Big as usual, I went to find switch stuff and actually found some turnouts which will help my layout construction. Then, the day before I visited Bobs Hobbyshop and in a case was a Rock Island E unit, I looked at it and went, wow, that looks good, and it fits my theme, so bought it, checked it out, ran nice, and it has a working mars light, DC, but will change to DCC later.
but then I needed cars for it, it is a very good puller, so the hunt went on for Rock Island Bi-Level cars, Walthers has them but retired the cab car.
So the search was on at the train show looking at everything then at one vendor I spotted something.
KATO, Bi-Level Rock Island, cab and coach. Blah, Walthers retiring theirs, I better BUY ITTT!!
Both cars are set for power pickup and the cab car has dc directional marker and headlights...nice.
Kind of an unexpected yet fruitful weekend of scrounging.
Also found a turntable motor, 10 bucks, that will fill out my HOn3 turntables.
Someone was selling a bachmann spectrum 4-6-0, motor didnt run, he pulled the dcc/sound from it and sold it separate, I bought that as I own a similar C&NW 4-6-0, after getting it home and checked the fit, the DCC plug is sideways, so I have to jerryrig wire the plugs. unit does work doing bench testing and tinkered it was programmed on channel 4 than 3.
Several working layouts, the show seemed well attended. I left after 2 and a half hours feeling satisfied I accomplished some needs.
Someone had a brass Gs4 about 175 bucks, I was almost tempted, but I have the Bachmann one with a bowser drive and went...sheeze, guess not.
A Bowser Big Boy with detail parts was there all built, 200 bucks, it was also at the St Joe show, after a while tho, I noticed it was gone. Another temptation but I have my own BB Bowser nearly ready, but would like to find the detail kit.
Good show, I plan to try to hit some chicago area shows.
just for xtra goodies, the MIlwaukee North Shore depot in a construction phase.