Annual Model Train Show Features Exhibits, Booths

By Jon Spargo
Socorro Train Gang Model Railroad Club

The 6th annual Toy Train Show and Swap Meet returns Saturday at the Best Western Hotel Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring toy and model trains of all sizes and gauges.
The show is sponsored by the New Mexico Division of the Toy Train Operating Society, the Socorro Train Gang model railroad club and the City of Socorro. There will be operating layouts, raffle prizes and vendors selling toy and model railroad equipment and railroad memorabilia. Raffle prizes will be drawn at 3 PM. Admission is $1 per person and $2 per family!
There will also be tracks available to test run any model train equipment that you may be considering for purchase. Many of the vendors are experts in all aspects of toy train operation and model railroading and will be happy to answer your questions.
This year the show will feature at least six operating layouts including the return of the “Summerville & Northlands Lines” portable model railroad. Kids will want to stop by and try their hand at doing some operating. As well, those who take a short quiz will earn you a 3 x 4 inch “Summerville & Northlands” sticker!
A new exhibit this year will be the layout built by the students of Saracino Middle School. The students did an outstanding job of scenery construction that demonstrates what can be done on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood with a little imagination and a bit of perspiration!
The New Mexico Division of the Toy Train Operating Society will have its modular “O” scale layout set up and running. The Socorro Train Gang model railroad club will also have its Christmas Raffle layout set up and running.
Model railroading has been called “The World’s Greatest Hobby.” Whether you just like to run toy trains or build elaborate layouts, this hobby has something for everyone! Come join us and find out for yourself how much fun model railroading can be. If you have an old toy or model train set in the closet or attic and want to know if it still runs or how much it is worth, dust it off and bring it to the show! Some old toy train sets have become quite valuable and most can be brought back to life for the enjoyment of both big and little kids!
In conjunction with the show the Socorro Train Gang will host an open house at the Hammel Museum from 9 AM until 2 PM to run trains on the Club’s layouts. Directions to the Hammel Museum will be posted at the show. If you have any questions or are interested in a table to sell some toy or model trains, please call 575-418-7534.

Annual Model Train Show Features Exhibits, Booths