This would constrict the hobby, not expand it.
When did it become the responsibility of the York train show to expand "the hobby". And what is "the hobby" anyway? It's the "Train Collectors Association"
I understand that the current mission statement includes: "to promote the growth and enjoyment of collecting and operating toy, model and scale trains". But that does not mean that every single thing a TCA division does has to include elements to satisfy that part of the mission statement.
There are plenty of public shows and meets for people who are interested in finding out about trains.
And why is it on the Eastern Division to provide the TCA with its primary recruitment tool? What are the other divisions doing to help the TCA get new members?
IMHO the most attractive draw to York IS the Dealer halls. I find it pitiful to see the same old men in the member halls @ York displaying the same old items year, after year, after year.
Then I assume you are likely to be an operator, as opposed to a collector. I think it's fine that the dealer halls are there for you to enjoy. IMHO, the dealer halls take nothing away from the member halls, or the collector centric aspects of the show.
And its hoped that the planned changes will not negatively impact those collector centric parts.
If things turn out well, there will be no need to consider dropping the dealer halls.
