The way I see it, by operating mainly a closed meet and doing the public a "favor" by opening two halls to everyone for two days is a severe limitation, not the formula for long term success. You can't really advertise it to the public as the restrictions would not be clearly understood. How would you word this on a billboard "come to the York train meet, 7 halls of trains but only two open to the public" . It would be waste of money. Since no other show in Pennsylvania (automotive, firearm, computer, antique) operates like the ED/TCA they are in a unique position.
The meet still draws around 10,000. I believe that is sufficient to pay the bills and perhaps turn a small profit for the time being. What is working against growth is the changing demographics of those that purchase the trains and attracting the same stale audience. The ED has a challenge on its hands. Sellers, (the table holders) go to the meet to make money If you don't get new people in, there will eventually be no sellers and no meet. If there will be a York a few years from now, shrinking the meet or opening everything to the public (and making it family friendly) will be the only option.
The WGHOT show draws up to 20,000 on a weekend with one 100,000 sq ft hall . The Allentown Train Meet with two halls and only 50,000 sq ft of floor space draws 5,000 (half of York) . York has like 170,000 sq ft of floor space and draws 10,000. Just do the math.
