Since there have been some inquiries in the June 2006 TRAINS thread, I thought I’d start a separate topic on RR Trade Shows. These are NOT Railfan type Train Shows and rarely are model trains involved (except for the occasional marketing giveaway). Occasionally someone brings a nice model or two to enhance their marketing (runway type)…
Most trade shows are listed in industry trade magazines such as Railway Age (which you can look at on line at www.railwayage.com), Progressive Railroading (www.progressiverailroading.com) and Railway Track & Structures (www.rtands.com). Also the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) lists its meetings on the meetings link at their website (www.aslrra.org). Most shows are in the spring and fall to avoid vacation season.
Class 1 Railroads also are getting more into having trade shows in connection with their short line conferences. These are usually a great networking opportunity for short line and Class 1 folks. Generally they are by invitation only so non-railroaders aren’t able to get access to these events. Of course, this is where the best Class 1 RR giveaway items are as well…
LC