Hickory- The 20th Annual NC Railroad Expo will be held on Friday & Saturday, April 1-2 at the Hickory Metro Center adjacent to Exit 125 and Interstate 40. Over 300 tables full of railroad lanterns, timetables, books, and models of all scales will be available. Additionally, nearly a half dozen operating layouts of several scales will be on display.
Admission is only $5 for adults, while children under the age of twelve are admitted for free. Show hours are from 9am until 4pm. The show is sponsored by the Alexander Chapter of the National Railway Historical Association and all proceeds from the show will benefit the SE Narrow Gauge & Shortline Museum located at the Newton depot.
James Glenn, Museum Coordinator of the Newton Depot, notes that “the railroading hobby is one of the most popular pastimes in the world and our club is pleased to be able to bring it back to Western North Carolina on a yearly basis. We had over 1500 people through the gate last year and all of the comments are very positive. Most importantly, admission prices are very low so that we can introduce families to the hobby in an affordable manner.”
In addition to vendors selling model trains, books, videos, and memorabilia, there will be free test tracks for the public to bring their old attic finds, as well as a “Railroad Antiques Roadshow” table where the public can bring railway-related items by and have them appraised by experts in the hobby.
The Alexander Chapter-NRHS was formed in 1979 and is the oldest railroad preservation organization in western North Carolina. For more information, call (828) 527-6520, or go online to www.tarheelpress.com/Trainshow
For more information, call: Matt Bumgarner (828) 527-6520.
Photo: Five operating model railroads of all scales will be at the NC Railroad Expo. These layouts, along with nearly 300 tables of railroad hobby-related merchandise will be featured at the show.
