Somerset County to Host Annual 4-H Trainmasters Winter Show

From 4-H Youth Development:: The Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters annual Winter Train show at the Ted Blum 4-H Center, 310 Milltown Road, Bridgewater, NJ is being held this weekend on January 28th and 29th, from 10am-5pm both days. Admission is $4.00 for adults and $2.00 for children under 12 years old. Admission pays for entry to all areas of the show. The Trainmasters will be awarding a $50 prize each day in a free drawing for adult attendees who complete a Boarding Pass by visiting the various vendors throughout the center. The first 20 children through the doors each day will receive a free prize.

Over 60 vendors and crafters are registered to be a part of the two-day event selling a variety of items for the whole family including train related items for railroading enthusiasts. From typical vendors found at events such as MaryKay, Paparazzi, and Shaklee Products, to more unique vendors like Pearlesque, Organic Shop at Home Foods, Oil Paintings, Bamboo Bedding, Guitar Pick Jewelry, and Pet Treats by Carol, there will be something for everyone young and old! Author Azuka Zuke Obi will once again be in attendance, as well as Princesita’s Magic Baskets, whose tables were always busy last year!

According to Bill Quick of Flemington, a 7th year Trainmasters club leader, “We are very excited to once again have vendors and crafters at our annual Winter Train Show. This addition was a huge success to our show last year. We had a record breaking attendance in 2016 and we're anticipating even more visitors this year!”

The Trainmasters’ 40-by-60-foot layout will be on display and continuously running throughout the event. Multiple trains will run across thousands of feet of track simultaneously through numerous scenery displays. The scenery represents a range of styles — each created by different members of the club, from traditional landscapes and buildings, to designs incorporating robotics, to possibly even scenery made of LEGO blocks and MINECRAFT.
The club has an expansive collection of O-scale trains, including THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE and THE POLAR EXPRESS, as well as rare and classic trains. There will be interactive play activities for younger children, as well as craft activities, and small animals to pet to keep siblings occupied.

Concessions will be available for purchase each day of the show, from snacks to a full lunch. A seating area will be offered to enjoy some time off your feet!

Head Trainmaster leader Jim Wood of Bridgewater says to “Please come out and enjoy the fun! This event is one way we are able to give back to our train enthusiasts about the enjoyment of the hobby. Most train hobbyists have gotten older and we are trying to perpetuate the hobby with the younger generation.”

Members of the 4-H Trainmasters range in age from fourth-graders to one year out of high school. The Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters Club currently has over 30 members from Hunterdon, Middlesex, Somerset, and Warren Counties. It was the first youth-led model railroad club in the state when it formed in 2000 with six kids.

Jim Wood informs that Trainmasters club members complete annual projects based on their involvement in 4-H. First-Year members complete their module used in the shows, while Second-Year members complete a landscaping project. Third-Year members complete a Kit assembly and design while Fourth-Year members add Lighting to a kit structure or rolling stock car. Fifth-Year members complete a scratch built structure, and then after the 5th year, Senior Members work on a variety of projects.

Kevin Quinn, METCA President states “The Metropolitan Division of the Train Collectors Association (TCA) is very proud to have the Somerset County 4-H Trainmsaters operate as our kid’s club. The kids represent the very foundation of TCA, 4-H and our hobby. I highly recommend a visit to their winter train show and check out their magnificent train layout.”

METCA will be returning to the Winter Show to continue to expand their youth division to promote and keep the hobby alive. METCA is made up from 20 counties in three states, NJ, NY, and CT, building friendships through collecting and operating model trains. Free METCA youth memberships will be available at the event on both days.

Proceeds from the annual winter train show support the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters’ College Fund and other club activities. Each year the Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters Club awards a $1000 scholarship to a graduating Senior who is a member in good standing of any Somerset County 4-H club that will pursue a course of study in the field of Science..

The Somerset County 4-H Trainmasters facebook event is at facebook.com/events/1705518786432420. The Trainmasters club’s website, www.trainmasters.sc4-h.org, also contains additional information, especially in the event of inclement weather. For directions to the show, please visit somerset.njaes.rutgers.edu/directions. For additional information, contact the Somerset County 4-H office at 908-526-6644. We hope to see you there!
Photo Courtesy of Pixabay