Trains.com

YORK: (Should be) Open To The Public

7620 views
43 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by jonadel on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 6:36 PM

A most excellent response  CJ, thank you.

 

Buckeye--you CAN get in again, wear a blond wig with a fake ID that says Frank Eagles and you are set Tongue  I'll be glad to help you out, being a Big 10 friend.

Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • 1,786 posts
Posted by cwburfle on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 6:08 PM

ChiefEagles

Thing is, we have a person right here in this thread that admits he went to York and is NOT a TCA member.  So that leaves me to believe that non-members get in all the time. Confused  BTW: Buckeye, if you get caught going and not being a member, they make you walk around in your tighty whities.  Yours, not fifey's.

Non-members can attend once as the guest of a TCA member. Guests must provide positive ID. The Eastern Division folks record the information, and will not allow a person to attend as a guest a second time.

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Kaukauna WI
  • 2,115 posts
Posted by 3railguy on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 5:49 PM

ChiefEagles
Thing is, we have a person right here in this thread that admits he went to York and is NOT a TCA member.

Last I heard he was standing at the door trying to scalp his guest pass for $2,000.

John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 4:48 PM

Thing is, we have a person right here in this thread that admits he went to York and is NOT a TCA member.  So that leaves me to believe that non-members get in all the time. Confused  BTW: Buckeye, if you get caught going and not being a member, they make you walk around in your tighty whities.  Yours, not fifey's.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Kaukauna WI
  • 2,115 posts
Posted by 3railguy on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 4:41 PM

I haven't been to York since 99 but when I went, it was always a lot of fun and I always found neat stuff. The last thing on my mind was rules. If a guy is so addicted to a cell phone he has to wad his shorts on the internet, he's got a problem.

John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death.
  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 12:37 PM

"DITTO" Bow

Don

  • Member since
    November 2007
  • 82 posts
Posted by cjmeyers on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 11:55 AM

Well, it must be almost within two months of the next TCA York meet, so LET THE FLAMING BEGIN!!

I've been to a lot of train shows and meets and even went to the WGH Oaks PA disaster at the beginning of this month. The first thing I said to my daughter after fighting our way out of the Oaks show was "I'll gladly pay my TCA dues to avoid a disaster like this." and will never go to a WGH show again.

Remember, TCA York is a MEET and not a show. It is a time for club members to meet together and buy, sell, trade, and talk-up their hobby. You want to come to the meet? Join the club. I don't have any problem with that. No cell phones, strollers, cameras, etc, I don't have a problem with that either.  (Don't get me started with the 'TCA Two-Step' arrows on the floor though.) I've enjoyed the York meets as they are. Even as a TCA member, I DON'T HAVE TO attend the York meets. I figure their rules, their event. Don't like the rules? Don't go or don't join. Strange rules? Yes. Have York open to the public on Saturdays? I'd probably be in favor of that. Have York completely open to the public? NO.

There are plenty of good train SHOWS out there. I think Greenberg puts on a decent show. If I may be brave enough to put train meets/shows into three categories: WGH - Family Oriented, Greenberg - General Hobbyist, York - Hardcore. I look forward to going to a hard-core meet and talking to people who really know the hobby.

Just because ONE event is closed to the general public, isn't justification to think the hobby is going in the toilet (yet). Should TCA members talk up the hobby more? ABSOLUTELY. I've been to shows where I've laid money down, knowing the vendor was a TCA member, purposly not revealing my TCA identity as a test, and have never been asked "You ever consider joining an international train collector's club?" That should be the first words out of any TCA members mouth when selling stuff at a train show after "Thanks for your business". I'm making a renewed effort to do that myself.

CJ Meyers
TCA 75-8240

 

 

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Bensalem, PA
  • 195 posts
Posted by Dave45681 on Sunday, January 25, 2009 9:31 AM

 

DMUinCT

  ...............It's nice to be at a meet where I can walk around, look at trains, talk to MEMBERS, and not worry about theft from my table.  No member is going to risk the ability to attend any TCA meet by stealing............

 

While I am not advocating opening to the public, unfortunately that part of your post is not quite true.  Every meet there are announcements over the loudspeakers regarding people "forgetting" to pay for something, or "the person who took x from table y in the z hall, please return it", or the thefts that invariably happen at some of the key display booths.

No doubt that opening to the public (considering how much more crowded things would become) would certainly not make this situation any better.


 

-Dave

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Sunday, January 25, 2009 8:37 AM

Frank53

laz 57

As a Charter member of OTTS, the fee has jumped to $2027.62, because of the nice shiney new paper that BUCKEYE uses to send out certificates to members of OTTS. 

laz57

geez louise. I had the $2,000.00 check stroked too. Can I slide by for $2,000.00 if I take an old certificate on the old paper?

LOL, Yep that will due, BUCKEYE, might have some of that antique stuff around?  It won't be shiny.

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • 1,786 posts
Posted by cwburfle on Sunday, January 25, 2009 8:07 AM

OTTS?

I guess some folks think that the TCA dues are too high. I guess you think the organization runs without incurring any expensese. If you cannot afford the dues, how on earth can you afford toy trains?

  • Member since
    January 2005
  • 1,991 posts
Posted by Frank53 on Sunday, January 25, 2009 12:23 AM

laz 57

As a Charter member of OTTS, the fee has jumped to $2027.62, because of the nice shiney new paper that BUCKEYE uses to send out certificates to members of OTTS. 

laz57

geez louise. I had the $2,000.00 check stroked too. Can I slide by for $2,000.00 if I take an old certificate on the old paper?

  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:26 PM

I was there once but didn't get to go in as was on a rush scheduled ( mother very ill) But will say this I could actually feel the excitement of being there from others. I did have the honor of meeting Jeff Kane the one time I was there he was heading into the orange hall and I was waiting for someone outside it. I will be up there sooner or later and will walk in as a member of the TCA and I believe it should be this way as it is one of these things as the saying goes "Membership has it privileges"

I've been to many train shows back some years ago but because of this or that haven't been to one in at least 20 years so its about time to start going again and will. I'm looking forward to when I see that I can do this and then I'll join the TCA may even join sooner just so its done and if the time comes unexpected well I'll be ready and can go with out worring I'm not a member how will I get in for the whole weekend.

 

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Kaukauna WI
  • 2,115 posts
Posted by 3railguy on Saturday, January 24, 2009 8:19 PM

Laz, you keep locking your caps! Ouch, stop it, that hurts!!!! owie, oooh ooh!!!

John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death.
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Saturday, January 24, 2009 7:41 PM

The train meet at YORK is unlike any other in the world.  I've gone since 2003 and have met many of friends from this forum and other forums.  It's kinda cool to spend some time talking in person with DA GYZ, having a laugh or two or three?  Even to meet and speak with DA STAFF of CTT is a great honor.  Lots o laughs with these GYZ too.  And yes, there are alot o people there, but we are all ' train nerds',  And as stated above there is very little stealing taking place, from over 14000 people.  I don't think you could have a more cordial meet then the bi annual meet at YORK?  Yes YORK does have those other meets in the orange hall, but they are not the same as  the BIG MEET.  There are alot of meets for the general public, some good and others not so good.  One such meet is the bi-annual ALLENTOWN MEET.  One in November, the first frost,and the other in February, Spring thaw.  I really like these meets but under one roof and over 600 tables, lots o people.  So if you want the best meet anywhere in the world, YOU GOTTA JOIN DA CLUB.  Otherwise you can go to the smaller meets.  I'm happy, how bout you?

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Saturday, January 24, 2009 7:25 PM

Joe Hohmann

There are plenty of train shows open to the public in SE PA (where York is located). In fact, there was a Greenberg Show in the York Fairgrounds "Orange Hall" Jan. 10-11. On Jan. 3-4, The World's Greatest Hobby Show was held near Phila., and was attended by 45,000 members of the public, plus tons of kids under 16 yrs old.

These are the "public awareness" type of shows. The TCA Eastern Division Meets at York are for people who have decided to "get serious" about the hobby by joining TCA.

And this is what you think of us on CTT.  Quoted from OGR.

"I find it odd that this thread ever got started. I get both magazines, and I participate in both forums. If anything, I've seen more people knocking THIS forum...with comments like: OGR people not helpful, ignore new people, have too much money, etc. Only yesterday, this comment: "Just had to renew the other one (we do not mention not as good)".
I agree a forum should not be judged by the comments of a few individuals. I happen to like this one because it is far more "active"."

You want to quote me, turn around is fair play. Wink

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    March 2006
  • 394 posts
Posted by njalb1 on Saturday, January 24, 2009 6:43 PM

  • Member since
    September 2006
  • From: south east PA
  • 695 posts
Posted by alexweiihman on Saturday, January 24, 2009 5:25 PM

come on.  just join the TCA. 

K-Line The Difference is in the Details
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Media, PA
  • 600 posts
Posted by Joe Hohmann on Saturday, January 24, 2009 3:57 PM

There are plenty of train shows open to the public in SE PA (where York is located). In fact, there was a Greenberg Show in the York Fairgrounds "Orange Hall" Jan. 10-11. On Jan. 3-4, The World's Greatest Hobby Show was held near Phila., and was attended by 45,000 members of the public, plus tons of kids under 16 yrs old.

These are the "public awareness" type of shows. The TCA Eastern Division Meets at York are for people who have decided to "get serious" about the hobby by joining TCA.

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: Southington, CT
  • 1,326 posts
Posted by DMUinCT on Saturday, January 24, 2009 3:01 PM

  I have been in TCA for 35 years.  I live in Connecticut, belong to New England TCA division, and as such can and do buy a table at every Eastern Divison TCA York meet.  It's nice to be at a meet where I can walk around, look at trains, talk to MEMBERS, and not worry about theft from my table.  No member is going to risk the ability to attend any TCA meet by stealing.

  Questions and suggestions to Eastern has always been replied to with courtesy.   The Dealer halls have long asked to have there halls open to the public, but if they did, all of us would have to collect and report Sales Tax and Income to the state of Pennsylvania and to York County.

  I'm a hobbyest, If that was to happen, not wanting to fill out forms and pay taxes in another State just to enjoy my hobby, I would not attend.   I would not be the only one.

PS: October York had just under 15,000 members and guests. For information,  www.easterntca.org

Don U. TCA 73-5735

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 24, 2009 2:43 PM

In April and October the Eastern Division of the TCA holds their MEETS in York, PA. They allow other TCA Members (read NON Eastern Division) to attend at a nominal cost. The April and October MEETS are HUGE with well over 5,000 members attending between Wednesday and Saturday. The EASTERN DIVISION is ALLOWING other TCA Members to attend THEIR MEET, they are not holding a SHOW. IF these MEETS were open to the public I doubt highly that the manufacturers would view them as they view them today, and I doubt many of the attendees would show up.

We should be THANKFUL that the Eastern Division ALLOWS us to attend their meet, they could decide to allow ONLY Eastern Division members to attend...

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 68 posts
Posted by ACF1001 on Saturday, January 24, 2009 2:29 PM

Sympathy? Absolutely no. But, point taken.

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 68 posts
Posted by ACF1001 on Saturday, January 24, 2009 2:25 PM

 Lack of funds at the end of 2007 costed me my chance to renew my membership. Hopefully soon I will be able to remedy this problem. But, I will have to start all over again. Then perhaps, bring up this subject again at a meeting.  

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • From: Kaukauna WI
  • 2,115 posts
Posted by 3railguy on Saturday, January 24, 2009 2:00 PM

ACF1001
The point I was trying to make is this is a golden opportunity for TCA increase it's membership and to help out the hobby in general. I am sorry I have caused such a ruckus.  Just trying do to my part

If you were a member in 2007, where were you when these issues were brought before members and  the the ballots went out? If you're going to criticize the governing body, prepare to be criticized. Your original post has no tact. It's a two way street. Now you want sympathy. I'm not a member anymore but I believe people are entitled to have their own organizations the way they want them to be. If I were to have an issue with the TCA, I would approach the TCA, not a public forum.

John Long Give me Magnetraction or give me Death.
  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,041 posts
Posted by fifedog on Saturday, January 24, 2009 1:51 PM

ACF1001 - no ruckuss caused.  A lot of folks think the same, and have the same questions.  They get anonymous answers here.

Soooo, why did you leave the TCA?

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • 68 posts
Posted by ACF1001 on Saturday, January 24, 2009 1:42 PM

I was a TCA member for about 7 years (2000-2007). I have been able to see things on both sides of the fence. One member says I should stop whining, another member basically said I should stop beating a dead horse, and someone else says my views are baseless and inaccurate. I am not putting down the hard work that any of the TCA volunteers perform in preparation, during, and in the aftermath of such an event. The point I was trying to make is this is a golden opportunity for TCA increase it's membership and to help out the hobby in general. I am sorry I have caused such a ruckus.  Just trying do to my part.Disapprove

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Bensalem, PA
  • 195 posts
Posted by Dave45681 on Saturday, January 24, 2009 1:01 PM

Garfield

 Right now to get a table at York do you have to have a Tax #?

In some states a members only swap meet is governed differently than an open to the public event.

 

 

You only need a tax number if you are considered a dealer.  That's a big part of why they segregate the dealer halls and member halls.

 

{looks like I hit the post button a few seconds too late! ;)}

 

-Dave

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • 1,786 posts
Posted by cwburfle on Saturday, January 24, 2009 1:01 PM

Garfield
Right now to get a table at York do you have to have a Tax #?

 

There are dealer halls and member halls. If you get a table in a dealer hall, you must have a Pennsylvannia tax number. If you get a table in a member hall, you do not need a tax number. If the show was opened to the public, everybody would need a tax number. One of many reasons the show needs to remain closed.

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • 89 posts
Posted by Garfield on Saturday, January 24, 2009 12:55 PM

 Right now to get a table at York do you have to have a Tax #?

In some states a members only swap meet is governed differently than an open to the public event.

 

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • 1,786 posts
Posted by cwburfle on Saturday, January 24, 2009 11:33 AM

I guess you guys are bored, and are trying to stir up some excitement.

The only folks who have any influence on what the TCA Eastern Division does at their York shows are TCA members. If you would like to suggest a change to show policy, send a letter to the officers of the Eastern Division. Include your TCA number, and let them know whether you are an Eastern DIvision member. Or let them know that you are not a member of the TCA at all.  Good luck.

I am an Eastern Division member, and I want the show to remain closed. Non-members are allowed to attend once as a guest of a member. The show folks really do keep track, you will be required to provide some legal form of ID.

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month