Shows & Events
The Amherst Railway Society sponsors a variety of shows and events throughout the year. Our goal is to promote the knowledge, awareness, and participation in the railroad and model railroad hobbies to the general public.
We believe that enthusiasm for railroads and model railroads makes a positive difference in people’s lives:
- it builds community
- it excites learning
- it unleashes creativity
- it teaches important technical skills
Railroad Hobby Show
The Railroad Hobby Show is the largest railroad-themed trade show in America. The show covers all facets of the railroad hobbies – model railroads, railroad art and photography, railroad history and preservation, tourist railroads, railroad artifacts, and railroad books and videos.
The event is held each January at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
Show website.
Northeast Large Scale Train Show
The interest in larger scale models, particularly garden railroads, is strong – and this is the only show devoted exclusively to large scale model railroading in the northeast. The Northeast Large Scale show covers all aspects of large scale model railroading: S-scale, O-scale, G-scale, F-scale, 7.25 gauge, 7.5 gauge and larger.
The event is held each April at the Eastern States Exposition fairgrounds in West Springfield, Massachusetts.
Show website.
Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet
A prototype modelers meet is a model railroad event in which modelers meet, discuss, and learn how to build high quality, highly detailed railroad replicas. The event includes displays, clinics, and a white-elephant table.
The event is held each year in June at various locations in New England.
Show website.
Kids ON TRACK
Kids ON TRACK is an initiative of the Amherst Railway Society designed to give elementary, middle, and high school students experience with model railroads.
We own an HO-scale modular railroad that we set up at a variety of events – all with the intent of putting throttles in kids’ hands and showing them how to run trains.
Kids ON TRACK is a STEM education initiative, and intended to be a collaborative effort among model railroad manufacturers, clubs, and retailers.
More information.
Surplus Equipment Sale
Amherst sponsors a Surplus Equipment Sale once each quarter. If you have extra locomotives, rolling stock, structures, or scenery, the Surplus Equipment Sales are a chance to do a little house-cleaning.
Equally important, the sales events have proven to be a fun time for members to get together in a relaxed atmosphere. And, a chance for non-members to find out more about the Amherst Railway Society.
The Surplus Equipment Sales are held at the Amherst Building in Palmer, Massachusetts.