2022 NERPM Initial Fears and Preparations

We are a little less than 3 weeks away from the 2022 New England/Northeast Railroad Prototype Modelers meet and after some serious debating I have decided to sign up to attend. 

As stated many times before here, I personally don't consider myself a "Prototype modeler" compared to others. I am more of the mind set of If I'm happy with the result, then I'm not going to worry too much what others think. However, I'd be lying if I didn't admit that its reassuring that others find my work interesting and detailed as well. Some can call this ego boosting, but to me it means that the level of detail I hold my models to is at least on a slightly higher level then I originally my have thought. Which brings up the reason why I was in such a debate with myself about attending and showcasing some of my models. 

The fear of being overshadowed or worse, being belittled for a lack or detail was daunting. Now I know that this would not be the case but still weather it was fear of being subpar or looking like a novice among other modelers was a real concern. 

What really helped push me to eventually sign up was mainly the support from a few friends during a few model railroad operating sessions.  The comments and encouraging words really helped calm my nerves and helped me build more confidence in my abilities as a modeler. Plus, Its ok for different people to have opinions on what we consider to be "good" or, heck, even what is considered "prototype modeling" in this hobby. But enough about past fears lets move onto more exciting topics; What will I be brining to the show!?!?!

Now its no secret that I have been posting very little in means of both the Blog and FB page. This is unfortunately due partially because of some medical things combines with daily life tasks that always seem to get in the way of playing with trains. However, when I have gotten some free time to model it has been mainly focused on some very exciting 3D modeling/printing projects. Some items I cant go into great detail yet, but can very soon!!!(You might even get a sneak peak if you happen to find me at the show …..hint....hint😁)

But while I wait for some of those items to print (averaging 6+ hour per part), I have been brainstorming what Id like to display at the show. One of the first items on my list was my model of VRR 3025. Almost becoming my poster model on the blog, it was a easy choice. The issue was that it has encountered some issues during the past few months. Nothing mechanical, but the cab and tender have had some parts break off and with the nature of the 3D printer parts it was better to reprint them and start fresh then attempt to repair any damage.  

The next item was VRR 0901. My second "masterpiece" has been sitting on the workbench for over a year in primer, waiting for me to hit it with a few coats of NH warm orange and Hunter Green. Still not sure if I will have it fully painted before the show but rest assured it will be on display. 

Next items on the list were actually featured in last weeks "Wordless Wednesday". Attached to the blue painters tape are a set of my NH/VRR trackside posts. They have been seen in their painted form on friends layouts in he past but I personally never made a set my own. So these, the Mile Markers and 1920s era R.R. Crossing Signs will be on display.  To the right is something I'm not 100% sold on but still may bring it for fun. These are the original 4 person railbikes found at the VRR. These were made quickly last summer after a weekend full of operating the 1:1 scale counterparts. They don't roll well so they may become a stationary piece used for display and not be operational as originally designed.

Finally the last major item in last weeks post is my first model of a HO scale tank engine and knowing my past it oh course had to be a certain blue tank engine. So why am I bringing this model, especially to a show designed around showcasing models of "Real" railroad equipment. Simple this model is based on a actual prototype, former Brooklyn East District Terminal #15, more commonly known today as Strasburg's live steam replica of Thomas. 

    I haven't talked about this model in great detail yet; but for some background, it will be riding on a Bachmann 0-6-0 saddle tank switcher body. I swear its almost, if not, the same basis as the original #15 locomotive. Thomas and the trackside items are currently in the spray booth waiting for me to finish mixing the paint but this wraps up the core items I'm planning on bringing to the show. I may add more depending on how much free time I have.....which will be hard because Thomas and Percy will be visiting Essex for the next 2 weekends. Which means I'll be down at the Valley more often. 

Regardless I'll end this post with a few questions to you, the reader. Is there anything else I should bring? (finished or in progress) 

Is there anything from my past posts or Shapeways store you would like to see in person?  Let me know and I might be able to get some ready in time!! If I don't follow up before then, I hope to see some of you at the show and look on FB for more update photos as we get closer to the event.

Taking the Workshop in the Road -- Cheshire High School Spring Show 2020

There is nothing like Train Show Season.  While there are no set dates or times that limit exactly when train shows take place in my are we normally see them start around the fall (September/October) and end in the spring. They can very in size from large multi room and even buildings (ie: the Big E Train Show) to a single room in a hotel banquet area.  Regardless of the size of the show I normally am there ether as a visitor or assisting some friends sell items and carry boxes. Very rarely would you find me selling anything of my own. However this year that is going to change!!!

This coming weekend is the annual Spring Model Train Show located at Cheshire High School in Cheshire CT. This is one of the larger small town shows in our area filling the schools gym, both their cafeterias and parts of the hallways. This is always a packed show with Vendors, Layout groups, Local Hobby Stores, and tourist Railroads.  The Cheshire show has become a special show for me for a few reasons. Its only about 10 min drive away from home, it is a great place to catch up with some friends in the hobby and it is where I got to meet a amazing family that sets up a large kids area for free.  They set up a large toy train set for kids to play with and drive trains around, with supervision of their parents of course. But its one of the few places where kids can get their hands on the trains and hopefully is the thing that gets them into the hobby and help it grow.

Here is Justin's set up from the Winter Show

 I have become their "Mr. Fix-it" and help maintain the trains and track. ( They can sometimes take a beating over one day of work!!) But it started a wonderful friendship with that family and I am very grateful that I happen to bump into them at the show.

But I'm getting a little off topic. The main reason why I am excited for this Spring's show is that for the first time ever!!!  Artist794's Workshop is going on the road!!!

 Over the last few weeks I have been 3D printing examples of some of the models I have created in a range of scales (N,HO,S,O,G) in order to promote what I have been doing and hopefully sell a few items to fund some more future projects.  Here are examples of what I am planning on bringing to the show:

Both of my printers hard at work for the past few days

G scale R,A,W posts compared to S scale R,A,W posts and Mile markers

HO and N scale mile markers and W,A,R posts drying in my UV chamber.
The solar powered turntable helps make sure they get a even exposure to the LEDs

If you have ever wanted to see a 3D printer in action your in luck as I am planing on bringing one of my printers as well to print a few more parts throughout the day!  If you are planning on attending the show and want to stop by and say hi! I'll be in the cafeteria on the right near the kids area along with a few of my Model Railroad friends. (they have many toy train and real railroad items for sale as well check them out!!) Hope to see you there and make sure you stop by Justin's Kid City area as well.

Until Sunday, See you real soon!!!

2020 Amherst Railroad Hobby Show Report

While it might not have been my first visit to what i lovingly call the Big "E" train show, But this is the first time I am documenting some of the things that I saw and of course the few Items I returned with.

First things first and like I mentioned in me post the night before the show. My goal this year wasn't to find a particular Engine or Car but rather information and leads. This year in celebration of the Valley Railroads 50th anniversary in a few years I started t history project about the Valley; In particular the Valley's Engines and Rolling stock.  There  are over 20 passenger  cars and a handful of freight equipment all along the valley line. All in various levels of restoration or, for lack of a better term, rust.  I started finding information about one the passenger cars we use as a bunk car for one of the members and it kind of snowballed into every-car and engine we have small or large. Anyways the final product isn't 100% yet and its mainly in the planning/research stages and i'm sure I will post more about this as the hunt continues.

When I was looking through the list of vendors at the Big "E" show this year I noticed there were a decent amount of historical societies there. I planned on visiting each just to introduce myself and my project and hoping to get a contact number or email I can follow up with details. I actually had a great success in this and have already started to reach to a few organizations so lets keep those fingers crossed we can find some information.

As for the rest of the show it was its normal fun and excitement.  This year I noticed that it was so packed that it was hard to push past some of the crowds. This show seams to get bigger and bigger each year. So let get to the point here is a slideshow of photos from the event!!

First  up is the Bachmann Trains booth:

Bachmann's Model of Disney Imagineer/Animators, Personal Grizzly Flats Railroad.
I would love this model but its not in the budget right now.

Multi- Level Layouts showing most of the scale Bachmann produce.

This is their Display of Bachmann's Thomas and Friends Line.
This holds a special part in my heart for these model but I personally
am not a fan of this layout. To me it looks a bit too Cheep and nasty for my liking.
It doesn't match/nor does it remind me of any scene from the TV show or Books.

Hon3 Model of Rusty the little Diesel engine.
My younger brother really wanted me to get this model.

Showing the different face molds for the Diesel Model.
I have the one on the right and would like the one on the right.
(hopefully one with both buffers)

Here is the full wall of T&F Product.
Believe it or not I don't have all of these yet. :-) 

Here are some more Highlights from the day:

MTH's booth that was too crowded to get near.

Examples of T-Track modular club

More of the T-Track. This might be fun to build one day.

I was very surprised to see Hattons at the Show.

This was their first over seas train show and with
a very impressive range of models.

And layout.  I cant deny have a soft spot for British Trains.

Northlandz ( under new management) had a large display and
might need to be visited one of these days.

This was a O gauge layout for sale.
I didn't ask for a price this was way to big for my house.

Live Steamers clubs shows off some of their very impressive rolling stock

And Engines... This has been a show favorite. Every year there is
another section built and on display.

Here are some of their engines!!

And Finally a small layout from the CogRailway. with a working rack track!!

And Finally here is my Show haul:

A Book on Maine's OOB Trolleys ( a Family Vacation Spot), a Ertl T&F Trevor the traction engine for my brother, 2 New HO Scale T&F Rolling stock to add to the collection, a Micro Mark HO scale truck turner ( more on that in the future!!)  and Finally Bachman's HOn3 Rusty and Blue passenger coach.  Whats not shown is a special box used for holding HO scale engines and cars. I got it to hold the VRR Trains I am building.  

Overall a great day and I cant wait until next year. But until then See ya real Soon!!

Twas the night before Train Show....

Here we are on the eve of the annual Amherst Model Railroad Show. Every year around this time this group sets up one of if not the largest model train shows in New England. Located at the Eastern States Exposition, or "The Big E" as its nicknamed, this show fulls 4 giant exposition halls crammed pack with Model train Vendors , manufacturers, layouts, trains and much more. These weekend event is pack every year and somehow keeps growing every year. 

They provide a list of vendors as well as a map showing all of there location on their website. Normally I print them both out and take different color highlighters to mark which stalls I want to visit and even try to categorize them.  Here is a picture of this years map and my work.

My 11 x 17 Printed Map

The 2020 8 page list of Vendors

This year Blue indicates a Manufacturers booth, Green a Railroad Historical Society, Orange a layout, yellow a tourist railroad, and pink a store or vendor that I have visited in the past that had great deals. As you can see there is a lot to see in only a day.

This year I'm not looking for any model in-particular, but rather information and connections.  There is another project that I have been working on with some other members of the FVRR to find the history of the VRR rolling stock and engines. I will go into more details about that a little later but I saw this show to be a wonderful opportunity to reach out the other organizations or get contact information/leads to were i might be bale to find specific information.

But just because I'm focusing on that doesn't me I wont keep my eye out for things. The HO scale Valley Railroad and WDWRR projects can always use a few more parts here or there. Thats one of the fun parts about this show; you never know what you might find....  Ill be sure to take lots of pictures and report back here if I find anything. Till then; see ya real soon!!