Who is going to the 2018 Chicago March Meet

I'll be attending.

Not me. Will miss meeting you all.

I had to cancel out due to OST being up for sale and everything frozen.

I'll be bringing the 5+ tubs of cars, structures, kits, and "stuff" to Strasburg in April instead.

I'll be there Saturday, no tables this year.

Mike, I envy you.  I miss not being able to walk around, visit, and buy things.  Saves me a lot of money though.  Okay, that's not entirely true.....I'm spending far more making the trip.

I will be there, attending the meet with a small group as well as attending some of the open houses.

Charlie

I will be there as will some of my friends.  My wife is going to accompany me on some of the layout tours this year which I am looking forward to.  I'm heavily involved in scenery creation now and she has an interest in that.

Art

Hello all ...looking forward to attending the big March Meet ..I'll have a display of old vintage O scale ..stop by and say hello .  Live for your entertainment pleasure outside 3rd rail !!! 

 Lots of great layouts lined up to tour .... last year I really enjoyed the two layouts in Rockford ... lots of trains beautiful scenery and very kind hosts' !!!

This meet is the "York" of the O scale world .... be there... or go HO 

Cheers Carey 

Be there or be square!  

Lord willing and the crick don't rise I will have a table but due to family concerns won't be able to stay the whole meet. 

I will be there too!!!

I'll be there. Always a great show. 

Tom

I’ll shall be there! Entering the contest and will also have a table. Truly looking forward to some great times!

I get in late Friday afternoon - looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.

...gregg

looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.......and then there's that guy named Jay! 

I'm planning on attending too.

Hey Guys,

          I havn't posted in a couple years , but this news is worth posting and it pertains to the March Meet . Erik from Midwestern Model Works will have painted samples of the EMD SD's and might have some pilot parts or shells of the SD40-2 on display . The builder Mr. Song will be in attendance as well . There are now some sneak peek detail shots up on his web-site under the ''General News '' tab . This will make a lot of guys happy - models look great .

          Bryan

Bryan,  Thanks for the update and can't wait to see the real models in person.

Erik shared a view these pilot models with me via Skype upon his return from Seoul, this will bury the competition. The fan detail and latches/hinges are exquisite. Prepare to be impressed.

n.

My friend Leighton will be there he’s a young guy new to O; I’ve tried real hard to get him focused on 2 Rail he works with the crews at Caboose Ltd in Lakewood, CO. If you see him rather tall dark hair very fun guy please do give him a warm welcome! Jefferson will be there with him. Again sadly I need to sit this one out despite very badly wanting to see Erik’s new samples. Wow they are spectacular. Ok guys have fun and keep O Scale 2 Rail alive!! 

Limey posted:

Erik shared a view these pilot models with me via Skype upon his return from Seoul, this will bury the competition. The fan detail and latches/hinges are exquisite. Prepare to be impressed.

n.

I didn't know this was a "competition."

This is America, everything is a competition.

We will be there at our usual spot right by the front door. Stop by to say hello as well as look over the racks of o scale detail pieces with a bunch of new items. Our new 2018 catalog will be there as well.

We will be there.  Looking for HIAWATHA,  in 3 rail  and we are at scenery stage.   Nancy is in charge of that.  

headed up as well.  always an enjoyable time!

rboatertoo posted:

We will be there.  Looking for HIAWATHA,  in 3 rail  and we are at scenery stage.   Nancy is in charge of that.  

Please remember that the "March Meet" is predominantly a 2-Rail scale meet/sale. You will generally find very little 3-Rail rolling stock there, so try not to be disappointed. It is still the very best O Scale 2-Rail show in the nation, in my opinion.

Sorry i cant make it this time

 I agree with hot water,  that the O scale meet in Chicago is probably the best two rail show in the country. I've been there several times and enjoyed each one very much. 

 Unfortunately this year I will be unable to attend. However I wish everyone a great time and happy hunting. 

Matt Makens posted:

This is America, everything is a competition.

Wrong Attitude.  Continuous improvement sounds more correct.  It'll be good to see you there.  I have no clue where my table is this year.  Melissa says it's a surprise (maybe in the parking lot??).  We can go over and trash talk Erik and Scott and his crew.  If either Roger Lewis or Dave Divita show up at Key I'll be engaged in some major trash talking.  2 years ago they both skipped and let Mike Mangini take care of it.

Hey Jay, gonna bring any Sunset P48 diesel sets?  I admit to being a bit confused between you and Norm.

Rich,

What part confuses you?  Yeah, cause calling me or sending an email is just way too difficult.

I may bring some.  Which model?

Jay

Jay C posted:

Rich,

What part confuses you?  Yeah, cause calling me or sending an email is just way too difficult.

I may bring some.  Which model?

Jay

I really suck at Phone. I did see them in OST but I couldn't find them on your web site.

Yeah, I haven't put them on the website yet (along with a lot of other stuff).  I may need to hire someone.

One of the issues is knowing exactly which set (axle gear) goes with which model.  I know the newer models (SD-7/9) use the 10mm gear and older models use 10.5mm.  The last thing I want to do is sell someone the wrong parts.

Having said that the last batch of bearings  need to be trimmed up a little.  Most are just a little too large (OD).  I have a collet to do it and if I can, I will.  Following that I can assemble conversion sets.  If somebody ask for something specific I'll try to bring them to the show.

Right now I working on a set for converting a 3r SD-7 to 2r (Ow5).  For that I'll use NWSL wheels and machine new axles.

Confusing?  Yeah, now I am too.

Jay

of course I'm going to be there it's mecca for o scale guys

Ugh I wish I could go. I'd be interested in Key's GS stage tho. If you gypuys can make it to Kuma's Corner you won't be disappointed, best burger I've ever had. 

Kuma burger my favorite    Metallica second     mac and cheese a must!!!    about 23 minutes north of  Chicago o scale meet      in Shamburg  one of their new locations

This will be the third major show l never want to miss, l missed, in last six mos.: Narrow Gauge show in Denver....never want to miss a NG show in Colorado ....York, and this one ...maybe a couple of more to go ..l gave up on Wheaton... The net lately has had several Rolls Royce priced O scale structure kits that l have long and continue to lust after. Too bad..there are now so few shows or new models. 

IT'S THE GEREATEST SHOW ON EARTH !!!    (for O scale guys)       3 rail guys will always find some good stuff to . come on along!!

Rich,

Now for something different;

I've been making conversion sets for converting Sunset 3rd Rail from regular O Scale to P:48 and a friend asked if I could make a set to convert his new 3R SD-7 to 2R (Ow5). I thought to myself, why not, I have plenty of NWSL 145 40" wheels. Having said that, here's what they look like. I'll mail them to him today and await his report back.

I guess I'll have to sit this one out and keep working on the Steel Mill.

I would like to visit Scale City Designs tables but spending thousands to spend hundreds defeats the purpose wish my son worked in New York (he is in the banking industry) instead of London then I would have an excuse to go have to settle for London this year.

March Meet in full

swing ! Head to

Lombard to join on the fun!

Carey Williams posted:

March Meet in full

swing !

Certainly NOT "in full swing!", as Friday afternoon/evening is simply set-up.  Starting at 9AM this morning, things will be "in full swing!".

Hot Water posted:

Carey Williams posted:

March Meet in full

swing !

Certainly NOT "in full swing!", as Friday afternoon/evening is simply set-up.  Starting at 9AM this morning, things will be "in full swing!".

 

For crying out loud!  Hot Water, I believe you are totally misunderstanding/mis interpreting his reference.  Unnecessary to say the least.

Carey, a GREAT majority of us know exactly what you mean and understand your post completely.  Nice pictures of what to expect!

If you can’t say any thing nice don’t say anything at all

There's more to March Meet than the (excellent) trade show. If one had been to Ted Schnepf's operating session on Friday afternoon and then the O Scale Kings followed by P:48 meetings Friday evening, one could say that was a decent amount of O scale action, even if not technically quite full swing! 

Worked for the Hills for this shown in probably 2003. We were asked to occasionally scan tables looking for three rail and politely ask distributors to not have them visible, and if they didn't comply, speak with management. "Not visible" pretty much meant under or behind the table

I totally get where they were coming from, if they didn't have that rule, it would just turn into another three rail show, and three-railers have DuPage Fairgrounds.

http://marchmeet.net/

My friend Leighton is there and Jeff and Bob and... they say it’s fantastic! I couldn’t get the time to go, MRI for the baby and too much going on.

shots from Leighton 

Here it is guys the new Sunset PA thanks scott

I just switched to O and plan to attend next year.

Quick question though.  Do the vendor's mostly require cash?  I'm a little wary crossing the border with a large wad of cash.

Thanks Marty for posting those gorgeous PA’s. The Miracle Worker does it again. Thank you Scott! 

Once again the fun and fraternity of the O scale club makes the whole meet worthwhile.  It's great to see  folks that you see only once a year in Chicago or Indy or OSW. 

Lots of sellers and even some of us buyers.   AND bargains abound for those who look.   And you don't have to look that hard. 

AND Erik is there with his SD45 pilot models.   Truly state of the art modern models. 

Bring lots of cash.  I ran out of cash 

rboatertoo posted:

Bring lots of cash.  I ran out of cash 

HOT WATER

I didn't think you said anything wrong people are so sensitive lately. Roo.

Roo posted:

HOT WATER

I didn't think you said anything wrong people are so sensitive lately. Roo.

Thanks. And to top it off, those posts were probably from folks who have never attended the March Meet anyway, and have not witnessed the VERY LARGE amount of people entering the doors this Saturday morning. As a side note, many dealers/sellers stated that they were "doing VERY well" by 2PM.

Just back from the show for the day. I live near by. I do agree with Illinoiscentral about the 3 rail policy.

I am a 3railer and that is OK, it is a great show and plenty there for us 3rail folks. My friend got great bargains on freight cars, just have to change some of the trucks on a few. But at less than $10 each, wow.

Great show always.

-Tom

Hot Water posted:

Roo posted:

HOT WATER

I didn't think you said anything wrong people are so sensitive lately. Roo.

Thanks. And to top it off, those posts were probably from folks who have never attended the March Meet anyway, and have not witnessed the VERY LARGE amount of people entering the doors this Saturday morning. As a side note, many dealers/sellers stated that they were "doing VERY well" by 2PM.

LOL - you got me. I've only been attending since about 1995, first from England, these days from Canada.     I feel it's important to be positive about the whole March Meet package including all of the additional activities surrounding the trade show.  They help to make the trip more worthwhile for those of us who don't have O scale events in our countries.

Thanks to all who contribute to it!  

Last year We went to the show and didn’t buy much, but this year We found a lot. Last year we didn’t get there until 1:30.  This year we were there at 9:15 and found lots of deals. Prieser people for $5 a box, 4 brass signal bridges, brass water fill bridge, 3 buildings, detailed scenery items etc.   

Finally picked up my dream locomotive

So much fun! So good to see so many people this year. I truly encourage everyone to come. Please! 

Many great deals and purchases. Happy to say that my big purchase was an Altoona Works 4 stall roundhouse! Truly excited to get this piece on my Milwaukee Layout. 

Mr. Dawdy picked up a beautiful steamer. There’s something here for everyone .

James

People love cash but there are lots of people that will take credit cards or checks.  There is an ATM machine in the hotel so if you need to get cash after you cross the border you can do that.

That’s really nice Dan! 

Where's Matt? he has pictures of the beautiful SD40-45 versions. WOW!

He posted under Sam's post of the 3rd rail PA's.

Thanks to everyone for sharing here!

Erik C Lindgren posted:

My friend Leighton is there and Jeff and Bob and... they say it’s fantastic! I couldn’t get the time to go, MRI for the baby and too much going on.

shots from Leighton 

What did you get me?? 

Thanks for the answers for my inquiry.  I guess I will have to bring cash!

Roo posted:

I guess I'll have to sit this one out and keep working on the Steel Mill.

I had to sit this one out as well this year.... But I've spent most of Feb and now March working on scenery instead of building much of anything at all.

I would like to visit Scale City Designs tables.....

Same - I have a need for a pile of specific parts, but I'll get them later.....

Did Key attend? Did they say anything about the CZ and the GS project?

railroad-guy posted:

Finally picked up my dream locomotive

Sweeeet! 

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

Did Key attend? Did they say anything about the CZ and the GS project?

Key was there.   I did see and chat with Roger Lewis but not modeling your end of the US I didn't ask about those projects.   The cab forward was beautiful as were the PAs. 

Anyone recall who had the 10 car (A&B) SP Daylight passenger set for sale?  Buddy didn't get a name and is interested in buying the set.

illinoiscentral posted:

Worked for the Hills for this shown in probably 2003. We were asked to occasionally scan tables looking for three rail and politely ask distributors to not have them visible, and if they didn't comply, speak with management. "Not visible" pretty much meant under or behind the table

I totally get where they were coming from, if they didn't have that rule, it would just turn into another three rail show, and three-railers have DuPage Fairgrounds.

Interesting how times have changed, the new Lionel freight cars are some of the most detailed out there and were for sale on tables. Didn't see any Lionel steam engines (are they missing sales?), plenty of MTH and Weaver 2 rail versions though! Anyone take pictures of the Monon hopper for sale with the operating brake wheel staff and working brakes?

Rattler21,

I was there with another 3rail buddy. We picked up several "2 rail" freight cars. Like you said just swap out wheel sets or couplers.  Great show for all.

Tom

Did Key Models have a table at this show and if so any news from them?

hibar posted:

Did Key Models have a table at this show and if so any news from them?

Scroll up a bit..........

Missed that however still curious about the coming projects, their last website update it appears was last year and the big push appears to be for the "big boy" production. JMO

On a positive note, amongst a few other nice finds,  Jim Zwenermann was selling off some scratchbuilt rolling stock and I happened upon a beautifully built FGEX reefer.  

Top notch construction and details!!!

Gorgeous car, Rule. 

hibar posted:

Missed that however still curious about the coming projects, their last website update it appears was last year and the big push appears to be for the "big boy" production. JMO

I’m curious too, but if the BB

is the only thing in production and don’t expect anything else to be done any time soon. CZ maybe? 

Rule, that’s car Sure is ...  NICE 

I was told this won best in show.

Erik C Lindgren posted:

Rule, that’s car Sure is ...  NICE 

It's all handmade out of styrene.  I can't cut a board straight, let alone build something that nice. 

Those Altoona Model Works buildings made me want to start building structures.

BobbyD posted:

I was told this won best in show.

It’s beautiful I would have loved to see it in person. Jefferson took this of it. 

Best of Show I would agree with that! 

BobbyD posted:

I was told this won best in show.

Correct. The GM&O doodlebug behind it was awarded second. Both scratch built by Ralph Nelson.

Quite the skilled craftsman he is.

It was a great show, got some nice items at good prices as always!  Did catch a glimpse of Mike, but did not get the chance to say hi.....was busy heading off to the other side of the room.    Seems to go by quicker and quicker each year.   However, my feet and ankles are telling me otherwise.    They still ache from all the walking...LOL!

Hey Rich!  Guess what?  They have ice cream on the San Joaquin!   Hagen Daz, no less.  Thought you ought to know.

Jay

Jay C posted:

Hey Rich!  Guess what?  They have ice cream on the San Joaquin!   Hagen Daz, no less.  Thought you ought to know.

Jay

That just figures.  I hope you guys got home without any swimming involved.  The weather guessers were showing the main storm yesterday in your area.

I'm glad you double insulate your wheels.  I'm going to have to keep using my axles as the semi major diameter length is too long to narrow the side frames as I thought I might be able to.  With the double insulation the wheels seem to work OK with my axles.

hibar posted:

Missed that however still curious about the coming projects, their last website update it appears was last year and the big push appears to be for the "big boy" production. JMO

My understanding, as a reservation holder, is the CZ cars will be next and then the BB.....much to my disappointment. Like to see a BB produced that is on the level of the Cab Forwards. Remarkable model!!!!

BH

 Butch, did they say when is the CZ going into production? 

Dave was not there.  Roger said he is in Korea working out the production details for the CZ with the builder.  Roger said this year's delay from last year's promised delivery this year is due to a back injury.

After over a decade I take everything they say with a large grain of salt nowadays.

Exactly what I heard from my dealer friend, who is also a friend of Dave's. So, it looks like the CZ's should go into production soon, but no one knows anymore at this time.

BH

Thanks, guys. I'm insistent  because I need to figure out a flight to the states to pick up items this year. I wanna bring these cars myself, no international shipping. Thanks again.

Attached is a video of Ralph's Santa Fe motor car taken in early November before it was finished.  It was looking pretty sweet then and it got even better when it was completed.

SANTIAGOP23 posted:

Thanks, guys. I'm insistent  because I need to figure out a flight to the states to pick up items this year. I wanna bring these cars myself, no international shipping. Thanks again.

Don't blame you for that! It's bad enough shipping stuff within the States! Cost and possible damage are BIG factors.

Simon