Eight & Sand is regularly updated with news and information about the Amherst Railway Society, the Railroad Hobby Show, the Amherst Belt Lines modular model railroad, the organizations we support, and other railroad-related topics.
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Help Wanted – the Amherst Railway Society
As the Amherst Railway Society continues to grow, we need people to fill key management roles. Open positions with responsibility descriptions are listed below.
1. Membership Coordinator
reports to: Executive Director
Responsible for:
• managing membership recruitment and retention
• working with other departments on member communication and engagement
• working with Membership Clerk on membership administration
• membership presence at shows and events
• developing programs to attract former members
• developing an introduction package for new members
• developing incentive programs for – Friends of the Amherst Railway Society
2. Railroad Hobby Show – Assistant Show Director
reports to: Show Director
Responsible for:
• learning all duties and responsibilities of the Show Director
3. Railroad Hobby Show – Lead Floor Manager
reports to: Show Director
Responsible for:
• coordinating all floor manager schedules
• recruiting and training new floor managers
• work with Show Director as part of the show management team
4. Railroad Hobby Show – Volunteer Coordinator
reports to: Show Director
Responsible for:
• coordinating all volunteer schedules
• recruiting and training new volunteers
• work with Show Director as part of the show management team
5. Speaker/Clinics Coordinator
reports to: Executive Director
Responsible for:
• recruiting speakers and presenters for Amherst events and clinics
• coordinating dates, AV needs, and catering
• work with Marketing Director to publicize and promote presentations
6. Event Coordinator
reports to: Executive Director
Responsible for:
• managing all Amherst Railway Society events
7. Trip Coordinator
reports to: Executive Director
Responsible for:
• managing all Amherst Railway Society sponsored trips
8. Grant Writer
reports to: Executive Director
Responsible for:
• securing grant money for Amherst special projects, including:
• outdoor garden railroad
• expansion of building
• modular sales
• underprivileged youth program
9. Display Layout Coordinator
reports to: Building Manager
Responsible for:
• setting up and maintaining all scale layouts on the upper level.
10. Special Programs Coordinator
reports to: Executive Director
Responsible for:
• setting up and managing Amherst special programs, including:
• summer camp
• modular sales
• disability program
• scholarships
• T-Trak program
Dick Joyce – 1937 to 2025
Dick Joyce, a Life Member, past president, and long-time member of the Amherst Railway Society passed away on February 12, 2025 at age 87.
Dick lived a full life with many interests. But, his true passion was railroads and model railroads. A Christmas train set for his young son turned into a life-long hobby. His home railroad, the Ingleside & Oakdale, regularly hosted operating sessions that brought him great enjoyment, and years of stories.
Dick was also an avid rail-fan, chasing trains across the country and into Canada. He has many carrousels of slides documenting his rail-fan adventures.
The Amherst Railway Society has received dozens of emails with regard to Dick’s passing but this one says it all:
“There is probably nothing I can say that the rest of you haven’t, or haven’t at least thought. Dick was one of those people that we are all the better for having known. His concern for others always took precedence. And you could always see his joy, because he shared it so freely. The world is a better place for his graceful presence. It seems like I knew Dick forever, but it will always seem like it was not long enough.
There are two things that I will miss most about Dick, but there is no limit to the many others. I will truly miss the way that he engaged with others, making you feel like he was your best friend, and being able to share your interests with his, beyond the ones that you shared. He was a truly engaging personality, as others have said, always asking about you and your circle, and honestly wanting to know. When he asked, you knew he was interested, it wasn’t just a pleasantry.
But the one thing that I will miss the most is his sense of humor. He had a really gentle sense of irony, tinged with a wicked sense of biting sarcasm and wit. I always felt that Dick could see the humor in everything, even the things that traditionally aren’t funny. I really enjoyed the banter that he would share. And I always felt he saw the world much the same way I do.
My heart goes out to Nancy and the rest of Dick’s family. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of his life, and sharing him with us. He is a true loss, but I know that he would not be seeing it that way. Dick is one of those that touched so many of us, and will never be forgotten.”
The above email from long-time friend Steve Belforti.
Thanks Steve, for helping us put into words the thoughts that we had trouble describing.
Surplus Equipment Sale – April 5, 2025
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the Amherst Railway Society will hold its quarterly surplus equipment sale.
Model railroad equipment of all kinds and scales, actual railroad artifacts, and railroad books and videos are all included in this event.
If you would like table space at this event, please contact John Sacerdote at: [email protected].
The sale runs from 9:00 am to noon and will be held at:
The Amherst Building
1130 South Main Street
Palmer, Massachusetts 01069
This event is open to the public.
