@NYC Fan posted:I was happy to be at York, mostly because I got to see many of the friends that I haven't seen since Oct 2019. I was sad that many didn't come but I totally understand. I missed the big dealers as most of my train budget is spent on the modern era, Lionel Legacy in particular. Their absence did force me to do something I hadn't done in probably the last 20 York Meets, I actually went through every hall. 11,000 steps, 5.5 miles. And, as my friends used to say, as long as you come home with one nice find it was a good York. I came home with two beautiful Milwaukee Road Atlas O woodside reefers, already added to my layout, and in doing so spent an enjoyable half hour talking to Bob Lavezzi of the NY Society of Model Engineers.
For me it wasn't quite as good as past Yorks, but it was certainly good to be back and hopefully it's the start of the full recovery of the greatest train meet in the world.
I actually took some time looking over some of the Atlas reefers in a few different spots. I finally walked away from two of the vendors that had high prices, one which was very high the other probably just about or close to what should be. I walked towards the front of the Orange Hall and looked over the third vendors stuff. Wound up buying 3 reefers and 1 single sheetfed boxcar. That was Friday. Saturday before I left I bought 2 more over in the Purple Hall, about the same good pricing as the guy I bought off of the day before. These are the first Atlas cars in my collection, and since they are steam era cars, perfect for me.
With those bought and the MTH NYC Madison passenger cars, it made for a very great York for me. Having a good amount of money leftover and being able to make buys on each day(and not say I spent more money on food/drink than on train stuff is a good day indeed). I also bought stuff at the Ross booth, but had wanted more stuff from there. Like Allan said, for them to be busy and behind shows some good signs for the hobby.
One other thing that is a pretty good sign is the future. Many remember a few years ago there was a topic about younger generations not being into the hobby like most of the older folks in it. This time around at the pre-York breakfast we had two much younger people who are on YouTube and have pretty good channels promoting the hobby.
They were happy to have breakfast with us older folks, and equally excited IMO to get into York. Having run into Sean, Chris and Jason a few times, it is clear to me that these three are full in on the hobby, and have started those great friendships that only the hobby and York bring. Sean had posted on his second video that he was done and was going to take Saturday off, he didn't need to come back. When I saw him Saturday morning I started laughing. I talked to him and he said something about he had to come back. Chris was also there Saturday but unsure if Jason was.
Either way, these young guys and their friends have made great York memories, and more to come. I am speaking of Sean of Sean's Trains, Chris of RBP Trains(I think is his channel), and Jason is JDStucks on YouTube.
It was great to see those old friends of mine, even though this is only my fourth York. I even find time to sit down(a few times) and just talk to some people who like me were taking a break. Whether talking trains, pizza, or just about sore feet from walking, it was and always will be a great time in my opinion. I don't think I have had a bad York experience, only it being cancelled(like others would agree). I even got some time to talk with Allan and Dave for a bit. It is always good to chat up for a spell while you are waiting to move to your next potential purchase.
