Is it too late to join TCA for Spring York?

I'm sure you could join now and go to York next month. go to traincollectors.org and click the join tab for details

Dates are 4/23-4/25.  You can join at the meet itself if you like.  (Since you've not already pre-registered, you are going to have to wait in line to register anyway)

The "side deals" or bandit meets are generally before the main meet.  If you are not taking more than Thursday and Friday off of work, you will not be able to see too much (if any?) of these.

End of meet you may be more likely to get some people down a little so they can take some cash home with them instead of packing up their item and bringin it back next time.

Good deals (like really good deals) may sell out before the end of the first day on Thursday as word gets out.

Point of these last 2 comments is the general advice of "If you see it for a fair price and you really want it, buy it.  It may (or will)  be gone when you go back".

Enjoy it!

-Dave

Kenny,

       You can join the TCA and buy and buy a York pass all the day you attend the meet. You will not get any off the preregistering discounts and will have to wait in a line but the best thing is to get there early, look through the information book on the Eastern Division TCA website, find out what building to go to etc.

        Also go to the York forum move this thread to that forum and a lot of your questions and more will be answered.

JohnB

Didn't I read somewhere that a sponsor of some sort was needed to join the TCA? Is that wrong?

That rule was done away with couple of years ago.  The only requirement is that you fill out the application and pay the first year's dues (the application fee is still being waived, I beleive).

Andy

yep Andy is correct. used to be a person needed TWO signatures from TCA members.

  that isn't required anymore....as others have pointed out just go to the BLUE HALL

( I believe) fill out the proper forms.and away ya go like a kid in an UNRESTRICTED candy store

  the doing away of the two signatures is/was definitely a F A I L move IMO!

No more signatures is correct. When I joined back in 1982 you had to pay the application fee but they gave you you regularm membership card 6 months later so the fee was like paying the first 6 months so you didn't loose anything. One warning about York is if you go to local meets you will be spoiled lol. Have fun.

It's never too late to join. Just show up and join at the meet. You'll have a great time there!

Very True, It's happend to me several times. 

Even if it has not been sold, good luck finding it. York is a BIG place!

That part is normally workable if you take notes, but not always.

I've had rare times where I took notes in great detail and found when I went back that I could not find the same location because something in the surrounding area had changed.  (a seller wasn't there that day, or a certain type of product that I used as a reference (i.e., stack of MTH passenger car sets) had all sold, etc)

Which brings up another good point.  If you do want to tempt fate, the aisles are labeled if you want to try this.  There is always a really big piece of posterboard with row letters on it at the ends of each aisle.

-Dave

I'm pretty sure it's the Silver hall for many years now.  First time I was there in '97 it was Blue in the alcove at the end (I think Silver was still pretty new then, so it had not "evloved" into the routine yet).

When looking at the blue/silver building from the central parking areas, go towards the Memorial Hall sign over the entryway.  This is either the door you want, or if it's locked due to crowds at the start, it will have a sign directing you where to go for registration.

-Dave

Appreciate the info.  Bringing 2 newbies as guests but they now want to join up.

Yes, the aisles are labeled, and, in the Red Hall for instance, a big sign shows each table number. Trouble is, most all of the numbers on the actual tables are covered up. So if you are looking for G18, you have to find the 18th dealer in that row.

Thanks Everybody for the great tips!! If I wait until I go to York to join  the TCA,will that slow me down as far as getting in????,or will I have to go through the same registration process either way????  

I can hardly wait!I have been back into the hobby for 12+years now,and going to York has always been something I have wanted to do.As I am getting older,I am ACTUALLY DOING more of the things I talk about doing,instead of just talking about them.  

Having one of my best friends pass away last year,has really opened my eyes to the fragility of life,you never think it could be you,until you are reminded by an experience such as my good friends passing.No warning.He just didn't wake up that day.  Anyway,I'll be at York this year,and Disneyworld this Summer!!!

According to the meet notice, registration hours in the Silver Hall start on Wednesday from 3-5 p.m., then again on Thursday and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and finally on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The meet opens at Noon on Thursday, so you can get there early (the registration desk is open 3.5 hours before the meet itself), register, and not miss a minute of the meet.

I would print out and fill out the membership application in advance to save a few minutes time at the desk, and I would also print out and bring with you a copy of the fairgrounds map (it shows where all the buildings are, as well as the ATM's, restrooms and food vendors).  It also couldn't hurt to read through the meet notice for other general information (don't know that you need to print it and bring it with you, though).

And while you are at the registration desk, you may want to consider buying one of the TCA badge holders they sell there.  At only $2, it is a pretty nice way to display your badge.

Oh, and don't forget to wear your most comfortable shoes - if you plan to hit every aisle in every hall, you will be walking for miles (and that is not counting the space between the buildings)!

Andy

quote:

Point of these last 2 comments is the general advice of "If you see it for a fir price and you really want it, buy it.  It may (or will)  be gone when you go back".

That's what I usually do. Just this past York, I passed on an item because of a minor condition issue. Changed my mind, and went back to get it. Of course it was gone.

When you follow this advise, sometimes you'll see the same item at an even better price elsewhere. You cannot let that bother you! 

Get ready to have a blast!

Oh, and remember to obey the directional arrows on the floors in the aisles.

Otherwise, you'll rip a hole in the Space-Time Continuum.

George