Eight & Sand
Amherst Railway Society news...

Eight & Sand is regularly updated with news and information about upcoming Amherst Railway Society meetings, the Railroad Hobby Show, the Amherst Belt Lines modular model railroad, the organizations we support, and other railroad-related topics.

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NOTICE: Tables for the Surplus Equipment Sale are SOLD OUT

The notice of the sale generated strong interest from modelers interested in selling unused equipment. As a result, additional Surplus Equipment Sales are being planned and will be announced in the Amherst Railway Society newsletter, social media posts, and on the Amherst website.

Surplus Equipment Sale

Friday, March 31, 2023 – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Saturday, April 1, 2023 – 9:00 am to 12:00 noon

Amherst Building

1130 South Main Street

Palmer, Massachusetts 01069

Table Request Form

If you have extra locomotives, rolling stock, structures, or scenery and would like to do a little Spring Cleaning, here’s your chance.

On Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1, the Amherst Railway Society is hosting a Surplus Equipment Sale at the Amherst Building in Palmer, Massachusetts.

The Friday evening session runs from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and is for Amherst Railway Society members only.

The Saturday session is open to the public and runs from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.

Tables rent for $10.

So, here’s a chance to turn some of that extra stuff into a little extra cash. If you would like to participate in the sale, fill out and submit the Table Request Form.

Pullman Railroad Days

On May 20 & 21, the Pullman Foundation is sponsoring Pullman Railroad Days at Pullman National Historical Park in Chicago.

The two-day event will feature Pullman-built rail cars from different eras, the foundation’s 50th anniversary exhibit, and guided tours of the park grounds, as well as food and entertainment.

For additional information and event tickets, visit the foundation website.

Tracks to the Future

Tracks to the Future is a summer program for high school students interested in a career in the railroad industry.

For 2023, there are two sessions, held on six college campuses.

Each session features two days of virtual activities at the student’s home location, a travel day to campus sites, and two days of hands-on activities and field trips to rail-industry locations.

The program is sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration and is free to participating students.

Session 1 will take place from June 19 to 23 at:

  • Michigan Tech University
  • University of South Carolina
  • California State University – Fresno


Session 2 will take place from July 17 to 21 at:

  • University of New Mexico
  • University of Illinois
  • Penn State University – Altoona


For additional information and program registration, click here.

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