Timonium Scale Show Feb4/5 is this show worth a long trip for O scale 2-rail to buy or sell? I have heard conflicting reports in the past.
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Timonium is hit or miss for O scale. It use to be better. It is definitely a predominantly HO show. Is it worth a long trip? In my opinion no. Just my 2 cents.
Michael Rahilly
Michael Rahilly
For a number of years I attended this show as the representative for Sunset/Golden Gate Depot to display products, answer questions about forthcoming projects, and get general buyer feedback. The February show was the only one I attended to do this.
I stopped doing this several years ago and not because of the very long 20 minute drive from my house.
I stopped doing this several years ago and not because of the very long 20 minute drive from my house.
The Timonium show can be a good show. The best of the shows is this Winter show. The Spring and Fall shows were better before the Strasburg Shows started to go head to head with them.
If you are looking for O scale models, there are always some. Some years there are a lot and some years there are not as many. How can you ever know what someone will bring and put on their tables?
The nice thing about them is the types of dealers that are not normally at an O scale show. Multiple DCC dealers, book dealers, tool dealers and a number of historical societies. Not to mention a couple of photo dealers.
For me it's worth the two hour drive from New Jersey.
If you are looking for O scale models, there are always some. Some years there are a lot and some years there are not as many. How can you ever know what someone will bring and put on their tables?
The nice thing about them is the types of dealers that are not normally at an O scale show. Multiple DCC dealers, book dealers, tool dealers and a number of historical societies. Not to mention a couple of photo dealers.
For me it's worth the two hour drive from New Jersey.
It's always a coin toss for O scale modelers as to whether it's worth attending what is predominently a HO event. I know there is always the generic supplies of scenic stuff, DCC gear, tools, paints etc , but it mostly luck if you land a needed O scale piece. This show or even the huge Springfield show which dwarfs the Timmy show is still a crap shoot for us O scalers.
Bob
Bob
Being about an hour away, I've attended this show just about every time in the last 3 or 4 years. I go with my HO buddies. As mentioned above it is mostly HO and N scale. There is a fair amount of O Gauge, so if you're looking for structures (like MTH or Lionel), you will find some. Regarding engines or rolling stock however, it will be 99.9% 3-rail (mostly MTH and Lionel). Occasionally a vendor will show up with some Atlas or Pecos River (again mostly 3-rail). But I always manage to find a gem, either a 2-rail piece at a basement price or a 3-rail I can convert. Last time I got a B&LE Atlas master line box car for $30 (NIB). But if you're looking to buy a lot of 2-rail rolling stock, you will come away dissapointed.
IMO, if you are only interested in O scale and buying a lot of it, you will be dissapointed.
But this is a large and nice show. And you'll find a lot of general model items like scenery supplies, modeling supplies, tools, books, etc. And the show always has a number of operating layouts in various scales from N to G, which are great to look at to get modeling ideas.
IMO, if you are only interested in O scale and buying a lot of it, you will be dissapointed.
But this is a large and nice show. And you'll find a lot of general model items like scenery supplies, modeling supplies, tools, books, etc. And the show always has a number of operating layouts in various scales from N to G, which are great to look at to get modeling ideas.
Thanks for the info guys I think I will pass on this show and wait for Cherry Valley,Strasburg and the National here in July, this should be a well attended show.
Dear Hibar and others, since you mentioned Cherry Valley and Strasburg O scale 2 rail only shows, I will shamelessly mention the CV show is Saturday,03/10/12 and Strasburg show is Saturday,04/14/2012. Thanks, John P.Dunn Sr.
quote:Originally posted by hibar:
Thanks for the info guys I think I will pass on this show and wait for Cherry Valley,Strasburg and the National here in July, this should be a well attended show.
Wise move.
The Timonium shows are well done and in a nice venue, but it is very hit and miss as to whether you will see any 2 rail "O".
Simon
quote:Posted January 22, 2012 08:18 PM
For a number of years I attended this show as the representative for Sunset/Golden Gate Depot to display products, answer questions about forthcoming projects, and get general buyer feedback. The February show was the only one I attended to do this.
I stopped doing this several years ago and not because of the very long 20 minute drive from my house.
Change in plan.
I was cleaning up my mother's house this week and came across some HO from the late 1940's and 1950's. Since this is a good show to get rid of this stuff I decided to get tables and will be displaying the new Sunset B&O T-3 and E-7 diesels in addition to the old HO stuff I will be selling.
Bob: Can you shoot me an e-mail? Want to talk to you about the Timonium show. Jim.
Of all of Howard's shows this Saturday's Timonium show is thee show to go to IMO because of all the peripherial items George mentioned.
Also I have found guys who have cases of old 2 rail stock from deceased owners who just dump it at the Timonium show because they do not know anything about the real 2 rail shows around here.
Huge white elephant area where you can drop off stuff while touring the show and pick up cash or your unsold toy on the way out. Plus because of the large area there are usually a bunch of module clubs of all scales. Should be great driving weather on Saturday.
Absolutely a hit or miss for just 2 rail but well worth the day trip for me.
I plan to have some new finger modules there on Saturday only.
There will be thousands of RRers there for the several acres of tables. I think there are about 400 to 500 tables if I remember correctly. tt
Also I have found guys who have cases of old 2 rail stock from deceased owners who just dump it at the Timonium show because they do not know anything about the real 2 rail shows around here.
Huge white elephant area where you can drop off stuff while touring the show and pick up cash or your unsold toy on the way out. Plus because of the large area there are usually a bunch of module clubs of all scales. Should be great driving weather on Saturday.
Absolutely a hit or miss for just 2 rail but well worth the day trip for me.
I plan to have some new finger modules there on Saturday only.
There will be thousands of RRers there for the several acres of tables. I think there are about 400 to 500 tables if I remember correctly. tt
Dear Tom and List, I will be attending this weekend Timonium meet at it is strongly rumored to me that a O scale collection will be for sale from a recently deceased prominate
O scaler. Regards, John P Dunn Sr. P.S - Don't forget-Cherry Valley 03/10/12 and Strasburg 04/14/12.
