New this year is the addition of up to 40 vendors and crafters to the two-day event.
The Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters will be holding their annual Winter Train Show at the Ted Blum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, on Jan. 30-31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
New this year is the addition of up to 40 vendors and crafters to the two-day event.
Admission is $4 for adults and $2 for children under 12. Admission includes entry to both the train and vendor shows.
The Trainmasters' 40-foot by 60-foot layout will be on display and continuously running throughout the show. Multiple trains will run simultaneously across thousands of feet of track and 30 unique scenery displays. The scenery represents a range of styles -- from traditional landscapes and buildings, to designs incorporating robotics to scenery made of Lego blocks and Minecraft toys.
Scenery displays change from show to show, so there is always something new to see. "Each club member creates their own unique scenery section for the layout," said club member parent Michele Ferreira. "When it all comes together, it creates a very unique collection of designs, unlike anything you'll see anywhere else."
The club also has an expansive collection of O-scale trains, including Thomas the Tank Engine, The Polar Express and a collection of rare and classic trains. Club members will lead How to Build a Model Railroad tutorials. There will also be hands-on activities for younger children such as interactive train tables, train-related craft activities and small animals to pet.
A varied selection of quality, pre-owned train items are being sold at the event. "Many generous people have donated trains and equipment to the club over the years," said senior club leader Jim Wood. "We use lots of these things ourselves. Other items will be sold at the show and the money will be reinvested in the club."
Up to 40 vendors and crafters will offer non-train items for sale at the show this year. Vendors will host free drawings at their tables. The winners need not be present to win.
Concessions will be available for purchase all day, each day of the show. Attendees can get snacks, drinks or sit down to have breakfast or lunch.
Proceeds from the annual winter train show support the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters' College Fund and other club activities.
Members of the 4-H Trainmasters range in age from fourth-graders to one year out of high school. The Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters Club currently has about 30 members. It was the first youth-led model railroad club in the state when it formed in 2000 with six kids.
The first 20 children through the door each day will receive a prize.
Directions to the show are available here.
For additional information, contact the Somerset County 4-H office at 908-526-6644. The Trainmasters club's website will also contain additional information, especially in the event of inclement weather.