Amherst Train Show Jan 26th and 27th

Don't count on it!

Boy, some people are SO picky and sensitive about their beards  How about, "We may both shave and trim." instead?

As an attendee and once an exhibitor of the Amherst show since the beginnings in the 1970's before it came to W. Springfield, I'll share some tips with you to help make it more enjoyable especially if it's your first time.

Saturday morning is a mad rush.  We've called Sunday "baby stroller day."  Saturday can be "diehard collector's day."  Weather permitting, get there early to get in line AND a parking space that is close.  Once the lot starts filling up usually near opening time, you'll be parked over a quarter mile away from the nearest building.  Get your tickets in advance if you can.  Even the handicap spaces near the buildings can be filled up fast.

The parking lot can become muddy depending on weather.  Wear some boots if needed.  And dress warm for the walk to the first building (Mallory Complex) and get in there first.  From there you can make quick transfers between the others.

Go later in the day if you can.  I've gone for around 1-2PM after earlier visitors have left to find a parking spot closer to the buildings.  Carpool if you can to save on the $5 parking cost.  That cost is the BigE's charge: not the show's.

The food is good but pricey.  The concessions are run by the BigE and price is not determined by the ARS. The lines can obviously be long at certain times.

Prepare to spend at least 3 hours to see everything.  Even then you can miss a lot.  Go to the website to find a list of your favorite vendors and make some notes for the vendors you want to visit.

Some of the best deals can be found under the tables.  There are some who don't realize what they're selling.

I hope this helps anyone.  Been there, done that, sometimes detest it! LOL!

Phil

Ed, I've heard us called many things - however I don' remember Wholesome being one of them Hope your well Ed, I am hoping to make the show and it will be good to see you. All the best,

Paul

Gary, this is the current post for 2013. Eddiem and I will join you for dinner.

I got you Don,  Just trying to weed out those who say they are going and then don't show up.

Saturday at 2 PM. Better Living Building, Section 60.

".... and it's usually the coldest weekend of the year, about 10 above to Zero degrees, and you risk a snow storm that weekend"

eddieg jinxed us!

Ed

Snow Friday, cold Saturday.

I did a search for this thread and last years popped up and I didn't notice.

Weather now looks good, no snow over the weekend but cold.

we went to the show for the 1rst time 2 yrs ago.

had a wheel chair for my wife, I wore driving gloves

to make it easier to push the chair around. If we didnt

have the wheel chair, she would not have made it through the 1rst

building. As it was we nebver made it to the 4th building

and only half of the 3rd building. If I could give everyone

only one piece of advise it would be this.

BE PATIENT!!!  With lots of people, cars, tables, noise,

its easy to become intollerant of others. Remember, this is a hobby.

have fun and enjoy the day. You cant see it all, enjoy what you can!!!

Gary and Big E OGR Forum Attendees,

We would like to join you for dinner at Red Rose.

Do we need to make a reservation?

We'll be five people.

Eliot

Eliot,

My table is full but hopefully can get a table near us.  Get there before 4:30 as this place fills up quick.  Don't even try after 5PM.  Reservations are not required.

Found the main post, at last.  Didn't make Saturday but will be there Sunday.

Charging cell phone and camera battery as I write.

FWIW, we had a charter bus from the Albany area some years ago but the people who went were not train people.  Needless to say, we haven't had a bus going that way since.  I would love to see one start again.....if the musicians would all play on the same page please.

cc

Another thought.....always a dangerous thing. 

Hard Rock has announced plans - no PLANS to build a casino on the grounds of the Big E.  Of course, Big E is delighted, residents not so much.

Should this come to pass, we could have charter busses from everywhere on a daily basis.

What a concept!!  Win money at the casino, buy trains at the Big E.........life is good!!

LOL

cc

If that happens, better buy the trains first

Doug

After a lot of you drove in from 91 or Route 5 you know there's no way that road in front of the Big E could handle the traffic a casino would bring.  More than likely Springfield will get it.