Great Midwest Train Show

Oh yes folks, I recently hit the Great Midwest Train Show which happens monthly at the Dupage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton, IL. It is 5 buildings of wheeling and dealing with a few exhibits sprinkled in. Typically, you will find vendors selling trains and scenery items for O, HO, and N scale (and some S scale). This is the second time I have gone in the past 3 months. And let me tell you, there is a whole cast of characters at this trainfest swap-o-rama. First, here are a few pictures to set the stage:

This is at 9:45 AM on Sunday, 3/13/2010.

The first time I went to this show I learned 3 things; 1.) model training is not dead, 2.) get to the show early (like when the gates open at 9:30 AM), and 3.) negotiate prices for every single item you are interested in. There are all types of items in different states of condition. For example, one guy had old Tyco, Bachmann, and Plasticville model buildings from the 70's still wrapped and un-opened. Problem is, he wanted $30 to $50 a piece for these classics! It's like he didn't want to part with them. On the other hand, there is a Ma & Pa vendor selling 100's of old Tyco rolling stock for $1 a piece. Nice! I bought a couple of those junkers, repainted them, and turned them into beer cars. I will post a picture of my Old Mil boxcar.

Bottom line, if you are looking for classic items for your layout, bring a list! I bought Atlas switches for half the price you'd find at a hobby store. Bought a jug of Woodland Scenics ballast for $4 (normally $11). And I picked up a lot of used engines that I have got up and rolling now. The people there are great. The vendors are typically very helpful and willing to give you tips. And some of the attendees are hoot also. Sheesh, this one guy looked like he slept under a train and showed up totally hungover. Funny thing is, he spent 100's of dollars on little model people for his layout.

Also want to mention there are a few exhibits. Kids will definitely enjoy coming along for dad's shopping spree. I saw a lot of father-son bonding going on. I would have brought my daughter but she went to the NRMA High Wheeler show a few weeks back. Anyway, here are a couple examples of the exhibits:

The Lionel set above has controllers at each corner. You can run a train yourself!

In conclusion, if you live in the Midwest or are in the Chicagoland area for the weekend, definitely check out the Great Midwest Train Show. It runs once a month, 11 months out of the year and you will never leave empty-handed. Oh, and it will set you back $7 to enter the show. Don't worry, if you buy enough stuff, you'll get that back.

NEXT UPDATE: the track has been layed out and is ready for the ballast. I will post new pics!