Model Railroad Show Returns to Huntington, Draws Families and Collectors

The Appalachian Model Train Society brought the Tri State community together for the 67th annual Model Railroad Show at the Marshall Health Network Arena convention center in downtown Huntington from Nov. 28 through Nov. 30. The convention ran Friday evening, Nov. 28 from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday Nov. 30 from noon to 4:30 p.m. Admission was five dollars, with children age 12 and under admitted free.

Working model train layouts formed the centerpiece of the show, drawing attention from families and serious collectors alike. Tables filled with vendors and hobby shops offered new model train equipment, while collectors and booksellers brought railroad literature and hard to find items. New and used equipment was available for sale, making the event a practical place to source parts, expand a layout, or begin an indoor train village.

The show remains an important regional tradition, hosted by a society that has supported model railroading in the area for nearly seven decades. Director Carl Miller led this year s event, coordinating local clubs, vendors, and layout operators. The combination of operating layouts and a busy sales floor made the convention valuable for a wide range of interests, from parents introducing children to model railroading to experienced modellers seeking specific pieces.

For those who attended, the show offered direct access to expertise and inventory that is difficult to replicate online. Bring measurements for intended layout spaces, make a list of target models and parts, and inspect used equipment carefully for compatibility and condition. Cash and small bills often smooth transactions at vendor tables, and asking sellers about spare parts and repair options can extend the life of purchases.

The event reinforced the social fabric of the local hobby, connecting buyers, sellers, and clubs under one roof. Plan to attend future shows to take advantage of the marketplace, swap knowledge with fellow modelers, and see operating layouts that inspire new projects.