First time at the Big E

The Big E meet is an all-scales event.  There are many display layouts in N, HO, S and O-scale, O-not-so-scale (3 rail) and G.  Lots of dealers in all of those scales.

 

There are a few dealers with tired old pre-war and post-war, but not even one percent of what you will see at York, or even a fraction of what you might find at regional local meets at the local fire house.

 

Lots of great dealers in new detail parts, scenery, tools, and newer toy trains.

 

Lots of families/kids.

 

I would definitely urge to you go, but you may be a little disappointed in the low numbers of Pre & Post war items available.

Arthur,

 

   Thank you for the great information.  I will go there with an open mind as it is my first time.

 

    Kevin

its a great show

Get an advance ticket online if you can, Kevin.  The lines to buy tickets that morning can be long, it's often pretty cold, and the ticket windows are outdoors if I remember correctly.

 

- Mike

West end of the better living center is the best place to enter the show.  There's four building and I would start there.

I think there is enough prewar and postwar Lionel at the Springfield show. Otherwise I wouldn't have bothered attending the Springfield show all these years. Prices are another matter. There aren't many table holders there giving their trains away.

Thank you all for your input.  I have always heard about this show and I am finally able to give it a shot.


   Kevin Coyle

Please drop by the O Gauge Railroading booth in the Better Living Center and say hello. The least we can do is give you an OGR pin as a first timer at Springfield.

 

It is a great show and my guess is is that you will find some Prewar and Postwar Lionel when you are there. 

 

I am usually able to find something when I walk around,  and as the only "official" collector on the OGR staff, I find what is offered by some of the dealers is worthwhile for me.

 

Ed boyle

Kevin:

 

Everyone's comments above are spot-on.  

 

This is truly an all scales show and it can be a little disappointing if the vision you have in your head is York.  It's not York.

 

HOWEVER, if you go with an open mind and look for ideas, it's a glutton-fest.  There are more great scenery products, operating tables, and generally just interesting things than you can shake a stick at.

 

While many of the tables of pre- and postwar items are on the pricier side (I refer to it as "I want to take it back home with me" pricing), there are also a handful of deals that make it worth going to.  I scored a couple of standout deals on a dozen O22 switch controllers and 2-3 circles of used O54 tubular track last year at two different dealers.  I also got to feel, touch, and hold a lot of the brick and stone walls and other scenery items that I have lusted over online, but never saw in person.

 

My only other bit of practical advice is: Walk through the halls starting from the furthest from the parking lot and do them one by one, working your way back toward the hall closest to the parking lot.  The walk at 5pm back to your car is among the coldest things you'll ever do and shaving even a couple hundred yards off the distance will be most welcome.

 

Oh, and wear comfortable shoes.  My girlfriend has an app on her phone that uses GPS to tell you how far you've walked.  Last year was 8 miles for the day.

 

Steven J. Serenska

 

Stop the press.  Ed you say OGR will be there.  Rich says you won't.  I'm confused.

Woo hoo it's coming up. Photo shoot at 2 pm. Will be there hopefully with a blue and purple sweat shirt, an engineer cap and also my specks on.    I'll make sure I get a hair cut also. Will this be posted on the forum once it is taken. I can't wait to be tagged in it.