Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Review: Mass Transit & Trolley Modelers Convention at Rutgers University

Autumn is almost here which means it is time for the The New York City Model Transit Association annual model train show. The next day-long  rendition of this event is held at 9:30 am on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at:
Rutgers Student Center (next door to the previous gym location)
126 College Ave
New Brunswick, NJ 08901


During my previous visits to this show, different models of transit-type transportation were exhibited including subway cars that no longer exist such as BMT 'Bluebirds' on an operating layout. Vendors had all kinds of collectible items for sale ranging from photographs to books to videos to rail equipment (trolley cars, interurbans, subways, buses and their associated detail parts) in various scales mostly in O, HO and N gauges. The show isn't limited to models but vintage full-sized buses that can be described as a fleet from yesteryear will be in the parking lot.

For the serious scale modeler, model contests (scratch-built mostly) and lectures/clinics from prominent 

transit historians and modelers help give you those 'inside tips' that can make you models enterable in the aforementioned contests - heck, it will give you something to do over the winter months.

Admission is $20 (cash) with spouses and children are free. This isn't a show that generates personal wealth to the organizers but the net proceeds go to the Shore Line Trolley Museum which is still recovering from Hurricanes Irene and Sandy as that important historic venue suffered much damage in both storms.

I encourage you to come out and support this show as you can have a great time while learning about transportation history and how you can recreate it in your home.

For additional information, visit the organizer's website at: