14th Annual NC Railroad Expo April 16th

[jmlaboda]

Well, its that time again and the Alexander Chapter, N.R.H.S., is once again fixin' to hold their annual trainshow in Hickory, N.C.  On April 16, 2016, the Alexander Chapter will, once again, host the Expo at the Hickory NC Metro & Convention Center.  This single day show is the best in Western North Carolina and will be featuring approximately 250 tables with most already sold out and in addition to vendors of models, collectibles, books, and videos, FIVE model railroad layouts will be at the show, including the Central Carolina NScalers beautiful modular layout which is always a big hit with adults and kids alike.  (Sorry to say it but the Ntrak layout ran more than any of the larger scale layouts last year...  )

ALL proceeds from this show will go towards the restoration of the largest collection of narrow gauge equipment in the entire southeastern United States.  For more information visit the website below...

http://www.tarheelpress.com/Trainshow

[Bobster]

Jerry,

I plan to be there fairly early, unless work has other plans for me. 
In which case I'll be there around 1PM.
This should make the 6th or 7th in a row.

Bobster

[Iain]

Actually, my father will be there.  Ironically, I myself will be in Raleigh for the NSHS gathering that same day.

[jmarley76]

Hmmm... wonder if I can swing it. It would be nice... 

[PiperguyUMD]

Also check out Old Hickory Station!  Great restaurant that's trackside. They have a great local beer list and a market featuring some local food and drink!

[CPR9009]

I plan to be there when it opens.  Not looking for a whole lot, but it will be nice to get away for part of the day.

Scott

[jmlaboda]

The show looks to be a success with a lot of great venders and some really great layouts displayed.  What really was a treat to me was all the N-scale that was for sale this year!!!  Way more than in the past, and Z was also well represented as well.  And I scored big time, buying the only Micro-Trains arched roof circus observation in the whole show at a better price than the other two I bought on eBay.  Now I have enough for the business car models I hope to do and I am really excited about it!!!

For any who was able to go all I can say is, "Thank you!!!"  Proceeds go towards the Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum, the largest narrow gauge museum in the southeast, which the Alexander Chapter is working hard to populate.  They are nearly finished with an extremely old baggage car from West Virginia which was over half gone because of years of neglect but what will soon be added to the museum.  Definitely a good way to spend part of a day and a little (or, if you have it, a lot) of money and time with the family.  Very glad it has proven to be another success.

[Bobster]

Jerry,

I should have asked what you look like.   I made it to Hickory about 9:25 and left at 12:15.  Never saw the line to get in that big before.  I got in around 9:35   Free new parking deck out front was nice.   I was impressed by the crowds too.  When the 3 rail was running the whole area around it was packed to see the smoke puffing steamer.  More N-scale vendors than I've seen before.  This is a good thing.  With crowds like this you may need more room next year.

Picked up a Life-Like E7B for $8  (it is destined for a repaint), a Rock Island gondola with load for $5, and a lightly used older Kato Mikado.   The seller said the Mikado was used but none of the parts from the sprue or railings were put on.   The seller was asking $40.   When it slipped on a grade on the test track he bumped it down to $30.   I think I did well.  Actually I don't thick it was a test track I think is was a guy being generous with his N scale door layout.   I don't know what the grades were but they looked pretty steep.

Talked to some interesting folks.  A lady that has her own N scale layout.  Her husband is into HO.  Got an invite to a layout where it is 4 levels high and the guy loves to repair engines. 

Look forward to next year!
Bobster

[jmlaboda]

As was mentioned when I first posted the announcement about the train show, proceeds to towards various projects being undertaken by the Alexander Chapter, N.R.H.S., and to put things in a tangible manner the show yielded enough money to finish paying for the restoration on their Railway Express Agency truck as well as to repay the loan floated by one of the members to purchase an ancient tank car that was acquired last year.

The collection of the Southeastern Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum continues to grow with both narrow-gauge and standard gauge equipment being acquired.  And it is the direct result of the many volunteers of the Chapter that these restorations are taking place, making for an interesting and eclectic collection of museum pieces like none else in the southeast, and it is at least in part through the proceeds of the trainshow that these restorations are able to be done.

To say the least I know that the members appreciate all who were able to come to the show, with attendance hitting a major milestone this year.  While the number of tables were down overall attendance was greater than in the past helping to make the show a very good one.  To say the least the members are very grateful for each and every person who came and glad that their important work can continue.  Here's hoping that next year's show is even better!!!