Here it is February again and the same old problem persists; no activities to report. The Springfield show was last weekend, but did not participate as a club and I did not attend. The Utica Toy Train Collectors Society show has come and gone, again did not participate. Consequently, there is little to report for January. So what to write about?

From our 2012 setup, Fischer students enjoying looking but not touching model train layouts.

Upcoming events that will participate in. February brings in a new show this year at the Fisher Elementary School in Mohawk sponsored by and the local Parent Teacher Organization over the weekend of February 9th and February 10th. This inaugural event should prove to be an exciting event for all involved. The residents of Mohawk, especially the children, have been exceptionally supportive of in the past and have enjoyed the many displays provided by the club. hopes to lure in many new visitors for this show to help support the Parent Teacher Organization and as well as promoting model railroading to the public in general. This will be an excellent opportunity for families to come and enjoy the many aspects of model railroading from history to construction to modeling of railroads of all kinds. Do not miss this chance to see what model railroading can offer to you and your family.

March looks to be a quiet month but April is fairly active. First up is the 25th Anniversary of RailRun in Boston over the first weekend in April. club members Greg Brockway, John Fleming, and Brian King are scheduled to attend with our old friend from Canada, David King. This is always a fantastic occasion that everyone enjoys. The layouts are not only wonderfully scenicked, but extremely well organized and professional in their operation, which is the main reason for attending in the first place.

Following this will be ’s annual Valley Rail Sights Show at the Masonic Lodge in Ilion again this year. Even this is an historic happening as this marks the fifth year has been associated with the Masons in Ilion. This has proven to be a great venue for and the Masons as both benefit from the event. Participation by other clubs has made this show a favorite for club members and those who join us in the fun. We look forward to seeing our friends from Syracuse, Rochester, Canada, Albany, and other places who help with this show each year. The layouts change each year and the excitement at seeing what is new keeps the spectators coming back for more. They won’t be disappointed this year as will be bringing the HO T-trak layout for the first time to Ilion. People have been clamoring for an HO display and this year will be able to accommodate their wishes. Additionally, the other scales will also be represented from G, to N, to Z and the ever popular Lionel layout the public operates.

Future activities are in the works and the PicNik this year is going to be a BIG DEAL! Mark your calendars for the first Sunday in August (the fourth) and don’t miss this one! Meanwhile, keep on training. See you next time.

Brian