GATS visit, part 2

[Anonymous]

It has been my experience that the people who attend these shows are families who bring children to see the lego train or to see the layouts. They do not yet understand the hobby as a "Modeler" or "railfan" may.

You can find railroad oriented people near the dealers talking about various items of interest hoping to negotiate a swap, trade, or better bargains. Or just swapping stories. I learned to take these shows as a way of exposing the public to the hobby. It is more for them. I do enjoy really big shows that are geared towards the railroader, it is in these shows I look for some fine artifacts. (Define "Fine" as item most sought after usually out of production for a decade)

It has been rather difficult to not to say bad things about these shows as we need to keep in mind that the "Public" who cannot tell the difference between a red signal or a green signal who visits these shows may someday be our leaders in the hobby.

The one show I am looking forward to is the April Meet (1st saturday) at the Cotton Belt Shops in Pine Bluff Ar. It is always a enjoyable time there.

Lee

[Anonymous]

There is good in that, because that means there are more new people in the hobby.

[AggroJones]

Dougal, most of the people who go to GATS are not railfans. It isn't difficult to skim out the hardcore people from the rift-rafts.

[Anonymous]

I was going to be we couldn't. I hope to go next year.

[dmoore74]

It may be a little further afield but you should try to attend the Amherst Railway Society show in West Springfield, MA, this coming weekend (Feb.7&8). 3 buildings and over 4 acres of show, dealers, exhibits and layouts, Check the Upcoming Events calendar or go to: www.AmherstRail.org

[Jetrock]

I just ignore the GATS shows now...and this coming weekend is the model railroad show in Roseville--it ain't gigantic, but it's cheaper than GATS with more good stuff!!

[Anonymous]

i would i don't care it is big enough

[Anonymous]

I went to the Great American Train Show in Allentown, PA today. The line coming in to the show was pretty long (I had to wait 15 minutes). Most of the people looked like they were not railfans. Half of the building the show was housed in was empty space. Most of the dealers were selling models, some were selling all of that Thomas the Tank engine stuff, and there were only a couple of railroadiana dealers (They're the ones that I like going to). On the plus side, there were some pretty good layouts. I knew the show wasn't going to be too good because I've been hearing several rumors that the show stunk. I think I would consider going to the show again.