The York Meet, and any model train show anywhere, is a product of interest in the hobby. People attend them because they've discovered the model train hobby and go there to see and buy trains and get to know the vendors and manufacturers.
If vendors and manufacturers of model trains want to increase interest and sales they need to start advertising. Advertise to the public through television and radio commercials, mainstream magazines as well as hobby publications. And not just at Christmas time, but throughout the year. Put the product out there and tell the story of how wonderful and fun the model train hobby is.
This will generate interest, this will drive potential hobbyists to the hobby shops, to the shows and also to model train organizations like the TCA and increase their membership.
And if they don't, it's funny that they'll then advertise their business for sale.
