The “First Frost Train Meet” chugs into the Agri-Plex, Allentown Fairgrounds, 17th and Liberty streets, Allentown, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 12 and 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Nov. 13.

More than 50,000-square-feet of tables and displays are expected in what is one of the East Coast’s larger model-train shows.

The 36th annual event, organized by the Allentown Train Meet Associates (ATMA), offers an expanded operating layout area, test track and O-gauge train races. Toy trains, model trains in all scales, tinplate and parts, railroad-related antiques, collectibles and publications can be seen and purchased from about 200 vendors at 625 tables.

A refreshment stand is near the train layouts or attendees can opt for something to eat at the Allentown Fairgrounds Farmers Market across the parking lot.

Several model railroad clubs provide the operating layouts, which include O-gauge, HO scale and N-scale. Among these are the North Penn S-gaugers, Explorer Post 101 and the NJ Hi-Railers.

ATMA has a switching layout set up for anyone who wants to practice their switching skills. A few railroad historical organizations, like the Anthracite Rail Road Historical Society and New Jersey Transportation Center, will be represented at the train meet. In addition to ATMA members, about 20 volunteers help with the show.

At 67, Greg Wetzel is the last active founding member of ATMA. He says ATMA has organized the train meets since 1979 with the first show premiering in 1980. Thirty-six years later, interest in the hobby is still strong nationally, Wetzel affirms, adding, “Around here it is even stronger than it is overall nationally. This was a big railroading area back in the day when railroads were popular.”

The Central Railroad of New Jersey, Lehigh Valley Rail Road, Lehigh and New England, Lehigh and Hudson and Reading Railroad all ran along the miles of tracks throughout the Lehigh Valley. According to Wetzel, “Reading was the biggest railroad in the country.”

Model trains, collectibles, and ephemera provide a link to the rich history of railroads in the Valley. Many of today’s train enthusiasts have white hair and belong to model railroad clubs or collecting societies. Wetzel is a member of the Train Collectors Association, a popular national organization based in Strasburg, Lancaster County.

Train buffs often were bitten by the model railroading bug when they were youths in an era before video games. ATMA works to bring the next generation into the hobby.

Says Wetzel, “We try to get them interested. At our show, kids under 12 get in free. We encourage kids to come with their parents. We have races at the show for the kids.” Young attendees can participate in O-gauge train races.

Wetzel expects that this year’s fall meet will attract 4,500 - 5,000 during the weekend, keeping pace with attendance from the past 10 years.

“First Frost” is annually held on the second weekend in November. ATMA’s “Spring Thaw Train Meet” is held annually on the last weekend in February at the Agri-Plex.

Tickets information: allentowntrainmeet.com