Eight & Sand is regularly updated with news and information about upcoming Amherst Railway Society meetings, the Railroad Hobby Show, our two model railroad clubs, the organizations we support, and other railroad-related topics.
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Amherst Open House – December 10, 2022 – 10 am to 1 pm
Amherst Building
1130 South Main Street
Palmer, Massachusetts 01069
The Amherst Railway Society cordially invites you to attend a holiday open house. The event celebrates the holiday season and previews the sale of the Dick Elwell model railroad collection.
Dick Elwell passed away in October after building one of the top model railroads in the country. Dick’s Hoosac Valley Railroad was photographed and described in all of the major model railroad publications, and features many scenes and structures from the Hoosac Valley region of Massachusetts.
The Amherst Railway Society has been designated at the sales agent for Dick’s model railroad collection.
The majority of the collection will be sold at the Railroad Hobby Show on January 28 & 29, 2023. However, the Open House will be a sneak preview of the January sale, and some items will actually be for sale on December 10.
The Open House runs from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and will be held at the Amherst Building in Palmer, Massachusetts. The event is open to the public and light holiday refreshments will be available.
photos: Phil Johnson
Dick Elwell – 1935 to 2022
The model railroad world has lost a true artist. Dick Elwell passed away on October 21, 2022 after a 15-year battle with cancer.
Dick’s Hoosac Valley Railroad was photographed and described in all of the major model railroad publications. It is considered one of the top model railroads in the country for its fall scenery and attention to detail.
The railroad was built over sixteen years and features many scenes and structures from the Hoosac Valley region of Massachusetts. The station at Adams, the Wirthmore Feeds warehouse in North Adams, and the Hoosac tunnel were carefully recreated in miniature by Elwell.
The railroad is set in the steam to diesel era spanning the mid-1930s to 1954, and was faithfully operated like the prototype by the “Wednesday Night Club.”
The Hoosac Valley Railroad brought back precious memories for Elwell, and affirmed his belief that “..with a model railroad, you can bring back anything you want.”
Membership Director
The Amherst Railway Society is looking for a Membership Director. The position is responsible for:
- Designing and implementing a membership growth and retention strategy.
- Developing and implementing membership growth and retention plans and programs.
- Developing member engagement plans and programs.
- Building a strong membership culture that delivers value to Amherst members.
The position reports to the Amherst Railway Society board President.
For the full job description, click here.
To apply, contact John Sacerdote at: president@amherstrail.org