I’m relatively new to the hobby and have never attended a train show. Is there an On-line source to find out where and when they are held? I live near Atlanta GA.
Your best bet is to check with a good local hobby shop, because not all shows are big enough to have websites. Having said that, here are a couple that do and that have shows in the Atlanta area:
http://www.greenbergshows.com/schedule.htm
http://www.greatamericantrainshow.com/schedule/index.htm
Here’s the ‘Events Calendar’ from Trains.com homepage:
http://www.trains.com/community/events/
Some people don’t like some of the bigger commercial shows, but if you’ve never gone to one it’s worthwhile to go and make up your own mind.
Regards
Ed
Subscribe to Model Railroader Magazine and they have a section dedicated to an “up coming events” listing for each state…Chuck[:D]
Check your local newspaper and try a google search with these words in this order:
Georgia train show
This will make the state the priority in the search.
BC
The GATS (Great American Train Show) site will help you with their shows. These are held all over and year around. Some are good and others not so good depending upon locale, time of year, etc. I have been to GATS in 4 different cities and have attended the one in Kansas City many times. That one gets a bit old because the same people tend to be there every time, but I still enjoy the day. Many city’s also have local or regional shows that are quite good. Of course, if you get the opportunity, attend the NMRA national show for the ultimate train show experience.
Ron
Thom;
There is a GATS coming up in Atlanta at the Cobb Galleria on I-285 the weekend of Nov 11. Our club will be showing our layout there. Also since you are just starting out, go to the homepage of the Southeastern region of the nmra at: http://www.ser-nmra.org
Here click on the links for divisions and clubs. look for Piedmont division. That includes the Atlanta area and contact Bob, he is a good man. Also click on the link for the piedmont division to see what’s going on .
Also we, the Steel City division (Birmingham), are hosting our 16th annual show at the Bessemer Civic Center this weekend. Go to http://www.scd-nmra.org for more details.
There’s also one in Truro this weekend and I just got the “green light” from the CFO to go! Of course she will be escorting me.
See ya there cjcrescent! I have to stop by a few convenience stores on the way. Let’s see now, where did I put that ski mask…[}:)] [:D]
REX
Ferg,
Too bad you’ll have fiscal restraints on when you go to the show. On the other hand, it’s way cool that your other half is interested! You could always try bribery . . . a nice fancy dinner at an excellent resturant in exchange for just “one little tiny BLI engine - please?” lol.
dkelly,
That’s a great idea. I have asked my wife if she would like to go with me to the Atlanta Show in November. I told her we would just stay over night and have a good dinner somewhere. AHH! She was all smiles. [}:)][swg]
REX
All smiles, but your costs have automatically doubled (or more)! [:(]
Bob Boudreau