The big Amherst Society Railroad Hobby Show at Springfield, MA was January 25 and 26, 2025, and by all accounts was a great success again. More than 27,000 attended the show and it was the usual intersection of model trains, operating layouts and displays, manufacturer booths, vendors, hobby media, craftsman, exhibits, and photographers. Importantly, thanks to Rich Wisneski, Teddy & Pete were able to join with him this year for their first time!
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| Photo courtesy Dennis A. Livesey |
It is hard to describe how wonderful it is to see the boys doing their thing, and learning to walk a tradeshow like this one. They were fantastic!
The boys were amazed at the scope and scale of the event, held in 4 warehouse sized buildings. The OC table had books and shirts for sale, as well as stickers and pins and a chance to talk to customers and guests. Sales were good and much better than last year!
Sharing the hobby has never been more fun, and that the boys will have these memories going forward means a great deal to me. It is a major effort to make this show happen despite all the headwinds at work and the constant effort that life in my 49th year can take, but it is worth every ounce of effort for rewards like this.
Lots of fun to come - just another part of this amazing hobby!
You didn't mention the Giraffe and Zebra (?) that were at the table when I stopped by! A picture was being taken so I kept my distance but you all looked like you were having fun!
ReplyDeleteDave, I've had the pleasure and opportunity to attend Amherst since 1998. Have missed a couple, but the missed shows were rare. In all the years I've attended and been amazed as the show has grown, the 2025 edition was VERY special! This year I listened to many hobbyists share how pleased there were to be at Amherst and TO have the opportunity to spend time WITH Friends! I even shared shedding tears of joy with a Friend whom I hadn't seen in many, many years! Yes, that was special. The icing on the cake was seeing Teddy and Pete w/you as they were enjoying time with one another and you! Their smiles said it ALL for me!!!! Continued Blessings on you and your Family!!!!!
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