47th Train & Hobby Show Roars into Mid-Hudson Civic Center Nov. 11th!

Date Published: October 17, 2018

All aboard for the 47^th Annual Train and Hobby Show at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center!

On Sunday, November 11, 2018 the Hudson Valley Railroad Society (HVRRS) hosts its 47th Annual Railroad Exposition from 10am-3pm at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center located at 14 Civic Center Plaza in Poughkeepsie. The not-for-profit HVRRS sponsors the annual expo with all proceeds benefiting the ongoing restoration and operation of the 1914 Hyde Park Railroad Station Museum, which has National Historical designation and turns 104 years old this year.

On display at the expo, you’ll see 20,000 square feet of operating scale model train layouts, ranging from the tiny “Z” to the big 1½ inch scale kids love to sit in to have their picture taken. You’ll also see “N”, “HO”, “O” and “G” scales, as well as Lionel, trolleys, and Thomas the Tank for the younger fans. Check out the cool hands-on operating layouts and slot-car tracks for children to run. Several Railroad clinics are offered; even railroad films are screened!

The model railroad flea market is a very popular feature of the show, with dozens of vendor tables. Grab this great chance for holiday gift shopping for the kids, young and old, on your list.  Refreshments are available on premises. Click here for Exhibitor/Vendor information

The Expo and Mid-Hudson Civic Center are convenient to Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad trains as well as Dutchess County LOOP bus service.   Ticket prices make this an event for the entire family: $6 for adults, ages 11 and under $3, and are available at the door.  For more information, including a map, pictures and directions, visit the HVRRS website or call 845-518-0635.

Further Exploration: Historic Hyde Park Station

Train enthusiast? Visit the Hyde Park Railroad Station on River Road in Hyde Park at Riverside Park. A station was built in 1851, when the Hudson River Railroad was constructed from New York to Albany. It was replaced by this station in 1914. The last New York Central passenger train stopped there in 1958.  The outer two tracks were then removed, and the entrances to the tunnel passage for the southbound platform were boarded over. The station, freight house and property were sold to Hyde Park. The station was badly vandalized and slated for demolition when the Hudson Valley Railroad Society signed a lease for the building with the town in 1975.

WATCH: a Video on the History of the Hyde Park Train Station!

A great deal of repair work had to be done! Windows, doors, exterior trim, as well as the Spanish tile roof, were repaired or replaced to make the station weather-tight. Inside, volunteers rebuilt the ticket booth, wiring, plumbing and heating systems. Members refurbished the benches, plus the waiting and baggage rooms. The restoration work was done at the Society's expense, and all maintenance of the station is now their responsibility.

Inside you’ll find displays depicting the area's railroading past, running models trains, and knowledgeable train enthusiasts who’ll answer questions about the great "Iron Horse". The station may be inactive, but a very active Hudson Division still exists. Amtrak trains pass the station providing Empire Corridor Service!

It’s located at the foot of the hill formed by West Market St. and River Rd., following the south wall of the Vanderbilt estate. The Hyde Park Station is open year-round on Mondays, 5 to 9 pm. Business meeting with educational program afterward, 2nd Monday monthly at 7:30 pm. The station is open Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the summer, 12 noon to 5 pm.