Wilmington Show March 2005

Eastern New England Chapter

Springfield, MA January 2012 Gallery

Once again the chapter hosted EuroEast 2012 while participating in the Amherst Railway Society's annual train show and sale. This year's show was particularly successful and reported to be better attended than has been in the case for the last eight years. We suspect the weather had something to do with it, but can only hope that our hobby is once again growing. Over 25,000 visitors came through the five building where module displays, vendors and seminars were set up.

The picture below shows one of our signs up against our special interest table. Here, those interested in learning more about ETE, our chapter, or even the hobby can interact with our members.

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This year the chapter introduced our new mini-module to the public. Several chapter members constructed a light-weight, easy to assemble and operate, module. Operations on the mini-module differ from our larger club layout in that this one operates in DCC mode utilizing 2-rail power. Our large layout operates in Marklin's 3-rail, AC-based system. Scenery on both depicts typical European locales The mini-layout appears below, as members Chuck Ashworth (left) and Zeke Sampson prepare the runs.

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In addition to our large and mini-layouts, one of our members brought his own layout to display and run various types of European models and control systems that differ from the chapter's. The picture below shows Lee Davy at the controls on his display. A small viewing area was set up behind him so that enthusiasts could pause and watch rail fan videos and how-to instructions.

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In the picture below, member Melvyn Crabb discusses the operation with a spectator. At times, viewers were three-deep in front of our layout.

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Another new addition to our layout this year was a sign informing viewers of the origin of the models currently operating on our layout. Club member Paul Bergman hand-crafted the sign and included a special notice just for this show. Our chapter lost a long-time member earlier this month and we all agreed that an operation dedicated to Glenn Reed would be a fitting remembrance.

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At the end of the show and just before leaving for home, our gang assembled for a class photo. It takes the work of many members and friends to set up, operate and re-pack after a show. We are very grateful for the help of everyone. We're already looking forward to next year's ARS show.

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