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
