Train Show

[traindaddy1]

Doug T: Thanks for the info.

[Doug T]

Traindaddy1,

What you have suggested already is being done in Large Scale. In fact they do several shows regionally every year. For about 10 years now Aristo Craft has put together a large scale only train show. Presently it is being held in York, Pa. usually the first weekend in April. Having been in large scale I have attended this show numerous times.

They have manuafacturers (Aristo, USA Trains, Bachmann, LGB, and others) and vendors (Train World, Nicolas Smith, etc)  selling in one wing of the hall. In the other wing they have clubs bring in their modular layouts and run trains for the public.

The catch is getting someone to foot the bill to have people setup the show by contacting everyone and keeping everything organized.  

 

They have clinics and how to demonstrations and modeling contest with prizes.

[traindaddy1]

Don: I agree with your comments about "member" shows, especially the security aspect.  Not too long ago, I attended an open-to-the-public show where  an incident occurred.  My post was, again, just a thought. 

       Side note:  I have been priveleged to be invited to attend as a quest by three TCA members, two of which have offered to sponsor me.  (Because of economics and logistics, I have had to decline. Nonetheless, I'm honored.)  These shows (member "meets") are 'class' affairs. 

Thanks for your comments.

[DMUinCT]

  I just came home from the Train Show in West Springfield, MA. (day one of two days)

 Four halls all full of trains of all Gauges!  A show open to the public, $10 admission.

 Factory displays by MTH with two of the VPs answering questions, factory display by Lionel manned by Lionel personal, by Aristo-Craft with there designers, by Atlas, etc.

  As for member shows, such as TCA York twice a year.  Eight halls all full of trains, mostly "O", lots of "S" and "G", even some "HO".  15,000 attending members and guests.

  I always attend, always have a table in a Member's Hall.  Nice to talk, everyone there loves trains.   It's nice to walk around and not worry about theft from my table.   No member would ever risk his membership and right to attend any TCA Show by stealing.

 

[ACF1001]

That sounds like an even better suggestion than my little standing on the soapbox just before. Have the admission fee at $5.00 for adults. Children under 12 maybe half price. Have the members of The World's Greatest Hobby ( Manufacturers, Distributors, Publications, and Major Retailers ) involved. I think something similar is already being done though. But don't quote me on it.

[Train-O]

traindaddy1,

You make a good point, because trian hobbiest are the people who make these companies what they are, not some corporate mental geniuse of a 'Yes' person!

Ralph

[traindaddy1]

Dennis: You're probably right!.......Like I say: "Just a thought"........Thanks.

[dwiemer]

It would have to be sponsored by a completely independent, unaffiliated organization.  The ROI (Return On Investment), would have to be seen as substantial to cover the costs.  Would be difficult to prove for at least the first few shows to the companies.  With the internet and the Cal Stewart/York shows, they have most of what you suggest.  While this may work for those immersed in the hobby, it would not for the majority of sales in the "Starter Set" arena.

Dennis

[traindaddy1]

I've been reading the comments and opinions expressed on the forum in the past few years and most recently, under the "Open To The Public" thread, about York and other similar topics. Once again, I started to think (again, ?)

Every year, there is a 'trade' show in New York called the "Toy Fair" in which manufacturers exhibit those toys that they hope will be purchased for the upcoming holiday season.  Why not, take this concept one step further.

Let us say: Have all the manufacturers of 'train' products (Lionel, MTH, Bachmann, Lifelike et al) get together and sponsor a quarterly show (open to the public specifically) that would be held in major cities, on a rotating schedule, throughout the country.   In this show, they would be able to display their "wares" and give their insights to the future of the hobby.  In addition, they could have a section dedicated to train nostalgia with samples of stuff from the 'good old days'.  Perhaps, too, a regional section that would invite local participation (clubs, entrepreneurs, historians).

Surely, such a venture, would "spark" and enhance the hobby especially if  the admission fee was "extremely" reasonable.  (Corporate advertising budgets and 'pooling' of the sponsors' resources could very easily cover most of the expenses, even in these tough economic times)

Anyway, just a thought.   (Oh, yes, if this idea was posted before, I sorry--I missed it) Thanks.