Train Shows

[Anonymous]

I will be attending my first train show this next weekend here in Cobb County GA. I'd like to know more about what to expect in terms of buying stuff. How much Wheelin' & Dealin' is there? I'd like to pick up a lot of modern era N Scale rolling stock at a good price. Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Thom

I will be attending my first train show this next weekend here in Cobb County GA. I'd like to know more about what to expect in terms of buying stuff. How much Wheelin' & Dealin' is there? I'd like to pick up a lot of modern era N Scale rolling stock at a good price. Any suggestions?

I can only speak from my experience up here in Maryland, where we have the Great Scale Train Show in Timonium every 3 months. It is a train-buyers paradise - several acres of vendor tables LOADED with model train stuff of all scales and price ranges. An unsuspecting modeler could easily rack up a huge amount of credit-card debt during one of these events![:D][:D]

A lot depends on who is organizing the train show, how many vendors plan to be there, and how well-publicized it is. I've gone to some [non-GATS] shows in my area that were like Wal-Mart versions of a typical 'generic' hobby store (not just trains, but also planes, RC cars, etc.) - disappointing.

HINT: Look at the list of VENDORS who plan to be there before you go!

[dragenrider]

Thom,

I'm into wheeling and dealing!!![:D] My observations are that if it is obviously a hobby shop vendor with all new items, you'll pay sticker price. If the seller is an individual trying to unload unwanted items, you've got leeway to bargain. Also, if you offer to buy several items, you can usually get a bigger discount. [2c]

The best time to find bargains is when the doors open in the morning or in the last hour before the show closes. In the first case, lots of folks have the best deals snatched up by the first arriving customers. At the end of the day, some folks are easing their prices down to avoid lugging all that stuff back home. They are much more open to negotiations if they feel they haven't sold much. That's the best time for a raid! [oX)] Start pulling dollar bills out of your wallet as you speak and watch where their eyes go. [8)]

"Sir, are you sure you want take this twenty dollars for those six coal cars? Three of them are missing couplers, you know!" [dinner]

[Anonymous]

Be well informed on pricing as I have been to numerous shows in southern California and many tables have ballooned pricing. Especially at shows that are publicly advertised. It seems to me that many sellers note the ignorance of a newcomer and gouge them to death. But if you take a list of what you may want to purchse and limit yourself, and dont hesitate to hagle as some sellers will figure out if know how much the price should be. Just make offers and get a feel for the vareous sellers as they are usually the same people at most shows in your area.

Also if you limit your spending and focus on learning from those who are willing to share you may come out with a better experience. Dont get me wrong great deals can be had but keep your mindset realistic and you wont be dissapointed.

Keep'm honest and check out all the table before committing to a major purchase.

[IRONROOSTER]

I have found three levels of shows that I have been able to get to in and near Northern Virginia.

The Great Scale Model Train Show (GSMTS) in Timonium, MD, definetly worth the hour and fifteen minute drive. Lots of dealers all scales. The June show tends to be a little smaller so they can fit it into the air conditioned building.

The Greenburg/GATS show, worth going to when they are here in Northern Virginia - not as many dealers and they tend to be heavy on Lionel and compatibles.

Local shows that usually are one day and have few dealers; I don't bother with these anymore since they usually have very little if any S scale. They tend to have a lot of HO and N.

You want to be careful about any used stuff you buy, it's not always complete even if a dealer is selling it. GSMTS has a white elephant table where individuals can leave stuff to be sold on consignment. Usually some good bargains there.

Enjoy
Paul

[cnw4001]

Over the years I've found a direct relationship between price of admission and quality of the show.

Dale

[1train]

Thom, I live in Suwanee,GA what train show is in Marietta? Dates and hours if you have would be great!
Thanks, Tom

[CBQ_Guy]

Also, don't forget to ask if there's a "show special" on pricing. Years ago I saw some locos at the lowest price I'd seen on them, and the seller was one of my three LHS's! I figured I'd pick up the item later at his shop, saving my cash for other items at the show. A few days later when I went to their shop the locos were actually higher priced than I could get them elsewhere! I mentioned all this to the owner and he said, "Oh, that was a 'show special price' and doesn't normally apply to store sales." He wouldn't make an exception since I had "caught" the discrepancy, either. That may have been the last time I did business there . . .

[cwclark]

I like to purchase specialty items at train shows...there are a lot of vendors there with the latest and greatest electronic devices..i also like to purchase tools...I got a pin vise and a set of bits for $12 at a show once...they cost $30 + at an LHS...I also like to purchase used rolling stock..if it's in good shape (check the trucks, the coupler mounting areas, and the integrity of the plastic shell to be sure it's worth purchasing) then i'll buy them...it's a lot cheaper than a lot of the new ones and they work just as well if it's in good shape...Chuck

[Anonymous]

Big oddities, discounts, & rare items. Some unused, some detailed, to explain it better
the "big rock candy land" or "2/3 heaven 1/3 buget breaker". Have fun.

Ps. scales usually are HO, O, scale O, N, TT, OO, G, Z, O23, 11/2IN, STANDARD, S,
HO narrow guage, & LGB.