Worlds greatest hobby on tour show?

Mostly the fact that the manufacturers are there showing their latest and greatest, along with the local clubs and their display layouts. It's more of a trade show than a swapmeet, but you can purchase items there. There are sometimes layout visits outside of the actual show,too. I've only been to 2 of the shows as I'm not much of a traveler--

I have been looking forward to this one.  At the last one all of the manufacturers had very professional displays, you get to see the latest and greatest.  Unlike Greenbergs at the same location there are several different modular displays along with several smaller layouts for your viewing enjoyment.  There may be something to purchase, I remember encountering some vendors I had never seen before.  This is a must visit on my calendar. 

Be well prepared for crowds. The WGH folks do a super job of publicizing these events on local TV, radio, papers, social media, etc. Last one we had (National Capital region...I belong to the National Capital Trackers) in 2009 or 2010 attracted over 40,000 people over the two day event and I seem to recall that weekend being on where the Washington DC area had a pretty significant snow storm. 

 

Since I was an exhibitor, if I didn't have the, for lack of a better term, "special privilege" of getting in early and parking around back, you'd never get in. Traffic on local roads and highway ramps was insane. 

 

Overall, the show does a terrific job of promoting the hobby, as it should. I recall the "buying" was better than the standard Greenberg shows, which IMO, have REALLY declined in recent years. 

I was at the last Worlds Greatest Hobby on Tour event at the Edison NJ Convention center. It was a good show and I enjoyed going. I will attend on Saturday Feb 28th.

The event is not like a classic train show or meet and the exhibitor tables can be very different. The show has lots of trains exhibited though, is very well publicized and well attended by families with young children. You can buy discounted tickets online at 27% off or $11.00. until March 20th  http://www.giantshow.com/

seems to me I remember them only having about 4 shows a year at selected cities across the USA. and they pick different cities every year.

This is the last show of 2015.

 

Look for the LCCA BOOTH next to LIONEL.

 

Stop by and say hello and join if interested.

 

SAL GAMBINO

DIRECTOR/LCCA

For everyone who asks the question - "How do we get young people involved?"....

THIS IS IT! - This is the show that brings newbies through the door just waiting to be exposed to this hobby.....

EXACTLY. If the TCA was really interested in introducing youth to the hobby, their shows would change to the same format. The WGHOT shows are heavily attended with families with children.  If TCA expects to survive they must get rid of the "closed environment" that shuts out couples with young children and open it to the public and.... please stop making excuses on how this cannot be done. It can be done as it is being done here in NJ this weekend and by Allentown train associates, Greenbergs and the rest of the train show promoters. Be inclusive not exclusive, promote the hobby instead of being a club about to become a nursing home for senior citizens. Bring in the rides, Thomas/cartoon characters, the carnival lights, fun activities for children and show them how they can enjoy the train hobby. Let then run trains with mom and dad.  Stop resisting progress. Continual resistance to accept change always results in failure.

For those that are going tomorrow, get there early as this show was advertised on WABC TV prime time news 5-7pm! I got my Discount tickets and will head out early!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_xG41nxtV4

Will be there early, got my discount tickets, should be fun. Printed out the floor plan and the vendor list. For those who went to this show before, will there be any pre-war (old items) for sale?

 

I will be wearing a army hat if you see me say Hi.

 

Ron

York is the only TCA show where they don't allow the public.  Every other TCA show I have seen advertized allows non members into the show a couple hours after the members are allowed to enter.  I know the resident protectors of the York show will be along any minute to defend the practice and tell us how anyone can attend if the join on the spot and pa the entry fee.  $65.00 is a little steep for a family just starting out.  Just think another 20 to 40 thousand people attending York at $15.00 a head.  TCA could pay off the museum debt and be able to expand the collection.

Manufacturers show up and show case their products. When the show was in San Diego in 2013, Lionel was selling starter sets, with free shipping to the customers home. The prices for vendors are outrageous.

I attended this show today.  I arrived very early, secured a close up parking spot and since I had purchased an on line ticket got in right at the outset.  I found the show to be well attended and yes there were a lot of children there and they seemed to be having a good time.  By the time I left which was about 2:00 PM it was quite crowded.  There really wasn't a whole lot to buy but there was enough to keep me interested.  Most of the O Gauge stuff was modern era with a smattering of post-war.  The presence of the major retailers, Lionel, MTH, Atlas, Ross Switches, etc. and the Modular Train groups gave it the feel of a traditional train show but in reality it was more Like a glorified Greenberg show. 

 

As far as turning York into one of these toy extravaganzas I personally don't think it would be a good idea.  There were several people at this show complaining about the near miss helicopter incidents and tripping over remote controlled plastic cars running in the aisles.  I did see one older gentleman actually crush one underfoot because he didn't see it and believe me he let the vendor have it but good.   One lady almost got maimed by a remote controlled flying machine of some sort and she seemed pretty miffed about it.  In short, introducing this kind of circus atmosphere into the York meets I think would have an overall negative impact.  Kids are great and have a good time enjoying train races and watching the trains run but I would prefer the toy vendors spend their time elsewhere.  Greenberg's shows allow all of these toy vendors in and it seems most train enthusiasts feel these shows have declined considerably over the last several years.  The Allentown first frost and Spring Thaw shows are not overrun by toy vendors and the prevailing opinion is that these are still quality shows/meets.  So is it really worth turning relatively well attended and well ordered train meets into toy shows? 

 

There are countless train shows/meets held throughout the country which allow toy vendors into their venues so children certainly are exposed to toy trains in a carnival like atmosphere at various times throughout the United States so I really can't buy into the theory that the two York meets because of their admittance policy has a detrimental impact on kids learning about the hobby.  In regards to the continued existence of the TCA I should point out it survived all during the 1950s, 1960s and even into the early 1970s with a very small membership base so I wouldn't worry too much about its survival.

 

 

What does this thread have to do with the TCA, the Eastern Division, or the York Train show? - Absolutely nothing!

Stop Highjacking these threads.

This thread as it was initially constituted had absolutely nothing to do with the TCA or the York Train Meets but a poster went out of his way to do a critical comparison of this show with the York meets.  Under the circumstances a rebuttal seemed in order.  I would point out that in my rebuttal I related at length concerning my experiences at this show today certainly establishing it as thread related.  So, I suggest you refrain from your self appointed moderator duties.

quote:

This thread as it was initially constituted had absolutely nothing to do with the TCA or the York Train Meets but a poster went out of his way to do a critical comparison of this show with the York meets.

 

Actually it was two posters.
Thanks for your reply.

Who appointed you in charge of the forum?

No one every suggested turning York into a toy show.  I agree with you I don't like to see toys, jewelry or candy being sold at a train show.

 

I had hoped this thread would help me decide whether or not the wght show was worth going to (I actually live in Edison).

Instead it turned into a bashing of the TCA and the eastern division's York meets.

If you don't like the way the TCA is run,  then don't be a member or run for the board and try to make a change.

If you don't like the way the York meets are held,  then don't go.

 Taken from WGHT Facebook page. I believe the photos are from today.

WGHT are the best shows I have ever attended.

 

Click anywhere under Mobile uploads.

I attended the show today, I think the Greenberg show is better if you are interested in buying. The layouts were great and it was nice to see the manufacturers. It would have been better to see more train vendors and less food vendors. The manufacturers layouts were the same as 2011 the last time the show was in NJ. The layouts attracted both parents and kids, they will help to keep the hobby alive.

quote:

Who appointed you in charge of the forum?

 

Just expressing my opinion.

I was at one WGHS, in Oaks PA, with our modular group's layout. On the plus side, there were a lot of great modular layouts, many families with kids, modest size manufacturer booths, and tons of Thomas stuff to buy.

On the negative side...it was a "zoo" in terms of crowds, traffic (the police had to shut down the Oaks exit lane off the major highway), no place left to park, and very little other than Thomas to buy.

Personally, I wouldn't mind a review of the NJ show with an opinion on whether or not it's worth the $15 or even the discounted admission price from the following perspectives:

1. A 3-rail o gauge operator looking for a bargain or at least the ability to pick up some needed replacement parts or possibly some accessories.

2. A grandfather with 3-5 year old's looking for an afternoon's entertainment.

 

I suspect #2, but would like to hear from those who went on Saturday.

I'm glad I didn't go. Sounds like it would of been to "toyish" for me

Went to the Cincy show a couple years ago, won't be going to another. It is a great show to introduce kids to electric trains. It is a lousy show if you are expecting a lot of tables with trains for sale.

Went with my 11 year old grandson. He and I were very disappointed in the lack of vendors. Good for younger kids. Very busy, so will hopefully draw more people into the hobby.

......and risk promoting new chinese trains? Certainly can't do that...right? I wouldn't expect a kid today to be interested some silent, rusty, dusty old postwar stuff. At least not for more than the time it takes to make a loop or two around a layout.

 

 

On a side note, its not York or TCA. Its not supposed to be.

 

Its a general demonstration of model trains to the public that may know little if anything about, its better than nothing.

 

Its really not intended for model train "experts" with  elitest O guage egos

 

Some folks need to step out of the basement once in a while.

My take on this particular  show

 

I went to this show 3 or 4 years ago when they came here, it was one of the best train shows I've ever been to. There was tons of vendors and tons of people attending.

 

This time around it still was a good show, but not as many vendors, many booths selling toys

and a lot less people attending. I wonder why it was like this, I thought it was going to be wall to wall people. There was a ton of room to wall down the isle's.

 

 

Thanks

Alex

I attended this show yesterday. It was mobbed which is good. I agree that this show is meant to bring children into the hobby however I think they will just like Thomas and other toy trains. Unfortunately I don't see them building layouts. The Denver TCA show is even better for kids because it has twice as many layouts. It is also a huge swap meet which is also great. The only thing lacking is that the manufacturers are not well represented. The York meet is the ultimate for diehards like us. It's unfortunate that there isn't a good way for the public to attend.

These shows are highly successful. Look at the attendance.

In 2011 more than 36,000 people attended,Edison NJ.

 

Those that wish to know if the show is worth it for there needs i suggest checking out there website. 

IMHO, which is just a wild guess, the $15 admission is a factor, sure if you got it online it was 1/2 but many people probably didn't look on line.  Then consider how many folks are willing to spend $15 to go look at trains (besides us)?

Assume a 10 year old into trains asks, "Mom and Dad I saw this great set in the Lionel/MTH catalog and it's only (what? $500, $1000)"  What are the odds the parents will spring for it?

Hundreds of people visit club layouts during open houses and many say they remember trains when when they were young, some put a set under a Christmas tree, but very few have layouts or spend the amount of money, we on this forum do on this hobby.  We represent a very small percentage of the population, I'll guess far less than in the 50's when Hardware stores and hobby shops were abundant and kids could go on their own to buy a kit or add a piece of rolling stock to add to their "empire" for less than $10. 

 

I went to the show yesterday and enjoyed myself very much. I made purchases from the Reading Company Technical & Historical Society and Rails'N'Shafts so there was plenty for me to buy. Having manufacturers such as Athearn, Kato, Bachmann, MTH and Lionel present in attendance affords us an opportunity to speak with their representatives while they show off their latest and greatest.

 

The layouts were excellent and thanks to all folks involved for the time they put in to run their trains for us. I was particularly impressed by the Reading equipment running on one of the HO layouts. The models were truly superb.

 

On the negative side, I was very surprised to see several vendors of merchandise totally unrelated to the hobby...sports figures and those helicopters you seem to see for sale everywhere these days are two examples which come to mind. Seems to me if you're billing the event as a promotion of the railroading hobby, if it doesn't involve trains it be sold there. 

 

Overall, I had a great time.

 

Bob

 

 

 

 

     

The companies must think it's worthwhile to attend, otherwise they wouldn't show up. 

 

After all, floor space, transportation of displays, material and personnel, booth staffing, meals, lodging comes out of the company budgets.

 

Rusty

I don't think Lionel and MTH had their "latest and greatest" on display, instead they had models and layouts designed to appeal to children which was the point if the show. For instance MTH had a Pennsy T1 in Denver but nothing in the same class at Edison.

I attended a WGHT show in the SF Bay Area a couple of years ago.  It was well attended I thought it was an excellent model railroading hobby promotion.  I enjoyed talking with Mike Wolf and I met Jim Barrett at the OGR booth.  I think this may be the only time these folks get to the West coast.  

 

I hope that the WGHT show isn't becoming a general toy show.  I don't recall seeing helicopters, drones, remote control vehicles, etc. at the show I attended.  Hopefully the focus will remain on the model train hobby.  Every dollar spent on a helicopter is a dollar not spent on a train.  I am sure that there are plenty of shows promoting model flying.  

 

Joe

 

 

 

Was there today, not as many sellers as I thought would be there. What was very interesting was a presentation by Michael Broggie, author of the book Walt Disney's Railroad Story.  They seemed to draw quite a crowd and sold out all the books on Saturday. Looks like a very interesting book so I wound up ordering one.

 

The high points for me.  Getting to talk to Dennis from z stuff and leaving with a solution for a certain location.  Meeting the guy who does backdrops on CD and making a purchase.  Dropping a hint at the atlas display about cab cars for their trainman cnn/dot cars.  Spending time with the bachman reps learning a few things.  Their 44 ton loco looks as good as the MTH version.  Got lots of ideas by seeing the Reading ho display, which was excellent, and the S gauge display.  Those groups do a great job with scenery.  Low point was being next to two alleged adults engaged in a shouting match over something.  That went on far too long with no security in sight.  I thought everything lionel brought looked cheesy and toy like when compared to the other o gauge manufacturers.  Glad I went.