JUDD WEIL
Hutch Post
MCPHERSON, Kan. — Fantastic model train exhibits will be the sight to see on Jan. 14 and 15 at the Model Train Convention and Expo presented by the McPherson County MakerSpace in McPherson.
Train enthusiasts can stock up on model railroad supplies offered by a number of local vendors, as well as help the McPherson County MakerSpace raise funds for a number of local organizations.
The Model Train Convention and Expo, and its sponsors have seen a few hiatuses.
“It started back in about ‘94. It stopped from about 2010 to 2021,” Kelly Bruce with the McPherson County MakerSpace said. “We started it back up in 2022, and now 2023.”
The 2023 Model Train Convention and Expo will have around five or six exhibits this year under the direction of the McPherson County MakerSpace.
“Five or six layouts of different scales, everything from O-Gauge all the way down to N Scale-size,” Bruce said. “We have vendors where you can buy, sell, swap with the vendors, possibly with some of the exhibits.”
A few of the vendors will include Spring Creek Model Trains from Deshler, Nebraska, and Toy Depot out of Hutchinson.
Other than vendors with scale model kits, there will be others with memorabilia, T-shirts, and items train-related, but not necessarily model trains.
“We also have the McPherson Trolley that is going to be taking people from our location over to the McPherson Museum, where they have an H0 (modeling scale) layout inside of the museum, and that’s all included in the entry,” Bruce said.
The H0 Scale replica is actually a model of McPherson.
Entry to the Model Train Convention and Expo will be $7 for everyone 10 and older.
Concessions will be available at the expo.
Kelly Bruce believes the Model Train Convention and Expo has a historical significance.
“I think there’s a real importance to keep this going,” Bruce said. “A lot of the older gentlemen I talk to at these shows, a lot of them, worked for the railroads.”
Watch for updates on the McPherson County MakerSpace Facebook page.
The Model Train Convention and Expo will take place Jan. 14 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Jan. 15 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the McPherson Community Building located at 122 E. Marlin St. in McPherson.
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