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Kenny is right.  The show in Monroeville is a lot of fun.  It is great to hang out at the Pittsburgh Independent Hi Railers, watching cool trains I can't afford and talking with the guys.  Layouts of smaller scales are also there.  I like watching the S Scalers, they have an S scale switching layout and a traditional American Flyer layout where they help the kids operate all the accessories.  The LEGO layout gets more impressive every visit.

There are a lot of vendors, mostly O Gauge, but all scales are represented.  Some good deals are to be had.

I can't compare to Allentown, since I have never been there.

I suppose it depends upon what your preferences are.  I don't want to take anything away from what has already been said about Monroeville.   If you want to see operating layouts you'll probably find more at Monroeville.  However, if you're looking to find lots of toy trains and related items then you definitely should consider the Allentown Spring Thaw.   The Allentown show features over 625 tables and 200+ dealers.  It's all on one level.  Here's the website.

www.allentowntrainmeet.com

 

Ted has a good point!  I have only been to Monroeville, because of the same reason Jim cited.  I was hoping someone who has been to Allentown would respond, since the two shows are about the same distance for Andrew.  

 

Now it is up to you Andrew!!  Also consider the Monroeville show is 3 times a year.  If I'm not mistaken the Allentown show is only Spring Thaw and First Frost, twice a year.  Maybe you want to wait until July to go to Monroeville.

Andrew B. posted:

Same weekend as Allentown. Having never been to either, and being directly between both, which should I attend?

Allentown is bigger, so if you are looking to buy, that would be the logical choice.  We do have lots of fun in Monroeville, though.  It is a tough choice.  If I were in your situation, I'd probably let the weather and the driving routes play a factor in the decision.

Some day, I'd actually like to go to the Allentown meet (we in the PIHR do day trips to Timonium once or twice a year, and Allentown would only be 18 more miles from us than Timonium is).  Of course it would have to be on a weekend where we didn't have a set-up ourselves.

Andy

Last edited by Andy Hummell

I guess I prefer browsing product to seeing modular layouts, so Allentown might be more my thing. I'm usually not looking to buy anything in particular, but always have stuff I'd buy if I saw it/price was right.

 

For layouts I'm more into wide, permanent displays with a lot of scenic stuff happening, and that's not usually what ends up at the shows.

 

I could go to one each day 

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