Looking for good train shows in the southeast

Alabama is a big ZERO.

There's a good show in Easley SC in the early spring that we've been to a few times. Well organized, good food, held in a huge Baptist facility with plenty of room and parking. Just off I-85 if I remember correctly near Greenville.

Just south of Asheville there are two annual shows across from the Asheville Regional Airport. Good facility - can drive in if necessary.  Next one is November and the other is end of Feb/first of March.

TCA Terminus Chapter has a train show coming up on September 14. Location is VFW Post 5408 at 4764 US 41 South, Acworth, GA 30101. Mostly 3 rail with a number of HO dealers as well. There will be a large parts dealer but, he stocks 3 rail parts to my recollection. We typically have around 100-106 tables at these events. Admission is $10 for public and $8 for active TCA members. Show is open to public from 9AM till 2PM.

Beyond TCA sponsored shows, Golden Spike holds two large shows in the Atlanta area each year. Most recent one was this past Saturday the 24th; next should be in January 2025 (no date posted yet). These shows are held in the Gas South Convention Center at 5200 Sugarloaf Pkwy in Duluth, GA 30097. These are large shows (well north of 100 tables) but, in addition to your $12 admission fee, parking is $5 and food prices are ridiculous. Hours are normally 9AM till 4PM. Typically these shows will have a good mix of all scales, parts dealers, operating layouts, rail related artwork, memorabilia and clothing sellers.

Curt

There is a 2-rail O-scale show in Roswell, GA in February.

https://oscalesouthshow.com/

@Mike D posted:

Hi,

For over thirty years there was a really good train show in the area. Sadly the show is no longer what it once was and I have no desire to attend it in the future. Now I am looking for shows within about three hours from my house that would be a good day trip and worth the drive. I am in S.E. AL, so something in Atlanta, Mobile and the panhandle of Florida would be ideal. I have been to shows in the area in years past, some good, some not worth the drive. Since it has been a while since I ventured out, I am not sure how the old shows are now and I don't want to spend a day on the road for a let down. I would appreciate some feedback on shows in my area from the last year or so. Looking for a large venue with 100+ tables of trains and parts in all scales.

Thanks,

I am assuming that you are referring to the Dothan show that has deteriorated. It used to be rather good; I have not attended in some years, for various unrelated reasons. The last time I went it was still pretty good, but that was pre-covid.

There is the Mobile Train Show in March 2025; it has been doing fairly well, but I would not call it large. It does fit your desired 100 tables standard, though. Usually a good-natured show. I always have a table there, so come buy my stuff. Hosted by the Southwest Alabama Railroad Modelers (SWARM).

Close to Mobile (60 miles) is Pensacola FL, and their show has moved to May, 2025 - it used to be in November, which was good - Mobile in the Spring and Pensacola in the Fall. But, they changed. I also always have a table there. It's about the same size as the Mobile show. Hosted by the Pensacola Model Railroad Club (PMRC).

I do not know details about any shows north in Upper Alabama - say, Birmingham - there used to be some. Check the Web, of course.

@D500 posted:

I am assuming that you are referring to the Dothan show that has deteriorated. It used to be rather good; I have not attended in some years, for various unrelated reasons. The last time I went it was still pretty good, but that was pre-covid.

Yes. It was really good until last year when it moved to the Dothan rec center which is much smaller. There were only two vendors last year, both selling HO. It will be held at the same location this year. I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone associated with the NMRA chapter that organizes the show for info on this years show to see if it will be better, so it's time to move on.

There is the Mobile Train Show in March 2025; it has been doing fairly well, but I would not call it large. It does fit your desired 100 tables standard, though. Usually a good-natured show. I always have a table there, so come buy my stuff. Hosted by the Southwest Alabama Railroad Modelers (SWARM).

Is this the show at the seniors center? I went to a show down there at the senior center that was good. that was a long time ago. There was a good show at the Mobile fairgrounds, but I think that one is no longer held. If you have some stuff I am interested in, I will be happy to buy them.

I tried to attend a show in Foley a few years ago. It was held in conjunction with the local arts and crafts event and that area was a nightmare. I didn't even get out of my vehicle.

Close to Mobile (60 miles) is Pensacola FL, and their show has moved to May, 2025 - it used to be in November, which was good - Mobile in the Spring and Pensacola in the Fall. But, they changed. I also always have a table there. It's about the same size as the Mobile show. Hosted by the Pensacola Model Railroad Club (PMRC).

I went to a show in Pensacola years ago at the Masonic/Shriner temple that was really good. It's been a while so I didn't want to make a trip without some recent feedback.

I do not know details about any shows north in Upper Alabama - say, Birmingham - there used to be some. Check the Web, of course.

I haven't found much in north Alabama when searching on-line. Without feedback for those that have attended shows there, I wouldn't want to make the trip. I haven't even found any good hobby shops up there.

Thanks for your response.

@juniata guy posted:

TCA Terminus Chapter has a train show coming up on September 14. Location is VFW Post 5408 at 4764 US 41 South, Acworth, GA 30101. Mostly 3 rail with a number of HO dealers as well. There will be a large parts dealer but, he stocks 3 rail parts to my recollection. We typically have around 100-106 tables at these events. Admission is $10 for public and $8 for active TCA members. Show is open to public from 9AM till 2PM.

Beyond TCA sponsored shows, Golden Spike holds two large shows in the Atlanta area each year. Most recent one was this past Saturday the 24th; next should be in January 2025 (no date posted yet). These shows are held in the Gas South Convention Center at 5200 Sugarloaf Pkwy in Duluth, GA 30097. These are large shows (well north of 100 tables) but, in addition to your $12 admission fee, parking is $5 and food prices are ridiculous. Hours are normally 9AM till 4PM. Typically these shows will have a good mix of all scales, parts dealers, operating layouts, rail related artwork, memorabilia and clothing sellers.

Curt

Thanks for the info on the shows in Duluth. The price of admission and parking would be well worth it for a good show. I used to live up there in Norcross and had family in Duluth. The traffic situation isn't great up there, though not as bad as Atlanta proper, but it is a nice area to visit.