The first-ever Northeast Outdoor Railway Festival kicks off on June 19, 20 & 21, 2026. The festival is a celebration of larger scale, outdoor model railroads. And, it’s just for fun. Not a show. Not a convention. Just a chance to enjoy model railroads running in beautiful outdoor settings.
So, here are some of the things you can expect in June.
G-scale model trains - both steam and battery-powered running in the Amherst garden railroad. Fun to see - even more fun to operate. And, visitors will get a change to do just that - run trains. In fact, anyone with a G-scale live steam or battery powered locomotive is welcome to bring the engine to the festival and run it on our railroad.
Trains you can ride. There are several 7 ¼ gauge model railroads in the area that you can ride, and the kids can ride. It’s fun to watch model trains running outdoors. Ride ‘em? - even better! And, visitors will get a chance to do that at the festival.
Tours - garden railroads are a unique part of the model railroad hobby. It’s really quite amazing to see trains running through beautifully tended gardens. There are many in our area, and festival attendees will have a chance to visit them using self-guided tours.
Clinics - the festival is sponsoring a variety of clinics - opportunities to learn more about outdoor model railroading. And, there will also be hand-on events for children - a chance to learn while they are doing.
Rail-fanning - Palmer hosts four railroads - CSX, Amtrak, New England Central, and Mass Central - so, plenty of railroad photo opportunities.
The Steaming Tender - the Amherst Railway Society is partnering with the Steaming Tender to provide a variety of food service opportunities throughout the festival weekend.
The festival is being held on Father’s Day weekend. Bring dad to the festival.