March Meet 20

Simon Winter posted:

Here's a suggestion to look into. If you want a new venue, check out the Pheasant Run Resort near St. Charles, ILL. on Rt. 64 west of Chicago. I've attended a couple of National shows there (they had nothing to do with Model Trains) and they have everything that would be needed there, and I'm betting the price is way less than anything in the immediate Chicago area. Whatcha got to lose?

Too far for my old bones these days, but I think it might be a winner location wise.

Simon

 

 

Pheasant Run is no longer in business and the building is up for sale.

Charlie

Simon Winter posted:

Here's a suggestion to look into. If you want a new venue, check out the Pheasant Run Resort near St. Charles, ILL. on Rt. 64 west of Chicago. I've attended a couple of National shows there (they had nothing to do with Model Trains) and they have everything that would be needed there, and I'm betting the price is way less than anything in the immediate Chicago area. Whatcha got to lose?

Too far for my old bones these days, but I think it might be a winner location wise.

Simon

 

 

https://www.dailyherald.com/ne...with-tears-nostalgia

Next....

Well, yes, I was actually thinking late April - early May as my  preferred time frame;  it can't be everybody's.  I should not have let that statement obscure the point I was attempting to make:  The future March Meet doesn't have to be in March, and it doesn't have to be in the western suburbs of Chicago.

And yes, organizing a show like this isn't easy or cheap.  Which reminds me:   For those of you who will be in Lombard this weekend -- like me --  be sure to thank the Hill family for all the effort and time that they've put in over the years just so we 2 railers could have a great long weekend once a year to exchange ideas, learn new things, see old friends, fill up the car trunk with purchases, and just plain have fun.

Best regards,

SZ

Well, l like the Lombard location much more than way out in the NW sticks, but like everything else, they price themselves out of the market.  The location was familiar as not too far from Wheaton.  I drive and can find hotels, and breakfast at Blueberry Hill.  I found them both places and would again.  However, suffering from age, and with my asthmatic travel companion leery of the current health situation and large crowds, this year is iffy.  Having driven off the road in a blizzard (luckily, managed to get back on) returning from Wheaton, moving the show to May would get standing ovations here.  I found York, and would find the new location.  I dislike urban areas, so a rural fairgrounds that l had to drive to from a hotel would be no problem for me.

railroad-guy posted:

Simon Winter posted:

Here's a suggestion to look into. If you want a new venue, check out the Pheasant Run Resort near St. Charles, ILL. on Rt. 64 west of Chicago. I've attended a couple of National shows there (they had nothing to do with Model Trains) and they have everything that would be needed there, and I'm betting the price is way less than anything in the immediate Chicago area. Whatcha got to lose?

Too far for my old bones these days, but I think it might be a winner location wise.

Simon

 

 

https://www.dailyherald.com/ne...with-tears-nostalgia

 

Next....

Guess they should have charged the 30 grand!

Simon

Simon Winter posted:

Here's a suggestion to look into. If you want a new venue, check out the Pheasant Run Resort near St. Charles, ILL. on Rt. 64 west of Chicago. I've attended a couple of National shows there (they had nothing to do with Model Trains) and they have everything that would be needed there, and I'm betting the price is way less than anything in the immediate Chicago area. Whatcha got to lose?

Too far for my old bones these days, but I think it might be a winner location wise.

Simon

 

 

Pheasant Run was set to CLOSE March 1st. The high $6 million bid for the property did not meet the minimum.

We cannot attend this weekend's Meet, and have available 4 TABLES TOGETHER in prime space in the center of the hall. If you or someone you know can use them at a reduced rate, please contact John at 414-345-7210, and I will contact Melissa to effect the change.

Would the Scale O National Convention (SONC) be an acceptable substitute for future March meets?

SONC is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the NMRA National Convention in St. Louis this year.  The SONC dates are 16 - 18 July.

NH Joe

New Haven Joe posted:

Would the Scale O National Convention (SONC) be an acceptable substitute for future March meets?

SONC is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the NMRA National Convention in St. Louis this year.  The SONC dates are 16 - 18 July.

NH Joe

 

That would work for this year but all of those meets are already scheduled.  2021 is a different story.  The most difficult part of the life of any of these events is passing them from the original individual or team that set them up to a next generation. 

As far as scheduling an O Scale specific event in conjunction with an NMRA event is the NMRA wants to be in charge and frowns upon anything which is not inclusive of all scales.  Which pretty much means an event which is 90%+ HO and N.  The 2021 NMRA is in San Jose CA and we looked into doing OSW 2021 with the NMRA.

As for March, if the worst happens and the Chicago March Meet is unable to continue somewhere, somehow OSW would be happy to take over the March timeslot.  Late May has proven to be a lousy time slot for all the reasons posted above.  Even some committee members are unable to attend and do what they do due to family related events.  I'd like it if someplace more centrally located like Denver or Kansas City would create or take something over O Scale specific but it has been made abundantly clear there is no one interested in taking on such a challenge.

Is`nt the obvious solution Dan`s Indianapolis Sept show takes the place of Chicago? I have not been to it but the show has gotten good reviews from a friend who has attended in the past. Sadly I`m avoiding crowds this weekend. It has been a great tradition and hopefully we can return to some normalcy in the future.   jefferson 

I love the standards and recommendations that the NMRA has instituted.    I do not like the bureaucracy and rules and procedures that they apply to meets and shows.    Also, the national conventions are very expensive.    The last one I looked at was in the Boston area I believe and when I priced out attending, some clinics, and layout tours (they charge for these) and the hotel I was over 1500 dollars and that did not include getting there which if driving for me would be another night each way in the hotel.    It pretty much would have blown my hobby budget for the year - no purchases, railfan trips etc.     Also as mentioned, the primary focus is on HO and any modeling clinics are mostly HO.    so I decided not to go.

In recent years, I have been going to the PRRT&HS conventions and focusing and learning more about the prototype.     The modeling clinics and sales room are mostly HO also, but the presentations about the prototype are usually very good and very interesting. 

jefferson posted:

Is`nt the obvious solution Dan`s Indianapolis Sept show takes the place of Chicago? I have not been to it but the show has gotten good reviews from a friend who has attended in the past. Sadly I`m avoiding crowds this weekend. It has been a great tradition and hopefully we can return to some normalcy in the future.   jefferson 

What is obvious is that where there once were two shows, there now  would be but one, call it what you like.

Simon

The March and September shows are a nice balance for the year. The struggle with combining the SONC and the March Meet is that the SONC doesn't move around the country or the March Meet does. The Cleveland show is icing on the cake. Thanks to all who put the shows on.

Al

For what it's worth, the Governor of Illinois just completed a news conference (5:45PM Central time), stating that ANY gathering/event of more than 250 people should be canceled. Also, the "March Madness" college basketball event has been canceled.

Hot Water's Posting!!  Is this show canceled!?  Other states...Ohio is canceling gatherings over 100 bodies, and schools for three weeks!  Colleges were sent home and caused a riot in Dayton...so, is this still on???

colorado hirailer posted:

Hot Water's Posting!!  Is this show canceled!?  Other states...Ohio is canceling gatherings over 100 bodies, and schools for three weeks!  Colleges were sent home and caused a riot in Dayton...so, is this still on???

Yes

I have attended both the Indy show and the Cleveland shows for the last few years. Both excellent venues, but I really wanted to get to the Chicago show in 2021. But this year I was planning to vend nearer to home at the Division 7 NMRA swap meet at the Lakota Jr. High School in Westchester (near Cincinnati).  Well I just received an email this afternoon telling me that the meet has been cancelled due to the possibility of illness. Man I can't win for loosing!   Doug

Yes is on, or yes is canceled?

colorado hirailer posted:

Yes is on, or yes is canceled?

Yes it's on. Please watch http://www.marchmeet.net/  for information.

I wonder if the governor can cancel anything wihtout declaring marshall law and calling out the national guard.    He/she can make recommendations or suggestions which is what the Mich governor is doing.     But can they really deny the right to assemble?    I don't know.

Doug,

Why make a last minute decision and come to the Chicago show?    It may well be the last one.   The Hills are retiring from running it, their ontracts with the hotel is over and no one else has stepped up.

railroad-guy posted:

colorado hirailer posted:

Yes is on, or yes is canceled?

Yes it's on. Please watch http://www.marchmeet.net/  for information.

It is Thursday night about 10:30. There are already several folks here at the hotel just waiting for the show to open.

Dick

hundreds of old guys from around the country coming together for one last show despite the situation around the country.

we are a group rough and tough train enthusiasts, we are.  I'll be the one in the yellow containment suit.

rattler21 posted:

Simon Winter posted:

jefferson posted:

Is`nt the obvious solution Dan`s Indianapolis Sept show takes the place of Chicago? I have not been to it but the show has gotten good reviews from a friend who has attended in the past. Sadly I`m avoiding crowds this weekend. It has been a great tradition and hopefully we can return to some normalcy in the future.   jefferson 

What is obvious is that where there once were two shows, there now  would be but one, call it what you like.

Simon

Seventeen hours ago I called it 'Morphed' and you replied it was the WORST idea. John

And I haven't changed that point of view. Expanding the Indy show does NOT make a Chicago March Meet.  If Chicago goes away, the number of shows is down one., regardless how large Indy becomes.

If the March Meet does, in fact,  go away there it's a pretty fair chance SOME of the March Meet patrons/vendors will go to Indy NOT having the Chicago option. I don't see any need for any kind action, people can figure that one out themselves.

The issue as I see it, is the loss of a show. It is either  continued or not.

None of this is meant to belittle the fine efforts of Dan and Amy. It's just basic math: 2 or 1.

Simon

I just got notification that our local show was cancelled for this weekend. It's one of the largest in the area.

Dave

luvindemtrains posted:

I just got notification that our local show was cancelled for this weekend. It's one of the largest in the area.

Dave

It would be more useful if you named the show that was canceled.

I think the question really is whether the Indy or other shows are capable of expanding given their current contracts. Without question the other shows would welcome greater turnout. It would be a  strange twist to have to turn vendors down if the excess turns out to be FAR greater.

I see one importer, the finest indeed, has cried off, it was always going to be a challenge to justify how a model has taken over a year to ship from Korea, even the Covid 19 excuse could not be wheeled out this time. I sure am going to miss this years show.

If what you say is true if anyone is interested move it to Denver I’ll run it. But I hope you guys in Chicago keep the fires going! I would come but between the OY Rotary charter and some other stuff... although I’m not going to Winterail in Corvallis OR they postponed... hmm  

More than likely I won’t make it. I know Jefferson and C Buck are going from Colorado! What about Reyes ? 

Eric,

It's good to have you back as it has been a while. I think I can speak for all of us that we all enjoy seeing your work.

Dick

If what you say is true if anyone is interested move it to Denver I’ll run it. But I hope you guys in Chicago keep the fires going!

Why don't you find out what doing this costs up front first; you might change your mind,

An X-42(painted) boxcar was on a table for $350.  A very good price considering when imported about thirty years ago they were $275 and unpainted.  John in Lansing, ILL

I hope a new venue and time will move forward for next year and beyond.  I could agree the weather can be the bummer with snow in the past.  April/May gets out of the potentially nasty stuff, yet before the summer rush of weddings and vacations.  I also like the idea of April/May as it's after tax time and to some if they're getting refunds that's more moolah to spend on O Scale.  Other thoughts are bus tours to different open houses and/or O Scale clubs, railroad museums etc.  

Erik C Lindgren posted:

If what you say is true if anyone is interested move it to Denver I’ll run it. But I hope you guys in Chicago keep the fires going! I would come but between the OY Rotary charter and some other stuff... although I’m not going to Winterail in Corvallis OR they postponed... hmm  

 

 Know this, the guy that runs it signs all the contracts for hotels and the venue and is financially and otherwise responsible for meeting all the minimums and what goes on at the meet.

AlanRail posted:

hundreds of old guys from around the country coming together for one last show despite the situation around the country.

The most at-risk group for getting the virus.

My wife and I are staying in our house, per all the recommendations. Best of luck to those attending the show that they don't get infected (and take it home with them).

The show was last weekend. I was all set to go but decided a day before the meet to cancel amid concerns over travel and large gatherings.

catnap posted:

The show was last weekend. I was all set to go but decided a day before the meet to cancel amid concerns over travel and large gatherings.

Wise decision Catnap. If I had to travel via any commercial (airplane/train/bus) I would not have attended the show. Too much chance (unknown at this point) to take. With that said, I did attend the show as I live only a few miles from Lombard. My decision is/was a bit hypocritical and if given the same situation with the knowledge we have just a few days later, I probably would not have gone.

However, I can say, it did seem everyone was on heightened behavior by maintaining distance. Easy to do because of lack of crowds like in years past. Also, I did not witness any uncovered coughing/sneezing and hand contact was non existent.

As with most things in life, we must move on. The show is gone as we knew it. Weather it gets picked up or not is still open as far as I know.

Charlie

I did not attend either, and I'm only a 15 to 20 minute drive away. At 78 with asthma, there was NO WAY I was taking any chances! Although I missed seeing, and talking to, many friends, not to mention a fantastic lunch at Rock Bottom Brewery, I'm still breathing.

Topic closed because it migrated to a discussion about the virus instead of the show....we all can get plenty of information about the virus other than this forum....