June Newsletter

The Rockville Traveling Train Show

The Amherst Railway Society in partnership with Six Flags New England is sponsoring a model railroad exhibit through July. The Amherst Belt Lines modular railroad adds a new display to the theme park, and promotes the model railroad hobby.

The exhibit is located in the Rockville Theater. Six Flags New England is located in Agawam, Massachusetts.

In This Issue

The Rockville Traveling Train Show

Projects in Palmer - John Sacerdote

June Calendar

June Presentation - Open Mic Night

Annual Meeting

Amherst's Model Railroad SIG

Garden Railroad Construction

Projects in Palmer

John Sacerdote, President

860-243-0811

president@amherstrail.org

This Month

June 1 - Work Day

June 8 - Work Day

June 12 - June Presentation - Open Mic Night

June 15 - Work Day

June 19 - Board of Directors

June 22 - Work Day

June 29 - Work Day

Full Calendar

Open Mic Night

Wednesday, June 12 - 7:30 pm

Amherst Building

1130 South Main Street

Palmer, Massachusetts

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Amherst Railway Society will hold an Open Mic Night giving members and guests an opportunity to make a short 2-3 minute presentation on a railroad or model railroad topic of their choice. Topics can include modeling projects, train rides, rail fanning experiences, railroad photography, or any other railroad-related topic.

Presentations must be short - 2 to 3 minutes maximum, and must be approved prior to the meeting. 

If you would like to present at the June Open Mic Night, contact John Sacerdote at: president@amherstrail.org.



Anyone can present – members, guests – anyone. And, this meeting is open to the public.

Annual Meeting Notice

In accordance with Amherst Railway Society bylaws, the Annual Meeting of the organization will be held on Wednesday evening, June 12, 2024, beginning at 7;30 pm.

The meeting will be held at:

The Amherst Building

1130 South Main Street

Palmer, Massachusetts 01069

The Annual Meeting is an opportunity for members to discuss the operation and direction of the Amherst Railway Society.

Both industry-related board positions whose terms expire at the end of June have been filled. These two slots are filled by appointment, rather than by election.

Only active members of the Amherst Railway Society are eligible to vote during the business meeting.

Model Railroad SIG - The Palmer Division

The HO-scale Palmer Division model railroad is the newest Special Interest Group (SIG) of the Amherst Railway Society.

The Palmer Division is a first-class miniature railroad world that highlights the skills and abilities of our members, and depicts the rich railroad history of Palmer, Massachusetts. The railroad is generally based on the operations of the actual railroads, past and present, that operated in the area, but with artistic license to create scenes and run equipment that add interest of the railroad. 

The Palmer Division is also a Learning Lab for members that would like to further develop their model railroad skills – bench work, track work, electrical, scenery, and operations. Here’s a chance for hands-on model railroad education, guided by experienced modelers.

For details on Amherst's Model Railroad SIG, click here.

Garden Railroad Construction

The first phase of construction on our garden railroad is under way. The center section of the plan calls for raised platforms for live steam operation. Track will be installed on the platforms and model, steam-powered locomotives will run in the middle of the garden.

Bachman Trains is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Rapido is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Scale Trains is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Spring Creek Model Trains is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

Trainz.com is an Allied Member of the Amherst Railway Society

The Eight & Sand newsletter is a regular publication of the Amherst Railway Society. To submit information for publication, contact Gregory Maas at: webmaster@amherstrail.org.

Amherst Railway Society

1130 South Main Street

Palmer, Massachusetts 01069

The Amherst Railway Society is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation