Oswego Valley Holiday Express showcases multi-gauge layouts and family activities

The Oswego Valley Railroad Association staged its 32nd annual Holiday Express at the Fulton War Memorial on Jan. 13, presenting a wide-ranging display of model railroading that emphasized family engagement and community volunteerism. Two main showroom layouts drew the eye with a mix of vintage and modern equipment, while supplemental exhibits offered everything from Lego trains to Thomas the Tank Engine memorabilia.

Exhibits ran the gamut from 1950s-inspired townscapes to animated, whimsical scenes, and included working steam blowers and other operating details that showcased mechanical effects as much as scenic craftsmanship. Volunteers and club members supplied the extensive collection, staffing displays and offering hands-on activities that kept both adults and children engaged throughout the day.

A children’s play table became a hub of instruction and imagination, where kids and parents built small working track plans together, learning basic track geometry, turnout placement, and how to keep trains running smoothly. That practical, tactile experience emphasized why shows like this matter: newcomers can see how pointwork, wiring and rolling stock interact without committing to a layout at home.

The association also highlighted the scope of its library and media collection, a resource it draws on for layout research, historical reference, and operating sessions. Club members rotated through operating posts and demo stations, offering a blend of coaching for novices and operating fidelity for experienced modelers.

Community turnout reflected the show's role as a local gathering point for families and collectors. The mix of scales, animated scenes, and kid-friendly attractions broadened the event’s appeal beyond seasoned modelers to school-age visitors and parents looking for an interactive winter activity. Local volunteers used the show to recruit helpers for future builds, maintenance tasks, and operating sessions, keeping expertise active in the region.

The association’s seasonal Polar Express runs continue to be a signature event. For current dates, ticketing and event details, visit Adirondackrr.com. Those who attended left with new ideas for small-space layouts, inspiration for animated scenes, and a reminder that model railroading remains an accessible, multigenerational hobby.

Upcoming shows and volunteer opportunities at the club will determine how the association builds on this year’s momentum. Check Adirondackrr.com for schedules and ways to get involved, whether you want to learn layout wiring, contribute to scenery, or bring the next generation into the throttle seat.