At the Bedford Boomer’s Train Shows, Bedford NH
November 2008 Gallery
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The chapter attended Bedford Boomers Annual Train Show once again in Bedford, NH, on Sunday November 2, 2008. This is a large and popular venue for the display of model railroading and is always a crowd magnet. Preparations for the show began on Saturday morning when all of the club’s modules were unloaded and set up in the McKelvie School gymnasium. Because this is only a one-day show, club members spent the entire day fine-tuning the operation and running different train sets.
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Mike Haire uses the kid’s layout (that has also been fit with sensor tracks) to calibrate a new locomotive in preparation for computer controlled operation on the main layout.
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As part of the club’s on-going effort to add interest and improve operation during shows, the club’s Module Manager, Zeke Sampson, constructed a new module to extend the length of one of the two main passing sidings. The picture above shows the light-weight module during its’ construction phase, and below as a finished product. The added length of passing siding now enables running of longer, more prototypical European trains.
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Club members Ed Scheff, Sue and Glenn Reed (left to right, top photo) are introducing young enthusiasts to the kid’s layout; always a popular attraction at our display. Ed is explaining a static model of a high speed commuter train to others (lower photo).
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Club member and seasoned European traveler, Justin Maguire leads one of the many interesting seminars available to those attending the show. His instruction on light weight diorama construction held the interest of his audience and his authentic regalia only added to the experience.
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There was something train-related for everyone at the show! In addition of many displays in all gauges, live steam operation (in miniature) enabled attendees of all ages to go for a ride around the parking lot.
November 2007 25th Anniversary Show Gallery
The chapter attended the 25th Annual Train Show sponsored by Bedford Boomers railroad club in Bedford, NH, on Sunday November 4th. This year’s special show represented the “Silver Anniversary of the group’s sponsorship and was very well attended, although the crowds in the mid-afternoon on were slightly less due in all probability to the Patriots-Colts football game. The displays again consisted of both inside and outside layouts, along with any number of railroad-related machines. The picture above is of an early-model maintenance machine.
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This year, our chapter set up a small layout of Märklin trains that was intended specifically for young engineers to operate, and it turned out to be an extremely popular attraction. In the photo above, member Ed Scheff shows a young boy how to operate the digital controls.
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Boys and Girls alike were fascinated by the train and many wanted to see just how fast they could make the train go. It proved challenging to get each one to run them slowly, just like the prototypes.
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Two youngsters stand on their tip-toes to see colorful European trains pass each other on the far corner of the layout. Many parents planned ahead and brought milk crates or small steps to assist their children. As usual, the event was wildly popular and drew crowds from all parts of the Northeast. Our chapter enjoyed the part we played as well. We wish the Bedford Boomers another happy 25 years!
November 2006 Gallery
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The chapter attended the 24rd Annual Train Show sponsored by Bedford Boomers railroad club in Bedford, NH. This year’s edition attracted over 2000 attendees for the one-day show as the local weather cooperated greatly. Our chapter unveiled several new, lightweight modules that club members created during the year. They proved to be popular with the crowd and lived up to expectations in terms of set-up and take-down. Below you can see several new modules connected to the back side of our usual layout, including Jeff and Chris Koellmer’s electrical power substation module and Mike DePunté’s mining operation.
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Observers, young and old, were attracted to the new modules, although finishing touches were being applied during set-up day and during the show itself. Chapter members (in red shirts) Mike Haire, below left, monitors the controls while Kurt Hilse (back left) and Mark Mervine (back right) stand ready to explain the operation.
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Below, two German steamers await servicing on Zeke Sampson’s new end-loop while a colorful European freight train passes by the coal tipple.
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An operating windmill was the centerpiece of Mark Mervine’s new module shown below. The double track from the transition module narrows to a single track mainline here.
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The freight train makes its way on the return loop over the viaduct on Glenn and Sue Reed’s new module. Campers are set up below the viaduct and are enjoying the stream that flows beneath.
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The show was considered an outstanding success, and the month of November, 2006 was declared Model Railroad Month in the state of New Hampshire. Governor John Lynch signed the proclamation that was presented to the club following its participation in the show:
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November 2005 Gallery
The 23rd Annual show sponsored by Bedford Boomers railroad club in Bedford, NH. This year’s edition attracted 2300 attendees for the one-day show, best attendance in their history.
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Saturday was a full day setting up the club modular HO layout. One of the most time-consuming parts of setup is aligning the modules and inserting “bridge” track over the seams and connecting the catenary.
Once the module setup is complete, all the electronics have to be connected and tested.
Locomotives need to be tested and calibrated to the computer train control program.
The club took a break at midday on Saturday for a demonstration by Mark Mervine
of the new Marklin Mobile Controller.
Sunday morning all is ready for the show opening. We added lighting to the modular layout this year.
Mark Mervine brought his display of French TGV trains.
John Avery explains the different type of 3-rail AC track manufactured by Marklin over the years.
Three days after Halloween and Sue Reed has someone still in costume.
