To the Editor:

On September 25th and 26th the Norwood Model Railroad Club held its 12th Annual Model Train, Toy and Collectable Expo in the Massena Arena. It was again a very successful event. The attendance of approximately 750 was a mix of adults and delighted children of all ages. It was very rewarding to see so many smiling faces.

The very excited young winner of our raffle was Dean Vallentgoed of Massena, New York. He selected the complete HO model train set as his prize. The show consisted of 6+ operating layouts from Northern New York and numerous vendors, utilizing approximately 55+ tables, to sell model train items, coins, collectable cards, toys, crafts, etc.

A popular feature continued this year, were free scenery clinics conducted by Susan Cooley, Railroad Artisan from Connecticut. Kenny Friedel set up his small-scale riding passenger train in the outside rink which provided excited children and their parents with free rides. We want to thank everyone that attended and helped make the event a success, this includes our attendees, vendors and layout operators.

Many of our vendors and layout members, along with some of the attendees, were from out of town and contributed to Massena's area economy - restaurants, motels, campsites, etc. A particular thank you goes out to Mike McCabe and his staff of the Massena Arena for their help and support, along with providing food and refreshments at the concession stand, which made everything run smoothly.

Special thanks also go to all our advertisers particularly John Basham of "North County This Week” for design of our ad and additional advertising support and to Johnson Newspapers for design and publishing a very attractive color advertisement.

The Train Club is always looking for new members. If this event sparked your interest in the model train hobby, please contact me at 315-769-2088, Tom Jarvis at 315-267-6945.

Jim Shaw, president

Norwood Model Railroad Club