Hi George! Welcome to NC!
There are several train shows in western NC. The Alexander Chapter NRHS hosts two shows yearly, Hickory in April and Gastonia in July/Aug. The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer has their show in May. There are also shows in Fletcher (south of Asheville) in Feb/Mar and in Oct.
Train stores close to Mooresville are Little Choo Choo in Spencer and Chuck's Trains in Landis.