My York feelings

Totally agree, Ben...still a great time. Went this April with very little on the search-list and still came home with a couple hundred bucks worth of stuff.

Looking forward to October.

PD

I'm having a good time. Found quite a bit of stuff. Still making decisions about a couple of items. I don't have a whole lot to compare it too, this is only my second. I will say I understand, they want big crowds, lots of cash flying around, I myself would probably stay away if it were that crowded. Still fun. I found more bargains at the silver hall.

I will probably skip October and stick to once a year in April now.

Bigger than last April.

Not sure about October.

MTH was there.

Lots of deals.

Always worth the trip.

Great time so far......always on the go visiting, catching up, meeting new people

Breakfast 4 days in a row with friends

The Welcome Party Tuesday was fun......

Group dinners Wednesday (Great American Saloon), Thursday (Quaker Steak), and tonight at the Olive Garden.

Trains to buy; trains to look at; and, trains to run.......we loved showing our layouts!!!!

Tomorrow morning......Maple Donuts and then time to exercise my civic duty and support the Eastern Division at the biannual business meeting.......then, more......

Trains to buy; trains to look at; and, trains to run.........and, at 2 PM, time to take down the layout.....and, head for home......

See you all in October! York, the place I buy trains and visit with my buds from all over the country, twice a year.....

Thank you, Eastern Division for a great time!

Peter

I second what Peter said above!! Amen!!! And Ben I second what you said about the Italian Ice it stunk!

Since I have moved closer to York (within 25 minutes) I have been going a lot. Vendors tell me the crowds are generally down. Lots of room between elbows. Walked over 13, 000 steps on Friday. It is like being in a world or atmosphere permeated by trains - not a bad thing. I'm thinking that in another half a generation a lot of this stuff, mine included, will be yard sale fodder. Hardly any kids there - just a few. Bought one Amtrak GG1... Put a lot of stuff "back".... I am very choosey now because my layout is jammed full of stuff.

I thought this show was good as always. I was able to find several things that I had been looking for a while for and talked to many people.

I did have two concerns though:

1. Some of the aisles in orange hall were ridiculously narrow. There were spots where I couldn’t tell if it was the aisle or a spot for the sellers to sit!
2. Less food options than in the past. I know this one is beyond the TCA’s control, but it does make it difficult, especially if you see the lines between 11 and 1! I may start packing a lunch just because of the lines.

Overall, a great time with like-minded people and worth the trip as always!

I only attended on Thursday.  Definitely a smaller crowd than in the past years before Covid.  Some good deals can be had.  Most are willing to deal. Good seeing a few familiar faces. Some tables were vacant either with a "for rent sign" or under cover with trains to sell.  Definitely missed seeing some vendors that paid for a table but didn't show up. That still didn't stop me from purchasing items that I wanted.  Maybe more people and vendors were there on Friday.  April is always less crowded than October.  Warmer weather means more outside activities.  As far as the food goes, it is always lacking but sometimes there is a good food truck outside.  Sign me up for the October Meet.  More money, more days to spend there...

Hi really found some cool engines and especially std gauge handmade engines at York !

I’ve been going to York each time since 1992 missing it once for illness and the 3 pandemic shutdowns. Still York is a GREAT show, maybe 2 halls smaller but still worth the trip.
Eddie g will start his weather report in October and the October countdown will begin a month prior.
I went for Friday only as my 18 year old Beagle was not feeling well on Thursday day and night and not well on Friday. So I zipped the halls in 6 hours and back home by dinner. Maybe he missed me as he bounced back to his usual normal 106 year old buddy! Unbelievable!
I missed Ben and his entourage. Did see a lot of folks but really could not engage in conversations much as my mind was quite concerned about my buddy.
See you all in October for Friday and Saturday.

As always a wonderful time. Every year though it seems the buildings have up rooted and moved farther apart. The ole legs need more rests each year.

My wife and her entourage were disappointed with the shopping in Lancaster so she told me she will not be coming in October  I had to show her my disappointment but underneath I was like Yessss  I get to go to the LCCA meet at Smokey Bones, The OGR meet at Quaker steak and Peter's breakfast meet at Round the Clock   And I can buy whatever I want without having to hide it in the car     I feel so bad she isnt coming

Like Rob, My 70 year old legs can't take it like they used too so my York days are about finished. Since I joined the TCA back in 1982 I would religiously go to York April & October and started skipping after 2004. My last visit was 2015 and I remember noticing the wide aisles and less people. I have to blame the internet for it since it is so easy to find what you,re looking for and pay without mailing checks.

Have to say that I had a blast!  Yesterday was birthday - what better way to spend it than at York? 

I thought Thursday's crowd was pretty good for a Thursday in April.  Friday was less crowded than I expected, but the meet was competing with 2 car related events (there is some overlap between train guys and car guys).  One of the events was the Spring Carlyle swap meet (we passed it on the Turnpike it was absolutely jammed with tents and people)!  The other event was the auction of the 100th produced 1953 Corvette by one of the big auction houses.  So I expect those 2 things drew people and some of the food trucks away from York.

I thought prices were a bit high for April, but there were a number of bargains available if you did some digging.   I certainly came away with more things than expected (didn't really have a shopping list).  And of course, I got to see friends.  I did more laughing than I've done in awhile, too. 

George

Sounds like it was a good meet, and not much ado re: the absence of some dealers and manufacturers. I hope to be there in April 2024.

York has become my place to catch up with the friends I've made since first joining TCA at the April 1984 meet. I miss seeing Lionel, Atlas, Williams, TW Trainworx, OGR, Scenic Express and Miller Engineering. They were always some of my favorite places to stop.

@bluelinec4 posted:

MI had to show her my disappointment but underneath I was like Yessss  

This.  All married guys know this feeling!

@Ted Bertiger posted:

I’ve been going to York each time since 1992 missing it once for illness and the 3 pandemic shutdowns. Still York is a GREAT show, maybe 2 halls smaller but still worth the trip.
Eddie g will start his weather report in October and the October countdown will begin a month prior.
I went for Friday only as my 18 year old Beagle was not feeling well on Thursday day and night and not well on Friday. So I zipped the halls in 6 hours and back home by dinner. Maybe he missed me as he bounced back to his usual normal 106 year old buddy! Unbelievable!
I missed Ben and his entourage. Did see a lot of folks but really could not engage in conversations much as my mind was quite concerned about my buddy.
See you all in October for Friday and Saturday.

Glad to hear your Beagle is doing better, Ted.

Busy for an April meet compared with the past several years.  Found lots of negotiable prices.  I think that the wider aisles are beneficial - it's easier to look at the items, and you might see something that you would otherwise have missed.

@CarGuyZM10 posted:

...

1. Some of the aisles in orange hall were ridiculously narrow. There were spots where I couldn’t tell if it was the aisle or a spot for the sellers to sit!...

Those narrow aisles were where the sellers are supposed to sit - the actual aisles were wider than in the past.

I had a good time.

It definitely feels smaller without a good chunk of the big guys showing off their new product, which was a main hook why I went to these shows, but you definitely get exposed to a lot more product than you typically will at your average train show.

Was happy to see the halls dedicated for layouts (though you definitely feel that empty space in the purple hall), and there was no shortage of finding good deals of some of the more rare or prized items, both old and new.

@bluelinec4 posted:

My wife and her entourage were disappointed with the shopping in Lancaster so she told me she will not be coming in October  I had to show her my disappointment but underneath I was like Yessss  I get to go to the LCCA meet at Smokey Bones, The OGR meet at Quaker steak and Peter's breakfast meet at Round the Clock   And I can buy whatever I want without having to hide it in the car     I feel so bad she isnt coming

My heart bleeds for you Ben! I know how terrible you must feel that's she's not going with you in October.  I'm sure if you tell her just how much you'll miss her she may change her mind.

@Ted Bertiger posted:

I’ve been going to York each time since 1992 missing it once for illness and the 3 pandemic shutdowns. Still York is a GREAT show, maybe 2 halls smaller but still worth the trip.
Eddie g will start his weather report in October and the October countdown will begin a month prior.
I went for Friday only as my 18 year old Beagle was not feeling well on Thursday day and night and not well on Friday. So I zipped the halls in 6 hours and back home by dinner. Maybe he missed me as he bounced back to his usual normal 106 year old buddy! Unbelievable!
I missed Ben and his entourage. Did see a lot of folks but really could not engage in conversations much as my mind was quite concerned about my buddy.
See you all in October for Friday and Saturday.

Glad to hear he's OK!!!!  He's a great one!

@NYC Fan posted:

York has become my place to catch up with the friends I've made since first joining TCA at the April 1984 meet. I miss seeing Lionel, Atlas, Williams, TW Trainworx, OGR, Scenic Express and Miller Engineering. They were always some of my favorite places to stop.

Right there is the reason why many of the manufacturers don't attend York any more. It has become a big social event as opposed to an event where the action was centered on selling trains and making a few bucks. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that. Greeting old friends you only get to see once or twice a year is also an important part of this hobby.

This is the natural evolution of a meet that is sponsored by an organization that does not know how to attract new, younger members.

I have a lot of great memories from going to York. My first trip was 1976 and my last one was 2010. In 1976 I bought American Flyer. My wife and I opened our store in 1981. It was this year that I began buying MPC. I had two very good friends who did a lot of my buying. On the Sunday before York, they would have supper with us. It was at this time I would give them a list of trains that I wanted and how much I would pay. They would go to the flea markets on Wed and Thurs. and buy what ever they could. York was truly great.

York was fun as always. It's disappointing that a thread with a positive message about our hobby, unsurprisingly, get's a negative spin. I look forward to future events and seeing how the show continues to adapt. The YouTube Meet and Greet was a fun event and I was honored to be part of it. We had some great donations from Trainworld, the TCA, METCA, TrainZ, and a member of our crowd. We were able to give away two train sets to some kids in the crowd!

@Rich Melvin posted:

Right there is the reason why many of the manufacturers don't attend York any more. It has become a big social event as opposed to an event where the action was centered on selling trains and making a few bucks. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that. Greeting old friends you only get to see once or twice a year is also an important part of this hobby.

This is the natural evolution of a meet that is sponsored by an organization that does not know how to attract new, younger members.

I’m pretty sure the manufacturers like Lionel, Atlas, and Williams and magazines like OGR weren’t doing much selling when the event was bigger/younger.

It should be the big manufacturers acting as stewards of the hobby that are trying to get younger folks into the hobby.

The TCA only sells memberships… The manufacturers are the ones that need people to be interested enough to buy products.

Anyway, the holes left by OGR, Lionel, and others are now mostly filled with more dealers. So there are more trains to buy!

@rplst8 posted:

I’m pretty sure the manufacturers like Lionel, Atlas, and Williams and magazines like OGR weren’t doing much selling when the event was bigger/younger.

It should be the big manufacturers acting as stewards of the hobby that are trying to get younger folks into the hobby.

The TCA only sells memberships… The manufacturers are the ones that need people to be interested enough to buy products.

Anyway, the holes left by OGR, Lionel, and others are now mostly filled with more dealers. So there are more trains to buy!

seems it was a lot bigger / busier , back in the late 70's huge crowds then

@rplst8 posted:

I’m pretty sure the manufacturers like Lionel, Atlas, and Williams and magazines like OGR weren’t doing much selling when the event was bigger/younger.

You would be mistaken. OGR enjoyed gross sales well into five-figures at York in the 2002-2010 era. We sold many new subscriptions, videos, and a lot of Ameri-Towne buildings. Profits at that level covered all the costs of the show and left some dollars on the bottom line.  The last time OGR had a full booth at York, sales did not even cover the cost of meals, let alone the hotels and other expenses.

It should be the big manufacturers acting as stewards of the hobby that are trying to get younger folks into the hobby.

Are you saying that the TCA bears no responsibility for attracting young folks? If the TCA cannot get young people to come to the York meet, the manufacturers don’t have any young people to show their products to. And that is precisely why they are not there any more.

The TCA only sells memberships… The manufacturers are the ones that need people to be interested enough to buy products.

But someone has to provide an audience for their products! In this case, that's the EDTCA's job.

The EDTCA is the entity hosting this show/meet. If they cannot get new people to join their organization and show up for this meet, the entire nature of the meet changes to a social event, where old friends meet and greet, but very little buying takes place. That’s where they are now.

As I said above, there is absolutely nothing wrong with York becoming a social event. If that’s what the EDTCA wants, then that’s fine. But manufacturers don’t spend money to attend social events where there are no potential new customers.

Anyway, the holes left by OGR, Lionel, and others are now mostly filled with more dealers. So there are more trains to buy!

There ya go! There’s always an up-side somewhere.

Congratulations to Bob Buehler, President of the Eastern Division of the TCA, and his volunteers and crew for putting on this most enjoyable meet. Many of the OGR Forum members here, who may have some experience with participating in trade shows in other professions and avocations, recognize and appreciate all the hard work and dedication it takes to successfully run these type of events.

While I have attended approximately 45 previous York meets, this was the first one I have attended in 3 1/2 years. Thanks to all the detailed first-hand accounts by OGR Forum Members who attended the last several TCA York events, as well as the OGR Forum's advance reporting on what vendors may or may not attend,  I was pretty well mentally prepared for what to expect.

In fact, I was pleasantly surprised by all the activity in the Members Halls. Hopefully, that translated into sales for those actually selling. The O- and S- Gauge layouts were great. As reported by others, it was wonderful to see people in person and talk trains without using a keyboard!

Despite the evolving nature of this meet over many years, York is still a positive experience.

@Cmontagna posted:

York was fun as always. It's disappointing that a thread with a positive message about our hobby, unsurprisingly, get's a negative spin. I look forward to future events and seeing how the show continues to adapt. The YouTube Meet and Greet was a fun event and I was honored to be part of it. We had some great donations from Trainworld, the TCA, METCA, TrainZ, and a member of our crowd. We were able to give away two train sets to some kids in the crowd!

What the TCA needs is younger fellas like yourself, and Sid, etc, etc,. in officer’s positions at the helm, bringing fresh new ideas, programs, and institutions to the association, ……especially how you guys inject technology into the hobby that desperately needs it,…….still cater to the old school member halls, where e units buzz, and glossy tinplate rules supreme, but add more of the modern technology with phones, tablets, etc, running a railroad with the latest & greatest features,…..that will attract the younger crowd, ….IMO, anyways,…..you guys do a heck of a job, …..keep it up!!…..I’d for one vote for one you guys for TCA president….

Pat

Maybe York would attract more folks if it didn't require spending 50 bucks each (or 25 for kids) a year in dues just to attend!  That's money that could be spent on trains (or groceries).  There's no way I'd pay that kind of money just to be able to take my wife and kids to a train show. Young families usually can't afford to waste money like that (especially with the way the economy is right now).  I'll take my family to shows that don't require a membership just to enter.  Make York more accessible to young families and you might just capture more attendance from them

@Brian DeFazio posted:

There's no way I'd pay that kind of money just to be able to take my wife and kids to a train show. Young families usually can't afford to waste money like that (especially with the way the economy is right now).  I'll take my family to shows that don't require a membership just to enter.  Make York more accessible to young families and you might just capture more attendance from them

Exactly.  And add on a day off work unless you go Saturday when people are packing at 10:30.

@Brian DeFazio posted:

Maybe York would attract more folks if it didn't require spending 50 bucks each (or 25 for kids) a year in dues just to attend!  That's money that could be spent on trains (or groceries).  There's no way I'd pay that kind of money just to be able to take my wife and kids to a train show. Young families usually can't afford to waste money like that (especially with the way the economy is right now).  I'll take my family to shows that don't require a membership just to enter.  Make York more accessible to young families and you might just capture more attendance from them

If one parent joins TCA, they can take their spouse for $3 and all of their minor children to York for free.  And that gets them into everything.

I had 2 tables in the blue hall. Thursday was slow. I was getting worried, Friday the blue hall was crowded and I sold 3/4th of the trains I brought with me. As usual we, My daughter and I had a great show, great week. Bought a couple of goodies.

@Mallard4468 posted:

If one parent joins TCA, they can take their spouse for $3 and all of their minor children to York for free.  And that gets them into everything.

True, but unless you register early it cost 67.00 to attend a train show.  40.00 digital membership, 25 due, 3.00 for wife.  My oldest who is a senior in high school wasn't able to make it with sports but if he had that would have brought the total to 92.00 as even though he is in HS, he would have to attend as a guest one time as the cheapest option.  

What about offering your first year membership, digital only for free.  That would be way more inviting to new members in my opinion.  Likely many will join the next year.  Asking people to take off work and then pay a high price is two large negatives in my opinion.

I’ll add my wife and daughter have attended York for years.  Minimal cost.  
The kids corner area by the silver/blue hall had lots of children riding the train and playing.  It was free, and usually they had some little gift bags for the kids.  

How much does 3 MLB or NFL tickets cost you for something that lasts only 3-4 hours?  Been to a movie recently?   Easy $60 for 3 people for only 2 hours.   How about Disney?  $500-$600 for 1 day with 3 people.

Admission to York for 3 days for 3 people is under $75.  It’s a bargain.  

Great work ED and TCA.   Appreciate all u do

@steam posted:

Exactly.  And add on a day off work unless you go Saturday when people are packing at 10:30.

I understand the frustration the early packers on Saturday - not worth it for families - York was never really oriented toward families with children and ED needs to wake up.

When I started attending 30+ years ago, most members were still of working age and the halls were packed on Friday.  IMO, it's tragic that people won't use a vacation day or two for an event anymore - we spend way too much time working.

@steam posted:

True, but unless you register early it cost 67.00 to attend a train show.  40.00 digital membership, 25 due, 3.00 for wife.  My oldest who is a senior in high school wasn't able to make it with sports but if he had that would have brought the total to 92.00 as even though he is in HS, he would have to attend as a guest one time as the cheapest option.  

What about offering your first year membership, digital only for free.  That would be way more inviting to new members in my opinion.  Likely many will join the next year.  Asking people to take off work and then pay a high price is two large negatives in my opinion.

If that's the only reason for a person to join TCA, that's sad and unfortunate.  I maintain my membership not only for the meets, but for the museum (first-rate display of toy train history), research library (if TCA doesn't keep the archive, who will?), creation and enforcement of grading standards, in-depth magazine, the opportunity to meet with like-minded enthusiasts, and overall promotion of the hobby (granted, it needs to be better).  These are all things that one can't get from online sources.  If we don't pay for these benefits via membership, they will eventually disappear and we will all be poorer for it.

Maybe I'm too old school, but I think that we owe it to each other to contribute to organizations that promote things we enjoy and/or believe in.

@Mallard4468 posted:

If that's the only reason for a person to join TCA, that's sad and unfortunate.  I maintain my membership not only for the meets, but for the museum (first-rate display of toy train history), research library (if TCA doesn't keep the archive, who will?), creation and enforcement of grading standards, in-depth magazine, the opportunity to meet with like-minded enthusiasts, and overall promotion of the hobby (granted, it needs to be better).  These are all things that one can't get from online sources.  If we don't pay for these benefits via membership, they will eventually disappear and we will all be poorer for it.

Maybe I'm too old school, but I think that we owe it to each other to contribute to organizations that promote things we enjoy and/or believe in.

Well said.

Peter

@rplst8 posted:

I’m pretty sure the manufacturers like Lionel, Atlas, and Williams and magazines like OGR weren’t doing much selling when the event was bigger/younger.

It should be the big manufacturers acting as stewards of the hobby that are trying to get younger folks into the hobby.

The TCA only sells memberships… The manufacturers are the ones that need people to be interested enough to buy products.

Anyway, the holes left by OGR, Lionel, and others are now mostly filled with more dealers. So there are more trains to buy!

Actually you raise a great point regarding the manufacturers need to drive the hobby not the TCA.    In many ways the manufacturers are.   The lower end Train Sets offered by Lionel with ‘themed subjects’ is their way to attract the young. I suppose.  Some of the YouTube authors might be bringing in the young also.  

  Me being an ‘old crusty guy’, I have noticed significant changes in York with respect to Product, Vendors, and Attendance.    Even Significant changes with me.  The Eastern Division York Show has less Product, less Vendors and less attendance and each year is less than the previous .   My first York was in 1987 and I religiously attended every York until Covid and finally I think my last was 2022.   I was a fervent Lionel Postwar collector, that meant being at York on a Tuesday and starting at 5 or 6 am at the ‘Billy Bud’ parking lot.  Flashlights in hand and actually fighting a crowd.   Then hunting for a new seller to drive into the parking lot at the Holiday Inn, swooping in to see what Postwar goodies might be there.  Those were the days.    I have since sold my postwar collection and transitioned to Operating with Lionel VisionLine and Legacy.     By changing what I now collect there are many opportunities available to me outside of York.   Also hunting for NEW Trains is more of a leisurely sport.   So, for me, York has lost some luster because of what I now collect and because of changing times. I do agree, York is an opportunity to meet friends and others.       I think managing my expectations helps to accept what York has become.

I also think anyone can make a difference in attracting the next generation, one by one.  I saw one dealer talking to a new guest and saying how great York is, and that you will love it.  Enthusiastically talking about some of the basics of the hobby.

Same with our kids.  Some folks gave them super deals.  I am sure this was because they were buying themselves things with their own money.  There were also dealers who were ****ed off about packing.  Dropping F-bombs in front of the kids.  Hate to be bothered, before noon.  They view kids as a pain, and who cares about their 10.00 purchase.  Don't touch anything etc etc.  And then there are the guys who view things from the kids perspective and try to add to the magic. Overall the happy people well out numbered those few.

It's a bummer Lionel and those brands can't make the meet anymore.  It's kind of odd if they are at the top of the chain, that they are just letting its customers do the recruiting.  You would think they would want to do that themselves as well.

@bluelinec4 posted:

One thing we should all remember is that there are literally hundreds of us out there who belong to modular groups or fixed model railroad displays. When we set up for public displays and/or have open houses, those of us who are TCA members are in effect the TCA promoting the hobby.....

Peter

I had a good time at York, my first since spring of 2019!   I walked 4.6 miles on Friday which is the only day I attended.   I enjoyed viewing  the club layouts in the Purple Hall!  I got some ideas from those layouts and will perhaps incorporate into my own layout.    Unfortunately I didn't make it to the Black Hall. As I don't really " need " any more rolling stock or engines I didn't pay much attention to those items ... and of course there was lots of it!  Since I have acquired so much train stuff over the last 20 years, my focus now is on scenery items, especially detail pieces which I was able to purchase at Mega Steam's booth in the Orange Hall.      I did score some Gargraves and Ross Custom track switches from a vendor also  in the Orange Hall and some metal figures from a vendor in the Red Hall.   I wish I had more time to leisurely browse the Silver and Blue Halls but time was of the essence.  I'll plan to get to the fall York show much earlier than my 11:45 a.m. arrival this past Friday

Fall 2010 was my first York show.  Of course like everyone who attends York for the first time, that experience was mind blowing, which is an understatement!  I attended pretty regularly ( mostly twice yearly ) up until the time of the pandemic and pretty much every show since the first 2010 show  was exhilarating.   But, even back in 2010 some of the "old timers" would go on about how York wasn't what it used to be.  I would think to myself "how could it ever be better than this!  This is awesome!!!"

Of course with time everything in life changes.  I'm fine with that and totally accepting.   This York experience was still quite good for me!  Where else do thousands of train enthusiasts congregate to talk trains, exchange ideas, become educated by attending seminars, buy trains, sell trains , watch trains, see new products, and listen to real trains ( York Rail ).  York is phenomenal for this!!!  I'm totally grateful!!!

The Orange Hall experience for me, at past Yorks, has always been the highlight for me!   I sensed a unique energetic  buzz each time I walked into the OH.  This time not so much.  Perhaps due to the major manufactures not attending?  Perhaps the absence of certain vendors such as Scenic Express ( I was alway good for spending several hundred bucks there. ) and others?  Instead the Orange Hall ,this time, had more of an  energetic feel of a members hall ... not that members halls are a negative experience for me.  This time the OH  just lacked the luster of past York shows.   I say this all as an observer  of change and not in anyway to slam Eastern Division, the manufactures, or any past/present major vendor.  This is how I, as an individual, experienced York this time.   AND I'm sure there were folks in attendance who were experiencing York for their very first time ... and I would think that they had a mind blowing experience, which is an understatement! ... just as I did at my first York show.    I would also speculate that some of these first timers will hear stories conveyed by old timers .." York isn't what it used to be."   And those first timers will think " how could it be any better than this!! This is awesome!!!"  

Yes York will continue to change as all things do with time .... AND perhaps the quantity of attendance will shrink ( or expand ) ,however, York will continue to be the greatest train show there is because of the enthusiastic  quality of the people who attend.

Well, it is what you put into it. Whatever your reasons are for coming, that should be what you get out of it. Right from the start my York October 2017 experience was not only to buy trains, but to meet the people I had met through the forum. Since then it has been a blast. I have missed a few now, and always want to be there regardless of what I think I want to buy or spend. Chatting up with people is more fun than buying something to a degree. You can get more hands on ideas about what you want to do with your layout just by seeing and talking to folks. This coming from a guy who still has yet to build his permanent layout in the back room.

York not only opened my eyes to new ideas, but things I had not thought I would think of doing. Chatting with everyone whether they're the vendors, old friends, or complete strangers(until you get to know them) just makes you feel dang good about the hobby and all it has to offer. Regardless if the manufacturer's are there or not, I will always have a great time.

I’ve never attended York, but it’s on my bucket list.  I hear mixed reviews every year, but my desire to attend has never waned: like the Munich Oktoberfest, Nuremberg Toy Fair, etc., I figure it’s something everyone — at least those of us in this great hobby — should do at least once.

@Pre-War Steve posted:

I’ve never attended York, but it’s on my bucket list.  I hear mixed reviews every year, but my desire to attend has never waned: like the Munich Oktoberfest, Nuremberg Toy Fair, etc., I figure it’s something everyone — at least those of us in this great hobby — should do at least once.

York is still a fantastic event, and hopefully will remain that way for a long time to come, …..I’ve been going for over 40 years now, it’s had its ups & downs, but the takeaway should be a good relaxing time enjoying ALOT of model trains……the mixed reviews, ( the negative ones ) are simply some folks have to find something to complain about, ….no matter how positive, or how good the show is, ……you owe it to yourself to form your own opinion, cause no matter how perfect everything is, you’ll always get that one person that swears the sun wasn’t on that perfect angle for their natural glow,….🙄

Pat

People will complain about spending $50 to get into the York Meet. Then walk down an aisle and spend $500 to $1500 for a locomotive.

It’s up to each of us to generate interest in the model train hobby. The TCA and other organizations are the end result of that generated interest. The importers barely promote their own products let alone try to get people interested in the hobby.

The TCA and other like organizations want memberships. Importers want sales whether buyer get involved in the hobby or not.

If each of us can instill passion for model trains for someone then the memberships and purchasing from the importers will follow.

I stated on my post York video that it's up to all of us to bring new blood into the hobby.  It's doesn't only lay at the manufacturers and the clubs feet.  I get a little tired of hearing about how York isn't doing their share.  What would you propose they do?  What do you want Lionel or MTH to do?  They already make the trains.

Anyways I had my usual good time seeing old and new friends, buying what I needed and wanted, and not being at work.  The EDTCA did a good job and I felt that this April was on par if not a little better than the fall.  Do I miss Lionel, MTH, and Altas's setup?  Yes but do they make the meet for me?  No.

I do miss some of the other vendors like Ro and Smith but I think that has to do a lot more with online sales and the age of the folks that are running those stores.  I can always do an online order with them.

York is what you make of it.  If you are going there with the attitude that all the manufacturers not being there are going to ruin it for you it probably will.  I do see a time where the White hall is combine into the 3 remaining member halls but hopefully not for a few more years.  The good news is I see a lot of younger faces at York too.  The guys that do the larger YouTube presentations are reaching audiences that Lionel could only dream of now a days.  I do my best on my small layout and limited resources.

I would like to suggest to the EDTCA York Committee to have a list of events or meetings posted outside the Orange Hall meeting room.  I know it's in the mailer but would be handy to have it posted.  The room looks like it's booked solid on Friday so I'm thinking any Legacy meetings will have to be held on Thursday.

@MartyE posted:

I stated on my post York video that it's up to all of us to bring new blood into the hobby.  It's doesn't only lay at the manufacturers and the clubs feet.  I get a little tired of hearing about how York isn't doing their share.  What would you propose they do?  What do you want Lionel or MTH to do?  They already make the trains.

Anyways I had my usual good time seeing old and new friends, buying what I needed and wanted, and not being at work.  The EDTCA did a good job and I felt that this April was on par if not a little better than the fall.  Do I miss Lionel, MTH, and Altas's setup?  Yes but do they make the meet for me?  No.

I do miss some of the other vendors like Ro and Smith but I think that has to do a lot more with online sales and the age of the folks that are running those stores.  I can always do an online order with them.

York is what you make of it.  If you are going there with the attitude that all the manufacturers not being there are going to ruin it for you it probably will.  I do see a time where the White hall is combine into the 3 remaining member halls but hopefully not for a few more years.  The good news is I see a lot of younger faces at York too.  The guys that do the larger YouTube presentations are reaching audiences that Lionel could only dream of now a days.  I do my best on my small layout and limited resources.

Sorry that I didn’t see you Marty.  Glad you had a good time. I had a blast. The times are changing and York is what you make it.
Next time we should share a prune juice, cold……..as Worf says, “a Warrior’s drink!”.

Peter

Just completed another trip to York with some train buddies. From a 6am NJ departure to an 8pm NJ return, it always amazes me with all the things done that day.

Best returning feature was the Fairground Shuttle Bus!

A few less food vendors outside Orange Hall but as long as the hot dog stand is there I am a happy camper.

Was able to spend more time talking to many dealer friends and did get a few deals in the Red and Blue Halls.

Took an afternoon break at Corsair 29's camper..didn't want to get up from those relaxing lawn chairs.

Found a new restaurant on trip home...83 Diner on I-83 towards Harrisburg.

Saw a few trains while walking into Red Hall...miss the yellow MA&PA/Yorkrail diesels but the horn blowing for grade crossings is still a great disruption.

Enjoyable day for me...thanks again to the Eastern Division. With all the twice yearly complaining posts with doom and gloom, after 46 years at York Meets, I still have great memories and look forward to more.

Walter

Also had two great days at YORK.  Although I only purchased sitting people for passenger cars and a few green LED lights for those PESKY ALIENS, I really enjoyed myself.  Meeting up with MARTYE, GUNRUNNER JOHN, TRAINDIESEL, PETER at the Layout, VINCES TRAINS, and members of the DETROIT 3RAILERS,GEORGE, CHARLIE, and GREG, along with lots o other GUYZ, is always a high light.

  My take on the two days I was there, is THURSDAY seemed like more people especially in the members halls.  FRIDAY, seemed like the parking lots was starting to get sparse as I saw it about 3 PM.  Vendors in the ORANGE HALL were widely spaced, with lots of room fro walking around.  Even though I did see one of my wants it was priced in the very high end along with most things I saw.  Glad I only purchased smalls.  Still a great time with my Wife on Thursday and friends on Friday.  I ll be back in October and hopefully my wants will increase.  

The layouts were great in the PURPLE HALL, especially PUTNAMs aka PETES disappearing train.  Very cool!!!

No funnel cake or crab cake vendors this year.

@dkdkrd posted:

So, Ben thought the Italian Ice was pitiful...

...But what about the Funnel Cakes???  As yummy as ever??  ...And the scrapple & grits, that gave one the...never mind!?

Been about 4 years now.  Some of the York 'experiences' that would leave us with 'lasting' memories were sort of...hmmm...well, different.

But the trains???...always worth looking forward to!!   Maybe in October.

(sigh)

What was pitiful was that they actually called it Italian    Yuch   First time I ever threw an "Italian " ice away after a couple of spoonfuls  The rest of York was great   

I can't really understand how one could make bad Italian Ice. I get saying "bad" is an understatement in this case. I don't think I have ever had a bad one, maybe one a tad light on flavor, but still okay for eating.

@Putnam Division posted:

One thing we should all remember is that there are literally hundreds of us out there who belong to modular groups or fixed model railroad displays. When we set up for public displays and/or have open houses, those of us who are TCA members are in effect the TCA promoting the hobby.....

Peter

Good point, Peter! 

Many of us in PIHR who go to York also use our York badge holders to hold our PIHR name badges (don't tell anyone, but I designed our badges to fit the York holders... ).  It has prompted quite a few conversations at shows and other events we have done over the years, and I always try to convey all of the benefits of TCA membership, including York.

Andy

@Andy Hummell posted:

Good point, Peter! 

Many of us in PIHR who go to York also use our York badge holders to hold our PIHR name badges (don't tell anyone, but I designed our badges to fit the York holders... ).  It has prompted quite a few conversations at shows and other events we have done over the years, and I always try to convey all of the benefits of TCA membership, including York.

Andy

Great idea, Andy!

Peter

I have to agree with Marty Dave and others. Those who constantly say this needs to be done or this is how you do it,,, What are you doing?

The Eastern Division I'm sure would welcome any help you could offer them. Especially during York week!

I took the initiative to assist in helping open back up the Kids Korner for the first time since October 2019. We had a good attendance for being open for the first time in 3.5 years. 35 kids over the three days.

Volunteers are always need before, during and after the show.

@Dave NYC Hudson PRR K4 posted:

I can't really understand how one could make bad Italian Ice. I get saying "bad" is an understatement in this case. I don't think I have ever had a bad one, maybe one a tad light on flavor, but still okay for eating.

Welll it was pretty bad  It was supposed to be cherry flavored but it tasted like the ice that builds up in the freezer before defrosting  Stale no taste  I have had the best Italian Ice and some OK ones but this was the first waste of money ice.  My favorite is called Uncle Louie G's   A staten Island company that has real pieces of fruit in the ice 

Well, I was disappointed...not for myself, but for my son, grandson and wife who I brought so they could see what I talk about for days,  for the first time. And, of course for the vendors.  Pre pandemic, I would attend on Friday with a hobby buddy. The show was packed.  This was the first year I attended on a Saturday.  Unfortunately, I picked the wrong Saturday. The show closed at 1PM because of weather warnings and I suspect many vendors started to pack up well before the closing announcement.  Fortunately my 11 yr. old grandson was wowed.  Unfortunately, since most of the vendors had either packed up and left or were packing up, I couldn't find the set he wanted nor the items on my list.  However, we scored the "NASA" LionChief set he loves, at the Strasburg Train store and we all were blown away by that layout at the Choo Choo Barn. So, while the show wasn't what I had anticipated, overall  the entire experience was fun. York, Choo-Choo Barn, Strasburg Train store, PA train museum, National Toy Train Museum Saturday dinner at Casey Jones topped by Sunday breakfast at the "Speckled Hen" in Strasburg.  In October, I'll be attending on Friday.

@laz1957 posted:

The layouts were great in the PURPLE HALL, especially PUTNAMs aka PETES disappearing train.  Very cool!!!

You are very kind to say that.....the whole group thanks you.....

Peter

@Putnam Division posted:

You are very kind to say that.....the whole group thanks you.....

Peter

PETER,

  It was a pleasure seeing about 14 cars disappearing inside that mountain.  Also a nice time speaking with you and explaining the working of the layout.  Hope to see YUZ GUYZ a again in October.

@Putnam Division posted:

You are very kind to say that.....the whole group thanks you.....

Peter

Peter - I’m sorry if this has been asked a/o answered, but, do you have a photo of the hidden track, uncovered? Would really like to see that. Thx.

@Mark V. Spadaro posted:

Peter - I’m sorry if this has been asked a/o answered, but, do you have a photo of the hidden track, uncovered? Would really like to see that. Thx.

We are planning to do an article for the Magazine.......it will all be there with build pictures.

We've been working constantly on this since late February.  I have been taking detail build pictures and only with great restraint have I not shared them all.....

Peter

York is what you make of it.  I attend on the basis of "finding neat trains", and I found them.

York is more than the official meet.  It includes the bandit meets, the area hobby shops, and area antique stores.

I found some exotic trains - European beer reefers - at an antique mall.  I found some parts that I'd been looking for for a long time at the Strasburg Train Store.

There's a lot of kvetching about changing the schedule to include "all day Saturday".  The question that needs to be asked is "How many potential visitors are limited to attending Saturday by availability of vacation time?"

York is a high end show and the only truly national show.

York does a so so job of being attractive to the HO and N scale hobbyist.  I bought two HO locomotives at York, but there's more that can be done.  The HO and N scale markets have become a lot like the Lionel market with limited production and a growing interest in collectible trains.

First time at York.  Wed. bought a few things.   Thurs Mostly Orange hall.  Friday the rest.  Sat. off to see family.  Took a long list and came back with a couple of big boxes.  My wife enjoyed buying some things for the layout.  Even a working (stationary) single chamber steam engine for science class.

Learned to scan quickly and search when you were close to what you are looking for.

I enjoyed it and so did my wife.    We discovered "Creamaries" in York.   Gave up a meal one day to go to Sweet Willow Creamery.

I think York was well done.   Loved talking to people.   Many friendly and helpful vendors.   I still think York is big enough to be amazing.

@Putnam Division posted:

We are planning to do an article for the Magazine.......it will all be there with build pictures.

We've been working constantly on this since late February.  I have been taking detail build pictures and only with great restraint have I not shared them all.....

Peter

Peter:

Would be a great feature for the Oct. issue of the magazine since it would help to inspire others to do something a bit distinctive for the following holiday season (and they would have adequate time to do the construction).

My York week was made on Thursday morning before the show started. One of the members of the Somerset 4-H Trainmasters when I was club leader stopped by to chat and handed me his card: TCA Collectors Association, Strasburg, PA- Museum Chairman! It can not get any better than that. One of my regular customers had asked me in October what could be done with the boxes that his shadowboxes came in. I said that I would reuse them. A box full of boxes appeared- and I thought that I would be going home being able to see out the back. Not possible. Thank you to Peter for including me with his dining groups- always a great time to chat trains and things. Great banter with Don and his wife about allocation of residential square footage. This one had to be good- the time went by too fast.

@NJCJOE posted:

No funnel cake or crab cake vendors this year.

My family was very disappointed in the lack of food trucks over the last 2 Yorks.  Besides no funnel cakes or crab cakes, the truck that made the great ham & cheese sandwiches (on toast) was also missing, along with the lemonade truck .  I'm not sure why the trucks aren't showing up.  Certainly not because all the participants are dieting these days!

Being in Red Hall, there hasn't been coffee the last 2 times. Usually right outside the door along with chicken fries funnel cake. My wife said next time she's selling coffee and hotdogs.

About the lack of food trucks at York.  Rumor has it that the food vendors in the Blue-Sliver Hall and the Orange Hall have an exclusive contract with the York Fair on the concessions and who can sell concessions.  We too miss the other vendors and the great food.  We always looked forward to the pumpkin funnel cakes in the fall.  They have not been back since the pandemic shut down and the barbeque sandwiches outside the Red Hall.  We were also disappointed in the donuts and coffee that was to be provided by the Eastern Division on Saturday Morning.  We arrived at 7:45.  The donuts were to be offered beginning at 7:30.  At 7:45 there were 6 plain donuts in about 3 boxes left on the tables and no one around.  We could not believe that all those donuts vanished in 15 minutes unless some were taking full boxes with them.  Hope the Eastern Division can get their act together for future shows.  I realize that it is not the food but the trains that we go for but the friends and good food promote a good buying atmosphere. Dave

I miss the restaurant not being open. I enjoyed eating and sitting down at a table meeting and making new friends.

@lionelflyer posted:

My family was very disappointed in the lack of food trucks over the last 2 Yorks.  Besides no funnel cakes or crab cakes, the truck that made the great ham & cheese sandwiches (on toast) was also missing, along with the lemonade truck .  I'm not sure why the trucks aren't showing up.  Certainly not because all the participants are dieting these days!

Usually its a mater ,of economics , not enough sales = not coming back.

@FuzzyD posted:

  At 7:45 there were 6 plain donuts in about 3 boxes left on the tables and no one around.  We could not believe that all those donuts vanished in 15 minutes unless some were taking full boxes with them.   I realize that it is not the food but the trains that we go for but the friends and good food promote a good buying atmosphere. Dave

Most people would find it a bit bizarre that someone is taking issue about donuts. This reminded me, though, that one of my best memories of York was about donuts. In the olden days, after taking a long trip to make the Friday morning York opening, I always looked forward to getting my hearty breakfast of glazed donuts from a concession stand in the Gold Hall under the grandstands. It was one of my enjoyable memories of York and one I really missed when they closed the Gold Hall (or was it Yellow?)

This posting did remind me that there are subtle culinary aspects of the York experience that make it special and memorable.  For many, it might have been the semi-annual opportunity to eat a funnel cake--originally from the Pennsylvania Dutch community. For others it might have been a certain food at a Bickels' stand. I suspect for most it would be having a breakfast or dinner with train buddies at one of the many York restaurants.

Food matters!

Bruce, I had my eyes on the donuts also back then,  when I could eat them. That was Mr. Ed's  from Caledonia right up route 30. His hotdogs were good also. Probably more so being at a train show. Yes it was the Gold. Yellow was the small room in far end Aristocraft was always there. Dave

@lionelflyer posted:

My family was very disappointed in the lack of food trucks over the last 2 Yorks.  Besides no funnel cakes or crab cakes, the truck that made the great ham & cheese sandwiches (on toast) was also missing, along with the lemonade truck .  I'm not sure why the trucks aren't showing up.  Certainly not because all the participants are dieting these days!

The Carlise car show was the same weekend as York. It's possible these vendors decided to do the car show. Maybe sales are better at the car show.

@Dave Nichols posted:

……Yes it was the Gold. Yellow was the small room in far end Aristocraft was always there. Dave

The Yellow Hall was under the grandstands. The Gold Hall was the small building outside the grandstands where Aristocraft was and the last OGR Friday 2pm vendors meetings.

@NJCJOE posted:

The Carlise car show was the same weekend as York. It's possible these vendors decided to do the car show. Maybe sales are better at the car show.

That was the info I heard also.

My son and I attended on Friday, I can't compare to previous years since this is my first time back in over 30 years. I am just getting back into the trains I setup during my childhood. We both found the show very good and will definitely be back unfortunately we cannot make the October show but God willing we will make it back again in April.