Hello Group,

This past weekend (January 18-19) the World’s Greatest Hobby show came to Oaks, PA. I attended Saturday morning and got the opportunity to snap a few shots of new products displayed by the various manufactures. Regrettably, my photos aren’t the best since I had to work around the (large) crowds to get close to the displays.

My first stop was the Athearn booth. They had their Genesis Reading GP7 and RS3 on display. These are very finely detailed locomotives and the paint looked great.

And although these are not Reading locomotives, the Erie Lackawanna SDP45 and Southern Pacific 4-8-2 Mt-4 are fantastic models in their own right.

Over at the BLI booth, they had test shots of their new SW1500. Sorry this shot got blurry, but I had to reach in with camera in hand to take it between two people. Their H10s is another fine steam locomotive that I could see making an appearance on any Reading or northeast themed layout.

Bachmann had their northeastern cabooses on display, and I have to say the Reading model looked very nice. Although it does not have separately applied grab irons, the paint is crisp and the modeled detailing isn’t oversized. Maybe an hour or two with a hobby knife, some paint and aftermarket grabs will yield a nice caboose.

Bowser was there as well, but I did not have the opportunity to take any photos of their products. They had a Reading and NYC C430 out in front on a test track. For those that have yet to hear the sound on these models, I can attest that it is very good.

That’s my brief report on the show. By noon, the crowd had swelled to the point where it was difficult to get around, so I left. Did anyone else attend the show? If so, let’s hear your comments and opinions on what you saw.

Thanks, Mark

I'm glad to see that 445 at least has the cross-ways exhaust stack, as that is the as-delivered configuration. For any RDG modeler that wants to re-detail the model to be more true to the prototype, download the .pdf of my RS-3 clinic. Also, don't be afraid to ask me questions, as I am glad to share what I know.

Thanks for the report and pics Mark.I see Athearn had 619 on display.For those who weren't quite pleased with Athearn's final product check out the topic Athearn's GP7's in the General Discussion forum.Very simple project.

This show made a recent stop in the Detroit area last weekend. Athearn did not have the GP7 and RS3's on display and I was disappointed! They did have the Heritage unit displayed with many others-



Then MTH also had their HO Heritage unit displayed...



And Kato had the N scale version out....



lastly the Bachman/Williams O scale version....




I also saw the SW1200 shell on display, T1's were on display and a RDG gondola. Then at the S scale vendor - American Models (from here in Michigan!) was a RDG Trainmaster!




Normally I do not attend these traveling shows - too expensive ($11 admission plus parking) and most vendors are selling at near retail prices! However with the manufacturers there, it made it a bit more worth-while. PLUS... with the manufacturers there, I did some "promoting" for the RRRMM II by passing out a letter and part of the flyer, asking for door prize items.

Thanks for the postings, guys. I was considering attending the Oaks show, however with the weather we were having at the time, I didn't want to chance it from northern NJ.