I don't have anything against train shows, never had a bad experience either. But used cars, used trains, used computers, used cell phones, used lawn mowers, etc, etc, etc,.. it is always buyer beware. That being said I don't go to train shows looking for deals, I go to see the people, the layouts, and either to browse for something unusual or just browse. With the exception of a flea market find over 40 years ago all my locomotives (new or used) come from a hobby shop or one of the supporting businesses here on OGR. I have purchased a few clunkers but it's never been any problem returning them.
Just my 2 cents,
-Mike in NC,