I'm looking at going to the World's Greatest hobby in Novi (MI) next weekend and was wondering if I could get some background of the show. I've never been to one of these and I get some information from the website http://www.wghshow.com/exhibit.html but it doesn't really show if they are selling things or just showing them off. Is this a show where I can buy things or just look at them?
Thanks
Modeling the N&W freelanced at the height of their steam era in HO.
Daniel G.
Demo's, running model railroads, manufacture booths, venders selling and special things for the kids and food. It is worth it. Doug
We recently attended the WGH show in Houston in January. It was really big! We spent 5 hours in the center. Many manufacturers are there including Lionel, MTH, Athearn, Caboose Industries, Kato and Broadway Limited. The displays that these companies are world class, like the better companies bring to corporate trade shows, with the proper design and lighting.
Yes, there was a lot to buy and many modular layouts in the all the scales including S. Several of these, we've seen before but there were lots that we haven't. These shows are great because you can get a lot of ideas and also see what the future holds!
I haven't been to any WGH shows yet and this will be my first too. I can't wait for the Novi show.
My Layout Photos- http://s1293.photobucket.com/user/ajwarshal/library/
I got a post card today about the show.
Admission seems high, 11 x 2 + 5 for parking. Thats $27 not including gas
Going to be tough missing Choo Choo Bob but I would probably end up not buying anything.
Jim
Daniel,
The WGH on Tour shows are fun. There's usually a number of manufacturers, layouts, and vendors present and it changes from year-to-year.
I went to the one here in Cleveland last month and spent ~3-1/2 hours there. Yea, having to pay for both entrance AND parking stings a bit but I still find it enjoyable. There were a good number of people in attendance and plenty of kids, which was good to see. (I'm sure the "under 16 for FREE" was largely do to that.) Even so, most were well behaved and set a good example for their parents.
I had a nice opportunity to chat with Ken Silvestri (BLI) and a rep from MTH about product. I missed seeing City Classics but I'm sure Jim will be at the NMRA National Train Show here in Cleveland in July.
Vendor prices at the show were - at best - ~10% off MSRP. I was able to find a few hard-to-find items so I took advantage of that and purchased an Exactrail Milwaukee Olympian ribbed boxcar that I had been looking for for some time.
If you end of going, Daniel, let us know how your enjoyed it...or didn't.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I went to one of them years ago and it was alright, but not like the Great Train Expo that I normally get to go to. Seems like there were many more dealers and "deals" at the expo. I seemed to have missed it this year though. They don't really advertise and I swore it was in Feb, but when I checked, it was in Jan.
This is good to know. I am looking forward to going. I've been trying to find a HO Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain for at least two months now and I'm really hoping I can find one there. All the pictures and information that I've seen about the show made it look like it was a venue where vendors (Atlas, BLI etc) show off thier new products and they have layouts available to view. I didn't know anything would be for sale.
Just wish they would do this show in Reno NV.
Mark H
Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history.
Ya, I'm so excited for the show. I'm going to be looking for an Accurail 3439, Walthers Golden Valley 2808, and American Limited Diaphragms 9150 or 9156. These have been eluding me for ages.
Enjoyed the show today.
The Good:
Lots of stuff, both from vendors (for sale) and manufacturers. Lots of stuff for kids to enjoy. More than a couple operating layouts, in multiple scales (N, HO, O, S). Not much Lionel (it's in the good category because 90 % of the shows I visit are full of old Lionel stuff that is not of interest to me other than for nostaglia to look at). Lots of space to move- not cramped.
The bad
More model automobiles and toys than I expected. I thought there'd be more model train stuff, but I digress. Vendors were unwilling to negotiate prices, at least the few I asked.
The ugly
Admission for two adults was 22 dollars PLUS 5 for parking. I had spent darn near 30 bucks and hadn't even gone in the building. No advanced tickets/coupons that I was aware of.
I agree. I went to the show today, and I got a PRR Flatcar, a load for it, and some sheet styrene. Ill post pics soon.
I was disappointed in my first, and probably last, WGH experience. To be sure, there was a great deal on hand for families with children. And I really don't base many judgments on cost, since ours is a costly hobby to start with. But bargains and haggling aside, it would be easier to come away from any of the several NMRA Region/club-produced shows I've been to (just in northern Ohio and southern Michigan) having seen, and in my case purchased, more merchandise. The Berea show in particular is substantially larger, has a wider range of products--and food--and has the best of both flea-market and exposition atmosphere. I gather my big chance is coming this summer with the customary show after the NMRA convention. In the meantime, it seems to me that WGH is not bringing its best game.
I'm glad I went, because I didn't know what it was going to be like, and I had never been to one of that size. Its doubtful that I'll attend the show again because it's probably not going to be in the area again, plus I didn't care for the admission+parking cost.
I went to the W G H show a few years back. There were a number of manufactures reps there which was good. Beyond that it was pretty much standard train show flea market.
Joe Staten Island West