Event Times
Saturday, May 16
Museum Open w/Train Show: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Train Rides: 10 and 11 a.m. and 12, 1, and 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 17
Museum Open: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Train Show Open: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Train Rides: 1, 2 & 3 p.m.
Event Prices
General Admission*
$12.00 for Adults ($10.00 plus $2.00 handling fee)
$11 for Seniors (65+)/Military ($9.00 plus $2.00 handling fee)**
$9.75 for Children 3-12 years of age ($8.00 plus $1.75 handling fee)
Free for Members & Children under 3
General Admission + Train Ride*
$22.75 for Adults ($20.00 plus $2.75 handling fee)
$20.75 for Seniors (65+)/Military ($18.00 plus $2.75 handling fee)**
$18.50 for Children 3-12 years of age ($16.00 plus $2.50 handling fee)
Kids under 3 are free and do not require a ticket. Members are free but are encouraged to reserve a ticket in advance using your membership number.
*These prices include handling fees. NC Sales Tax added at time of purchase. Event operates rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.
**Must present approved military ID along with ticket for entry. Limit 1 per military ID.
ASTC Passport Program:
Reciprocal memberships from participating Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC) will NOT be accepted for this special event.
Historic Spencer Shops Train Show
May 16 & 17, 2026
Fun for the Whole Family!
Quick Links: Event Info | Event Features | Event Times | Event Prices | Vendor Registration | Gallery | Food Vendors
The Historic Spencer Shops Train Show features vendors with railroad memorabilia of all types: model train dealers, model train layouts, collectors, and more. The show takes place at the former Southern Railway Spencer Shops steam repair facility, a historic railroad location perfect for a railroading event!
Take a train ride around our 60-acre historic site, ride on restored railroad maintenance motor cars, and enjoy more fun for all ages.
Members are Free
Members of the North Carolina Transportation Museum enjoy this daytime event, including museum admission and train rides, for free. Saturday, May 16, is also Member Appreciation Day with special members-only perks. If you’re not already a member, it’s a great day to sign up and enjoy a day at the museum for free! Members are strongly encouraged to reserve tickets in advance using their membership number.
Historic Spencer Shops Train Show Features:
- Model train and railroad collectible vendors
- Model train layouts
- Railroad motor car rides provided by Red Springs & Northern
- Museum passenger train rides
- Museum exhibits and programs
- Special railroad related presentations (To Be Announced)
- Special photo opportunities
Event Times
Saturday, May 16
Museum Open w/Train Show: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Train Rides: 10 and 11 a.m. and 12, 1, and 2 p.m.
Sunday, May 17
Museum Open: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Train Show Open: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Train Rides: 1, 2 & 3 p.m.
Event Prices
General Admission*
$12.00 for Adults ($10.00 plus $2.00 handling fee)
$11 for Seniors (65+)/Military ($9.00 plus $2.00 handling fee)**
$9.75 for Children 3-12 years of age ($8.00 plus $1.75 handling fee)
Free for Members & Children under 3
General Admission + Train Ride*
$22.75 for Adults ($20.00 plus $2.75 handling fee)
$20.75 for Seniors (65+)/Military ($18.00 plus $2.75 handling fee)**
$18.50 for Children 3-12 years of age ($16.00 plus $2.50 handling fee)
Kids under 3 are free and do not require a ticket. Members are free but are encouraged to reserve a ticket in advance using your membership number.
*These prices include handling fees. NC Sales Tax added at time of purchase. Event operates rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges.
**Must present approved military ID along with ticket for entry. Limit 1 per military ID.
ASTC Passport Program:
Reciprocal memberships from participating Association of Science & Technology Centers (ASTC) will NOT be accepted for this special event.
Food Vendors
Food vendors will be on site and announced at a later date.