers there as well.  Check the vendor listing on this web site.   Most of the manufacturers do not sell at the show.  In fact, the show is generally split with manufacturers in one section of the hall and the selling vendors in another.

http://www.nationaltrainshow.org/2016/ntsindianapolis.html

[Roger Holmes]

This will be my third National Train Show having previously attended the St. Louis and Cincinnati Nationals.

Indy will have 180,000 square feet of display space.  There will be lots of manufacturers, most with nothing to sell, just product displays--particularly new products.  There will be MANY dealers with discount pricing.  There will be historical societies most with items for sale. Finally, there will be a plethora of operating layouts in every scale.

You will get your money's worth.  The closest show for comparison is Trainfest in Milwaukee (which is way larger than a WGH show) but the National Show is like Trainfest on steroids.

[ztrack]

For those interested in Z scale, stop by the AZL / Ztrack Booths (612 and 614). We are going to have a large display of products from AZL and Rokuhan on display, free sample issues of Ztrack, and staff available to answer questions. If you have not had a lot of exposure to Z, this is a good chance to see how much it has matured. Expect to see some new products as well!

Rob

[railnerd]

The National Train Show is full of modular setups, dealers, and manufacturers.  Typically the "big boys" like Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, and MR have booths.  It is designed for both model railroaders and the general public.

The NMRA convention happens in the days before and consists of clinics, operating sessions, and other tours.

-Dave

[muktown128]

The closest show for comparison is Trainfest in Milwaukee (which is way larger than a WGH show) but the National Show is like Trainfest on steroids.

Having been to Trainfest many times, I can relate to this.  This would convince me to go if I could.  $13-14 for admission is a good price if this show is better than Trainfest. 

Scott

[Blazeman]

That level of price to get in will keep away the gawkers as well. That's got good points for serious modelers, but on the other hand, might keep away some with a curiosity that could bring them into the hobby.

[asarge]

This show is as much about showcasing to the modellers, and retailers as it is to just the gawkers and possible newbies. Considering the cost of booth space. The discounts may  or may not be as good as a local show. That will serve to keep some of the guys hawking the same on stuff that you might see with the travelling Great Train Show or Greenber's people. but you get to see new stuff before alot of other people and you will see some amazing modular layouts. You will get more than your money's worth.