Kingston Model Train and Railroad Hobby Show

We were enamored with the Kingston Train Show!

But it was "crazy" getting everything set up - so we only got to take one video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp7_vheGX60

Happy O-Gauge Railroading from the Waste and Ruin TrainHaus!

We paid a visit to GarGraves in upstate NY near Lake Ontario and realized this has to be of the great Model Train Stores in the USA!

I didn't get a chance to ask if this was the original GarGraves track, but Mike Roder was kind enough to let me have a peek at the factory where they make the track!

He explained that his Dad, Don Roder begin working for Eldyn S. Graves and his partner Earle A. Gardner in their Train Store/Factory in 1940 in Rochester, NY at the age of fourteen.  Eldyn was an engineer for Kodak, and he came up with the track concept, and their names combined into what is still a wonderful Business!

Eventually, Don Roder bought the Business in 1963 and moved it to its present location in 1974.  Out amongst a prodigious amount of apple orchards, and some 16 miles from the O&W ROW on its way through Fulton, NY (going through to Oswego, NY), sits the Gardner the Train Doctor Model Train Store and Factory where the GarGraves Track is made.

Mike Roder's brother Tom has now retired, but Mike told me he would like to celebrate the 100th Anniversary (1940-2040) of GarGraves before he even considers any other option!

Of course, l was there because I needed 2 pieces of 106" Radius track (you can almost see it there next to the station) - but the Stuff For Sale got my old heart a-fluttering!

The Station, Windmill and 2 "shacks" fit right into our "To the Mountains By 3-Rail" portable layout - and here it is pretending to be the Monticello, NY, Station... and then it is on the Kingston, NY to set up for the Show on 3/24/2024!

For those of you who have not seen the Gardner the Train Doctor Model Train Store, it is a worthwhile road trip (mine was 4 hours)!

And the factory?  I am sworn to secrecy, but to see where the GarGraves track I bought in 1989 was made, as well as the track we now have in 5 levels in the Waste and Ruin TrainHaus was something I will never forget!  Altogether Awesome!

We'll be back there this Thursday to get some trees and telephone poles when my wife and I make our Anniversary trip to Oswego, NY!  And You owe it to yourself to pay Mike a visit!  You'll be glad you did!

Happy O-Gauge Model Railroading!