Train shows to be held in Castle Shannon, South Park
In time for the holiday season, train enthusiasts in the South Hills are gearing up for two exciting exhibits: one Oct. 27 in Castle Shannon and the other Nov. 24 in South Park.
Dubbed the “First Train Show of Christmas,” the Castle Shannon event runs from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. inside both of the borough’s fire halls. Free on-site parking is available. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Proceeds benefit the Castle Shannon Volunteer Fire Department.
“It’s another way for us to fund raise,” said Fred Molly. The Castle Shannon firefighter helped to organize the show, which attracts vendors from as far away as San Diego.
In addition to about 60 vendors, the show will feature 100 tables of trains and train-related items. There will also be a 40- by 25-foot display.
“It’s exclusively a train show,” Molly said. So no other toys will be for sale. “It’s a good place to go and compare notes and talk trains,” he added.
For further information on the Castle Shannon show, call 412-833-4441.
Meanwhile, the third South Hills Model Train and Die-Cast Show will be held 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Library Fire Company on Library Road.
Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and $1 for children. Free parking will be available at the fire hall and at the Port Authority lot across the street.
According to John Wozniak, who has been involved with the show since its inception, approximately 1,200 people passed through the doors the past two years. So, he says, “any time is a good time to come” to the train show.
Those attending this year’s fare can expect to see about 150 tables full of trains and die-cast vehicles. Custom-made buildings and signs will also be for sale.
An 18- by 32-foot, O-gauge train display is the centerpiece of the show, says Wozniak, and it will take up nearly one-fifth of the fire hall.
In addition to door prizes, raffle for two train sets, donated by Evey True Value Hardware, will be conducted during the show. In two years, the raffle has raised over $1,000 for the Boy Scouts of America.
For information on the South Hills Train Show, call 412-835-7487.