January Newsletter

photo: Dean Alexandrou - Anchorage, Alaska - from the Amherst Railway Society 2024 calendar

HO HO HO

Everett Reynolds is all decked out in his seasonal best for the Amherst Holiday Party on December 13th.

The event included holiday decorations, snow-related railroad presentations, and lots of holiday treats.

In This Issue

A Quick Look Back... and ahead - John Sacerdote

January Calendar

A Legacy of Rare Mileage - January Presentation

2024 Railroad Hobby Show

2024 Railroad Hobby Show television ad

Take The Train... to the train show

Belt Lines at the Railroad Hobby Show

Railroad Hobby Show Clinics

2024 Amherst Railway Society Calendar

Steam in Lights - Severn Valley Railway

A Quick Look Back... and ahead

John Sacerdote, President

860-243-0811

president@amherstrail.org

This Month

January 6 - Work Day

January 10 - Monthly Presentation

January 13 - Work Day

January 17 - Board of Directors

January 20 - Work Day

January 25 - Railroad Hobby Show Clinics

January 26 - Railroad Hobby Show Clinics

January 27 - Railroad Hobby Show

January 28 - Railroad Hobby Show

Full Calendar

January Presentation - A Legacy of Rare Mileage

Covered Bridges Ramble - Claremont & Concord Railway - June 12, 1971.

Photo: Art Bliss

Riding the Rails with

the Railroad Enthusiasts

On Wednesday, January 10, Dave Brown will present photos and stories from the 90-year history of the Mass Bay Railroad Enthusiasts. The organization sponsored its first rail-fan trip in 1934.

The presentation is open to the public.

details.

2024 Railroad Hobby Show

The Railroad Hobby Show is coming up on January 27 & 28, and this year is shaping up to be one of the best shows ever. Exhibitor space is sold out and advance ticket sales are way above previous years.

In addition, the Railroad Hobby Show is working with other organizations to provide an enjoyable train show weekend for everyone traveling to West Springfield. Between now and the show, we will be issuing Special Show Editions of this newsletter to explain all there is to do and see at the Railroad Hobby Show. We will also be using social media and press releases to keep everyone informed.

The Railroad Hobby Show is America’s largest railroad-themed trade show. It is truly a fun, family-friendly event.

Advance ticket sales are available here.

2024 Railroad Hobby Show television ad

Take The Train... to the train show

Amtrak and CTrail provide passenger service to Springfield Union Station from major rail centers up and down the east coast. And getting to Eastern States Exposition from Union Station is an easy 10-minute ride on free shuttles provided by the Railroad Hobby Show.

The 15-passenger vans leave from the north entrance of the station - Frank B. Murray Street - between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm on Saturday, and 9:30 am and 5:30 pm on Sunday. The vans are clearly marked with Railroad Hobby Show signs.

In addition to the free shuttle service, there are designated Uber and Lyft drop-off spots at Eastern States.

Amherst Belt Lines @ the Railroad Hobby Show

The Amherst Belt Lines is one of the key attractions at the Railroad Hobby Show. Once again, they will have a large modular model railroad running for both days of the show.

If you would like to learn more about modular model railroading, or would simply like to run a train, please stop by the Belt Lines layout in the Better Living Center.

More about Belt Lines shows

Railroad Hobby Show - Clinics

One of the key benefits of the Railroad Hobby Show is the educational opportunities that are available Thursday and Friday prior to the Railroad Hobby Show.

The list of 2024 Pre-show Clinics is available here, along with descriptions of the presenters.

You can also register for clinics on-line.

2024 Amherst Railway Society Calendar

The 2024 Amherst Railway Society calendar is here. The 2024 edition features a variety of railroad and model railroad photos by Amherst members.

The calendar will be available at the Railroad Hobby Show in January. It can also be purchased online here.

Steam in Lights - courtesy of Severn Valley Railway

Bachman Trains 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