Springfield/Amherst show 2026

[GM50 4164]

I haven't been to the show in 4 years now, I'm really looking forward to attending again. Who all is planning on going? Looking for anything specifically or just head on a swivel? Any guesses or wishes for new annoucements?

[peteski]

I'll be there both days with the NE-NTRAK group. I usually print out a map and hi-lite of all the vendors I like to visit.  It takes some serious manipulation of the huge PDF file to separate all the buildings and still have all the info readable.   Thanks for reminding me - I should start doing this soon.

[Ike the BN Freak]

I'm flying in from Vegas, got to be in Pittsburgh the following week for work, so why not. However, I don't land at Hartford until 830ish in the morning, so won't be there as the doors open. Def going in with an open plan, as this is my first time at the show, I'll have to follow Peteski's hilighted map idea.

So for a rookie/newbie, any must see/places I need to visit while at the show? Also be my first time in New England.

[bbussey]

J Timothy's Taverne in Plainville has the best wings in the northeast.  Unfortunately they are closed on Mondays.  I stop there for lunch on the Thursday drive up.  I check-in with the show office Thursday early evening and set up on Friday.

[N Scale Train Boy]

I'll be at the show all weekend, I'll have some modules on the NE T-Trak Layout in the Young Building and volunteering at the NMRA booth for a while.

[Point353]

I'm flying in from Vegas, got to be in Pittsburgh the following week for work, so why not. However, I don't land at Hartford until 830ish in the morning, so won't be there as the doors open. Def going in with an open plan, as this is my first time at the show, I'll have to follow Peteski's hilighted map idea.

In addition to the maps/floor plans of the four buildings, also download/print the list of exhibitors and review it to determine which ones you might particularly want to see.

If driving to the show from the Windsor Locks/airport area, consider avoiding I-91 and instead taking either Suffield or Main street into Agawam, then cross the Westfield River bridge onto Memorial Ave approaching the Big E from the west.  There should be a show site entrance on the right soon after crossing the river.  Try to find a parking spot as close to the four buildings as possible. I-91 and the Memorial bridge, along with Memorial Ave, tends to back up when approaching the show site from the east.  Check Waze for real-time traffic conditions. 
 
Wear your best walking shoes and expect to cover several miles. Dress in layers since it can be quite cold while walking between your vehicle and a show entrance, yet quite warm inside the buildings. Bring along at least bottle of water and, maybe, some snacks.

[peteski]

In addition to the maps/floor plans of the four buildings, also download/print the list of exhibitors and review it to determine which ones you might particularly want to see.

Yes, I do that too to make it easier to find the locations of their booths on the map.

Maybe all the Railwire folks could meet up somewhere at the show?  I know, it's hard to  heard cats. 

[Point353]

Maybe all the Railwire folks could meet up somewhere at the show?  I know, it's hard to  heard cats. 

Stop at the Big Y supermarket and get a box of prune pączki (polish donuts) for Peteski. 

[peteski]

Stop at the Big Y supermarket and get a box of prune pączki (polish donuts) for Peteski.

Yeah, those remind me of the old country.  Last year they didn't have any prune ones - I had to make do with raspberry.

[Ike the BN Freak]

J Timothy's Taverne in Plainville has the best wings in the northeast.  Unfortunately they are closed on Mondays.  I stop there for lunch on the Thursday drive up.  I check-in with the show office Thursday early evening and set up on Friday.

I leave for PIT at 6am Monday, so no need to worry about them being closed. Probably hit them up Sunday night, always down for good wings.

[bbussey]

Open Sunday night until 9:30. 15-20 minutes west of Hartford, off I-84.  Dirt Wings.  Fried, then sauced, then fried again, then sauced again.  Choice of Buffalo, Teriyaki, BBQ or Chili.

[vermonter_railfan]

Bring along at least bottle of water and, maybe, some snacks.

There are plenty of food vendors inside each building. But remember, there's thousands of people all wanting to eat at the same time. So yes bring snacks or plan to eat at odd times. You don't wanna waste precious time standing in line for food.

[daniel_leavitt2000]

I'll be there Saturday probably. I may take Coconut with me.

[peteski]

There are plenty of food vendors inside each building. But remember, there's thousands of people all wanting to eat at the same time. So yes bring snacks or plan to eat at odd times. You don't wanna waste precious time standing in line for food.

Also keep in mind that those vendors charge "captive clientele" prices, so include some extra money in your model train budget, and try to shift your lunch eating time not to be around noon.

[basementcalling]

Maybe one year, but not the show for a shoestring budget when Boston in a long car ride from Virginia.

Scale Trains isn't waiting for Springfield to make their announcements this year. Looks like they started at the Coco Beach RPM in Florida.  Hope we get other companies pulling back the curtain on new production still.