Your Observations on the Allentown First Thaw Show

[dk99358]

The family and I I went for the first time. Got there about 10:15 Saturday. Wife and 17 year old daughter looked around for a little bit, grabbed something to eat and went to Joann Fabrics. My 10 year old son and I poked around quite a while then watched the train races at noon. He didn't want to race but later on he thought we should come back for the next show so he can race. Just missed a door prize when they called 2617, I had 2613.

I wanted to look for the latest icing station. Found one early, figured there would be plenty of them and I'd come back later after shopping around. Guess what, it was the only one I saw and it was gone when I went back. Oh well.

Lots of old stuff and plenty of new also. Mostly rolling stock but not many of the accesories I was looking for. Lots of Lionelville and I did buy Harry's Barber Shop.

Stopped at the Coopersburg Diner for a late lunch. All in all a good time and I plan to go again.

Dale

[laz 57]

BILL,
I was there yesterday and arrived at 10:00 am. Our group had a blast at the show. Lots of people there the door prize numbers went from012 to 4300 something. All in all there was lots to see I personnally didn't get much just light bulbs and track cleaning pads. My brother and friend each spent close to $400 on cars engines and other goodies. The only complaint I have is with people that have strollers. One women was pushing one that was a regular width and that wasn't too bad. But there was another lady there that had a double wide and there is just no room to manuver those things then they look at you as to say oh its not my fault. They either should have an area for these things or just ban them from going in. With that many people probably over 3000 at the begining of the show there just no place for these things. Otherwise we had a great time then went to Bethlehem and ate at the Tally Ho bar and resturante. Good food and drink had a great day.
laz57

[Anonymous]

I usually attend each Allentown Train Meet and spend almost an entire morning and the early part of the afternoon shopping and BS'ing with friends. But this First Thaw show would be different. I had put aside a few unfinished home projects to finish up yesterday, with that in mind, I bought a a pre-registered admission ticket in advance for the show.

Leaving the Wayne, NJ area around 6:20 am I arrived in the parking lot and got a great spot near the street across from the hall at 7:50. At that time, the line was almost around the block. Yet, when the doors opened for the the pre-registered ticket holders at 8:00 am, we were wisked into the huge hall very promptly. I went straight to some dealers that I had advanced orders with and I was also able to buy a lot of great stuff at great prices before the general admissions were let in at 10:00 am.

At a little after 10:00 am I was in the car and on the way back home to NJ. A quick stop for coffee and I was in my driveway unloading my car before noon. Leaving me the rest of the day to complete my home projects.

Paying for my pre-registered admission ticket in advance was the best timesaver. There was virtually no waiting in line and I was able to visit the show, pick-up my stuff, buy new stuff and be out of there in a bit over an hour.

You can be sure that I'll take advantage Allentown's pre-registration ticket by the time their First Frost Show comes around this November. But at the next show, I'll make sure I have more time to spend enjoying the sights and excitement the Allentown show has to offer.
BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com