WEST SPRINGFIELD — Big little trains might sound like an oxymoron, but you’re not likely to find these oversized models running around under your Christmas tree.
These bigger rolling stock took to the tracks on Saturday at the Northeast Large Scale Train Show, showcased in the Better Living Center at the Eastern State Exposition fairgrounds. Compared to your average “N-scale” and “HO-scale” trains, these models were a scale above.
The two-day show is sponsored by the Amherst Railway Society, which defines “large scale” to include S-scale, O-scale (Lionel size), G-scale (often found in garden railroads), F-scale, 7.25-gauge, 7.5-gauge (1.5 inches to the foot) and larger.
The show covers all facets of large-scale railroading — model railroads, railroad art and photography, railroad history and preservation, tourist railroads, railroad artifacts, and railroad books and videos.
Model train clinics and demonstrations were also featured, as well as a special “Making Trains Fun/Kids on Track” clinic.
A highlight of the show were steam-operated locomotives, sponsored by the New Hampshire Garden Railroad Society. Instead of coal, their water tanks were fired up by butane.
Also at the show, the Amherst Railway Society and the Steam Locomotive Operation Group are sponsoring a raffle. Nearly $5,000 worth of model railroad equipment has been donated and winners do not have to be present to win.
The Northeast Large Scale Train Show continues on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Admission is $12 for adults and free for children age 15 and under. Tickets can be purchased on the grounds for one hour before the show begins. Fairgrounds parking is $5.
There are no online ticket sales. For additional information, visit the show’s website at https://www.nelsts.org/index.php
