It wasn't first among our concerns when making the decision to move from Britain, but it did cross our minds that there might be a lack of model train exhibitions over here. What impact would this have on our train-mad Boy?
Well, we needn't have worried. Not only are there model train exhibitions but (this being the USA) bigger, better train exhibitions! We are used to the scout hut variety, or maybe a village hall if the organisers are feeling flush. But today we attended a mega-event at Albany's Empire State Plaza Convention Center, no less.
Although mainly a vendors' market, there were some huge layouts and excellent trains. A forty-wagon freight train! A super-speedy bullet train! The Boy's face lit up with delight.
Even the Girl ('I hate trains') found diversions in the layout scenery (a working miniature fairground and a model play-park with swinging swings), and she was fascinated by the model-maker demonstrating the art of painting teeny workmen.
What impressed me most about the event was how happy everyone was. The men there (and they were mostly men) had that same joy in their eyes that I see in the Boy's whenever he so much as thinks of trains. To be born with a love of little engines is clearly a blessing indeed.
If you ever travel a bit further south into New Jersey, you must visit Northlandz: ( see http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/NJFLEnorth.html) it is fantastic and the Boy would be in heaven.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that tip.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know what is the American version of the Audley End railway - especially at Christmas time. No mouldering teddies in a wooden shed me thinks. If you find the alternative, let us know.
ReplyDelete