I drove from Phoenix (actually west of) to York. I haven't been there since I moved out west. I have actually moved back east. I downsized from a 3000 sq ft house to a less than 10 x 10 bedroom in my daughter's house, so currently no room for a train layout.
However, my visit to York was a pleasant one. I met up with friends I have not seen for many years. Sadly, one of our friends, and an OGR Forum member passed away on Thursday right before the meet. He had reserved tables at York!
So despite who was missing, I found that I did not have enough time to wander through all of the halls. There were tons of vendors. So much to see! I arrived on Friday, which cut out a lot of browsing time. I found 2 items I did not know I was looking for! Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse high cube boxcars that used to sell for $200 each were only $25 each! That completed that set for me. Now I can sell it as a complete collection. Got a couple of K-Line ceramic train houses, something else I didn't know I was looking for. I like them because they make setting up a train around a tree easier, with these sturdy and well decorated pieces. I really wanted to buy a Lionel K-4 decorated for the head of a funeral train, from Mr. Muffin. The problem for me is I have a Lionel Union Pacific Veranda and a NYC Alleghany coming. Can't afford too many big ticket items. It was hard to leave that train behind. It really is nicely decorated with bunting on the handrails alongside the boiler.
A great shout out to Eastern TCA for hosting such a very fine meet.
I think I will be attending the April York for sure, and may even make hotel reservations now. I had to drive 20 miles north to find a hotel with any vacancy. Even at that distance, it was heavily booked, and pricey! I saw some train meet attendees there as well. The April time frame will allow my wallet to be ready for big ticket items. One item I could not find there was a MTH TIU. I looked hard for one too. I did get the MTH handheld controller NOS version 6.1, I believe.
So all in all, I think it was a great meet, and have zero negatives to post about.
