Organizer of the North State Model Train Show and owner of Packratt Trains &Toys in Downtown Gridley, Matt Padgett. Photo courtesy of Matt Padgett

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Train aficionados from around the area turned out in force this weekend for the North State Model Train Show, hosted at the Butte County Fairgrounds.

The show returns courtesy of local Matt Padgett, collector and owner of Packratt Trains & Toys in downtown Gridley.

Padgett has been organizing the show since 2018, with a few years missed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and unforeseeable events. He tells the Gridley Herald that he usually holds two shows a year, one in October and one in June, and that months of planning go into each.

The most recent show held Saturday, Jan. 10, drew over 270 guests from across the north state and 35 vendors with all available tables for the show sold-out, reported Padgett. He added that he had vendors travel from as far as Oregon and the Bay Area to sell at his shows.

A vendor laughs as he answers questions while an array of colorful models entices buyers. Photo courtesy of Matt Padgett

The fairgrounds Expo Hall was packed shortly after opening at 10 a.m., and Padgett shares they had a steady stream of patrons until closing at 3 p.m.

Vendors featured boxed and mint-condition collectors’ items, used model pieces, tracks and accessories. Model trains and accessories were available at the North State Train Show in sizes from N-scale, which Padgett described as engines “small as your pinky finger,” to G-Scale or “Garden Scale”, which cars are comparable to the length of a large shoe. Also featured were the popular HO-scale, S-scale and O-scale engines and accessories.

Padgett said part of the draw to the shows is that unique opportunity to find a piece that may have been in someone’s personal collection for years.

“That’s what makes the meet, because you really don’t know what’s going to be out there!” Padgett said.

A “G” scale model train whizzes around the train at the North State Model Train Show. Photo by Seti Long

Padgett also shares the distinction between collectors, who are seeking high-quality, mint condition items and operators, who prioritize function over the condition of the piece.

Various railroad clubs also traveled to the event, helping to raise funds for their clubs and recruit others that share a love of model trains. Padgett often donates tables to the non-profits so that they can have successful shows.

After closing, Padgett reported a highly successful event.

“It was our biggest crowd ever,” he said happily.

Padgett hopes for a second show this year but has many items for sale at his shop, including other collectible toys and memorabilia located at 546 Kentucky Street in Gridley.  Packratt Trains & Toys can be reached at 530-797-9264.