Worlds greatest hobby on tour show?

Bought the two day tickets on the WGHT show site.

Got there very early Saturday morning as parking could be a problem.

Lots of manufactures, the operating layouts were nice and looked like the kids loved them (hope a seed is planted some where for the future railroaders). As mentioned lots of none toys that were not related to model railroading, guess that those vendors were just looking to make a quick buck for the day (like the vendors selling junk from shopping carts during a parade). There was one vendor selling pre and post war parts (J&K Train Parts). Purchased some items for a Lionel 248 that I m working on (Good prices). Also another vendor selling LED bulbs with a screw on base that can operate to 18 V AC or DC (picked up a large red bulb for the rear light on a Lionel 253). There were 4 used (good condition) Dechant's Railroad Express 48 inch "O" gauge shelf's that I also purchase for the fraction of the cost of new. Went back the second day only to pick up a brass prewar rail and two pieces of track. You had to look for the older stuff as it was placed in a corner or under a table. Show was OK, admission was very expensive. Saw some people from a scale boat club that I belonged to and meet a bunch of nice people. Would I go back to another WGHT show? Probably.

I went with my family yesterday.  It wasn't a long drive from Long Island and I have never been to a train show.  We had fun.  I didn't know what to expect so my expectations weren't really high. We all had fun.  I met a nice couple who were selling a track cleaning car and I purchased it.  My sons enjoyed the big layout from the Raritan club.  Really cool seeing such a huge layout in operation with the buildings.  Was amaZed to see so many small gauge layouts.  Made me happy I didn't bother with them, yes they are smaller but my mitts would instantly break them as I don't have hands of a surgeon.  They had some venders who were selling some non train stuff but that is I think to keep everyone interested.  Saw a lot of people buying beginner sets.  I am glad I attended.  It was a family outing and we all enjoyed.  Since it was my first show I al looking forward to the next one.

I was set up at the show and it was the worse 2 days I ever had at a show. The same go's for most of the model RR vendors. It was like open house at Toys-R-Us.

Kids running around waving Star Wars light sticks, spinning tops, puppets and what ever cheap non train related toys you can think of. There must have been hundreds of 4 year olds running wild. I don't think there were too many kids over 12

I wouldn't do the show again if they gave me the booth for free and I was tempted to pack up and leave on Saturday.

Bob

Yes, I'm sure a $1,200. engine would have gone over real big with a young couple with little kids.