May Newsletter

The Northeast Large Scale Train Show drew 2,960 visitors to Eastern States Exposition on April 27 & 28. Here's a recap of the fun-filled weekend.

In This Issue

Large Scale Show weekend - recap

April in review, and ongoing projects - John Sacerdote

May Calendar

May Presentation - Sperry Rail Services - May 8

Scale Trains Road Show - recap

ABEL @ Six Flags New England

Garden Railroad Construction

Amherst Railway System - the Palmer Division

Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet - May 31 & June 1

Granite State Special - May 18

April in review, and ongoing projects

John Sacerdote, President

860-243-0811

president@amherstrail.org

This Month

May 4 - Celebration of Railroad Art & Photography

May 4 - Work Day

May 8 - May Presentation - Sperry Rail Services

May 11 - Work Day

May 15 - Board of Directors

May 18 - Work Day

May 18 - Granite State Express

May 25 - closed - Memorial Day weekend

May 31 - Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet

June 1 - Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet

Full Calendar

Sperry Rail Services - behind the scenes

Wednesday, May 8 - 7:30 pm

Amherst Building

1130 South Main Street

Palmer, Massachusetts

Bob Tegtmeier

For 85 years, Sperry has been a world leader in rail detection. The organization helps railroads operate safely, as well as improve performance and reliability.

On May 8, Bob Tegtmeier will take us behind the scenes at Sperry and explain the types of vehicles used and the defects they are designed to find. Bob’s presentation includes photos and explanations of the Sperry testing process, and the kinds of information they provide to host railroads.

Sperry is a global company, working with railroads in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

This presentation is open to the public.

Meeting details.

In case you missed it... Scale Trains Road Show

The Scale Trains Road Show arrived in Palmer on April 20 with a display of Scale Trains' current products, a look behind the scenes at the product development and manufacturing process, and a question and answer session.

Here are a few photos of the event.

ABEL @ Six Flags New England

The Amherst Belt Lines is setting up a modular railroad exhibit at Six Flags New England from mid-May through July. Called the Rockville Traveling Trail Show, the exhibit adds a new display to the theme park, and promotes the model railroad hobby.

Garden Railroad Construction

The first phase of construction on our garden railroad is under way. The center section of the plan calls for raised platforms for live steam operation. Track will be installed on the platforms and model, steam-powered locomotives will run in the middle of the garden.

Amherst Railway System - Palmer Division

The HO-scale Palmer Division model railroad is taking shape in the lower level of the Amherst Building in Palmer. The Palmer Division is a first-class miniature railroad world that highlights the skills and abilities of our members, and depicts the rich railroad history of Palmer, Massachusetts.

The railroad is generally based on the operations of the actual railroads, past and present, that operated in the area, but with artistic license to create scenes and run equipment that add interest of the railroad. 

Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet

On May 31 & June 1, 2024, the Amherst Railway Society will co-sponsor the Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet at the Springfield Sheraton in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The event brings together railroad modelers interested in prototype-inspired or prototype-faithful modeling. It’s an opportunity to show your work, see what others have done, and learn new modeling techniques and skills.

The meet is open to modelers of all skill levels and abilities. There are no standards or contests.

Details here.

Granite State Special - May 18, 2024

The Granite State Scenic Railroad will host a Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts round-trip excursion on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The train will leave Meredith at 9:00 am, travel along the shores of Winona Lake and Lake Waukegan to Lincoln, and return to Meredith at approximately 5:30 pm.

Trip details here.

Bachman Trains is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Rapido is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Scale Trains is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Spring Creek Model Trains is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Trainz.com is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

The Eight & Sand newsletter is a regular publication of the Amherst Railway Society. To submit information for publication, contact Gregory Maas at: webmaster@amherstrail.org.

Amherst Railway Society

1130 South Main Street

Palmer, Massachusetts 01069

The Amherst Railway Society is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation