Trains.com

ALLENTOWN TRAIN SHOW

16747 views
39 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Sunday, February 28, 2010 11:40 AM

Noticed CHUCK RO wasn't there.  Talked to my train guy BARRY, he heard that CHUCK isn't going anymore on the account that the organizers only allow vendors from 630 to 9 Pm friday to set up.  Chuck wanted more time as do most people.

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 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Sunday, February 28, 2010 12:11 AM

 Last year & this year I attended a few sports & outdoor shows & for the most part u could find what u wanted & with a bit of haggling get it at "ur" price due to the economy. Thats what I meant by "buyers market".  My funds are low so im not going to buy much. More to see whats new just get out of the house & away from the 10"+ snow piles here. Looking for some parts & odd ball pieces to kitbash mainly.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 188 posts
Posted by Taranwanderer on Saturday, February 27, 2010 11:59 PM
It was a nice show, but I'm not sure I'd call it a buyer's market--I saw about a third old stuff, some of which still seemed overpriced to me, and two thirds new stuff, which I just can't (or won't) afford. Then there was the small stuff (I grabbed one of those blazing campfires, too!) and the occasional bargain. But I'd have to say it's more of a seller's market, IMO. Still worth going to see. The N scale model of the Horseshoe Curve was pretty amazing (and I'm an O guy,) the kid's races were fun to watch, the the O layout was pretty cool, too. Definitely worth the price of admission.
  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Saturday, February 27, 2010 8:54 PM

GOOD show got there at 1100 and left at 345.  Got a camp fire with blazing lights and a set of extra bulbs, thats it.  Lots o people and lots o stuff but nothing really jumped out at me.  Only spent 18 bucks and 6 of that went for admission.  Got more money for YORK.

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 2010
  • From: Delaware County (Near Philly), PA
  • 6 posts
Posted by PhillyTrainGuy on Saturday, February 27, 2010 7:58 PM

Joe Hohmann

PhillyTrainGuy
Total Newbie to Joe Hohmann, or others who might know:
 
Allentown is geared to the more "serious" "O" and "S" people. Many dealers are not the usual Greenberg dealers (who show up at every Greenberg show in the NorthEast US). Not as many "Mom, Dad, and the Kids out for the day" that you find at Greenberg. The number of dealers are a bit more than Greenberg, with less kids stuff and toys.
I live in Media, and it usually takes me 1 hour 10 minutes. I have seen posted in the OGR forum that the parking lot and roads are clear of snow.
 

 

Joe:

 

Thanks.  It does not look like I will make it this weekend, but this is good info for a possible future drive up to the Allentown show.

 

Jeff

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Saturday, February 27, 2010 4:43 PM

 Was the show in Allentown today a "buyer's market" or was everything higher priced? Im fixin to shoot down 2mro.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 188 posts
Posted by Taranwanderer on Saturday, February 27, 2010 4:26 PM
Ditto on the mobbed statement! I got there around noon, left @ 3:30, found a few things I needed, one bargain, and some other odds and ends. That was my first time to this show, hope to be a regular.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Media, PA
  • 600 posts
Posted by Joe Hohmann on Saturday, February 27, 2010 12:14 PM

Just got back from the Allentown show. It was mobbed! So much for the snowSmile

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Friday, February 26, 2010 9:10 PM

Thanks again SCOTT.  Hoping to make a few scores there?

Hope you have a good show too.

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
    December 2007
  • From: Lehigh Valley, PA
  • 75 posts
Posted by Lehigh Valley Lines on Friday, February 26, 2010 8:09 PM

 Hey LAZ,

Well the "Big Storm" never really amounted to much. The sun was out today and anything that was plowed or shoveled is now melted away from the roads, parking lots and sidewalks.

You should have no problem, like you  said take it slow.

Really looking forward to going to this train show this weekend. 

Hope you get everything your looking for.

 Scott, LVR

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Friday, February 26, 2010 7:27 PM

 One thing I do remember of the show at Knoebel's was it was small, usually 2 pavilions.

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Friday, February 26, 2010 7:19 PM

 My memory could be the culprit. I know we went to shows at Knoebel's in the summer, they were under the pavilions near the parking lot, same area they have the fall Covered Bridge Craft show I get drug to every year. Only good thing is I can hear the whistles of the 2 train rides they have but I wont tell the girlfriend that. lol  The shows at Bloomsburg were held in 1 or 2 of the permanent brick buildings at the fairgrounds. Maybe its more like 20 years since these shows have been held. Im about 20 minutes south of Bloom & our roads are still white but im thinking of taking a ride sunday to Allentown. Iv been out of the train loop for a few years & want to see whats new.

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 188 posts
Posted by Taranwanderer on Friday, February 26, 2010 7:11 PM
I also do not remember a show at Knoebel's, and we used to go up there often as kids. Plus, my Dad was a salesman in that area of PA, and if there was a train show, he'd have been dragging me to it. So I guess the Knoebel's show was WAAAYYYY back. I can't comment on Bloomsburg having a show or not, but they'd certainly have the venue for it if they decided to have one! To those fellow railroad fans who are local to Allentown and are keeping an eye on the weather: thank you for keeping the rest of us up to date. I'm planning on hitting the show tomorrow, roads up here in the Poconos are still kind of snowy, but that's what 4WD is for. See ya tomorrow, and thanks again for the weather updates.
  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 1,320 posts
Posted by Train-O on Friday, February 26, 2010 6:50 PM

Doug,

Glad to know that model railroading is still a part of Scouting, two of life's great learning experiences.

You may be correct, it was a long time ago, it might have been a Cub Scout Merit Badge, task.
As, popular as, Model railroading was back in the '80's, there just weren't many candidates for the 'Model Railroad' Merit Badge.

Now, the Eagle Scout Project, that was an experience and a half!

Take care,

Ralph

  • Member since
    November 2006
  • From: USA
  • 1,247 posts
Posted by Ole Timer on Friday, February 26, 2010 4:14 PM

A great train show is in the Baltiomore area .... Timonium fairgrounds .... great prices = huge and no need to be in the TCA = Train collector's association as York is . Mostly regular train guys with alot of selection and LOWER prices . My 2 cents  I quit going to York years ago along with my bro-in-law .... high priced to retail prices and extremely limited since all must be members and most sellers must be members which also limits the item selection considerably . Here's a great link to check out alot of shows ... but there are more even these folks don't list ....  http://www.railserve.com/events/train_shows.html

And here  ..... http://www.littletoytrains.com/

Here's the link to the timonium show if you don't mind driving a bit for a great train show and  sale ........  http://www.gsmts.com/   .... as it says the BIGGEST in the mid atlantic area .

       LIFETIME MEMBER === DAV === DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS STEAM ENGINES RULE ++++ CAB FORWARDS and SHAYS
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Media, PA
  • 600 posts
Posted by Joe Hohmann on Friday, February 26, 2010 3:43 PM

PhillyTrainGuy
Total Newbie to Joe Hohmann, or others who might know:
 
Allentown is geared to the more "serious" "O" and "S" people. Many dealers are not the usual Greenberg dealers (who show up at every Greenberg show in the NorthEast US). Not as many "Mom, Dad, and the Kids out for the day" that you find at Greenberg. The number of dealers are a bit more than Greenberg, with less kids stuff and toys.
I live in Media, and it usually takes me 1 hour 10 minutes. I have seen posted in the OGR forum that the parking lot and roads are clear of snow.
 
 
 
 
 

 

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Near Altoona Pa.
  • 1,896 posts
Posted by Banks on Friday, February 26, 2010 12:35 PM

 Someone asked about Train Shows in western PA.

There is a small show this Sunday in Kittanning.I'll be there if the weather improves.

There is a Greenberg Show in Monroeville (East of Pittsburgh) 3 times a year.

Usually Feb, July and Nov.

Banks, Proud member of the OTTS  TCA 12-67310

  

   

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Friday, February 26, 2010 5:38 AM

Lehigh Valley Railroader

laz 57

RALPH,

  If you get a chance to ever go to the ALLENTOWN show, go its a good one.  Lots o stuff there.  I'm going on Saturday, depending on the weather?  Don't know jow much snow they got?

laz57

 

Hey Laz and anyone else,

 I live about 15 minutes from Allentown, and so far we go about 5 or 6 inches.  But most of it already melted. Absolutely none on the roads. PENDOT is doing a good job this time with the pre-treatment of the roads and the temperature not below or much below freezing is also helping keep the accumulation down, so far....  We are supposed to get the brunt of the storm tonight into tomorrow, so we will have to see.

I agree it is a great show, I actually have only been there once a few years back but was very impressed. I am going to go this year but not sure which day I will go. 

Scott, LVR

 

SCOTT,

  Thank you for the update on the weather there.  I'll be taking it real slow tomorrow and get there between 10-11 Am.  No big hurry they will be open till 4 and lots o guyz get done and out of there by 1.  Thanks again.

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
    November 2003
  • From: Sandy Eggo
  • 5,608 posts
Posted by dougdagrump on Thursday, February 25, 2010 11:23 PM

Train-O

The model train hobby is dwindling, here in Nassau Co., L.I., N.Y.S.
It, seems now-a-days, some young people are not into model trains, especially here in Nassau Co.
Back when, my Son was a Boy Scout, there was a Merit Badge for Model Railroading, in their handbook.  No, he did not choose that badge, but if it were me, I'd ace the course!

Take Care,

Ralph

 

Ralph, the RR Merit Badge still exists in the Cub Scout program but not sure about the Boy Scouts.

The "Kid's Club" that we sponsor has been so popular that we had to break-up into two sessions, a morning group and an afternoon group. If everybody showed up for their respective group meeting the museum /library would be bursting at the seams. Big Smile

Remember the Veterans. Past, present and future.

www.sd3r.org

Proud New Member Of The NRA

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Thursday, February 25, 2010 9:34 PM

I couldnt tell you how many years ago its been since there was a show in Bloomsburg or at Knoebel's but my father is gone 15 years &  we were in 027 & O guage for atleast 10 years b4 that. Guess its 16-20 years ago. The things you remember & the ones you dont. lol  Iv been wanting to go to the show in York but a buddy told me you need a membership to a club or something to that affect. Any info?

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Delaware County (Near Philly), PA
  • 6 posts
Posted by PhillyTrainGuy on Thursday, February 25, 2010 9:26 PM

Total Newbie to Joe Hohmann, or others who might know:

 

I also live in Delaware County, but near the Delaware state border (extreme southeast PA for those unfamiliar with Pennsylvania) and it would be about a 1 ½ trip to Allentown for me (assuming good weather).

 

I went to the Greenberg Train Show at the Valley Forge Convention Center last week-end and had a good and educational several hours looking around.  Even bought a few small things just to motivate me.  (As I told my wife.)

 

My question: 

For those who have been to both, how would something like the Allentown Show compare to the recent Greenburg Show.  (The Allentown Show web page is rather sparse on details along these lines.)

 

Thanks for your patience with this low level question.

 

Jeff

 

  • Member since
    March 2009
  • 492 posts
Posted by arkady on Thursday, February 25, 2010 9:18 PM
HighOnDieselFumes
Anyone remember the shows at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, there were a couple throughout the year in Hamburg or the summer show at Knoebel's?

I didn't know there were ever train shows at Bloomsburg or Knoebel's. Too bad they're gone, since both locations are within about two hours' driving distance for me.

The sad fact is that, as prototype railroads grow less and less visible, so does general interest in model/toy railroading.

  • Member since
    December 2007
  • From: Lehigh Valley, PA
  • 75 posts
Posted by Lehigh Valley Lines on Thursday, February 25, 2010 6:49 PM

laz 57

RALPH,

  If you get a chance to ever go to the ALLENTOWN show, go its a good one.  Lots o stuff there.  I'm going on Saturday, depending on the weather?  Don't know jow much snow they got?

laz57

 

Hey Laz and anyone else,

 I live about 15 minutes from Allentown, and so far we go about 5 or 6 inches.  But most of it already melted. Absolutely none on the roads. PENDOT is doing a good job this time with the pre-treatment of the roads and the temperature not below or much below freezing is also helping keep the accumulation down, so far....  We are supposed to get the brunt of the storm tonight into tomorrow, so we will have to see.

I agree it is a great show, I actually have only been there once a few years back but was very impressed. I am going to go this year but not sure which day I will go. 

Scott, LVR

 

  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 1,320 posts
Posted by Train-O on Thursday, February 25, 2010 4:57 PM

laz,

Believe, me I'd love to go with my neighbor, who's into H.O., even to put up with the distance, but every now and then my family pops in announced, or unannounced, so I stay home bound.

I, thank you and I know that show will be, as others are, fun to be at, especially running into people I know.

Enjoy the show,

Ralph

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: Millersburg, Pa.
  • 7,607 posts
Posted by laz 57 on Thursday, February 25, 2010 3:48 PM

RALPH,

  If you get a chance to ever go to the ALLENTOWN show, go its a good one.  Lots o stuff there.  I'm going on Saturday, depending on the weather?  Don't know jow much snow they got?

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 2006
  • From: Media, PA
  • 600 posts
Posted by Joe Hohmann on Thursday, February 25, 2010 2:39 PM

The Philadelphia area is within a 2 hour drive of many large shows: Allentown 2, York 2, Timonium Md "Scale" show 3, and Greenberg with approx. 10. Add to those 17 the many small TCA Division shows and "firehouse" shows. Also, 2 major dealers in the area...N.Smith Trains and JusTrains. The Strasburg RR (operating steam) and the PRR museum are 1 hour away.

  • Member since
    September 2008
  • 1,320 posts
Posted by Train-O on Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:46 PM

Laz,

How are you doing, I hope all is well.
Have you received your Shay yet?

There, seem to be, not only many hobby fans and hobby shops, dedicated to trains, but also many train shows, in Pennsylvania.

The model train hobby is dwindling, here in Nassau Co., L.I., N.Y.S.
It, seems now-a-days, some young people are not into model trains, especially here in Nassau Co.
Back when, my Son was a Boy Scout, there was a Merit Badge for Model Railroading, in their handbook.  No, he did not choose that badge, but if it were me, I'd ace the course!

I know, if I want more of model railroading I should move into Pa., at least that's what my Wife tells me.

Take Care,

Ralph

 

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:30 PM

 Guess I should have mentioned im in PA & the shows I mentioned are/were here too.

  • Member since
    February 2010
  • From: Aristes, Pa
  • 32 posts
Posted by HighOnDieselFumes on Thursday, February 25, 2010 12:28 PM

 Its raelly a shame there arent as many train shows as there used to be. About 16 years ago when my father was alive we'd go to a few small ones up here. Anyone remember the shows at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds, there were a couple throughout the year in Hamburg or the summer show at Knoebel's?  Now im looking at braving the weather & roads to make Allentown this weekend or The Reading Company Tech & Historical Society's show in Leesport next month. Otherwise I'll have to wait for the fall show in Allentown. I'v suggested a train meet to my local fire companies & all I get are dumb looks. GGRRR.

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