1-30-2025 5:01am

A Train Extravaganza

Hunt Valley Life Staff

Train Show

Saturday, Feb 01 - Sunday, Feb 02

Maryland State Fair Cow Palace

This is where we pass along information about special events, news and opportunities of interest to model railroads.

AUCTION OF HO, N SCALE AND MISCELLANEOUS
MODEL RR AND RELATED GOODS JAN 30, 3PM.

The advertisement above pretty much says it all, but note the emphasis on European items such as Marklin, Trix and others, some of which we know from experience may be rare and collectible as well as fun and functional. These are part of a more generalized toy auction, but are conveniently grouped near the end of the listing (the "catalog"), lots 429-525.

Trains, track, sets, scenery...this auction has it all!

The auction house is local, just a few blocks from the Fairgrounds.

Here are the links to learn more and bid:

Catalog and Bid: https://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalog/358234_estate-toy-extravaganza-online-auction/

Alternate Bid site: https://overandaboveonline.bidspirit.com/#catalog~222~247

SO MANY WAYS TO WIN!

Here at the Great Scale Model Train Show, we offer prizes as a way to give back
to you a healthy portion of what you have spent with us.

MERCHANDISE CERTIFICATES

In various denominations from $1 to $25, these may be spent like “real money” on merchandise at the show.

That’s a “win” for the attendee, of up to $100! And it’s a “win” for the Exhibitor who redeems the certificates with us for actual cash!

AND THERE ARE OTHER PRIZES, TOO: Show “gear” such as shirts and mugs, plus model railroad items like locomotives and rail cars; books and other items from which may choose.

YOUR ADMISSION TICKET

Every admission ticket is numbered. We draw 50 of those numbers six times on Saturday, and 4 times on Sunday – 500 numbers in all!

Check YOUR ticket number against then spin the prize wheel to see what you have won: maybe a merchandise certificate, maybe a free show, a Life-Time Pass to the shows, or an item you choose from the prize table. But nothing trivial or silly.

HINT: You need not be present when your number is drawn. But you do need to check the list from time-to-time to see if your number was drawn. So, even if you can be here for only a few hours early Saturday, drop in again Sunday afternoon to see if you’re a winner! Takes just a minute.

DOOR PRIZE DRUM

Your admission ticket has a section for you to enter your name and contact data.

Tear off that section, fill it out and drop in the door prize drum.

Three drawings Saturday and one on Sunday, with prizes increasing in value from $25 to the $100 grand prize winner drawn Sunday at 1 PM.

And you DO need to be present if your ticket is called; if you are not, we draw another, then another, up to 3. And if no one claims their winnings after the third announcement, the prize is not awarded.

HOW AM I GOING TO REMEMBER ALL THAT?

You don’t need to; it’s printed on the back of your ticket.

WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IF ALL THE WINNERS ACTUALLY CLAIMED THEIR PRIZES?

We would distribute $6,000 as merchandise certificates plus the value of other prizes. THAT’S what would happen!

AND THIS ALL HAPPENS WHERE?

The prize tables are in the center of the South Hall, with the White Elephant tables. That’s the big hall to your left after you enter the show.

TRAIN SHOW CLINICS

LEARN...REFRESH...BE INSPIRED!

Our train show clinics cover everything from the essentials to the esoteric and advanced.

But whether basic or advanced, expert presenters explain various aspect of the hobby in plain language everyone can understand.

Frustrated when trying to make model trees? Don't be; we'll show you how!
DCC making you nervous? Relax. We explain what it is, what it does, and how you can use it. Can you operate a flashlight? Then you can handle DCC.
Run your trains from your computer or your smart phone? Even if you are a thousand miles away? CAN DO, and we'll show you how.

The clinics are not just for experts and advanced modelers. They are USEFUL to experienced rail modelers, but they are the essential UPLIFT for beginners and those who are just THINKING about the hobby.

Clinics are conducted from draped locations that provide a classroom touch. You'll be able to focus on the subject matter, and be able to ask questions and talk to your presentors.

While you could easily pay big bucks for the same information from books or "how-to" videos, our clinics are free.

VISIT IT HERE