First Greenberg Show - What to expect?

First thing. Enjoy the day and have a good time.

I cannot speak to the show in Richmond, but the Greenberg shows we have here in Edison NJ usually have three or four operating large modular layouts in O, HO and N gauges. Enjoy watching the trains run and if you have questions about the operation just ask.

Its not all trains, there are die cast cars and airplanes, plastic models, dolls, small RC helicopters and other collectables. As for the trains while it is as you mentioned not like York there still are a lot of trains, new, old, used, all scales. Are you looking for something specific? The prices vary but are generally lower then retail and for the most part are negotiable.You can usually find some really good deals if a seller is selling off a collection or blowing out overstock items. If you are looking for pre-war or post war Lionel or other trains of that time examine the pieces carefully and make sure it is what you are looking for and that all parts are original and the item has not been repainted. There is nothing wrong with repainted / restored items but they should be labeled as such. If you want to make sure the item works there is usually a test track available. Most dealers and sellers are fair and honest but it only takes one bad experience to ruin the day and perhaps your feelings on the hobby.

If you are looking for modern brand new trains you will find them as well just be careful if it breaks you cant take it back after the show is over.

Scenic Express comes to the Edison shows so there is plenty of selection there. I don't know if Jim of Scenic Express does the Richmond show.   

As for tools usually there are several sellers with all kinds of small tools and clamps and tweezers and files and magnifiers etc. All generally good for hobby applications. As for larger tools for benchwork carpentry or electrical work best get those from Lowes or Home Depot or your local hardware store. 

Wear comfortable shoes. 

Hope this is helpful

Enjoy

Frank

The Show in Richmond is certainly on a smaller scale than the Greenberg shows up north.......but it's still a big event and I always have a good time. There usually is plenty of O Gauge.....but what kind is variable from year to year.

I will likely be there Saturday.  Last year I got some great deals on Marx and new Lionel (NYC TMCC/RS semi-scale Mikado Breakdown Set new for $250).

Raggedrebel......if you're in town Saturday or Sunday.....come out to our modular display in Midlothian.....about 18 miles from the Richmond Raceway Complex.  What part of VA are you traveling from?

http://rivercity3railers.org/events.html

http://rivercity3railers.org/2013_Flyer.pdf

Peter

Peter,

I was kinda expecting you to say Richmond was probably a smaller show, but then I was not sure since they are doing 3 shows in VA so close. 

Where are out LHS's here in central VA? Only one I can really find is the one in Ashland. There used to be a few in the Richmond. There was a really big one in Richmond, big enough to have commercials, but they closed a long time ago. I think there used to be one in either Southpark Mall or Chesterfield, and then their was Norge Station near Williamsburg, All of witch have closed to my knowledge.

If that last bit didn't give you an idea of where I am, then I guess I'll just come out and say it, I'm in eastern Henrico, about 10 miles East of RIR. I'll talk a trip to the layout over with the GF and see what happens.

Thanks!

P.S - nice website, a lot better then I was expecting.

P.P.S - Jealous of your roller coaster.

Chesterfield Hobbies closed in mid June. The owner retired and couldn't find a buyer for his business. Very sad.

He is running a train repair business out of his house and sometimes participates with our modular group. We're basically without a local shop. It's tough. I used to buy 75% of all my trains and all my building supplies there. Now I order building supplies from MB Klein's in Baltimore.

this is the 1st time in 15 years I don't have anything on order........a strange feeling for sure!

BTW, the store in Ashland will be gone soon......the owner has already moved to South Carolina to retire.

hope to see you at the layout.......I'm working it this Sunday from 1-5PM.

Peter

Well, that's depressing. I end up buying a lot of my stuff from feabay, because I can find parted out sets, and the constant used market. I did use to try and buy local for hobbies, but everything keeps closing....

Depending on things Saturday, we may go out after the show. 

Most of my rolling stock are Halloween dioramas from John Hazur in PA. 

I have attended Greenberg shows in PA, NJ, MD, and DE. They were all large, and pretty much the same dealers were at all of them. Most of them had nice modular layouts.

While at a wedding, I attended a Greenberg show in Virginia Beach. There were 3 or 4 dealers that I remembered from the Northern shows. Overall, this show was about half the size, and I don't remember any modular layouts.

That being said, you will have a great time at the show you mentioned. I've gotten some nice stuff and good deals at very small shows. Because your show is just prior to Christmas, it may be a very good size.

I'll be at this show participating with my On30 modular club (stop by and say "hi" - you too, Peter). I know this might not mean much being your first Greenberg show in many years, but I've seen the floorplan for this show and it appears to be about twice the size of the last several year's shows. I hope that means lots and lots of good stuff!

Twice the space is always good!(Well except for the wallet) I should be their first thing pretty early, you cant miss me I'll be the guy with long hair walking around with the girl with blue hair. 

Just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their input. (Of course, I welcome any more) and all I can say is I am getting more excited about the show by the minute. 

There are generally 3 or 4 Greenberg Shows in Va every year. Historically the ones in Richmond and Va Beach have been fairly small. The ones in Fredericksburg and Chantilly are much better. Of course all four combined wouldn't even approach a York meet.

Train shops are an  endangered species in Central Va. The most promising one right now is Rail Tales near downtown Charlottesville.

http://www.railtalesva.com/

Ken

Charlottesville you say? Thats about 30 min or so west of my girlfriends house, so that could make the trip worth it. 

Since you live in eastern Henrico, your best bet may be Davis Hobby Supplies in Portsmouth:

http://www.davishobby.com/index.php

or Dales Train Station in Norfolk. Both have a lot of O gauge.

Ken

Okay, now I am a bit concerned on how I managed to miss all 3 of theese shops in my google-ing