Every year just before Easter model train shows sprout up all over New Jersey. Bergen County has one of the best in Carlstadt. The New York Society of Model Train Engineers model train show is open to the public for 3 weekends beginning Friday. It runs Friday night from 7-10 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-6 pm.
When my son was a little boy, I took him to this every year and it was great. They have a very impressive O and HO gauge train display. Both children and adults love it. Model trains are something that still fascinate people in spite of our digital world. In fact, train shows are mobbed. You will be amazed at the eclectic group of people who go to train shows.
This is a great event for the entire family because no matter how young or old, model trains are fun. It’s easy to get to the New York Society of Model Engineers too. Take the Paterson Plank Road exit going south. Their clubhouse is right off of Route 17 up a few blocks at 341 Hoboken Road in Carlstadt.
Make a day of it too. There are 2 good diners right there. The Meadowlands is at 320 Route 17 on the corner of the highway and Hoboken Rd. The Candlewyck is located at 179 Paterson Ave in East Rutherford. Take the family or yourself out to lunch and then go see the model train show for a really nice afternoon.
For more information go to the New York Society of Model Engineers website The website includes information on swap meets the club hosts twice each year. This is another popular event for model train enthusiasts. Swap meets happen in the early spring and the fall in the St Joseph Church cafeteria a few blocks away. Many dealers come so this is a real opportunity for model train collectors. Remember to check the Society’s website for the dates of the model train show and the swap meets.
