Train show advice

[selector]

There is a way to go to a show and have some success...if deferred.  Ask vendors who have something you'd like, but can't/won't buy outright at the time, if they would take a deposit.  You could make a deal to give him 50%, say, and that you will forfeit it all if you don't pay up after a certain period of time.  Some of them may accept, especially since they get a free 50% of the item's retail price if you don't follow through, and they can sell it later.

I agree that you should go anyway.  It does two things: it gets you the experience and a frame of reference, but it also can help you to set concrete goals if you see something that you missed because you tend to be a poor saver or an impulse buyer.  As we say in the military, time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted.

[AltoonaRailroader]

In addition to what's already posted:

1. Pick your clothes for indoors. A base layer, a fleece pullover, and a nylon shell wil keep you warm to the teens while walking in from your parking spot, and the nylon shell will pack real small, leaving you comfortable, not sweating bullets inside the show.

2. Wear a backpack big enough to hold the thing you plan to buy, plus your nylon shell. 

3. Jerky or some nuts might save you a trip to the ER over a bad hot dog that costs $27 at the "lunch stand".

That's good advice Jeffers, one thing to add to your post that I just remembered is to wear good shoes since you're on your feet for quite a while. Just  a suggestion.

[Milepost 266.2]

Make sure you talk condensending to all the people you come in contact with

Buy the first thing you see and like

ALWAYS pay retail+ for any items you want

Always tell people that you have what they have but ONE or TWO more than they

Never try to talk anyone down in price no matter what

Bump hard into every old man that is not looking where they are going

Walk around with a blank stare to startle others

Lastly Go around telling people what they should have bought when they operating their quipment.  People enjoy that whole lot and appreciate your opinion.

If you follow these handful of simple rules it will guarantee a successful day at ANY train show!!  Good luck!!

You forgot to tell him to not take a shower.  Personal hygiene is frowned upon at such events.

[rolleiman]

You forgot to tell him to not take a shower.  Personal hygiene is frowned upon at such events.

Very useful advice when you're reaching Past someone to get that box car they've been mentally debating about.. 

One serious one I did forget.. If you have a list of what you already have, it can be handy in avoiding buying repeats (if that matters to you).. If all you have is a few items then chances are pretty good you'll remember what you have. When you get to the 1000+ train cars (as I once was) without any doubles,  It got a little difficult to remember what I already had that I just Could Not live without. If you collect a given item, have a list of what you need to finish the collection (different from the general wishlist).. I use to collect the Train Miniature Tobacco road cars. Finally got all of them and then asked myself Why?? Anyway, it helped (with shows as well as ebay) to know What cars belonged to the 48 piece collection.

[tcwright973]

I plan on going tomorrow. I usually do the same thing at all the shows I go to. First, I do a kind of quick walk thru looking only at the HO tables for that rare gem I might happen to be looking for, and try to compare prices at the different tables. Then I do my second walkthru, taking my time and looking at everything, no matter what scale. Finally, I spend the last part of my day looking at the layouts and wondering why I wasn't born with the talent everybody else seems to have. If I don't find anything, that's okay too. I still enjoy myself.

Tom