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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Large Scale Limited
Springfield Union Station
Springfield, Massachusetts
So, what’s a train show without a train ride? Yup – we thought the same thing – and added a train ride to the Northeast Large Scale Train Show.
On Sunday morning, April 28, join us at Springfield Union Station for a CTrail train ride from Springfield to Hartford and return. The train leaves Springfield at 9:55 am and arrives in Hartford at 10:32 am. We have about a 15 minute wait in Hartford for our return train that arrives back in Springfield at 11:33 am.
The cost for the train ride is $5.00 per person (children 2 and under are free), and tickets can be purchased online here.
IMPORTANT: if you are riding this train, you must be in the main concourse of Springfield Union Station no later than 9:30 on Sunday morning for check-in. We are riding regularly scheduled CTrail trains, and it is important that they run on time.
Celebration of Railroad Art & Photography
Springfield Union Station
Springfield, Massachusetts
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, the Amherst Railway Society will be teaming up with Springfield Union Station to sponsor the – Celebration of Railroad Art & Photography.
Railroads have long been the subject of art and photography. So, we are going to set aside a day to honor the talented people that paint and photograph railroads in America, and other places too.
Railroad art and photography will be on display in the main concourse of Springfield Union Station from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, and much of that work will be for sale. So, if you need a beautiful piece of railroad art or photography for your train room, or dining room, or anywhere for that matter, stop by Springfield Union Station on May 4th.
photo: Isaiah Manuel
Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet
Springfield Sheraton Hotel
Springfield, Massachusetts
A Prototype Modelers Meet brings together railroad modelers interested in prototype-inspired or prototype-faithful modeling. Prototype modelers often replicate actual railroad locomotives, rolling stock, or structures in great detail. A meet gives them an opportunity to show their work, see what others have done, and learn new modeling techniques and skills.
The Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet is open to modelers of all skill levels and abilities. There are no standards or contests. Rather, the meet is an opportunity to attend clinics, visit exhibits by major manufacturers, and enjoy the company of fellow modelers.
Schedule
Registration – 8:00 am, both Friday and Saturday
Clinics – begin at 9:00 am, both Friday and Saturday
Raffle – approximately 9:30 pm, both Friday and Saturday evenings
The cost to attend the meet is $60.00 for both Friday and Saturday, or $35.00 for just one day. The cost for students is $25.00. The Springfield Sheraton is offering a special room rate for meet attendees.
For additional information visit the meet website, or contact Dave Owens at: [email protected]
Calgary to Mexico City – by Steam
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is sponsoring the Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour to celebrate the first anniversary of the Canadian Pacific-Kansas City Southern merger. CP 4-6-4 #2816 will lead the special train as it travels from Calgary to Mexico City.
The train will leave Calgary on April 24, 2024 and make stops at the following locations:
- Minot, North Dakota – April 30
- St. Paul, Minnesota – May 3
- Franklin Park, Illinois – May 8
- Davenport, Iowa – May 10
- Kansas City, Missouri – May 18
- Shreveport, Louisiana – May 24
- Laredo, Texas – May 28;
- Monterrey, Mexico – May31
- Mexico City, Mexico – June 4
The Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour will be the first steam-powered passenger train in North America to travel in Canada, the US, and Mexico in a single trip.
Details of the steam tour are available here.
