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Call For Monroe Train Show Volunteers

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Russ Segner

The annual Monroe Train Show is February 24th and 25th.  The 4D will have three tables to show and sell many items donated to 4D by estates and collections of members and others interested in promoting model railroading.

The 4D had benefited substantially from these sales. I am looking for some help from members to set up the displays and provide help in the sales both Saturday and Sunday.  If you can help, please contact me this week to set a time you can help.  It will be greatly appreciated.

Russ
206 200 2211

Model Train Show

Hi-Railer’s Attended the Longview, Kelso & Rainier Model Railroad Club Fall Swap Meet & Train Show

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Ed Ives

Well that was a mouthful, forever now to be known as the Kelso show. 

This, the fall show, was a one day affair and not our preferred event, spending as much time setting up and tearing down as the actual show itself. Our reasoning for attending this time was to assess the event and the facilities as to whether we might attend their two day show next May.

The show was held in Kelso’s Three Rivers Mall, in the former Macy’s store, providing ample space, lighting and flat and level flooring. The organizers were very helpful and saw to it that we were in need of nothing for the show. To be honest, the show was more of a very good swapmeet than a train show with few layouts but plenty of space for more. The 9 am Saturday opening did not start with a rush but more of a dribble but steadily built up during the morning to form a good crowd. We met members of the public attending this show from as far away as Oregon to the south and Olympia to the north. 

For this writer I would give two thumbs up for this show in the future as an opening event to the train show season. 

Ed

Hi-Railers Report, Model Train Show

Rails To Sails Train Show

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Bud Thompson

What awaits you at the Rails to Sails Train Show?

There will be three different sizes (Scales) operating during the show. 

N Scale

The Centerpiece of the show will be an N Scale modular layout covering an area of approximately 31′ x 36’.  This layout is being assembled and operated by members of the 4dNTRAK N Scale group that represents the National Model Railroad Association in the Pacific NW Region.  The group has been in operations for over 20 years, and no layout has been repeated, and this one is no exception.  For the first time the layout will include ramps for loading cars onto a ferry that will travel across the layout and unload the railcars onto another ramp after the journey.  There will also be a Scavenger Hunt with items located on several of the modules.

N Scale represents model railroading at a size of 1 foot = 160 feet. 

We hope you will come to see this unique modular layout.

HO Scale

A permanent part of the exhibit is a an HO Scale model of the Northern Pacific Railway’s Half Moon yard.  Where, with the push of a button, you can send a train off to Seattle or Portland.  You can see the real rail yard across the street from the museum.

G Scale

Visit the G Scale layout and challenge yourself to “Deliver the Goods” by putting a train together, and going to different companies, deliver full cars, pick up empty cars and return them to each supplier.

Then you can visit one of several booths with representatives from various railroad related organizations. Come by and see us for First Annual Rails to Sails Train Show.  The show runs from March 17 to 20 and is open from 10am to 4pm each day.  Thursday night is “Free Third Thursday” from 5pm to 8pm.

Please join us at the Foss Waterway Seaport Museum and Event Center located at 705 Dock Street, between the Northern Pacific Railway’s Half Moon Yard, and the Foss Waterway.  Take I-705 to the 4th Street bridge, turn right and cross the bridge.  4th Street becomes Dock Street as it turns to the right.  The museum is the second building on your left.

We’ll be seeing you at the Train Show!!!!!!

Bud

Model Train Show, News

Lewis County Model Railroad Club Train Show and Swap Meet

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Bob Rorabaugh

The Lewis County Model Railroad Club is back with their Spring Show!! Buy, sell, or trade all types of model railroad equipment, toy trains, and railroadiana. All scales and gauges.

A large LEGO Trains area (20’ x 20’) and European layouts (standard and narrow gauge) are currently scheduled. If you or your club have a layout you would like to display, please contact us for further information. Space is very limited.

The show will be located at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds Blue Pavilion.

2555 N. National Ave., Chehalis, WA 98532. Loads of FREE parking.

If arriving from the north, take S. Gold Street which changes into National Avenue at NE Exhibitor Road. Both Gold and National are one-way heading south. If arriving from the south, take Kresky Avenue and then cross over to National on Exhibitor Road. The entrance is across the street from the Chevrolet dealership.

April 2-3, 2022
Hours: Saturday 10-4 Sunday 10-3

Admission is still just $5.00 per person. Children 10 and under free.

6′ Tables $25 for both days of show.

Electrical power available for an added fee.

One half of the admission goes directly to the Lewis County Historical Museum.

Applications and additional information available at:

https://www.lcmrrc.org/

Contact Ted at 360-985-7788 or TedsTrains@LewisCounty.com

Model Train Show, News

First Annual Rails to Sails Train Show

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Bud Thompson

The Foss Waterway Seaport Maritime Museum will be holding their first Annual Rails to Sails Train Show on March 17 to 20, 2022 in their facility at 705 Dock Street, Tacoma WA.  As one of the coordinators, I have contacted the 4DNTrak Group to bring their modules down and set up a 30′ x 36′ layout that will be running for the length of the show.

The Educational Department of the Foss Waterway Seaport, and their Events Dept are planning railroad related events that will be included the train show.  If you would be interested in having a clinic or two  that may be of interest to the museum visitors, I would like to discuss the possibilities with you.  You can leave a message for me at 206-310-9414, or email at budmanthe3rd@yahoo.com.

I look forward to speaking with you about space and scheduling the clinics.
Thank you.

Bud Thompson

Model Train Show, News

New Train Show

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Tim Daubert

I am launching a new train show that will be at the Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma, WA February 12th and 13th of 2022.  I am serving as the show coordinator and want to get the word out on the street.

Clubs and vendors I want to hear from you. Please contact me and let me know if you are interested in participating.

Railroad Swap Meet & Train Show
Saturday & Sunday February 12 & 13, 2022
Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds in Elma, WA
Saturday 9am – 4pm 
Sunday 10am – 3pm
Admission: $5.00
Children under 12 free with paid adult
Lots of free parking, food concession, operating train layouts.

Train Club Info and Vendor Info
Set up is Friday from 9am-6pm
Saturday set up 7am – 9am
32 Elma/McCleary Road, Elma, WA 98541

Camping Spots available at $20 per night (no Septic)
Motels: Stay Beyond, Elma 360-482-6868
Guest House, Montesano 360-249-4429

Show Coordinator:
Tim Daubert
360-580-9372
tim_daubert@yahoo.com

Model Train Show, News

Maple Valley Train Show Wrap Up

Written by Anton Faulk
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Article & Photos by Ed Ives

The Maple Valley train show was started some twenty years ago by fellow Hi-Railer Henry Holwedell. Henry is long gone now but we like to attend this show in his memory. The show is a small community fundraiser located in a gymnasium, the Gracie Hansen Community Center. There obviously was no show last year due to the COVID and it was uncertain if there would be one this year. I was fearful that if there were no show this year it may be too difficult to resurrect further downstream. Not to worry though, the show went ahead.

The show consisted of eight layouts; two group O gauge layouts, the Hi-Railer’s and Pierce County Lionel group; a Marklin HO group; a live steam group; a LEGO group and three individual presentations including a suitcase Z gauge display. Set-up on Friday went quite well in spite of access only through one door. We, the Hi-Railer’s, were up and running by 3.30 PM, a record for the location for us.

Saturday morning dawned at 7 AM where we were to do further development to the ex-Sam modules. Sam Hayden passed away three years ago and we managed to retain three of his modules and six of his accessories. Over the last two years we incorporated the accessories into the modules, added wiring, power supplies and button controls on the public side. Now we were to add the 1/43rd scale vehicles and people to add life to the scene. Thanks to the efforts of Ed Pennington, Dan Peters and Gordon Sandell who donated a plethora of material, the scene became alive with still action and a veritable traffic jam of vehicles. 

The show opened at 10 AM and immediately a steady stream of people came in, not crowds. Masks were the order of the day and full compliance was observed without any complaint. There were many families with children, all very well behaved. The Sam modules gathered quite a lot of attention which was gratifying. Over the two days some 520 paying visitors came to the show which was considered a success. A typical show there would garner anything from 400 to over 600 over the weekend depending on weather and sports events.

A BIG personal thank you to Jack Klapwyk, Ed Pennington, Dan Peters and Gordon Sandell who did the set up, running both days and the teardown at the end. Without them we could not have participated.

Ed Ives

Articles, Model Train Show

Lynden Train Show Wrap Up

Written by Anton Faulk
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By Ed Ives

It’s been a while since we’ve had a train show but they are coming back. The Lynden train show was the first out of the blocks, for this area at least on October 2nd and 3rd. The venue is a large modern (nice even floor) agricultural hall and both of our Hi-Rail and HO modular groups attended with layouts.  There was more space between layouts and more space between vendors with some usual displays and vendors being absent. All the same, the atmosphere was very nice even though all in attendance, both public, vendors and train groups were required to wear face masks at all times inside the building. All were very compliant which was very gratifying.

The public came in considerable numbers with a sizable contingent of children. Maybe the attendance was down a bit in prior year’s but it is hard to tell with the more open spaces.

I did contact the organizers after the show for their perspective and here’s their response:

“Yes, you are correct, a major event like Covid changes things.  Attendance was down some from two years ago when we last had the show, but not horribly and several vendors told us they did very well so it looks like those who did come were in a buying mood.   Also some exhibitors dropped out for various reasons, but then we added a couple new ones so it kind of balanced out.   Actually it was good for Covid protocols to have the aisles a little wider and a few more open spaces,   Glad you guys came and hope to see you next year when the situation is (hopefully) more normal.    Cheers.  Gordon”

From the Hi-Railer’s perspective the public, both adults and children, kept their hands off the trains and layout, more so than in the past which was gratifying. A considerable number of children spent their day circling the layout keeping pace with their favorite train. I bet they slept well that night. The only downside we had was dealing with the effects of having train modules sit unused for so long and being stored in a trailer summer and winter. As with the prototype railroads, the Hi-Railer’s run our trains on steel tracks and like the prototype the rails rust when not used. Much elbow grease was spent with a Scotchbrite derusting the track. Oh for environmentally controlled storage! Overall the Hi-Railer’s at least had a good showing and a good time. We look forward to the show next year.

Ed Ives

Articles, Model Train Show, News

Lynden Model Train & Toy Show This Weekend

Written by Anton Faulk
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The Lynden Train Show is this weekend, Saturday October 2nd from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sunday the 3rd from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Featuring over 50,000 sq. ft. of model train layouts, exhibits, and vendors. Trains of all gauges for train buffs of all ages. And toys as well!

The location is:

Northwest Washington Fairgrounds
Henry Jansen Agricultural Bldg.
1775 Front St.
Lynden, Washington 98264

Model Train Show