Collectors show off their trains at the Model Train Fair
The Great New York State Model Train Fair returned for its 48th year at the New York State Fairgrounds’ Exhibition Center.
Longtime participant Peter Woodward gave me a personal welcome upon arrival. “We have a wide variety of exhibitors here on tap,” he said. “And a variety of model train exhibits, and the history of the model railroad industry and displays.”
Woodward has collected trains since the age of 14. He takes a lot of pride in his little locomotives, fully understanding how each of them work.
“We actually send a signal to the rails to a chip inside the locomotive,” he said. “It responds to the commands. Now, I can change directions, and then it goes to go forward.”
The models themselves depict a wide variety of both worldwide and Syracuse landmarks. Upon closer look, the details in the models show how much participants care about their trains. One model created a memorial to remember a priest. Another reimagined a local bridge in Liverpool, known for countless truck accidents. There was even a life-sized to train available for rides!
Phillip Edwards serves as the president of the Central New York branch of the National Railway Historical Society. To him, the fair represents what collecting these trains all about.
“I want people to feel that they experienced a part of the hobby that they didn’t know,” he said. “Maybe they saw something or learned something. This is an educational event more than anything.”
The model train fair lasted through the weekend before leaving the station.