NHGRS Layouts and Train Shows
In a typical year, as part of out education charter, the New Hampshire Garden Railway Society participates in about half a dozen train shows and events, displaying one or more of our portable G scale layouts and promoting the hobby of large scale model railroading. In 2024, these included:
- The Amherst Railway Society's huge Railroad Hobby Show at the Eastern States Exposition grounds in West Springfield, Mass. in January
- The North East Large Scale Train Show in Springfield, Mass. in April
- The Pepperell Siding Model Railroad Club show in Pepperell, Mass. in October
- The Hub Division New England Model Train Expo in Marlborough, Mass. in December
See our Events Calendar for upcoming shows.
NHGRS Layouts
Big Green
Our flagship layout, "Big Green" is a double-track modular layout featuring modules built by individual club members. Big Green also makes an annual trek to Springfield, MA in the spring for the North East Large Scale Train Show. Smaller setups using fewer modules have also been displayed at other shows, Trains run on Big Green are either electric or battery powered.
Little Green
NHGRS' oldest layout, "Little Green" is usually used these days by the club's live steam group, the "Real Train Division". These trains are pulled by fully-functional miniature steam locomotives that operate much like their full-sized counterparts, except that they are fired by clean-burning butane gas instead of coal, allowing them to be run safely indoors. Little Green's tracks can also be powered for electric operation.
Mini Green
"Mini Green" is a tabletop layout designed to fit into smaller spaces.
Evergreen
"Evergreen" is a low-profile portable layout with adjustable legs, designed to be set up outdoors. Evergreen has been used for both live steam and electric trains.
"The Stage"
A free-form layout of track, bridges, and buildings laid directly on the floor, typically set up on the stage at the Hooksett show.