Trainstock 16 and an END of an era at the NJ Hi-Railers

I will be attending, thank you for the invite.  So far, I have attended every Trainstock, since the beginning.  I remember the first as the most enthusiastic.  Let's see if we can top it with the last one (at this location).

While I'm sad that this will be the end of an era, I look at it this way, I realize that nothing lasts forever (except our Lord), however, what an era it has been.  How fortunate am I to have participated in it.   What terrific memories that I have.  I am grateful for the time that I had, and the generosity of the members of club.  I have been to other train shows, but alas no compares to Trainstock.

A special thank you to the benefactors who made this time possible.

For sure the layout is big and nice, and it was fascinating to see the improvements over time, but what really stands out is the members, certainly the most kindest, generous, friendly, welcoming people around (I can't say enough positive things about them).  This is what truly Trainstock represents, this is what brought me back year after year (and Vinney's cooking).

I look forward to one final time (at this location) celebrating trains and the friendships that have developed over the years, and look forward to hopefully what is to come. 

Thank you and God Bless

And I look forward to seeing you again at Trainstock 16.

Most respectfully,

Ed

Ben,

Over the years, Don and I have invited a few of our club members to join us at Trainstock.  The ride home is always a high energy discussion of all things NJHR... "did you see...", Wow, that is amazing, especially the ...."

As always, Don and I will be attending!  In addition, we have invited fellow members of the Boothe Memorial Railway Society, so the total should be 10, if that's OK!

We didn't want to cost you any gofundme fees, so we will be bringing a donation check to NJHR, from our club/museum, BMRS.

Looking forward to the visit!!!

Ed

Hi Ben,

We met a few years back at our Boston Metro Hi-Railers club, but I have yet to make it down to visit your amazing club. Well, it seems like I better get down there. So, if it's not too late to sign up, my wife Kate and I would like to come to Trainstock. Will be bringing a check to try to help with the cause.

Best wishes, Bob Boland

@Erie Lackawanna Bob posted:

Hi Ben,

We met a few years back at our Boston Metro Hi-Railers club, but I have yet to make it down to visit your amazing club. Well, it seems like I better get down there. So, if it's not too late to sign up, my wife Kate and I would like to come to Trainstock. Will be bringing a check to try to help with the cause.

Best wishes, Bob Boland

Of course its not too late   Cmon down

Hello Everybody

As you can imagine the planned deconstruction and relocation Of the NJ HiRailers layout is a monumental task.  Along with that monumental task there will be a monumental cost so we are trying to raise money in any way possible  This is a few of the things we came up with at our business meeting last night  Anybody that donates $150 will get one of our MTH NYNJ gondola cars   Anybody that donates $300 will get one of our MTH Fidelio 36 foot reefers

In addition to that anybody that has been to our club know we have wall art all around the layout  We will be divesting all that artwork  All of it is framed and ready to go This is a chance to decorate your train room with some pretty cool items     They will be marked

Just checking. Is there on-site parking? Are there any recommendations if that is full? With Appreciation!

@rdg_fan posted:

Just checking. Is there on-site parking? Are there any recommendations if that is full? With Appreciation!

Yes, they have on site parking but the parking lot is not that big. In the past there were times when I got there for Trainstock and it was already full. This looks to popular event so unless you get there real early I would not count on getting in their parking lot.

@bluelinec4 I sent you an email about the donation. I can't see any pictures in your last post. It just says "Image Not Found".

Just noticed your earlier post where the pictures are showing.

I would like to purchase the framed picture of the NYC Hudson an the UP Challenger.

Two friends and myself will be there for the last of this great event.

Looking foward to a great time!!  Bringing 6 of my friends and family.

I know some of you have sent alerts noting that Ben's post should be in the for sale forum.  We decided that since this is a fund raising effort for a non-profit club, we are going to allow this effort to be posted here.  Thanks for your understanding and help.

In case I didn't mention it before, please count me and my wife in for Trainstock.

Ben, you already know that my wife, Shawn, and I will be there.
Arnold

My cousin, Rick Bruce from the Philadelphia suburbs, and his wife, Christie, just confirmed with me that they will be attending.
Arnold D. Cribari

Ben, I plan on attending with one guest. Thx, Joe

Ben,

I apologize for the late notice, but I was finally able to get my schedule sorted out to attend this historic Trainstock. If okay, I will be attending and bringing two guests with me.

Best,

Bryce

Looks like I will be attending, along with a couple of guys from my club (as long as the weather doesn't get bad).  Being our first time in this area, any tips for parking (assuming lot will be full by the time we arrive) or navigating would be appreciated.

Andy

Myself along with 2 others are going to try to attend.

Wow this looks like it will be a great turnout   Thanks everybody   All are welcome

Count me and one more in. Love this every year

Unfortunately my wife and I will not be able to attend.  She has too much going on at work and with the wildfire issues here in Southern California we don't want to be too far from home.  We'll see you all at York in April!

Have lots of fun at Trainstock and hopefully you guys will find a suitable new location.  Looking forward to seeing you there!

Two for me, hopefully I can bring my dad to see this incarnation of the layout for the first and last time 🥺

Just going to be me this time, my planned ride is under the weather, so I'm going to schlep over the way I always do--NJTransit. At least I know the particulars of the trip (particularly the return trip) and will likely get there by noon this time.

Bringing CamTrak and a pair of idler gons, still hoping to get video of each loop

---PCJ

Hi all. Is Trainstock appropriate to pop in for an hour or so with a toddler? Don't want to kill the vibe of it's not meant for the very young train enthusiasts. I haven't been since the first Trainstock

@njscott posted:

Hi all. Is Trainstock appropriate to pop in for an hour or so with a toddler? Don't want to kill the vibe of it's not meant for the very young train enthusiasts. I haven't been since the first Trainstock

I don't think anyone would mind. The more the merrier!

Just popped the donation to the gofundme site, we'll be leaving shortly to see you all up there.

I just can’t accept the fact that the flu has kept me from attending Train stock 16. My grandchildren have enjoyed many trips to previous Train stocks And we were so looking forward to this one. Selfishly,I want to mask up and head over, but if anybody else got sick, I would never forgive myself.

Hopefully Ben, John, Vinny, Bob, & the whole crew will find a new place and reestablish the New Jersey high railers.

Just want to say thank you for doing this special event for th O Gauge forum group. Had a terrific day. Meet a lot of folks and saw many old friends. The goddess great as always and hope it will continue in your new homeland. Thank you again.

RonH

My first ever visit. It was a pleasure meeting several of you in person and attaching a voice to your respective avatars.

Awesome facility and layout. Looking forward and thinking positive to the future ahead.

I want to thank the NJ HiRailers for the continuing love of the hobby and all the contributions they do to it. My brother and I had an excellent time chatting with Ben, Don Klose and a few others. Chef Vinny kicks butt even though the stove was removed, my brother said The food really hit the spot. I did see Gunrunner John, but I believe he probably left before I could get over and talk with him(he was by the kitchen when we came in).

I took a ton of pictures and shot some videos, probably should have took more. Tall Building Tuesday will have some new material coming from me in the future of the beautiful layout before the move. Here's a few shots from today.

After putting it off until "next year", I finally made it.  Incredible level of detail and workmanship, especially for such a large layout.  Great bunch of folks - Tom made a special effort to show me around.

Just returned home after a great visit to the NJHR and Trainstock 16.

Also nice to put faces to the screen names including @Amfleet25124.
The food was great, and so was the cake.

My son and I enjoying the view.

Bob

I too just got home. We had a great time seeing friends, a gargantuan layout and great food Thanks Ben, Vinny, Chris, John and Alex and all the NJHR members.

Our club and Eddiem and myself donated to help with a future move.

We wish them all the best.no

.

I also want to thank Ben and all the HiRailers for there generous invitations over the years to hang out at their amazing layout. Had to pop in this morning for one last look at the layout (and look forward to what the future holds). Here are a few samples of the incredible workmanship…

P.S. sorry I missed you Bob @RSJB18

🎼 And the trains on the tracks go round and round… 🎶

And on the whimsical side… Kevin (aka @Amfleet25124) when he has to transfer to the bridge bus when his commuter train gets discombobulated…

@Apples55 posted:

I also want to thank Ben and all the HiRailers for there generous invitations over the years to hang out at their amazing layout. Had to pop in this morning for one last look at the layout (and look forward to what the future holds). Here are a few samples of the incredible workmanship…

P.S. sorry I missed you Bob @RSJB18

I was looking for you too Paul. Guess you were an early bird..

We didn't get there till about 12:30.

Bob

@Apples55 posted:

I also want to thank Ben and all the HiRailers for there generous invitations over the years to hang out at their amazing layout. Had to pop in this morning for one last look at the layout (and look forward to what the future holds). Here are a few samples of the incredible workmanship…

P.S. sorry I missed you Bob @RSJB18

Great pictures Paul.

A good time was had by all.  I was surprised there weren't more people there, but we did have plenty.  Company and food were great, it's a sad day for the layout.  The good news is, they're already in negotiation for a new building for the revival of the NJ-HR.

John that’s great news, they are gone for now like Ben posted not to long ago