Jim Bush picked up Mike Ross and Mike Cleveland and together they made the trek up to the Fort Worth Civic Center to attend the World’s Greatest Hobby Train Show last Saturday, March 17, 2007.
They arrived in Fort Worth around 9:45 AM and found $5 parking right across from the Center. Tickets to the show were $9 each and they were among the first entrants at the 10:00 AM opening. Once inside, they met up with other CentraMod members: the Hierzigs, the Linda’s, Bob Kibbe, Ron Miller, the Teakells, and Troy Wolff.
From a table for table perspective, the Temple Model Train Show appears to have about as diverse group as this show had. Mike and Jim met with many dealers and layout reps, extolling the virtues of the Temple show which will celebrate its 25th Anniversary this year on September 15-16, 2007.
The real difference between this show and the Temple show were the large number of Model Railroad manufacturers exhibiting. Such notables as Walther’s, MTH, Railroad Model Craftsman magazine, Micro-Trains, Woodland Scenics, Kato, Precision Scale Models, and others were present.
The size and scope of the railroad layouts was also different. Whereas the Mayborn Convention Center is quite a bit smaller, the Fort Worth Civic Center had ample space for a 90’ x 100’ NTRAK modular empire assembled by AustNTrak, TexNRail, and the Oklahoma N Scalers.
Also on display were the award winning N Scale Sugarland NTrak modules of Russell Straw. These modules depict Sugarland Texas as it appeared in 1951.
The Northwest Crossing Z Scale club set up their layout at the show. They were joined by CentraMod club member Ron Miller. The crowd was amazed that so much could be done with such a small scale (1:220). The modules had abundant scenery with a variety of rolling stock and motive power. Ron stayed busy connecting modules and placing cars and engines on the track.
This layout picture below was popular because of its modules’ neatness. It was completely sceniced and had many lighted accessories.
This S Scale layout – hence the ‘Flyers’ designation, was well received because of its impressive scenery. The majority of visitors seemed to be mostly unaware that there was an “S” Scale. They evidently didn’t remember American Flyer as youngsters.
After leaving with far less $$ and more “train necessities”, they headed back to Temple around 4 PM. “I believe a good time was had by all,” said Mike Ross.