What can I expect from a train show?

[simon1966]

I model in HO, my kids (nearly 8 and 5) run my HO layout. But..... at our local train shows the layouts they like to sit and watch for ages are the, on the floor G scale layouts, that cover a huge area. If the show you are mentioning has running layouts go for your son, he will have a blast.

[Anonymous]

Take a quick look at retail prices. No need to memorize any, just ball park figures.

In HO train shows I have caught folks "beefing" a price on a 30 year old steamer close to todays models with the two are generations apart in technology.

[BR60103]

Jacob:
Attend a train show expecting to see trains run. If it says Flea Market, you'll see trains being sold.
You can probably learn from any show. (There are some that aren't worth going to, but they usually don't come back.) There will be some snobs who will turn their backs when you mention HO, but there will also be some friendly guys who'll give useful tips.
At a general show you'll probably see:
trains running
selling/buying
demonstrations and lectures.
museums looking for patrons.
Have a backup treat for your son in case it turns out to be a fizzle. Have a full wallet in case he likes G scale.

[JohnT14808]

Jacob....I have found the local GAT shows to be pretty good here in the Pacific NW. A lot of local vendors come out, lots of fair prices, some bargains. Some modular layouts are usually there to draw the families. But at some of the shows some vendors may be putting on "show and tell" demos of tree building, or painting backdrops, or making rubber molds for rock/cliffs. If the show you are thinking of attending is specifically "G", then that's what is going to be there.
However, this Saturday, we have another HO show in Puyallup and this time I'm going with a specific list of items to help with my latest project. ...and maybe another engine.... or two..... some decoders..... oh, and a pair of rail cutters.

[Anonymous]

Thanks a bunch. I sort of expected the G scale event to not address what I am interested in, but it might still be fun. It is being held aboard the Queen Mary, so that in itself will be cool. Does anyone know of good model railroad shops in the Long Beach area?
After reading your replies I went back and looked at the upcoming events calendar a little further into the future and noticed the NMRA show is in Buena Park in September. We will attend this.
And we will definitely be in San Diego this summer. 16 more days until I retire...Wooohooooo! Or, at least retire for the summer.
Again, thank you all so much. You continue to be a great resource for me.
Respectfully,
Jacob

[cwclark]

you should attend train shows that have all the gauges ...like one's that clubs put on or the Great American Train show...if it's just for G gauge than in all propability that's all there will be there...most good train shows will have modular layouts in all gauges put on by various train clubs..there also will be a lot of booths that sell new and used train stuff in all gauges...I go to them to get some really good deals on rolling stock and specialty tools like pin vises , pin vise bits, jeweler's files, and stuff like that...and some of the layouts are really awesome...if you just want to watch and enjoy the trains with your son then by all means, go ...but trying to buy stuff or watching layouts in HO gauge might not happen at this particular event...Chuck

[mondotrains]

Hi Jacob,
I'm not familiar with the show you mentioned but I can tell you what I have found at most trains shows I attend.

First, there are usually trains running around modular layouts, where you can have the chance to talk to the modeler who built the particular section. I've discovered some interesting new ways to build trees and light up city scenes by talking to these modular layout guys. And, it's fun to see the trains run.

Second, it's always a surprise to see what's available at a show. I've bought some of my favorite "toys" at trains shows and sometimes for a good price.

At larger shows, sometimes a company with a great new product to offer will demonstrate it. At the Amherst Train Show in Massachusetts last February, I discovered a great airbrush and compressor being demonstrated as well as new engines with DCC and sound decoders and speakers installed. It's like most hobby shows....you never know what's going to be there but it sure is fun to anticipate and participate.

Since your little buddy is young, he will enjoy just about anything he sees...kids are like that.....and it will certainly help him to get more interested in the hobby. I would have been thrilled if my dad had brought me to a train show years ago, but that was then. You have a great opportunity here to bond with him so go ahead and enjoy.

Hope this helps.
Mondo

[tigerstripe]

Most "train shows" are usually a little short on the show part, maybe 3 or 4 club modular layouts. But they are excellent places to pick up almost anything you could possible want. Even a very small show will have 20 to 30 vendors in different scales. Like anything else you need to know the going price of an item to avoid paying to much. Anywhere from dirt cheap to above full retail for the same item, 3 tables apart.
If you see something you must have buy it now because it will be gone by the time you come back.
As far as the museum in Balboa Park, that is a definte MUST GO. I went there in '00 and was amazed by just the sheer size of it.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by JnM Lines
It is a G scale show and we are "trying" to model in HO. Miles, my son who is 5, and I are tentatively planning on going.

If your interest is in HO modeling, then a G-scale show is definitely NOT where you want to be.[:D] OTOH, your 5-yr-old may have a lot of fun there.

QUOTE: I have also heard of a model railroad museum in Balboa Park in San Diego. Would this be a worthwile place for he and I to visit?

Fantastic place, a must-see![:p]

[Anonymous]

Good Morning all. There is an event in Long Beach, fairly close to my inlaws home, called the Great Train Show. It is a G scale show and we are "trying" to model in HO. Miles, my son who is 5, and I are tentatively planning on going. The closest thing to a train show we have been to is, "A Day Out With Thomas," and I am wondering if we should invest the time and energy into attending this event. Being ignorant to such things I could use a bit of advise.
I have also heard of a model railroad museum in Balboa Park in San Diego. Would this be a worthwile place for he and I to visit?
Thanks for your patience.
Respectfully,
Jacob