Train Show Pickups: WGH on Tour Show in Novi, MI

So after a few months of looking forward to it, I made it out to the Word's Greatest Hobby on Tour show yesterday and the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI. I wasn't sure what to expect because this one seemed to be set up a bit differently than the train shows I'm accustomed to. Their website says, "the show is intended to introduce the general public to model railroading in an entertaining, lively and family-friendly atmosphere." 

I figured there would be more kids related stuff than a normal show, and there is nothing wrong with that, I just was out looking for the things I need specific to my projects and could've done without all the extras. I'm already into the hobby, so I could avoid any of the booths that were more of the introductory or informational type, but those are good for the hobby in general so I had no issue with them being there, other than maybe the extra volume of people there all day. 

Anyway, let's focus on what I did at the show now. After walking through the entire 100,000 square foot exhibit hall, I was surprised to see how few of the booths actually had a great selection of HO stuff that would work for any of my projects. As usual, I was on the lookout for any and all D&M stuff, but came across nothing this time. Beyond that there were some great booths for newer stuff from the big manufacturers, but nothing really caught my eye. 

My main goal was going to be getting some supplies for my office shelf layout, specifically some LH and RH turnouts and some ballast for completing my track setup. I managed to find both, at two separate booths. At one, which was a mix-bag of things from all scales along with other toys and junk, I managed to get ten used turnouts for $1 each. At another I grabbed a bag of coarse ballast to practice some different ballasting techniques. Finally, I came across a great deal on 12" x 36" sheets of cork roadbed, so I grabbed one just to have for future use. 

Ten used turnouts, a bag of ballast, and a 1' x 3' sheet of cork roadbed

So all in all, it was a decent show, but nowhere near as good as I expected it to be. I did come away with some good stuff to help keep me moving on my shelf layout, which is good, but I feel like I could've gotten the same kind of stuff from a smaller, more focused show that didn't cost $16 to get into. Anyway, I've got a few of these smaller shows to look forward to in the coming months, so hopefully I'll be able to check some of them out and get some more great stuff.

Train Show Pickups: A-Train Show in Auburn Hills, MI

Earlier today I made it out to the 10th annual "A-Train" Railroad show in Auburn Hills, MI. There were nearly 400 tables at one of the local high schools, so there was definitely a lot to look at. Unfortunately, most everything seemed to be Lionel until I found the last section of the show that had a ton of HO stuff. The overall layout was actually pretty confusing. There were tables set up in all of the hallways, in the gyms, and in the cafeteria. I'm used to everything being in one big area. 

As usual I went in looking for more Detroit & Mackinac stuff for my collection and/or future layout. I was lucky enough to come across an older D&M boxcar from Bowser. Got it for just $12.

D&M boxcar #3438 from Bowser

Up next is something D&M related. It's a DMIR (Duluth Missabe and Iron Range) center flow hopper car from Atlas. The reason I bought it is that this car in real life came under D&M ownership at some point. All they did was paint over the "IR" and left the rest the same. This one was $6.

DMIR center flow hopper #5008 from Atlas

The only thing that bugs me about this one, and I didn't even realize it until after I got home, is that DMIR 5008 is actually a 3-bay hopper car in real life, not a 4-bay like I bought. Here is a look at the real 5008 after it had been acquired by D&M:

The real life version of DMIR/DM 5008

So at this point I'm not sure if I'm happy or disappointed with this purchase. On the one hand it's a great looking piece of rolling stock, but on the other it does not match the prototype at all. Oh well, I will definitely hold onto it for now and decide what to do with it later on down the road.

Last but not least was an excellent lot of track I was able to snag for only $9. There are a ton of curved pieces and a bunch of straight pieces. I still need to go through and see what exactly is in all four of the bags. Also, I was told they are code 83, but I need to confirm that. If it is, then that's likely what I will be doing moving forward for whatever project this track gets used for. On the plus side, I like realism so the code 83 should fit perfectly with what I want to model.

Four bags of track, some curved some straight

So all in all it wasn't the greatest bunch of pickups, but still some good stuff nonetheless. I made sure to grab all the flyers for other shows on my way out the door, so hopefully I'll be able to hit a few more of them in the coming months and get my hands on some more great stuff for the D&M and my office shelf layout project. 

Train Show Pickups

Yesterday I did make it out to the Gibraltar train show. I was there primarily to get items for the nursery wall layout, but was also looking for anything I could use on my future layout. After circling through all 400 tables several times, I think I made out pretty well. Here is a look at the haul:

Everything I Bought at the Gibraltar Show on 11/2/2013

I was really hoping to come home with some pre-built structures for the nursery wall layout and I did just that with two houses, a church, and a passenger station with a small platform. The three cars and caboose along with the trees are also for that layout. The rest was for my future layout. I'll try to have some more detailed posts on these items. 

Train Show: Gibraltar Trade Center (11/2/2013)

I'm hoping to make it out to the train show at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Mt. Clemens, MI this weekend. I can't remember the last time I went to a train show, it has to have been at least 15 years now. I used to go to them as a kid with my dad, back when I was actually into trains. With all the time that has passed since then, I really have no idea what to expect. The ad below calls it one of "Michigan's largest" shows, so we'll see how it goes if I can make it.

Ad for The Upcoming Gibraltar Trade Center Train Show

I know all about the location itself (Gibraltar Trade Center), I've been going there for sports card shows for the last few years and it's got a pretty nice show area set up in the back, so they would definitely have room for the 400 tables described. Here is a pic from their website:

Photo of a Typical Train Show at Gibraltar Trade Center

What I am hoping to get out of it is everything I need to complete the nursery wall layout. I still need to find some passenger cars, buildings, track bed, grass mat, and various pieces of scenery.