What do you miss most not being able to actually go to York?

Jim all of the above!!!

Just the restless anticipation Thursday morning, standing at whatever spot on the Fairgrounds parking lot I happen to be at 11:58, listening to the national anthem while wondering what I’d find this time around inside those Halls.

I'm starting to get used to "missing" York, so maybe I won't renew my TCA membership in March if the Spring 2021 is called off. 

I miss ever having the experience.  Woulda, shoulda, coulda gone in Fall 2019 when we moved back to PA but things were too busy then.  Let my TCA membership lapse after I bought the spring '20 York pass.  Time will tell.

I miss the day away. It was a day where the rest of the world didn't matter. Just a day looking at trains (and probably buying some). If I bumped in to people I know, great! If not, that's okay too. I truly just enjoyed it as my little getaway. 

#1 is the people, I almost always get to meet a couple people that I've only corresponded with in the past.  I also get to catch up with other friends, old and new.  That's easily by far the most important part of the York experience for me.

I occasionally find something that follows me home as well...

I go for the hope of new and different prototypes from a depressing continuously shrinking pool of manufacturers.   Luckily,  Menard's is and offers new, but no articulateds yet, and you don't have to wait for York.  But,  there are  the historical trains. too..so...l go for trains..

The smell of making sauerkraut as you get off I 83.  😀😜😩

It was once a year for me. I miss seeing the people I have meet. Forum friends and venders.

Going for the first time. My new wife is extremely supportive of my train habit. We went to a museum in PA next to  Strasbourg RR. The time before that we had gone for a tourist ride on a different RR but got to see 2 steamers at Strasbourg running and smoking. I almost jumped out of the car. I mentioned York to her and she said I should go! That was fall of 2019. I was thinking Spring or Fall of 2020 but then the CCP virus hit.

Well, wait and see.

Frank

The roadtrip there with friends

The hunt

Seeing new things/learning from discussions with vendors

Seeing friends that moved away

Drinks and Show & Tell in the hotel breakfast area in the evenings

Buying items that I didn't know I wanted or "needed"

Seeing friends and meeting folks for the first time on this forum from around the country.

Having dinner both nights with the former AOL online train gang from 25 years ago. 

Buying trains that I do not need but want. Only looking for specific pieces these days. I have plenty.

Missing there the little old lady making the announcements to follow the arrows on the floor!!!! Priceless Memories.

I got into the hobby fairly recently and live in Hershey. I had a vacation day, saved money and everything was set for my first York visit in April, which never happened. So not much to add to this thread other than I am excited to go!

PRRick,

When York does happen in the future, save up 2 days for the adventure. A lot to see in 1 day. Trust the folks here about York. 

I have to agree with Ted.  I don't usually see nearly all of the halls in the three days, one day would be total sensory overload!   There's just so much to do and see, and the more you go, the more time you spend chatting with people that you know.

It's been a while for me. Is the NOPHOTO rule still in effect? If so, it would seem for an on-line show that rule is down the sewer.

Maybe this will be a trend. An on-line show would certainly make it a lot easier for Sellers and Buyers.

I think this type of show has a name; They call it "eBay without the auction part."

I've been to 80 Yorks. I miss everything about York. I hope the next one is in April 2021.

@AlanRail posted:

It's been a while for me. Is the NOPHOTO rule still in effect? If so, it would seem for an on-line show that rule is down the sewer.

..........................

Still no photos allowed for Member Halls, but photos are allowed in Dealer Halls and also the Display Layouts (so in White Hall, you are allowed to take pics of the layout, but not the member tables).  I must have missed how the concept of the "on-line" show would actually relate to the EDTCA meet?  I know Trainland has undertaken running something (as they did in April), but It's not the EDTCA meet, it's a nice substitute to get people talking about trains and give the vendors an outlet to connect with an audience.  Why one would infer any sort of EDTCA rules for an in person meet would have any relevance to that event, I do not see the connection.

So I miss the "pre-York" TCA Museum Open House day and chatting with friends there, viewing all the exhibits, maybe getting a look at the Strasburg RR as it goes by, also often eating at the Red Caboose for lunch.

Oh, and of course the train meet!   Same thing with seeing friends and talking trains for 2 1/2 days.

-Dave

Wow, what a question.  Where to begin?

OK, in no particular order:

1. In the days ahead of the meet, the anticipation of entering the world's largest "candy" store.  It's like being a kid again.
2. Hearing the national anthem prior to opening.  I am so grateful to God and blessed to be standing there.
3. The sheer joy of the first few minutes of the meet as people rush to get into the halls.
4. The hunt for "whatever" in October ("One ping only, Vasily!" )
5. Finding some item you had given up on in some obscure corner of the meet.
6. Seeing people you know and communicate with on-line.
7. Dinner, drinks, and spirited conversation with friends.
8. That bittersweet ride home with the great things you found and your new memories (the sweet) and the knowledge that you have to wait another 6 months to do it again (the bitter).

George

@Ted Bertiger posted:

 

Missing there the little old lady making the announcements to follow the arrows on the floor!!!! Priceless Memories.

The correct quote, Ted, is "Folla the yella arras in the floor"

I miss having 3-4 days when I can think of nothing but trains.

Having been stuck in the house for more than 6 months, attending any train show now without fear of getting sick would be such a pleasure. I've never been to York but when it's safe to attend again, I hope to make the trip at the first opportunity. Meeting the OGR community and looking at O gauge trains at York would be like returning to life again... Meanwhile, I'm glad I have those model trains in the basement and throughout the house - as well as this annoying computer...

MELGAR

The anticipation leading up to York then buying items that I didn’t know existed. 

Number one for me is the people. And whenever my next York is, it still won't have Marty & Barry. But my focus has changed, and after not missing a York in a quarter of a century, I doubt that I will ever again attend York in the Spring (if there are any). I will NOT miss the smell of the "fertilizer". 

But I look forward to and hope that the ED figures out how to update the Fall York for the changes in the hobby and the decrease in the number of manufacturers and dealers. Once upon a time the bandit shows were a big component of the York experience. I look forward to what is coming next.

Gerry

“And whenever my next York is, it still won't have Marty & Barry.”

Gerry, how true. I met Barry when I attended my first DCS Users group. Got there early, we talked for a bit and he put me at a table with a friendly group. I learned a lot that night. 
Met Marty thru working with Vince. Picked up a good bit on locomotive maintenance and repair. Absolutely the friendliest guy, I felt like I knew him for years right away. But we did share that blue blood.

Lord, I can’t wait for the next time we can all do this. Will be great to see both you, and Loco Lawyer. To see everyone again.

After the initial thrill of overload, and seeking that one item I couldn't do without, it was meeting people I had chatted with online, or here at the forum. I miss the breakfast and the TCA briefings before heading to the Strasburg RR Museum. If I go again, it will be to enjoy a hefty Scrapple breakfast, talk with those I know, peruse the tables and hope that there are not more no longer with us friends and mentors.

The knowledge I had gained from Barry was immense, being new to DCS in 2015. I am glad I met him at Fall York 2017.

I learn something new from GRJ every time I turn around, and learn I can push myself to build better locomotives, cars and accessories from the new projects he comes up with. I have eye strain from the micro mini components on his R2LC Smart Motherboard but it showed me that even a trembling hand shouldn't stop me from trying.

I will make every attempt to be there for Fall 2021 if it happens.

A lot. Friends, Romans, countrymen. There is so much to miss, most of all the good friends an accaintences I have met. That and of course a soft pretzel each of the days. I usually get one or two if I'm a little hungry, that and ice cream. I know that may sound a little silly, but it's like going to your favorite pizza place. You always get something extra other than what you order if you know what I mean.

I've been to 4 Yorks to date traveling all the way from Utah and each time I leave for the day I just grin at the train heaven overload I just indulged.  My 11 yr old has gone twice and can't wait to make it to another which I hope to do before he finds out what cars & girls are.  I try to make it there every 2 years.

Jim

Jim, there were a lot of good times when Vince was there. I  got 2 of my favorite engines from. Unshrouded J's. I had one painted as a Police engine and one as a fire engine. JD's trains did that work. But when Vince was selling, no trip to York was successful without buying something from him. Do you ever hear from or see Trainpop?

Ron, I actually had the pleasure of being at the Paradise & Pacific a few years ago. I introduced myself as a member of the NJ HiRailers and a couple of your members knew a couple of our members and they couldn't have been nicer to me and my friends. You guys have a great layout and a great deal.  

Gerry

Gerry, I try to call him once a week. He’s doing pretty good. Still working every day, and always has a story.

Gerry, 

We all enjoy meeting other train enthusiasts, and showing off our building. It is eerily weird being in the building now with the doors locked and no public in the building. We are hoping for a soft opening to the public mid October, but only time will tell if the adage "Build it and they WILL come" comes true after the scare this pandemic has given.

One of our members, Bill Lazenby is actually from your neck of the woods, and enjoyed seeing the NJ Hi-Railers layout when he was back there a few years ago. 

Like York, we are more than ready for the fun to return.

If your ever back out here, stop in and run some trains, we have tried to add new things to the scenery and make it fun to run.

@dkdkrd posted:

Funnel cakes at the entrance to Silver Hall.

I really looked forward to those too, especially the pumpkin ones at the October meet.

But, alas, the funnel cake vendor in this location has not been there since October 2018. The other Funnel Cake vendors located near the Red and Orange halls  are poor tasting substitutes. 

I miss the horde of trains, the selection is the best anywhere, plus you can see them, haggle, and no sales tax or shipping.

I also miss the parts sellers and JT Mega Steam, I hate buying a cheap part or smoke fluid then paying $12 in shipping.

Also miss the aluminum shelf dealers, those cost a lot of money to ship, I save a lot of money buying them face to face.

I miss seeing all my “ train buds” from all over the country.....and, finding that special something that I didn’t realize that I needed.......

Peter

Peter,

As an aside, have you and the modular group been able to get out this year?

Peter, Putnam Division, well said, it’s the people, then the trains, from the oldest, to the newest, from the rarest, to the most plentiful, just seeing the Best of the Best.  Maybe in April??? Happy Railroading Everyone 

@Lionelski posted:

I really looked forward to those too, especially the pumpkin ones at the October meet.

But, alas, the funnel cake vendor in this location has not been there since October 2018. The other Funnel Cake vendors located near the Red and Orange halls  are poor tasting substitutes. 

YES!  

The loss of the pumpkin funnel cake vendor at the Blue/Silver Halls  =  my most significant York disappointment.

Really.

Our first trip was October 2019 and I’m so glad we went. My son was 7 and I remember most fondly the first morning we went to the bandit meet at the hotel seeing all of the tables outside and my son finding his prized Marx engine within the first 5 tables we visited. It was sunny and there were tables of exceptional trains everywhere! I love that memory! 

Also meeting the people from the manufacturers was great.  Never would’ve guessed meeting Mike Wolf would be the last time MTH was at York.

Also our first trip to the TCA museum and Strasburg Railway was also outstanding.  We didn’t even get to all the halls in 3 days. Fingers crossed for April....our flights are booked.  York is awesome!!!!

@Ron_S posted:

Peter,

As an aside, have you and the modular group been able to get out this year?

 

Unofficially, we think we have a venue for the holiday season.......however, I will wait for Gilly@N&W (our club president) to post it on our Modular Group thread if and when the plan comes to fruition......for the time being, I sent you a private email on how we are proposing to do it.

Same story though, as with missing my "train buds" at York, what I miss is the group getting together running trains and having fun.....

Peter

Great thread Jim!  Cheryl and I  certainly miss seeing you and your grandson criss-crossing the Orange Hall looking for that special something. As has been said - it is all about the people. We just lease the trains we pay for - most of them keep going long after us. I'd argue that there is not a train in the world that can compare to the memories accumulated during a weekend with good friends just talking, laughing and being in the moment.

And who would have thought that York TCA would be trailblazers in arrows pointing you down an aisle right? 

We will see you soon buddy. 

John

@Jim M Sr posted:

What do yo miss most not being able to actually go to York?

 

The joy of attending the York Meets by model railroad fans has been well documented over the years.  That joy flows through my veins all year long, especially as the Meet approaches.  When I enter The Vortex of Fantasy as I enter the Fairgrounds, it seems all the world's problems fade away.  It's time to have some fun!!

What have I missed during this year's York Meet abyss?

•  I miss finding and buying boat loads of trains that I don't need, but want.
• Lynley and I miss seeing our model train friends, some of whom have become like close family.
• I miss breaking bread with those friends, and getting to meet new friends every trip.
• I miss being around all the trains and visiting with all the vendors.
• I miss the big party atmosphere, several days of trains, friends, meals and laughter!
• I miss the chance to visit with my youngest daughter in Philly.
• I even miss the sad feeling when the Meet is over, like the first day back to work after summer or Christmas vacation.  But the anticipation of enjoying my purchases when I get home tempers that some.

I also miss the short drive home we had when we lived nearby.  The five hour flight back is less torturous because I pass the time reading OGR on the flight.  The flight going to York is like waiting for Christmas morning.

Jim, I also miss chatting with you at Vince's Trains booth!  And all the great deals he had.

But what I miss the most is the fantastic cuisine in the Orange Hall concession stands!    

Why blame the TCA? 

You might as well cancel your subscription to O Gauge Railroading, the Standard O Gauge model railroad magazine of the world, as well...!!!

REMEMBER: United We Stand, Divided We Fall.  Hey guys, we're all in this thing together.  Now is the time to support OGR, TCA, and any other organizations you belong to, as long as you're financially able to do so is understood. 

@Traindiesel posted:

.........................

• I even miss the sad feeling when the Meet is over, like the first day back to work after summer or Christmas vacation.  But the anticipation of enjoying my purchases when I get home tempers that some.

....................................

But what I miss the most is the fantastic cuisine in the Orange Hall concession stands!    

1) "Haaapppyyy Trails.... to ......You......... Until....... We ...... Meet....... Again....... " (if anyone reading wonders what the heck that's about, stay until the closing bell Saturday sometime )  (And I am young enough I have never heard that song except for at York! )

2) Crab cakes at the stand outside in the parking lot just outside Orange..... Obviously not as good as if you are in a sit down restaurant near an actual seafood town, but pretty darn good for "Fair Food".  A bit pricey for a simple lunch maybe, but I don't go to York to build up my bank account.

-Dave

@Lionelski posted:

The correct quote, Ted, is "Folla the yella arras in the floor"

No.  The correct quote is "The red zone is for loading and unloading..."        

George

If you can't find it at York, you don't need it. I've found stuff at York, that's just not anywhere else I've looked.

I miss seeing my "table neighbors." Ever since the leaders of the meet started assigning table-holders to the same tables each meet, the York experience has been much better than the days of random table assignments.  We look forward to seeing our neighbors every 6 months and visiting and sharing many laughs with them over the 3 days. 

I also miss my visit to the place where I feel closest to my Dad. He loved the York meet, and even now, over 19 years after he is gone, I still feel his presence at the York Fairgrounds. 

Your question hit hard.  For over 30 years I've followed Marty's layout, activities and posts.  Always wanting to meet him.  From everything I ever heard, he was one of the most gracious, friendly individuals you would ever want to meet.  At his last York attendance we were coming from opposite directions by Mike's exhibit.  His gold chain swinging wildly as he was rushing off somewhere.  Thinking I will bump into his another time............I let him pass.......I took the occasion for granted.

If you are even just thinking you want to say something to an individual or visit with someone, do it now.  We do not have a lock on this time here.

The expense!! Plane tickets, car rental, hotel, TCA membership, overpriced items in hall.  Attended just once, and crossed it off my list.

But that just me, OK.

I’ve only been to a couple of York meets, but what I liked was finding something totally random that I’ve never seen before and talking to the seller about it. Some folks are so passionate about collectibles and/or know so much history about railroading or the hobby and I’m glad they are willing to share their knowledge.

So, I’ll miss that. 

rrman, so sorry you feel this way about the worlds greatest and most fun train show in the world, I have been 7 times, total purchases $1500 at most and most of that was the Lionel offering of their first brass hybrid steam locomotive, $1200. I love the displays, the manufacturers, the OGR Booth, and Friends of the hobby. It’s a 14 hour drive from Clarksville, Tennessee and the scenery is simply Awesome. I go to learn, visit, take my mind off all the problems of the world and just enjoy the hobby of model trains..... I’m 76 soon, started playing with trains at age 6, so, 70 years of fun, learning, and great fellowship with friends in this hobby. Your welcome to come to Tennessee and check out our layouts. Happy Railroading Everyone 

Well, For me York has been a shell of its former self for years.  No Weaver, no Kline.  Really been a lack of good product the last few times I’ve been.  In fact it’s just not worth it for me to go.  In fact if it wasn’t for 611 in Strasburg last Oct I wouldn’t have gone to York at all.

i know this isn’t what the author wanted when he started this thread bit York isn’t York anymore.  Hasn’t been for many years.  What I miss.  York of the early 2000’s 

Gary, you are a terrible pessimist. Definition, "A person who tends to see the worst aspect of things"

@superwarp1 posted:

Well, For me York has been a shell of its former self for years.  No Weaver, no Kline.  Really been a lack of good product the last few times I’ve been.  In fact it’s just not worth it for me to go.  In fact if it wasn’t for 611 in Strasburg last Oct I wouldn’t have gone to York at all.

i know this isn’t what the author wanted when he started this thread bit York isn’t York anymore.  Hasn’t been for many years.  What I miss.  York of the early 2000’s 

I guess we all go for different reasons Gary. My reasons were expressed in an earlier post so I won't repeat them here.

Everyone has their own interests, yours seem to have been limited to Weaver and Kline. Me? I walk past, with barely a look, Purple boxes, Weaver, Kline, Atlas and most modern Lionel.

I focus on Pre and Post War of any manufacturer, supplies and scenery items and funnel cakes. I have found myself looking at the little (but growing) amount of Menards stuff there.

My trip is 255 miles each way, made enjoyable with the company of friends in the car. Prior to Covid 19 I've attended every York, spring and fall, since 1994 - only missed 2 in all that time (for unavoidable reasons). Get there Tuesday, leave Friday or Saturday. By that time my friends and I all say that we are "Yorked out" and are ready to go home. But, by Sunday, however,  we miss it and start the countdown to the next one.

It is not just that I want to get away, Mrs Lionelski and I travel a lot, all over this great USA and all over the world (well, until 2020 came along). York is unique. Shared with local friends and with old and new friends from all over the country. Mrs. Lionelski, I'm sure, enjoys the the break from me while I'm away.

All I can say is "6 months 2 1/2 weeks to April York"

@superwarp1 posted:

Well, For me York has been a shell of its former self for years.  No Weaver, no Kline.  Really been a lack of good product the last few times I’ve been.  In fact it’s just not worth it for me to go.  In fact if it wasn’t for 611 in Strasburg last Oct I wouldn’t have gone to York at all.

i know this isn’t what the author wanted when he started this thread bit York isn’t York anymore.  Hasn’t been for many years.  What I miss.  York of the early 2000’s

Nothing in life is like it was yesterday.  Sometimes that's bad, and sometimes it's good.  I'll enjoy York for what it is as long as possible.  To me, despite traveling 550 miles each way, there's nothing like taking a few days where I don't have to think about anything but trains.

And I certainly don't miss the circa 2000 prices for common items or those in poor condition.  I wish that some of the vendors would face reality about their prices, but if they want to drag it back and forth every year, that's up to them.