Just saw on my Facebook feed from EDTCA that Aprils York will be Friday and Saturday only. October 2020 will remain 3 days. Interesting turn. Whatever. I'll be there.
Voted by the board of directors based on vender and attendees feedback.
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I’ll be there too. But is this what the future will bring? Time will tell?
That sucks hopefully travelocity will allow me to cancel my non refundable room for Wednesday night (wishful thinking) seeing that I don't have to come in Wednesday now. Wish they would have given a years notice seeing how many of us make travel, vacation time, and accommodation plans a year out.
As sad as this is, many people, including myself saw this coming. Attendance at last April’s meet was really low, and with many big manufactures not being there it’s definitely a sign of the changing times. Debating on just going in October at this point.
So it's really just a 1 day meet in April as I'm sure everyone will still pack up early on Saturday. Hopefully the Bandit meets will all move back a day. I'll still be there though.
-Greg
Will be interesting to see if this makes it better or worse.
I'd suspect some folks (I'm thinking buyers here, but could be sellers too) who come from long distances might decide it's not worth a long drive/plane fare/etc for a day and a half in April.
So much for my thought that the "survey" was one step of many. I guess there is no point in answering the email now... 
Interesting that for members the setup is still shown as Thursday 12-5 for the Friday-Saturday option. I can easily set up my whole single table in the one hour of hall access before the meet starts on Friday, but those who need more time than that will still have to be there on Thursday afternoon, it seems.
While I'm sure I'll still be there, I'm not sure what I'll decide about bringing stuff to have a table. Only an hour on one day to walk around the dealer halls after members' halls close is a big negative for me.
-Dave
Definately makes my 1774 mile one way drive from Texas a difficult decision. Even a less than robust 2.5 day April train show was still worth it. I view the new train show as a 1 day train show and 1/2 day vendor pack up day.
I only pay TCA dues just to go to York. I don't read the quarterly/magaxines, use the library, buy a brick, or do research. If i now only go once a year then the 50.00 tca dues goes on the 67.00 fee for for York admit and rv charge. So 117.00, 6 days driving, and 1 week vacation for a 1 day train show.
It definately changes the decision variables.
This is sad. I’ve been in the TCA since 1987. Postwar was my passion and York (as well as other shows) was my opportunity to build my collection. After 30 years of upgrading my postwar year after year and staring at my trains on the wall, I changed. I wanted to run trains. Sold my postwar trains and now own Legacy and VisionLine Engines. I enjoy these much more. Just like I changed, so did the hobby. Back in the day, it was important to look before buying. I recall being at the Billy Bud pre York show at 5am with flash lights looking at trains. Tables were already set up and vendors and buyers were eager to buy or sell. Now, at 5am I sit in my chair, drink coffee and check out eBay. Yes, everything changes.
I had been debating about going next April. This made my decision for me. I won't be attending the April meet.
Neal Jeter
So "York" will be all day Friday, and 3 or 4 hours on Saturday. I'll see you on a aisle-packed Friday.
Someone needs to update their website because they are still advertising the show being Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with the note mark your calendar for these important dates. That is the problem I have with this. They advertised when the show was going to be and they know people make travel plans months to a year ahead of time. 7 month notice not nearly long enough for many people. Just a quick question will the price of admission be lowered since the show will only be 2 or really 1 day now (since Saturday is just a pack up day after the first hour or so)
Sad to hear this news. But the board of directors had to make the decision and I don't think it was an easy one but it is a financially sound one. Not knowing the exact costs it has to be an sizable amount to put the meet on. I suppose when you look at the big picture York has changed over the past few years. Less people were going and with the departure of some of the manufacturers going to the April meet showed that. So economics and an aging group of members most likely made the decision for the board. I will still go in April. I still enjoy York. It will just bring it back to the way it was. ....Friday/Saturday.............Paul 2
For the spring I'll head out early Thursday and spend the day and return home later Friday. I understand the EDTCA has to make these tough decisions. Rather than giving them grief we should support anything that helps keep the meet going. While the decision may not work for everyone, they must have had enough feedback that it makes sense for most. I can see where April may just go back to members and no dealers.
If attendees and sellers decline due to this change it won't be long before York becomes a once a year meet in October.
The big dealers left the spring meet. How long until they leave the fall meet?
I have to agree with most of the post. They should have planned out a one year notice, As has been said travel and lodging for many is made well in advance of the show. Toss planned vacation time in there as well.
Jim
If the big dealers leave, York will become what it started out as, a local TCA meet. York could be a victim of it’s own success.
For now I’ll attend as always ready to meet friends and maybe even buy some trains.
Now the bandit show at the Wyndham will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday. I don't agree with this move.
Well, I'm glad I didn't make reservations for April yet. 
I wonder what hours they'll have on Friday, if it's a short day like Thursday is now, that will influence some people considering attending.
Works for me.
I'm less than a two hour drive from the meet so have always had some flexibility with logistics. I understand that's not the case for many but I can pretty much customize my attendance (days and hours) based on a number of factors.
As already noted above, change can be challenging but I think many here sensed (just check the old posts) that changes were coming to York.
Didn't see that coming.
It should have been changed to all day Thursday and all day Friday. No one needs Saturday.
Well, I haven't attended an April meet yet, but still want to definitely do it. Just have to adjust to the times I guess. Sure it will conserve some vacation time, but I'd rather burn it on more days of fun than less.
eddie g posted:It should have been changed to all day Thursday and all day Friday. No one needs Saturday.
Eddie
It sounds like they polled the vendors and members with tables and this was what was best for the majority. It won't work for everyone. I suspect Friday will be a 9am open.
I'm sure everyone here has a better idea of how York should be scheduled, ran, and administered. Thankfully it's up to the EDTCA and their membership. As a guest I will let them make the hard decisions and adjust accordingly.
I don't dispute what many are saying on this thread. My only complaint is the quickness that this decision was made and implemented. I know that running a train show is a thankless job. I sit on the board of directors of probably the biggest 2 day train show in Northeast Ohio and if we discuss any changes they will never go into effect for the current year. The reason being is we attract vendors and attendees from all over the country and many book hotel rooms and vacation time a year in advance. If they were to do this I just wish it would have gone into effect April 2021.
All,
I like the change back to Friday and Saturday.
IMO that was the best configuration, Friday was always the big day, and Saturday was ok for the first few hours, with free donuts before opening, and some good “I am not hauling all that home” pricing.
Thursday diluted the Friday crowd and made both days look sparse, also the noon start left covering the meet in one day hard. Plus, Friday was nice to make a three day weekend. Glad Thursday is gone, hopefully for good.
The joint will surely be jumping on Friday’s in April with both (previous years) Thursdays and Fridays visitors combined into one day. Put curb feelers on your scooters!
I hope Fridays is members only.
MYGA!!!!
(Make York Great Again)
Bryan in Ohio posted:I don't dispute what many are saying on this thread. My only complaint is the quickness that this decision was made and implemented. I know that running a train show is a thankless job. I sit on the board of directors of probably the biggest 2 day train show in Northeast Ohio and if we discuss any changes they will never go into effect for the current year. The reason being is we attract vendors and attendees from all over the country and many book hotel rooms and vacation time a year in advance. If they were to do this I just wish it would have gone into effect April 2021.
Without knowing the details, we have no idea why this change was made in this time frame. It could be there was incentive from the fairgrounds or some other outside influence that made this change happen when it did. It could be a simple as a money thing. We can discuss it to the cows come home but unless the EDTCA wants to explain it, we can only guess. I don't care enough to guess. I'll still be there. I imagine the room reservations can be altered for many. Travel not so much. I sympathize but it is what it is.
Craignor posted:I hope Fridays is members only.
I'll be very surprised if they make Friday's members only.
Without knowing the details, we have no idea why this change was made in this time frame. It could be there was incentive from the fairgrounds or some other outside influence that made this change happen when it did. It could be a simple as a money thing. We can discuss it to the cows come home but unless the EDTCA wants to explain it, we can only guess. I don't care enough to guess. I'll still be there. I imagine the room reservations can be altered for many. Travel not so much. I sympathize but it is what it is.
Agreed Marty and I was one of the lucky ones in that travelocity and my hotel allowed me to change my nonrefundable reservation from Wednesday night to Friday night. (I had only really planned on spending Thursday and Friday in York this April so never booked a Friday night room) I called back about 30 minutes ago to confirm with the hotel that travelocity was able to do this and there wouldn't be any fees and the lady at the front desk said they have had 4 cancellations for Wednesday April 22 already that morning. I explained to her what was going on and she said she knew something must have changed for so many cancellations to come in for the same night in such a short time.
I agree there should have been a longer notice. I thought the cost savings would be avoiding the weekend fairgrounds rental by having a Thurs-friday show.
This looks like a sharp death spiral to me. More long distance buyers and vendors will have to rethink the commitment. Probably no effect on people with a 2 hour drive.
I think York will quickly go back to being a great but much smaller, local meet. The size and length of the usual York meet (including hotel meets) made York totally unique. Now one has to consider other one day meets that are much closer and maybe go to York every three years.
BTW, where are all those public attendees that were going to bust the attendance numbers wide open?
Were the "Public Welcome" banners the wrong color?
gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I'm glad I didn't make reservations for April yet.
I wonder what hours they'll have on Friday, if it's a short day like Thursday is now, that will influence some people considering attending.
Of the options presented, these seem to be the ones that won the survey (of course this is just the April hours - technically it was "Option 3" that is the combination of 2 days in April and 3 in October, but the hours breakdown remains):
DEALERS - FRIDAY 9AM to 6PM & SATURDAY 9AM to 3PM
SET-UP THURSDAY ONLY 9AM to 7PM
MEMBERS - FRIDAY 9AM to 5PM & SATURDAY 9AM to 3PM
SET-UP THURSDAY ONLY 12NOON to 5PM
-Dave
The big dealers left the spring meet. How long until they leave the fall meet?
What big dealers? What did the Lionel display sell?
I like the change. Since York is only a 2-1/2 hr. drive for me, and not being interested in the member halls, I could never justify the expense of staying overnight and so would only attend on Fridays when it was a full day to shop the dealer halls. Unfortunately that meant some of the best items would have already been purchased by the Thursday attendees but fortunately, albeit selfishly for me, that will no longer happen 
Dave45681 posted:gunrunnerjohn posted:Well, I'm glad I didn't make reservations for April yet.
I wonder what hours they'll have on Friday, if it's a short day like Thursday is now, that will influence some people considering attending.
Of the options presented, these seem to be the ones that won the survey (of course this is just the April hours - technically it was "Option 3" that is the combination of 2 days in April and 3 in October, but the hours breakdown remains):
DEALERS - FRIDAY 9AM to 6PM & SATURDAY 9AM to 3PM
SET-UP THURSDAY ONLY 9AM to 7PM
MEMBERS - FRIDAY 9AM to 5PM & SATURDAY 9AM to 3PM
SET-UP THURSDAY ONLY 12NOON to 5PM-Dave
Hopefully Friday and Saturday will be both Members and the Public!
richabr posted:The big dealers left the spring meet. How long until they leave the fall meet?
What big dealers? What did the Lionel display sell?
Well there was that infamous boxcar a few years ago. And various Lionel promotional stuff that didn't sell via dealers.
ogaugeguy posted:Hopefully Friday and Saturday will be both Members and the Public!
For dealer, halls, that would make sense.
For member halls, that's been rehashed many times (here and elsewhere), and these hours won't change the situation there. (really a different topic, so I hope we don't go down that path in this thread)
-Dave
Look at the positive side. Take the $100.00 you’ll save on the Wednesday night room and spend it on train stuff. Everybody wins.
Well, I guess when I pop back to my LTS I'll have to inquire with them about this. I'm sure they haven't made April plans yet, but you never know.
I applaud the change. The show is smaller now, and 1-1/2 days is plenty of time to see it all. Also. perhaps more of the vendors will come if the time commitment is less. (There is plenty to do in the area if you have reservations that can't be changed.)
Perhaps a three day fall event and two day spring event would have been a better alternative, but the ED-TCA Board has the numbers to make the prudent choice.
Standard Gauge fans: Plan to attend the Standard Gauge Module Association "dutch treat" breakfast Friday morning 0730-090 in the Fairgrounds restaurant! Everyone is welcome! Bring "show and tell"!
Kirk Lindvig
The move to Thursdays years ago killed the bandit meets. I usually only spend only one night and that was Thursday. That didn't change when the days changed. Before I went to the bandit meets on Thursday then to the museum and the Thursday's at Fridays. Friday morning opened at 9:00 and I was ready to go. The biggest problem I had when the meet was set-up this way was I didn't always get to all the halls on Friday. If the change helps the dealers and manufacturers then I am all for it.
Scott Smith
I will most likely still arrive on Thursday late afternoon to get there when they open on Friday. Hopefully, there will still be some folks gathering somewhere for dinner. At least I'll save a day off of work as I can arrange to work 6:30/7:00 to 2:30/3:00 to still arrive around dinner time (about a 2 hr drive).
The biggest downer for me at this point is the potential impact this will have on the usual Thursday morning and evening social gatherings (Peter's breakfast and OGR dinner). Hopefully, they can be moved to Friday.
-Greg
Dave45681 posted:richabr posted:The big dealers left the spring meet. How long until they leave the fall meet?
What big dealers? What did the Lionel display sell?
Well there was that infamous boxcar a few years ago. And various Lionel promotional stuff that didn't sell via dealers.
ogaugeguy posted:Hopefully Friday and Saturday will be both Members and the Public!
For dealer, halls, that would make sense.
For member halls, that's been rehashed many times (here and elsewhere), and these hours won't change the situation there. (really a different topic, so I hope we don't go down that path in this thread)
-Dave
Sorry, Dave, I should have been more clear, I was only referring to dealer halls, not member halls. Personally, I just visit the dealer halls.
I hate to say it, but this may sound the death knell for the April York Meet. Since Saturday is typically a very slow day, I have to wonder how many dealers are going to travel to York for essentially a one-day meet. I also wonder how many members will be rethinking their plans. Very sad.
Pat
Like any other business York is no different. Its about making money. Vendors spend thousands of dollars to attend that meet. Things like employee salaries, table rent, food, lodging, snacks/coffee, travel expenses all enter into the equation. If a vendor cannot turn a decent profit they will not continue to attend. The Eastern Division is just reacting to the amount of member admissions and table rental revenues. If the days that the meet is open are scaled back it only means that the demand in not there. Some hobbyists like myself also stopped attending as the cost of the total experience was not worth the reward. Now figure in the effects of online buying and the changing demographics of those that buy the trains. All these factors will continue to have a significant impact , on a closed door meet that discourages family participation and targets only a specific customer.
Bryan in Ohio posted:That sucks hopefully travelocity will allow me to cancel my non refundable room for Wednesday night (wishful thinking) seeing that I don't have to come in Wednesday now. Wish they would have given a years notice seeing how many of us make travel, vacation time, and accommodation plans a year out.
Sorry to hear that. However, for at least a decade it's been unnecessary to book that far in advance. I've gotten my pick of rooms booking 4-5 months ahead, fully refundable. And frequently , I find a lower rate a week or two before the meet - cancel the old one and save money.
irish rifle posted:I hate to say it, but this may sound the death knell for the April York Meet. Since Saturday is typically a very slow day, I have to wonder how many dealers are going to travel to York for essentially a one-day meet. I also wonder how many members will be rethinking their plans. Very sad.
Pat
I've been going twice a year for awhile. ED just freed up several vacation days for me to use for something else.
Agree that it's the start of the death spiral for April York.
Agreed I will still attend but the social component will shrink for all .OGR party as a kickoff on Thursday nite still good idea breakfast Friday AM and then what about LCCA and LOTS get togethers???? October only?? Then the private parties???
Just in case you forgot, York used to be Friday, Saturday only back in the day. Not sure why you would think this is a death spiral.
SGMA1 posted:.........
Perhaps a three day fall event and two day spring event would have been a better alternative, but the ED-TCA Board has the numbers to make the prudent choice..............
If you re-read Marty's original post, that is EXACTLY what is happening!
The 2 days thing is only for April as of this moment(2020, but presumably it will stick and be all Aprils). October 2020 is still said to be 3 days, and of course the October 2019 is long since set as to days, so it's 3 also.
-Dave
MartyE posted:Just in case you forgot, York used to be Friday, Saturday only back in the day. Not sure why you would think this is a death spiral.
Didn't seem that long ago that Thursday afternoon was added. And when the switch came it was said it's going to kill the bandit meets, which didn't really happen.
I would still look forward to any social gathering for breakfast and dinner, just may make things a bit weirder for breakfast. Maybe start at 4AM breakfast(joking), I think they're open 24/7.
MartyE posted:Just in case you forgot, York used to be Friday, Saturday only back in the day. Not sure why you would think this is a death spiral.
Marty, I remember! Also the dealer/manufacturers were under the grandstand in the yellow hall, some set up in the unused food stands under there.
Lionel set up in a tent nearby some years.
I usually visited the dealer/manufacturers last, if at all back then.
Mike
MartyE posted:Just in case you forgot, York used to be Friday, Saturday only back in the day. Not sure why you would think this is a death spiral.
I don't recall exactly when, but seems like 20 or so years ago...
a step backwards after so many years is a really bad sign.
not disagreeing with ED's decision, though.
scott.smith posted:The move to Fridays years ago killed the bandit meets. I usually only spend only one night and that was Thursday. That didn't change when the days changed. Before I went to the bandit meets on Thursday then to the museum and the Thursday's at Fridays. Friday morning opened at 9:00 and I was ready to go. The biggest problem I had when the meet was set-up this way was I didn't always get to all the halls on Friday. If the change helps the dealers and manufacturers then I am all for it.
Scott Smith
I think you have a typo there Scott. They added Thursday.
Scott smith, You are wrong. The move to Thursday was to hurt the bandit show. I wish that it would have been changed to 2 full days 9-5 Thursday and 9-5 on Friday. If you come from any distance you still have to stay over Wednesday night. Stupid move.
Didn't seem that long ago that Thursday afternoon was added. And when the switch came it was said it's going to kill the bandit meets, which didn't really happen.
The Bandit meets, or what is left of them, are a mere shell of what they once were. When York was a 2 day meet the entire parking lot at the Wyndam was filled with tables. Now only a small fraction remain. The Billy Bud is almost non existent but that is due more to the tax laws that were enacted. Best Western is gone.
Bill T posted:If attendees and sellers decline due to this change it won't be long before York becomes a once a year meet in October.
Pretty much what I have been suggesting for some years now. Not something I necessarily want to see, but our society and our hobby has changed and continues to change (in case you haven't noticed). It is not the "gloom and doom" scenario that some seem to think that it is, but there's no denying that the hobby--and the York Meet--has changed a good bit from the "golden days" of the mid-1980s through the first decade of the current century. We all need to be willing to adapt a bit. I still firmly believe it's the best hobby in the world, and I'll continue to be an advocate for the hobby as a whole and will support groups like the TCA and TCA Eastern that are doing their best to make the adjustments they find necessary.
My recollection is that the hey day of the bandit meets has decreased proportionally with the York meet.
The Billy Budd used to have the south parking lot reserved only for sellers as well as a circus tent on the grassy knoll.
The Sheraton parking lot was full of sellers an area 2x of what it is now and was packed. Having the mall next door eased the parking problem.
I remember the Best Western meet and a downtown movie theater with a sloped wood floor full of bandits (vendors).
Likewise I remember parking at York going all the way out to the SW corner of the outer fence and aisles you could barely move through.
But that was yesterday, and yesterday's gone. (Sorry couldn't resist). I hear a lot about the social aspect of York, but I'm not convinced that translates into the table sales needed to stabilize the York meet.
I sure hope this works out better than that "the public will save us" campaign worked out.
The Valencia Ballroom was the venue downtown back in the 90's.......2 floors. It took a few hours just to get through the Valencia in its glory days.
This could be a great thing for the bandit meets. Two dealers that I spoke with said that they have not set up at the hotels since the show was moved to Thursday, however they are considering once again setting up with the show moving to Friday. Maybe the people considering canceling could show up at the bandit meets on Thursday and go to TCA show on Friday and Saturday. That way you still have a three day show. The only downside that I see is that some people might blow the budget on Thursday and have no funds left for Friday which is why they moved the show to Thursday.
I agree with the move by the ED. I'll just go back to my schedule I always used when it was always Fri--Sat meet. Beings I am about two hours away I'll get to the meet between 8--9 am on Friday and enjoy the meet. Same as I did for many years.
The only things I may miss are the dinners and get togethers but on the way home on Friday a few of us stop at the Red Lobster near Lancaster on rt 30 for dinner. Another thing we did before the three day meet, now we will do it again.
All in All the change is ok with me.
Dave
MartyE posted:scott.smith posted:The move to Fridays years ago killed the bandit meets. I usually only spend only one night and that was Thursday. That didn't change when the days changed. Before I went to the bandit meets on Thursday then to the museum and the Thursday's at Fridays. Friday morning opened at 9:00 and I was ready to go. The biggest problem I had when the meet was set-up this way was I didn't always get to all the halls on Friday. If the change helps the dealers and manufacturers then I am all for it.
Scott Smith
I think you have a typo there Scott. They added Thursday.
That's a typo.
Scott
Well......I guess in April we can meet Thursday night for dinner.....Friday AM for breakfast and then Friday night for dinner again......different venues, different groups......we adapt!
Peter
Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:I would still look forward to any social gathering for breakfast and dinner, just may make things a bit weirder for breakfast. Maybe start at 4AM breakfast(joking), I think they're open 24/7.
Not a problem, Dave......I get up every day between 4-4:30 AM......
Peter
Scrapple is both flexible and forgiving.
Putnam Division posted:Well......I guess in April we can meet Thursday night for dinner.....Friday AM for breakfast and then Friday night for dinner again......different venues, different groups......we adapt!
Peter
Works for me!!
-Greg
eddie g posted:It should have been changed to all day Thursday and all day Friday. No one needs Saturday.
I agree. However, the dealers would then start packing-up at noon on Friday.
Joe Hohmann posted:eddie g posted:It should have been changed to all day Thursday and all day Friday. No one needs Saturday.
I agree. However, the dealers would then start packing-up at noon on Friday.
I think it needs to be what works best for the EDTCA through the results of their polling of the vendors and table holders. I'd rather have a Friday Saturday York than no York at all.
Is this for real ??? I know I’m a little late reading this but just got the TCA National Headquarters News and the dates shown are April 23-25 2020
Thx
dorfj2 posted:Is this for real ??? I know I’m a little late reading this but just got the TCA National Headquarters News and the dates shown are April 23-25 2020
Thx
Yes it is. They announced it on their Facebook page. They haven't updated the website or publications yet.
Since April 2020 will be the first show with 2 days, any idea on how the EDTCA will handle allowing the public in? Thursday was the members only day in this format once the public was allowed in. If the public is allowed in all day on both Friday and Saturday, then what benefit is there in TCA membership aside from the early registration fee ( $15.00 advanced vs $23.00 at the door)? Also, will the price be the same for April vs October with one less day?
PA Anthracite posted:Since April 2020 will be the first show with 2 days, any idea on how the EDTCA will handle allowing the public in? Thursday was the members only day in this format once the public was allowed in. If the public is allowed in all day on both Friday and Saturday, then what benefit is there in TCA membership aside from the early registration fee ( $15.00 advanced vs $23.00 at the door)? Also, will the price be the same for April vs October with one less day?
Stay Tuned, as their Facebook page basically said, for details to follow.
WOW can we just thru October first.
We will get the REAL info then.
GG1GUYY
Greg Houser posted:Putnam Division posted:Well......I guess in April we can meet Thursday night for dinner.....Friday AM for breakfast and then Friday night for dinner again......different venues, different groups......we adapt!
Peter
Works for me!!
-Greg
That sounds good to me as well.
I myself get up early too, usually around 5 during working days, weekends maybe just after 6 or a little later depending on when I went to bed.
I thought l read Sat.-Sun. two day was under consideration? So much for working stiffs. (didn't/won't impact me, as l had the vacation time, but others?) Sat. hall rental cheap; Sun. not? I find more of the old stuff l am still looking for, on the net. With product source problems, dwindling mfrs., aging market, and redundant products, going to York to see "what's new?" has not been effective. I have spent little the last several Yorks. I keep hoping for a resurrection.
I like the change back to just Friday and Saturday. I'll probably stay over to Saturday and avoid the Friday evening traffic on the way home which keeps getting worse. I expect that the TCA Museum and Library in Strasburg will go back to Thursday before York for the open house and manufacturers' presentations.
Maybe Saturday will be the only day open to the public which might make that day more worthwhile for the dealers and manufacturers. Anyhow, I'd think the dealers and manufacturers would appreciate the shorter hours and one less night of travel expenses. Who knows, the April meet may regain some of its lost momentum.
One of the options, I'm told, was to eliminate the Spring York meet. Glad they are taking one step at a time. Guess I'll stay over for Saturday for the first time in many years.
Jim Waterman
Well, since this was the last topic on York 2020, I'll post here. My friend Phil who has been asking some good train questions is getting more interested in many things, so I dropped him the York line. It started because he was asking about the Legacy users meeting that MartyE heads. See if Phil is going to attend York and join the LU's meeting assuming fall we have one.
irish rifle posted:I hate to say it, but this may sound the death knell for the April York Meet. Since Saturday is typically a very slow day, I have to wonder how many dealers are going to travel to York for essentially a one-day meet. I also wonder how many members will be rethinking their plans. Very sad.
Pat
Well York had no problem attracting people back when it was a Friday-Saturday show before!! More people then than now big time! As far as big dealers missing? Lionel was missing as far as manufacturers. Whoopi.
Farmer_Bill posted:Scrapple is both flexible and forgiving.
Great for Pothole Fillers!
Jason gartner posted:irish rifle posted:I hate to say it, but this may sound the death knell for the April York Meet. Since Saturday is typically a very slow day, I have to wonder how many dealers are going to travel to York for essentially a one-day meet. I also wonder how many members will be rethinking their plans. Very sad.
Pat
Well York had no problem attracting people back when it was a Friday-Saturday show before!! More people then than now big time! As far as big dealers missing? Lionel was missing as far as manufacturers. Whoopi.
Although the April meet's trend and the vibe isn't great, I hope we are not seeing the eventual end of the April meet. IMHO the prior 2 day (FRI/SAT) was a different era. I think it will be difficult if not impossible to accurately compare the last 2 day (FRI/SAT) meet to the 2020 current day: the changes within the TCA membership and the O gauge hobby of participants, dealers and manufacturers is SO MUCH different (i.e. smaller) today than it was during those heady days 15+ years ago. We must also consider both the financial and volunteer demands that it takes each time to plan, organize and run this meet. As hard as it is to say or maybe accept, in the long run and for the long-term betterment of "the event" possibly a pullback or contraction may be better for the group.
Keystone posted:Jason gartner posted:possibly a pullback or contraction may be better for the group.
I tend to agree. Not only are "old folk" like myself at 77, passing on (PC for "croaking"), but also no longer searching for "stuff". My layout was "finished" around 10 years ago, and my York buying mainly consisted of a 1:43 vehicle here and there. Although my $ won't be missed, I may stop going if the one and a half day schedule goes back into effect. Back in earlier days, I was more willing to put up with the gridlock in some of the halls on Friday, but no longer. And in my case, no York will result in no TCA membership. I still have the Allentown, PA show and forum breakfast to go to twice a year.
I want to hit April mainly for two reasons, I haven't been there in April, and for the good friends I have met there during the last three October York's. I enjoy talking to everyone I meet, even if it is a scarce few minutes. Last year someone was asking me about the coat I was wearing. I couldn't remember what the company name was I bought it from(US Wings out in Ohio), but told him that the company was run by a Vietnam Vet. I wished I could have told him the company name, but I was scatterbrained.
Possibly dumb question from someone who has never been to York. What's a "bandit meet"?
Just joined the TCA, and see all the exhortations to get people to join. IMHO, model railroading is not gaining new fans, with the older generation literally dying off. (I had an "N" table-top layout in the early 70s, was a member of NMRA, etc., but did nothing with "O" trains until 2-3 years ago. Now making up for lost time; bought 18 locos in the last 2 years.)
I've been going to the Westchester show, have gone to two local Greenberg shows. Do I *need* to go to York?
All the discussion of going to 2 days from 3 days is familiar from other fields I'm involved in.
Lastly, I don't drive. How would I get to York?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Andrew I do not if this helps but the Railroad Museum of Long Island runs a bus trip to york with pick up points across Long Island and N J .
"Bandit" meets are meets that happen in York, mostly on earlier days of the week before the TCA meet at the fairgrounds. It's essentially people setting up at hotels and a few fire houses.
The TCA meet, even in decline, is still much larger than any Greenberg show I've ever been to.
Do you "need" to go? Of course not. But it is something to do at least once, if you can figure out a good way to get there and get around once there.
As to the not driving, depending on where you live, that is a challenge. If you have friends from your area going, maybe you can hitch a ride with them (and split hotels if they are going multiple days, etc). There is at least one bus that is organized regularly (for one day of the TCA meet), but it is Long Island based. If you want to do bandit meets and the TCA meet, you want to be there for at least 3-4 days, most likely. (but getting around to the bandit meets requires driving between them, they are not at the Fairgrounds where the TCA meet is held, nor are they central to one another that you could readily walk between them - not that you would want to if you make purchases, obviously)
-Dave
FJI posted:Andrew I do not if this helps but the Railroad Museum of Long Island runs a bus trip to york with pick up points across Long Island and N J .
Thanks, found it!
Andrew, if you don't come on a bus tour, and took a Greyhound yourself, I believe Uber and Lyft are available to get to the fairgrounds where the meet is, as well as around the area.
Mike
UPS also sets up a booth at York to ship items.
Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:I want to hit April mainly for two reasons, I haven't been there in April, and for the good friends I have met there during the last three October York's. I enjoy talking to everyone I meet, even if it is a scarce few minutes. Last year someone was asking me about the coat I was wearing. I couldn't remember what the company name was I bought it from(US Wings out in Ohio), but told him that the company was run by a Vietnam Vet. I wished I could have told him the company name, but I was scatterbrained.
I was certainly glad to see you Dave when you walked up to me in front of the Orange Hall I believe!! I was there that October and went the following April. Those are the only two I attended, and was blown away by both October and April. The largest meet I had ever been to before that were the Greenberg shows in Monroeville (near Pittsburgh) and I get the idea those are some of the smaller Greenberg shows.
Having only attended twice, those in recent years, and only staying for two days each, I have no opinion on what the two day event will be like. We will have to wait and see.
gftiv posted:UPS also sets up a booth at York to ship items.
I don't think they have boxes large enough for Andrew to fit into.
(sorry, I couldn't resist)
I would bet the Thursday addition had little to do with the shrinking of the Bandit Meets. Think "eBay". Think "far fewer people collect now". Flea Markets in general are 1/3 to 1/2 the size they were 15 years ago. I don't expect the size of the Bandit Meets will now go back to "the old days".
Joe Hohmann posted:gftiv posted:UPS also sets up a booth at York to ship items.
I don't think they have boxes large enough for Andrew to fit into.
(sorry, I couldn't resist)
They also only set up at the Fairgrounds, to the best of my knowledge, so that's not helpful for someone without a car shopping the bandit meets earlier in the week.
(though I imagine there has to be some sort of UPS/Fed Ex drop off location within a quick Uber ride. I know there is a post office right near the intersection of Carlisle and Rte 30)
-Dave
Mark Boyce posted:Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:I want to hit April mainly for two reasons, I haven't been there in April, and for the good friends I have met there during the last three October York's. I enjoy talking to everyone I meet, even if it is a scarce few minutes. Last year someone was asking me about the coat I was wearing. I couldn't remember what the company name was I bought it from(US Wings out in Ohio), but told him that the company was run by a Vietnam Vet. I wished I could have told him the company name, but I was scatterbrained.
I was certainly glad to see you Dave when you walked up to me in front of the Orange Hall I believe!! I was there that October and went the following April. Those are the only two I attended, and was blown away by both October and April. The largest meet I had ever been to before that were the Greenberg shows in Monroeville (near Pittsburgh) and I get the idea those are some of the smaller Greenberg shows.
Having only attended twice, those in recent years, and only staying for two days each, I have no opinion on what the two day event will be like. We will have to wait and see.
Heck I can't rightly remember, I just know we all had a blast that October getting out to Peter's breakfast and chatting up a storm about everything we heard was coming. I remember being overwhelmed just seeing everything. I can't even remember how many pictures I took that first time, but I do know I've taken less the more I've come back. Hopefully everything works out and we all get out there.
I do know this past October there was a bunch of discussions on what all the nightlife would be with the shorter days. That is going to be the hardest thing to get ironed out. I think Don had said that two groups would meet a day after each other, now they'd be meeting on the same day and same time. I guess we'll all see what comes.
I use the riverhead train club bus to York, its great, the operators take great care of you, I can drive but rather have somother person to drive the bus. read the information, I think its cheaper than driving your self.. been going several years now, did the fall show.
Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:Mark Boyce posted:Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:I want to hit April mainly for two reasons, I haven't been there in April, and for the good friends I have met there during the last three October York's. I enjoy talking to everyone I meet, even if it is a scarce few minutes. Last year someone was asking me about the coat I was wearing. I couldn't remember what the company name was I bought it from(US Wings out in Ohio), but told him that the company was run by a Vietnam Vet. I wished I could have told him the company name, but I was scatterbrained.
I was certainly glad to see you Dave when you walked up to me in front of the Orange Hall I believe!! I was there that October and went the following April. Those are the only two I attended, and was blown away by both October and April. The largest meet I had ever been to before that were the Greenberg shows in Monroeville (near Pittsburgh) and I get the idea those are some of the smaller Greenberg shows.
Having only attended twice, those in recent years, and only staying for two days each, I have no opinion on what the two day event will be like. We will have to wait and see.
Heck I can't rightly remember, I just know we all had a blast that October getting out to Peter's breakfast and chatting up a storm about everything we heard was coming. I remember being overwhelmed just seeing everything. I can't even remember how many pictures I took that first time, but I do know I've taken less the more I've come back. Hopefully everything works out and we all get out there.
I do know this past October there was a bunch of discussions on what all the nightlife would be with the shorter days. That is going to be the hardest thing to get ironed out. I think Don had said that two groups would meet a day after each other, now they'd be meeting on the same day and same time. I guess we'll all see what comes.
I've mentioned elsewhere that Marty Fitzhenry invited me to sit in the empty seat beside him at Peter's breakfast and gave me some tips for my first time at York. I was overwhelmed too. I took some photographs of the old buildings and grandstands, but didn't take any indoors. The city of York has a lot of buildings older than here in Western Pennsylvania.
I enjoyed the OGR supper at Quaker Steak and Lube each time I went, once in October, then the following April. I sat with some of the guys I know from the Pittsburgh Independent HiRailers each time, in fact shared a room with Andy Hummel. To me, both meets seemed about the same. Great!!! 
One thing I have to do yet is register for this. I really have to out in my vacation before I do that to make sure I have off.
Has anyone heard anything about the public still getting into the orange and purple halls. I heard that it was being dropped.
The eastern division meet notice came today. It is good that the legacy users will be there or is this another oops. 
Sorry Marty
I got my meet notice in the mail yesterday. The map on page 8 still shows "Open to the public" in the Orange, Purple and black halls. Not sure about the Legacy meeting? I see that the DCS meeting is listed for Thursday night in the Fairgrounds. Wasn't it offsite last Oct.?
According to the York April folder I got in the mail today, "Mark Your Calendar Future York Meet Dates October 23-24, 2020...April 23-24, 2021".
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