Model Train Show in Hampton: Part 1

Last Sunday, my grandparents, sister, and I stopped at Hardy's for a quick breakfast and then headed to Hampton, Iowa for the North Central Iowa Railroad Club's 4th Annual Model Train Show and Sale.  We had set up our tables and hung Grandma's art  the evening before and had minimal set-up work to do before the sale opened.

We brought along some lawn chairs for comfortable seating, and Grandma and I enjoyed delicious cinnamon rolls from the kitchen beside us.  One lady bought several cards to create a display in her kitchen.  A retired navy man bought a print of a mallard, and a few other prints were purchased while I was at the North Central Iowa Model Railroad.

My grandpa, Harry Carson, offered HO model trains from his collection, and they sold very well.  Charity helped Grandpa bag and keep track of train sales.

Throughout the day I had the pleasure of meeting several of the other vendors and admiring their displays.  Let me introduce a few to you.

Tim Miller, Model Train Hobbyist

Mr. Miller was one of the first I had the opportunity to visit with during the morning.  Most of the trains in Mr. Miller's display were on the large side (O scale if I recall correctly).  His favorite are the Burlingtons.

Mr. Miller first became interested in model trains when he was given a set for Christmas at the age of 8.  He passed his love of trains to his son (who was with him at the show).  His son would often stay up till midnight with friends as a teenager, but Mr. Miller never needed to worry about them; they'd be in the basement working with trains!

Gary Klein, Quilter

Of all the vendors at the show, Mr. Klein is the closest to being one of my neighbors.  In June of last year there were torrential rainstorms in the area that flooded the roads and railroad tracks.  Since Mr. Klein couldn't travel, he took up quilting and has created 40 quilts in the past year.

Mr. Klein's work is impressive, especially to a person like myself with little patience for sewing, let alone quilting!  I purchased the 3 hotpads on the lower right.  They should come in handy for taking cookies out of the oven this fall!

One thing I noticed was that for many people, their hobbies are family affairs.  There were several father-son, mother-daughter, and husband-wife duos, as well as grandparents and grandchildren. 

What are your hobbies and talents?

Were any of your hobbies passed to you by family members?

What interests are you passing down to your children and grandkids (if you have any)?

Stay tuned for Part 2 to meet more talented hobbyists!