So who's going to Pittsburgh?

Me and my son Wyatt.

I will be there all week with the Kids Club.   I have my history of caboose display, corn hole game (PRR vs NYC), and Lionel fast track modules (with my Homies), all starting Thursday.  There is a lot to do in the BURGH.     Come and have some fun.  Stop and say hello.

PRR Joe

As far as food goes...don't miss Primanti Bros!   

I'll be there........here for me .

I'm on the committee, and one of the tour stops is my layout-in-progress.

There are a number of really great tours and activities, so my family's looking forward to it.

I look forward to seeing many of you!

Lots of great shops in / around Pittsburgh and a couple in Wheeling.  I know that Mercer Junction will be closing in early July for gigs & vacation.  Strongly suggest directly contacting each shop to verify hours before visiting, as the owner might be going to the convention too.

The Ft. Pitt Hi-Railers will have a modular display in the Commonwealth Room at the hotel and speaking of really great tours the Age of Steam Roundhouse tour should be awesome!! You can find information about the tour and the schedule of other  activities at www.tcaconvention.org

If you haven't been, I suggest a stop at Kennywood amusement park. It's one of only two parks in the country that is a National Historic Landmark.

I will be at the the TCA convention. The only tour I could make is the Friday night one, I believe it is #26. If you want a great view the LeMont restaurant, Grandview Avenue on Mount Washington also has good food, not cheap. Be aware if you plan to drive around there are many road and bridge closures in the area.

Toby Tyler's Hobby Shop at 103 Curry hollow Road was always good for trains, its been 4 years since I was there. It is right at the "Cloverleaf" on RT51 in Pleasant Hills.

Restaurants... Some iconic Burg eateries include: Primanti Brothers for a signature Pittsburgh sandwich (Oakland and the Strip District); the Original Hot Dog Shop - aka the "Dirty O" for great hot dog and an order of really large fries (Oakland); Mineo's Pizza (Squirrel Hill); DeLuca's for breakfast - I recommend the mixed grill (the Strip District); and Gus and YiaYia's for an ice ball and popcorn - great railfanning here as trains actually run through the park in a trench allowing viewing from above (West Park/Allegheny Commons on the North Side).  For fancier dining, consider taking the incline to Mount Washington.  Southside also has a number of good bars and eateries.  Finally, the Church Brew Works is also decent (North Side).  Lots of good food in area. I'm sure others will have more to add.

The TCA tour lineup actually has a good sampling of things to see.  Hit items there will keep you busy for the week.

I'll be there toward end of week but will be splitting time between convention and visiting family.

You can walk, with some effort, most of Pittsburgh Downtown, there  is a subway, transit system.  A couple of train related sites.

Penn Station.  near the convention center.  This building is also the Amtrak station.  Two trains, the Pennsylvanian (points east), and the Capitol Limited, (through the mountains to Washington DC).

The NS railroad bridge that crosses the Allegheny River.

Pittsburgh is at the confluence of the Allegheny River (from the north) and the Monongahela River (from the south). The two rivers form the Ohio River, at the point.   A recent internet picture of the downtown area, from Mt. Washington, I counted at least 12 bridges.  Some say, more bridges than any other city in the U.S.   At least one mainline RR bridge pictured above.  

Out of the city, west/Robinson township, toward the airport, you can experience the Montour Railroad, now one of the better bike trails.   Bike trail can be accessed at the Montour Run exit off 376.  Pittsburgh transit allows for transport , you and your bike, to this bike trail, and return after a long, long ride.  There is a Montour Trail website. 

There is an extensive bike trail system downtown and south side that can take you across the old J&L Steel Hot metal bridge.

Bike Trail(s) , Pittsburgh, South and East, take you through the Allegheny Mountains and into Maryland, eventually to Washington, DC.   The Great Allegheny Passage/ C&O Canal Path Trails are quite an experience, and it starts in Pittsburgh.    

Do a drive North on 376 eventually you will enter the Beaver Valley.  Note the major construction on the left before you cross the Ohio River, (Big Blue Bridge),  Shell Oil Cracker Plant, a new part of the Pittsburgh economy.  There may be other cracker plants, related to the Marcellous/Utica shale energy exploration, western PA.

There is the Southside and the Strip District both wonderful social area.

The Heinz Museum is part of the Strip District, near the Convention Center.  

Northside has the Andy Warhol Museum and the stadiums.  There is also the Children's Museum, which is the old Buhl Planetarium.  Near the stadiums is also the Carnegie Science Center, (There is a wonderful train display here). 

Also Allegheny General Hospital is on the Northside. 

UPMC hospitals are Shadyside, Oakland, and just north of the Strip District, (Lawrenceville)..  The world class hospitals may be one the city's biggest assets.   

Best wishes all who come to Pittsburgh.   

Mike CT.

Heh.

I'll actually be in downtown Pittsburgh the weekend this event wraps up on, but for another unrelated convention --the only train stuff I'll be doing is riding the Pennsylvanian to/from the city.

---PCJ

(PS: if you see folks in animal costumes milling around downtown towards the end of that week, no that's not what I'll be doing--I'll be in the convention center drawing them) 

I’ll be at the Convention in my old home town and yes, as C.W.  posted above, Kennywood Park is definitely worth visiting and it is not very far from the Convention site. 

Founded as a “trolley park” before 1900 they still have 3 famous old wooden roller coasters along with some modern steel coasters and as a result the park is known as the "The Roller Coaster Capital of the World."  And for us train guys they also have an old-fashioned train to ride with some scenic overlooks high above the Monongahela River. 

Many of you probably have some of the MTH Railking Kennywood cars.  Here’s a photo of the Kennywood Katrina box car.  Note the Yellow Arrow on the car.  You will see those arrows on many street corners throughout the town so just follow the arrows to Kennywood Park!  One of just so many interesting/fun things to see and do in Pittsburgh.

Bill

A heads-up for those that will be driving in the city -- from Thursday June 29 through Sunday July 2, the TCA will be sharing the city with Anthrocon (the "Furries").  Keep in mind that there will be a lot of costumed people walking around and that many of these costumes limit the sight of the wearers, so be cautious driving around them - I've seen a few near-misses over the years that could have been bad but for a few seconds timing.

Andy

I've been to Kennywood in the past and the train ride by the river was really neat!

I'll be there Tues - Sat. Will be supporting the large Standard Gauge Module association layout that will be set up in it's own room adjacent to the trading hall. I'm bringing a freshly finished Standard Gauge N&W J that I'll double head with the one I built for Clem Clement. Also a new set of 30" long PRR Congressional passenger cars in O and some other interesting trains to run. This crew has lots of fantastic trains, the layout is beautiful. Stop by. Thanks to all for the good ideas on food and tourist spots.

Jim

Living there, I doubt I'll make the convention.  Work has me pretty busy.  Maybe Friday I'll stop later in the afternoon.  I must say the excitement for this convention for me is pretty minimal.  Hope everyone has a good time.  Maybe I'll see some of you out and about.

I'll be there.  Tues through Friday.

Stu

Also note that the  Liberty bridge, one of the main exit/entry to the city, from the south hills, has been under construction.  A fire on the bridge a few months ago almost saw the bridge lost.   Recently the bridge has been closed on weekends to allow for continuing major repair/ steel structure replacement.      Mike CT.  

Wish I could go.  It will be a great convention.  Unfortunately, I do not have the ability to make it out east for this one.  Hope everyone enjoys themselves!

I'll be there Wednesday evening through Saturday. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm also involved with some of the Special Interest Group meetings and the "Meet the Experts" seminars, but I'll detail those in a separate thread.

Todd Wagner

We started packing tonight, I can't wait. I'm looking forward to going over the Horseshoe Curve on Amtrak!

PaperTRW posted:

I'll be there Wednesday evening through Saturday. I'm looking forward to it.

I'm also involved with some of the Special Interest Group meetings and the "Meet the Experts" seminars, but I'll detail those in a separate thread.

Todd Wagner

HI Todd,

I'll see you at your seminar and at the Paper Group meeting.

Bill T

Gentlemen,

   Just a quick note, remember Pittsburgh has a lot of 1 way streets if you do not know the city use your GPS or a Pittsburgh City Road map, AAA usually has the city maps.

Hope everyone has a great time in Pittsburgh, Pa at the TCA Convention!

PCRR/Dave

I'll be commuting; Butler is only a little over an hour drive away.  I will probably only go Friday and/or Saturday.  Because we are in the process of getting my Dad out of the hospital and Mom and Dad into a personal care home, I won't be able to go earlier in the week than I had originally planned.  Because I couldn't plan, I just sent in the $45 registration, but did not sign up for any of the tours.  I hope to take in "Meet the Experts" seminars.  This will be the first TCA Convention I attended.

So who's going to Pittsburgh? I am but for a different reason.  

I find these tips helpful, for my trip.

Detroit Tigers vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Gary

me,me ,me,,,,but then I live 4 miles away

Pine Creek Railroad posted:

Gentlemen,

   Just a quick note, remember Pittsburgh has a lot of 1 way streets if you do not know the city use your GPS or a Pittsburgh City Road map, AAA usually has the city maps.

Hope everyone has a great time in Pittsburgh, Pa at the TCA Convention!

PCRR/Dave

Hi Dave:

Will you be there?  I'd like to get together and finally meet you as we have so much in common (Potter County, Westinghouse, Frank Hare, etc.).

Bill

trainroomgary posted:

So who's going to Pittsburgh? I am but for a different reason.  

I find these tips helpful, for my trip.

Detroit Tigers vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Gary

So you are coming the whole way to Pittsburgh to see the Tigers play

Mark Boyce posted:

trainroomgary posted:

So who's going to Pittsburgh? I am but for a different reason.  

I find these tips helpful, for my trip.

Detroit Tigers vs Pittsburgh Pirates

Gary

So you are coming the whole way to Pittsburgh to see the Tigers play

Gary must want to go to a game in the most picturesque ballpark in the Major leagues!  I hope he gets to see Andrew McCutchen still playing for the Pirates as his visit is after the trade deadline!

Bill

Yes: Detroit Tiger Fans, like inter-league play.  Jim Leyland a historic Detroit Tiger Manager, was the Pittsburgh Pirates, manager from 1986 t0 1996.

I went to Pittsburgh and saw Jim Leyland, giving his dad a tour of the stadium in Pittsburgh to his Dad, who was from Pittsburgh.

When it comes to inter-league play, the Detroit Tiger Fans, like going to Chicago and Pittsburgh and these cities enjoy coming to Detroit.

Inter-league play is very popular and most of these games will sell out.  MLB at it’s best.

Gary: Returning to Pittsburgh  .......  A great place to watch the MLB

For those of you who are following this thread, now that we have been here for a couple of days , I would like to recommend a few places. The grand Concourse at station square is a converted train station and has good food (although a little pricey) but if you ask for a seat by the tracks it is well worth it. Lots of great train pictures on the wall too! Other places werein market square like The Origanal Oyster house and Frankenfritters. Also The Double-Wide grill has some great food and a large selection of beer! I'm finding out that Pittsburgh is a great train watching town! I'll be giving a full report with lots of pictures after the convention.

MIKATT1 posted:

For those of you who are following this thread, now that we have been here for a couple of days , I would like to recommend a few places. The grand Concourse at station square is a converted train station and has good food (although a little pricey) but if you ask for a seat by the tracks it is well worth it. Lots of great train pictures on the wall too! Other places werein market square like The Origanal Oyster house and Frankenfritters. Also The Double-Wide grill has some great food and a large selection of beer! I'm finding out that Pittsburgh is a great train watching town! I'll be giving a full report with lots of pictures after the convention.

Go to West Park on the northside and get an ice ball from Gus and Yia Yia's.  The NS tracks go right through the park.  Won't say you'll get this beautiful sight but a few NS freight and a Amtrak is possible.

Source: Me

I'll be coming in Thursday, Friday and Saturday to take in a few seminars and will have copies of the second printing of The Madison Hardware Story available. Looking forward to seeing a lot of friends and if we have never met please stop by and talk to me at my booth. I always enjoy meeting people from the forum. 

The John DeSantis Home and Standard Gauge collection tour yesterday was outstanding!

Bill

WftTrains posted:

The John DeSantis Home and Standard Gauge collection tour yesterday was outstanding!

Bill

Right next to West Park.

Checked in today for our first TCA convention. Met up with Craignor and his son and right now we are at the Pirates game!

Brian, Did you eat at the Smorgasburgh behind you?  Well, I am hoping to make the trip down from Butler Friday afternoon and Saturday.  Time will tell.  Too many extended family responsibilities right now.  My $45 registration may just become an absentee donation.  Bummer, but even some things are more important than the National Convention only 40 miles from home.  

Have a great time everyone!!!!

Mark, no, I just had a couple hot dogs. After a nearly five hour drive I was more tired than I was hungry. But it was a good Pirates victory on a beautiful evening for baseball. Now we're looking forward to a couple of tours and the river cruise and lots of trains!

Sometimes life gets in the way of our fun. Hope it works out that you can make it. 

Brian

So nice to see you wear the colors... the other guy on the other hand.  Well we fixed that for him.