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Reply to "My 1st York.... One word "WOW""

Well, I also went to York for the first time since I was 17, let's say its been a while....

Anyway only had time to go Friday during the day, and my lovely wife came along! 

I poured through the primer as best I could but there really wasn't a description I saw of the sign in process - a little long but not too bad...  I have heard people talk about the badge holders, but last time I was there as a guest it was a just a sticker if i remember right.  The guards were quite fanatical about checking for badges as you went from one building to the next, particularly as the wind was twisting them around.

We had a good time cruising the blue and silver halls, Then hit purple, got some lunch, and headed to the all important orange hall to see the manufacturer displays.  The only things I am looking for are some mth/lionel tinplate traditions in o gauge that I was reasonably sure I wasn't going to find, but it was fun looking.  The most interesting take home piece I found was an adorable little hornby clock work set. The hornby along with several other small pieces was being sold by a lovely older woman and her husband, thinning out the collection.  My wife found a Flyer 3211 caboose with curly Q couplers that looks great for $20.

Being able to see some things in person was a big help, in particular I see an ets purchase in my future. As for the big two, the mth booth was very nice.  I got to say hi to Midge in person, and got the deal of the century, lifetime catalog mailings for a one time $5 fee.  The display was neat the company principals, including Mike Wolfe were very friendly.

The lionel booth display was pretty neat, but the feeling was totally different.  Every time some one wearing a Lionel shirt opened their mouth the first words were "better than mth..."  When you have to mention your competitor in the opening line of your sales pitch it makes the customer wonder.  So anyway  as I was looking around a tall heavy set man was handing out bags of catalogs to every man who entered his space.  When my wife went to get one he said hello but made absolutely no move to give her one.  it was pretty clear to my wife that he wasn't going to hand her one.  Now being a good sport when I was done window shopping she suggested I grab one.  Since the bags were just sitting out on the table ready to go I did.  As we were going to the next spot i was immediately distracted by the sensory overload of things ni the room to look at, and I didn't know about the little interaction she just had.  She was sure to grab the gentleman's eye as we walked away and asked him "Do you think I am ordering anything for Christmas for him out that catalog now?"  This got him several looks.  I just don't get why she wasn't treated like any other potential customer for that interaction.  

Anyway we had to leave about 2 to get home in time to grab the first kiddo off the school bus.

Overall, parking was easy, the aisles were reasonably sized.  The people saying "sorry" or "excuse me" while working around outnumbered any ill manners by 20 to 1 or better.  Sellers were helpful and understanding as well.  We probably only saw 60% of what was one display, and that was one time through.  No wonder this show is a multi day experience.  That being said I didn't see tons of purchasing going on and the crowds at times were almost sparse, even though the parking lot was jammed.  

I will probably be back when I can schedule it.  more than anything I want to do more of the social stuff, like the dcs presentation on Wednesday, the ogr forum dinner on Thursday and the grandstand meeting. 

Also special thanks to AL from Millhouse River studios, who was there demonstrating his new rotary dumper.  He would have gone on for another half hour if we let him

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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