Good Year for Train Meets

[trainguy2]

This fall I was finally able to get back to doing the local train show circuts. Went to York for the first time in October and came home with my arms filled with trains. Just did Allentown PA 2 weeks ago and again came home with my arms filled with trains. Greenburgs in Lebanon PA in 2 weeks,,,, who knows,,,,, more trains lol.

[Firelock76]

Glad to hear it!  It's been a pretty good year for me too!

[scrambler81]

I’ve been the exact opposite, I have hardly been to any shows this year. I did make it to York, and a couple of the Atlantic Division meets in Philly. Missed both Allentown shows this year. If I don’t work tomorrow, I will be at the Greenberg show in Edison, but work is more likely. Next week is Ocean City, and I will NOT miss that one. 

[Penny Trains]

I did OK today, a Flyer 930 caboose and an Erie boxcar I'd been looking for, but afterward we drove out to Puritas Nursery: http://puritasnursery.com/Puritas_Nursery/Welcome.html to see the layouts they had in O, HO and G in the greenhouse.  Worth a visit especially if you can bring kids. 

[phrankenstign]

I feel like Charlie Brown, except for the fact that I don't even get coal.  I live in Mississippi where train meets are as rare as hen's teeth.  I haven't been to one since I left Virginia in 2001.

[Firelock76]

Man, if I were you I'd move back!  Things are pretty vibrant up here as far as model railroading is concerned.

[Penny Trains]

Don't feel too bad.  That X3464 Erie 9 inch boxcar I bought?  The one I'd been looking for in good operator condition?  Five minutes after I got it home it rolled off the kitchen table!    Bye bye roof walk ends!    Oh well, bit of paint and on the rails she goes! 

[Firesteel]

Becky, look on the bright side--at least you know it will roll well on the track.

[Firelock76]

Becky we've all done it.  A few weeks ago I was changing rolling stock, put a car on my "engineer's chair,"  turned around and off it rolled.  Luckily, no damage.

I should know better by now.  

[Penny Trains]

I goofed again!    That was supposed to be a 6454 Erie not a 3464! 

[NNJRailfan]

trainguy2, what was your impression of the attendance at the shows you went to? I went to Greenberg in Edison on Saturday afternoon and it looked much busier than I've usually seen it (albeit it was primetime) but word was it was like that from the opening. My local clubs' show - Metca and NYSME in Rutherford, NJ earlier this month - was the busiest I've ever seen it.

[Firelock76]

NNJRaifan, the upcoming Christmas season may have had something to do with it.  One other thing, what was the weather like on the days of those shows?  It's been my experience with train, gun, and antique shows that the attendence is best on days where it's too nasty to do anything outside, but not so nasty it keeps people inside.

But that's not a hard and fast rule.  The last show I went to several weeks ago was on a fine fall day, and the attendance was very good.  Lots of families were there.  Which was good, if I go to a show it makes me nervous if I'm "The Kid" at 65!

[Major]

I went to the Timonium, MD Greenberg show today. They also had a car show at the Timonium fairgrounds, what a mob, almost no parking!  The train show was packed, even Santa paid a visit. Great fun for the kids with a lot of operating layouts. Picked up a few deals and got a Christmas gift for my adult son for his layout. Had a great time!  Merry Christmas everyone!

[NNJRailfan]

I recognize those impacts (the weather was decent too) but attendance was still better than usual as I remember it in years past.  And I've never seen our club show so busy.  Hopefully it keeps up!