August 2007 Gallery
The National organization of European Train Enthusiasts (ETE) fosters annual shows that occur on both the west and east coasts of the United States. The shows (termed EuroWest and EuroEast) offer members and the general public an opportunity to congregate and share ideas, experiences and to learn about national goings-on. This year’s east coast show was held at the Donegal Middle School in Marietta, PA over the weekend of August 11-12, 2007. Our chapter was invited to display its modules at this year’s train meet. Even though this required quite a distance to travel for our membership, many made the commitment to support the effort and several brought along spouses for a mini-vacation to this most scenic part of the eastern portion states. The EuroEast show was organized by the Keystone Chapter of ETE and they did an outstanding job of coordinating arrangements. Our members that made the trip were graciously welcomed with, among other things, an announcing banner (below).
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The modules were unloaded, assembled and made operational on Friday, just in time for the show to begin on Saturday morning. The following are pictures taken of observers, panoramas and close-ups of various European layout scenes.
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Elizabeth and Natalie (Glenn and Sue’s granddaughters) were fascinated by a long coal train passing over a stone archway on their grandparent’s module.
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Ed Scheff positions Jeff Koellmer (on dolly) under the layout for some wiring work. The ole’ knees aren’t what they used to be!
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The Keystone chapter’s layout contained a working rack railway modeled after the Furka-Oberalp and a model of the famous Bietschtal Bridge, prototypes of both are found in Switzerland.
As is usually the custom during these shows, a celebration dinner occurred during the evening of the first day of the show. The pictures below confirm that a good time was had by all! Good food, friendly conversation, and even a raffle for (what else?) European railroad model stuff!
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Several members took advantage of time off from the show to visit some of the local attractions. There’s a lot to see in the scenic and historic district of Lancaster, PA. One such popular attraction (wouldn’t you know it?) was the renowned Pennsylvania Railroad Museum in Strasburg, PA. A highlight in this museum is one of the few remaining GG-1 electric locomotives that were used in the U.S. during the Pennsy’s heyday. Below are a few shots taken in the museum and outside on the working rails.
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Another attraction located in nearby Strasburg was the National Toy Train Museum. A visit to this facility traced the history of model railroading throughout the country and included many fascinating and interactive exhibits. Model trains of every age, scale and manufacturer were represented and even a collection of early Märklin trains were showcased. Below are a few shots taken while one of our members enjoyed a visit to the museum.
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